# Does Free Calling to Japan Include Mobile Phones?

**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-free-calling-to-japan-include-mobile-phones/575277
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [March 19, 2011, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-free-calling-to-japan-include-mobile-phones/575277 "2011-03-19T20:05:47Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![JoelUpchurch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)
#### Post date: [March 19, 2011, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-free-calling-to-japan-include-mobile-phones/575277/1 "2011-03-19T20:05:47Z")

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I notice that most of the major cell phone companies are temporarily offering free phone calls to Japan. Does this include the additional charges if you call a cell phone in Japan? I notice Skype is explicitly saying landline calls and I think most Americans don’t realize that calls overseas incur additional charges for cell phones in most countries.

I was wondering because on Skype, it is 2.6 cents for calling a landline, but 17.5 cents for a mobile phone.

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### Author: ![JoelUpchurch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f05b48/32.png) [@JoelUpchurch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoelUpchurch)
#### Post date: [March 19, 2011, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-free-calling-to-japan-include-mobile-phones/575277/2 "2011-03-19T20:29:04Z")

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I just read the Verizon press release and it kind of looks like a no to me.

[http://news.vzw.com/news/2011/03/pr2011-03-14t.html](http://news.vzw.com/news/2011/03/pr2011-03-14t.html)

> [@](#):
>
> - **Only long-distance usage charges associated with calls made from residential landlines terminating to wireline or wireless destinations in Japan will be waived from Mar. 11 – April 10.** All other fees including taxes, surcharges, monthly recurring charges (MRCs), minimum spend levels (MSLs), monthly minimum charges (MMCs), etc. will continue to apply. Post-paid calling card charges to Japan will also be waived.

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### Author: ![Cell\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@Cell\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cell_Guy)
#### Post date: [March 19, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-free-calling-to-japan-include-mobile-phones/575277/3 "2011-03-19T22:27:38Z")

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Your best bet would be to call your service provider and ask them. They would be able to give a more accurate answer than anyone here.
