People travel for adventures, to reset, to see the world, and to recharge. Traveling makes us happier individuals, but not when you get 'tricked' on foreign soil. Gaah. The unnecessary troubles that you must go through if anything like it happens are major hassles. Yet one thing I learned from all the years that I've been going to different places is that you should always expect s*ht to happen no matter how prepared you are.
Mobile WiFi Travel Scam in Osaka. Boo.
So. We got scammed in Osaka last year. We were obviously bummed out because the Howe and I love Japan to bits. We find Japanese folks as one of the nicest people. Sadly, there will always be an exception. We got conned by this fake Mobile WiFi rental company so if you ever come across Japan Wireless — BEWARE! Everything looked legit on their website. You could even commend them for being helpful, easy to transact with, and responsive to your queries. P found them on the net. I'm guessing that he got them because they showed up at the first few entries in Google's search results. The gadget was pre-ordered and the agreed arrangement was for Japan Wireless to deliver the Mobile WiFi to our hotel.
We had a late-night flight and arrived at our hotel past midnight. The first thing P asked the concierge was if there was a delivery for him. Nada. Before heading out in the morning, we asked one last time if our Mobile WiFi's arrived. Nada. That's when we got suspicious. P messaged Japan Wireless to inform them about the incident. They even apologized and said that they would fix things from their end. But mind you, they asked us to NOT file a dispute with PayPal. Hmmm, that was a major red flag. That's when we became 100% sure that something was not right. Nonetheless, we filed for a dispute — thank GoD for PayPal! They're reliable and were efficient in taking the necessary actions to correct the boo-boo of Japan Wireless. PayPal facilitated the refund. The downside of this whole incident is that we both ended up availing of Globe's ( PH telco ) data roaming service for Php599 per day or about $12 per day. It's not the most cost-efficient scenario, but in this time when people cannot leave their homes without their mobile phones, data roaming service was better than nothing.
Thank you, Global WiFi!
This year's trip to the Land of the Rising Sun's different. We were more cautious. I also made sure that I took charge. Lol. Knowing that we'd arrive past 8:00PM in Kansai Airport, I was tempted to pre-order our Mobile WiFi because most shops are already closed by this time. I even considered getting from Japan Rail Pass, but I obviously have not gotten over last year's incident so I canceled my reservation last minute.
I almost jumped for joy when I learned that there were one or two rental shops in KIX that are open until 10:00PM. It just felt right to get the Mobile WiFi at the airport.
I'm glad that I trusted my instincts. As soon as we got past Immigrations & Customs, the first thing that greeted us was Global WiFi's rental shop — it was like an answered prayer. Strategically located at the 1st Floor of Kansai Airport's North Wing, there's no way that you'll miss their stall. Seeing the tourists returning their gadgets and some who were in line to rent one was a huge relief. I didn't hesitate getting our Mobile WiFi from them. And even if the sales representative and I barely understood each other, the entire process of filling out their forms, paying, and listening to the sales rep while she was explaining their policies in Japanese took less than 10 minutes.Ü
We were going to be in Japan for a week, but got the Mobile WiFi for 6 days because we arrived late on our first day. For 6 days, we paid for ¥5832 which includes tax. My credit card bill reflected Php 2,837 or approximately $63. Guys, this isn't bad at all! Of course, it was the practical thing to do and yes, we saved good bucks from this. Take note though, that Global WiFi does not accept cash payments.
If you ever plan on going to Osaka, I highly recommend getting your Mobile WiFi from Global WiFi. I'm all praises with the speed of their connection and signal was always excellent even when we were at the mountains ... just gave me another reason to want to live in this country. I was pretty much on Instagram Stories every hour and was constantly on Viber with my Family Group sharing photos & vids from my trip. P never missed his 'attack hours' with the game that he was playing.
We were so delighted with their service and again, the Internet speed. I kept wishing that if we could have even a fourth of the speed of Japan Internet here in my country, I'd be one happy little girl. Lol.
So. We got scammed in Osaka last year. We were obviously bummed out because the Howe and I love Japan to bits. We find Japanese folks as one of the nicest people. Sadly, there will always be an exception. We got conned by this fake Mobile WiFi rental company so if you ever come across Japan Wireless — BEWARE! Everything looked legit on their website. You could even commend them for being helpful, easy to transact with, and responsive to your queries. P found them on the net. I'm guessing that he got them because they showed up at the first few entries in Google's search results. The gadget was pre-ordered and the agreed arrangement was for Japan Wireless to deliver the Mobile WiFi to our hotel.
We had a late-night flight and arrived at our hotel past midnight. The first thing P asked the concierge was if there was a delivery for him. Nada. Before heading out in the morning, we asked one last time if our Mobile WiFi's arrived. Nada. That's when we got suspicious. P messaged Japan Wireless to inform them about the incident. They even apologized and said that they would fix things from their end. But mind you, they asked us to NOT file a dispute with PayPal. Hmmm, that was a major red flag. That's when we became 100% sure that something was not right. Nonetheless, we filed for a dispute — thank GoD for PayPal! They're reliable and were efficient in taking the necessary actions to correct the boo-boo of Japan Wireless. PayPal facilitated the refund. The downside of this whole incident is that we both ended up availing of Globe's ( PH telco ) data roaming service for Php599 per day or about $12 per day. It's not the most cost-efficient scenario, but in this time when people cannot leave their homes without their mobile phones, data roaming service was better than nothing.
Thank you, Global WiFi!
This year's trip to the Land of the Rising Sun's different. We were more cautious. I also made sure that I took charge. Lol. Knowing that we'd arrive past 8:00PM in Kansai Airport, I was tempted to pre-order our Mobile WiFi because most shops are already closed by this time. I even considered getting from Japan Rail Pass, but I obviously have not gotten over last year's incident so I canceled my reservation last minute.
I almost jumped for joy when I learned that there were one or two rental shops in KIX that are open until 10:00PM. It just felt right to get the Mobile WiFi at the airport.
I'm glad that I trusted my instincts. As soon as we got past Immigrations & Customs, the first thing that greeted us was Global WiFi's rental shop — it was like an answered prayer. Strategically located at the 1st Floor of Kansai Airport's North Wing, there's no way that you'll miss their stall. Seeing the tourists returning their gadgets and some who were in line to rent one was a huge relief. I didn't hesitate getting our Mobile WiFi from them. And even if the sales representative and I barely understood each other, the entire process of filling out their forms, paying, and listening to the sales rep while she was explaining their policies in Japanese took less than 10 minutes.Ü
We were going to be in Japan for a week, but got the Mobile WiFi for 6 days because we arrived late on our first day. For 6 days, we paid for ¥5832 which includes tax. My credit card bill reflected Php 2,837 or approximately $63. Guys, this isn't bad at all! Of course, it was the practical thing to do and yes, we saved good bucks from this. Take note though, that Global WiFi does not accept cash payments.
If you ever plan on going to Osaka, I highly recommend getting your Mobile WiFi from Global WiFi. I'm all praises with the speed of their connection and signal was always excellent even when we were at the mountains ... just gave me another reason to want to live in this country. I was pretty much on Instagram Stories every hour and was constantly on Viber with my Family Group sharing photos & vids from my trip. P never missed his 'attack hours' with the game that he was playing.
We were so delighted with their service and again, the Internet speed. I kept wishing that if we could have even a fourth of the speed of Japan Internet here in my country, I'd be one happy little girl. Lol.
I know no one likes it, but do you have a travel scam story that you'd like to share just so we could all learn from it? How did you deal with it? Can you travel without the Internet? Or are you like me who, for whatever reason, just enjoys being connected to the world? ☮..Peace + ❥_Love + Good Vibes. RUSS.
70 comments:
Hate scammers. glad you found global wifi
sorry to hear about this scam but I am so glad that Paypal came to the rescue and you were able to find a great alternative!
Sorry to hear about being scammed, but glad to hear that you found a reliable alternative. I've never been to Japan but I'll keep this in mind for when I do!
I am so sorry that you got scammed your first go around. So great that you did find a reliable service.
Interesting take. Yeah, I guess you can't always trust everything you read or do on the Internet! Glad you were doing business with Paypal, they do a great job for the most part!
Sorry about the scam incident. These days there are wifi stick rentals that you can get in the airport, just like you did and that's a lot safer than renting online. I'm glad that paypal was able to save you guys as well.
There's always a new scam out and about. Glad you found a good alternative.
Finding a good service is super important! Sorry about the scam :(
xoxo
Tyler
http://www.feeltheesunlight.com/
So sorry you had to go through so much just to get a service. It is so difficult to know which companies are legit and those which are not. Glad to hear that you got it sorted out in the end.
I am sorry to hear that you got scammed! I am glad you were able to get another service.
xoxo
Isaly Holland
www.memoriesbyisaly.com
Thank you so much for warning us! My friend is visiting Osaka in a couple months. I'm sharing this post with him!
Really interested! It is amazing how many ways are out there to be tricked! It is good to know though that paypal came to the rescue!
Good to see your warning. That must have been a terrible experience. Nice that you could rely on Paypal. That's so important. Luckily your next experience was way better. It's so great to have reliable wifi during travels!
I love paypal, you can always count on them if something goes wrong. That is really sad about being scammed and thank you for sharing, as we actually are planning a Japan trip this year.
Sorry to hear that. I didnt know there was such a scam. Thanks for sharing. A good warning for those who will got to Japan.
Wow, who would have thought that you got scammed in Japan for they have known to be the nicest person on earth and as well very helpful. Thank you for sharing your bad experience on that wifi services, at least we now know where to get a wifi when we visit Japan. Global Wifi is sound cool and its speak genuinely for itself.
That isnt a good experience. But thank God you were able to file a dispute. Thanks for recommending a mobile wifi service. I will remember this if ever i will finally go there!
Aika | www.thefoodistacrawler.com
Your experience shows the danger of transacting online with companies that exist purely to scam people. And scamming online is easier because you do not see the physical office. But it is also a great learning experience. It is an interesting read because in my case, I always buy a local SIM for WiFi, but then again, I have never been to Japan, so I defer to you. :)
I'm going to keep this in mind because one of the things on my vision board this year is JAPAN. Global Wifi seems legit and as you said, even in the mountains, connection is fast.
It's so important to let other travelers know of scams like this. I'm sorry it happened to you. I'm thankful that you took the time to let others know.
Thankfully, I don't have a travel scam story, but I probably don't travel as much as you do. I do appreciate the warning and I'm glad PayPal came through for you.
Being scammed is really frustrating and irritating. Glad that you've been refunded. Having mobile wi-fi is really essential nowadays and being connected makes our travel more enjoyable. Anyway, wish you all the best this year. Happy New Year!
What a bummer to a wonderful trip to Japan. Thanks for information and what to look for and to do. Live and learn.
This is great information to know! It's a shame when travelers try to get a jumpstart when going to a foreign country and companies take advantage. Glad you were in a better position this last time!
I'm so sorry about the scam. :( It's so sad to read about people trying to take advantage of tourists. I didn't think this could happen in Osaka. I remember the Japanese people to be very friendly and kind! Hope your next travels will be safe and scam-free!
I'm sorry about the scam incident. It's sometimes to tricky to know which companies can be trusted and which cannot!
I miss traveling internationally! Can't wait to get back to it once the kids are a little bit older, and when I do, I'm sure it will be so helpful to use a reliable wifi company!
I can't believe the nerve of some companies. Sorry you all had to go through this, but glad you were able to file a dispute and find a good service to use!
Oh no! That first experience sounded like a nightmare. I'm glad you found a suitable alternative this time.
wow sorry you got scammed. Its always and icky feeling.
Ugh, being scammed is the worst. It has happened to us before and just ticks me off!
Wow its scary being scammed isn't it? So glad that things worked out in the end though.
I'm so glad that Paypal came to your rescue. It's good that you had way better luck. Thanks for letting everybody know in case they too try to order from them!!
I feel sorry to hear that you got scammed, It's so nice to share this post to be aware
Wow! Scammers are everywhere these days. When we went to Cuba recently we had people trying to scam us to death. Luckily we didn't fall for it. Glad you found something that works for you!
So sorry to hear you got scammed before. It's so easy for scammers these days to trapped unsuspected tourists. Glad you found a reliable mobile wifi provider and the cost sounds really reasonable.
I am sorry that you had to go through all of that. It sucks that our mobile carriers cannot provide an affordable travel plan to quality subscribers of their services. :/
Travel scams are the worst. We're so happy to hear that PayPal had your back. Japan is one our favourite places too. We haven't had any scams there. But thanks for the warning about this company.
Oh, even I was thinking that in Japan...everything should be crime-free. But yes, as you said exceptions are always there. Will be careful!
Oh wow, this is such an eye opener.
Sorry to hear about you being scammed. But thanks for sharing the information. I'll remember this whenever travelling there.
Glad you were able to refund. When I was in Japan, we got our wifi device at the airport. I find Globe's P599 rate reasonable though it's a lot cheaper getting an mobile device in Japan.
Sorry to hear that. I'm really surprised by this. Well it's probably because we rarely hear scams nvolving Japanese.
see i hate when things like this happen. smh. however, i am so happy paypal came through. through experience and from word of mouth i have heard that paypal always comes rescue which is awesome.
That fear of scam is always there whenever transacting online. I can actually happen anywhere as I feel even the free wifi at airport is risky.
Sorry to hear you got scammed, but definitely glad to see that you didn't let it ruin your experiences on that trip - or the next.
This is so sad! I just can't understand how come providing fake wifi needs to be a business. I mean it could be a a normal legit business. What for?
Yikes, that's the only bummer when you travel to another country - the scams. I use a wi-fi unit when I travel. But am thinking of switching to Google Fi.
One of my travel dreams is go to Japan, so I find your post really interesting and useful for me. Thank you ♡
Wow, I have never had a travel scam and I really hope to never experience one. Having good wifi is so important when you are traveling. I am glad you found a good solution.
Scams are everywhere these days.
That's terrible, I'm sorry about that. It's nice that you found stalls in Japan that offer wifi stick rentals. That's a lovely solution.
what an unfortunate event. Thanks for sharing though, will keep this company in mind. Better be avoiding them
pengandpaper.com
I am hopefully heading to Osaka next month so this post has come at the right time, shame they were a fraud/scam company and glad you got better service somewhere else
Thats pretty bad. People try to scam us a lot these days but we are well aware and try to be cuatious. This one sounds dodgy as!
Mobile Wi-Fi is more important than ever these days. This looks reasonable enough.
paypal is great about getting money back. so glad they helped you out.
Thank you so much for the warning the more who know about this the better its the only thing that scares me is being scammed as there is just so much of it going on
Wow, sorry about that! I usually get a plan with my phone provider. This is so sad!
its such a bad feeling when you get scammed abroad. Glad that there is something to make up for it. this global wifi sounds great for the price
that sucks :( , thanks for sharing your story to help others in traveling mindfully!
www.internalifestyle.com
Mobile wifi sounds like a cheaper phone bill! lol Maybe its not but it sounds nice.
Oh wow! So sorry you were a victim of a scam! Glad paypal came through!
There are so many scams out there these days. Im sorry that you had a bad experience.
It's nice that there's a reliable wifi provider in Global Wife. I hope we also get a service similar to this.
Scam is always there, sorry to hear about this scam. You just have to very careful when it comes to dealing online. Paypal is a pretty good company and reliable.
Oh wow, thanks for sharing and warning others about this company. I' glad you got your money back. Paypal is pretty good about that.
Thank you for the recommendation! Osaka is on my travel list and it's good to know that there's reliable fast internet service we can rent. It's waaaay better than getting roaming service from either Globe or Smart. - Momtraneur.com
So sorry that you had to face this.. My experience was opposite. I got really good service but I dont know which service provider. It is so sad when something like this happens to a tourist - spoils everything else for you, doesnt it?
That's a lot of comments you've gotten over here~ I guess many people are sharing about their experience too~ I haven't exactly got anything like that, but glad you've gotten it solved!
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