Kindle Voyage purchased in Japan: buyer beware

[gdaydigger]

A gentle warning to all those who may be considering purchasing a Kindle Voyage in Japan: the 3G version ONLY works in Japan. As ridiculous as it may sound, once you leave Japan you can only use Wifi. I have spent hours talking to Amazon CS in both the US and Japan about this issue . The former (understandably) had no idea it was an issue and took me through umpteen possible fix options (all of which failed); the latter said that NTT in Japan, with whom I assume Amazon.co.jp has partnered, only provides 3G coverage in Japan. Sure enough, when I got my wife to read the Japanese fineprint on the amazon.co.jp website this was confirmed. Crazy.

Is anyone aware of other stores where such geographical restrictions are in place?

PS Regardless of the above, the Voyage is a significantly worthwhile upgrade to PW1. The text is infinitely sharper and I do enjoy having the option of the page turn buttons.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by gdaydigger

A gentle warning to all those who may be considering purchasing a Kindle Voyage in Japan: the 3G version ONLY works in Japan.

Yep. This is well-known. Same thing applies to the entire Kindle range. It's a great pity you didn't ask here before buying.

[gdaydigger]

Not sure I understand you. If i bought the KW in the UK or the US Iwould assume that the 3G would work in 100+ countries as advertised. Or not?

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by gdaydigger

Not sure I understand you. If i bought the KW in the UK or the US Iwould assume that the 3G would work in 100+ countries as advertised. Or not?

That's absolutely right, but unfortunately Japanese 3G Kindles are different. I'd always thought that it was due to differences in the Japanese phone system, but I may be completely wrong about that. It's the one country where a 3G Kindle won't work elsewhere, regrettably. You're absolutely right in saying that a 3G Kindle bought in the UK will work in the US, France, Australia, etc etc, and vice versa.

[kocoman]

why buy from japan? there are ad screensavers ones at ebay?

[eschwartz]

Originally Posted by HarryT

That's absolutely right, but unfortunately Japanese 3G Kindles are different. I'd always thought that it was due to differences in the Japanese phone system, but I may be completely wrong about that. It's the one country where a 3G Kindle won't work elsewhere, regrettably. You're absolutely right in saying that a 3G Kindle bought in the UK will work in the US, France, Australia, etc etc, and vice versa.

I don't know why that should make a difference, as I believe the 3G for the non-Japanese-edition Kindles works just fine in Japan.
Coverage map

[twowheels]

Originally Posted by eschwartz

I don't know why that should make a difference, as I believe the 3G for the non-Japanese-edition Kindles works just fine in Japan.
Coverage map

Amazon probably negotiated much better rates for users that spend the majority of their time in Japan. They're probably paying much more for roaming users but betting that it won't be the majority of their use if the device is sold to a different country.