How to Get a SIM Card in Japan for Long-Term Foreigners: A Guide to the Contract Method and Required Documents
- Students
- Working Holiday
The last renewal day｜
- Facebook（）
- Twiter
- LINESend this page by LINE
For international students and foreigners coming to Japan for work or working holidays, securing a Japan SIM card for phone calls and internet access is crucial.
In Japan, a variety of SIM cards are available for sale, catering to the different needs of consumers, featuring different plans, options, and fees. One of the challenges for foreigners when contracting a SIM card in Japan is the language barrier and the complexity of the contracting process. It's not easy for foreigners who have just arrived in Japan to choose the most suitable SIM card or smart phone.
This article highlights recommended SIM cards for foreigners planning long-term stays in Japan for study, working holidays, or work. It outlines the contract method and the documents required for signing up. Additionally, we compare the features, plans, usage fees, and the promotional offers of SIM cards suited for long-term foreigners. Foreigners planning a long-term stay in Japan can refer to this guide to get a SIM card that suits their requirements.
| Rakuten Mobile | LINEMO | mobal | ahamo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Types of SIM Cards in Japan |
|
|
|
|
| Foreign Language Website | Yes （English） |
Yes （English） |
Yes （English & Chinese） |
- |
| Payment Method |
|
|
|
|
| Domestic Calls in Japan | Yes Option for unlimited calls for up to 15 minutes |
Yes Option for free calls available |
Yes Call rate of ¥44 /min |
Yes Free for calls up to 5 minutes |
| International Data Roaming | Up to 2GB per month (no additional charges, added to monthly data usage) | Available for an extra fee from the fifth month after starting a new contract. | - | Up to 20GB per month (no additional charges, added to monthly data usage) |
| Smartphone Purchase | Yes | - | - | Yes |
Contents
- SIM Card Contract for Long-Term Foreigners in Japan
- Highly Recommended SIM Cards in Japan for Long-Term Stays
SIM Card Contract for Long-Term Foreigners in Japan
Recommended SIM Card Contract Method for Long-Term Foreign Residents in Japan
There are two main methods for contracting a SIM card: in-store and online. You can directly contract at telecom operators' own stores, sales agents, or electronics retailers (such as Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera). The advantage of in-store purchases, especially when buying a SIM card and smartphone device simultaneously, is that you can try out the demo phones before making a decision. However, contracts often contain specialized Japanese terminology, and if the store staff are not proficient in foreign languages, it may cause communication difficulties, possibly leading to the rejection of the contract.
For foreigners in Japan, the most convenient method is online contracting, as all steps can be completed online. Not only is it convenient to apply from anywhere, but some services also support multiple languages (English or Chinese), making it easier to understand the contract details, which is a major advantage.
Documents Required for Long-Term Foreign Residents to Contract a SIM Card in Japan
Foreigners planning a long-term stay in Japan need the following documents to contract a SIM card:
-
Identification Documents
A valid Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Card), Special Permanent Resident Certificate (Tokubetsu Eijusha Shomeisho), My Number Card, Passport, or Japanese driver's license (excluding international driver's licenses).
*Note: For those purchasing a smartphone on an installment plan, the validity of the residence card must extend beyond the installment period by at least two months. - A Japanese cash card or bankbook in the same name as the applicant. (* if choosing bank account transfer)
- A credit card in the same name as the applicant.
-
Contact Information
An email address that can reach the applicant is required for the SIM card contract. Notifications like application completion and SIM card dispatch will be sent to the registered email address.
-
Supplementary Documents
If the Residence Card lacks an address, additional documentation proving a Japanese address is necessary, such as a utility bill receipt or a certificate of residence in the same name as the identification document, which verifies an address within Japan, is required. Moreover, supplementary documents must be issued within 3 months from the date of submission.
Important Points for Foreigners Staying Long-Term in Japan When Contracting a SIM Card
- Ensure the address and name on your identification document (e.g., Residence Card) precisely match the applicant's information. Any discrepancies can prevent you from successfully getting a SIM card in Japan. Be careful not to make any input errors or omissions when contracting a SIM card.
* Foreigners with a middle name should enter it in the First Name field. - It's essential to upload clear images of both the front and back of your identification document (Residence Card), regardless of the information present on the back.
- When uploading images, make sure there is no blur, reflection of light, or dark spots. Especially, if your face cannot be clearly identified, it may impede the completion of the SIM card contract process in Japan. Please take care to ensure all photographs are clear and legible.
Highly Recommended SIM Cards in Japan for Long-Term Stays
Rakuten Mobile has rapidly gained acclaim as a telecommunications provider, securing first place in the 2023 Japanese Oricon customer satisfaction survey, among other accolades. Its greatest appeal lies in its high cost-performance and simple pricing plans. There is only one plan, the "Rakuten Strongest Plan," which allows users to enjoy services at a low cost of ¥1,078 (tax included) per month for up to 3GB of data usage. The plan remains advantageous even beyond 3GB of usage, offering unlimited data for ¥3,278 (tax included) per month after exceeding 20GB.
Rakuten Mobile also provides comprehensive additional services. By utilizing the free Rakuten Link app, users can make domestic calls and send SMS messages at no charge. The absence of a minimum contract duration and cancellation fees makes discontinuing the service straightforward, ideal for those leaving Japan. It's also suitable for foreigners who frequently travel abroad or return home temporarily, as it includes up to 2GB of international roaming data for free each month. Rakuten Mobile users have exclusive access to a variety of entertainment content to enjoy life in Japan, such as free viewing of all NBA games with "NBA LEAGUE PASS for Rakuten Mobile"—normally a service costing ¥4,500 per month—along with the first 90 days free trials for Rakuten Magazine and Rakuten Music, and a first 3-month free trial of YouTube Premium.
Rakuten Mobile's offerings extend beyond Japanese SIM cards to an impressive selection of smartphones, featuring the latest models and iPhones, essential for foreigners looking to buy a new phone in Japan. They are currently running a special promotion where customers can get the "Rakuten WiFi Pocket 2C" router, usually priced at about ¥8,000, for merely ¥1 upon subscribing to the "Rakuten Strongest Plan." Rakuten Mobile is highly recommended for foreigners aiming to minimize their communication and call expenses.
| Pricing Plan |
|
|---|---|
| Initial Cost | - |
| Minimum Period of Use | - |
| Cancellation Penalty Fee | - |
| Option Service |
|
| Special offer |
|
- NOTICE: the information is based on April 2024, the details may be changed.
Mobal, a company based in the UK, provides SIM cards tailored for foreigners in Japan. Features telephone calling capabilities and utilizes the highly reliable SoftBank network in Japan, guaranteeing stable internet speeds. A significant advantage is its availability without the need for a Japanese Residency Card(Zairyu Card). Customers can easily pick up the SIM card at major Japanese airports such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Chubu International, or opt for shipping to Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, among others. Applying for the SIM card from your home country allows you to use a Japanese phone number right upon arrival, streamlining the process of opening bank accounts, signing rental agreements, and setting up internet services in Japan.
Mobal's Japanese SIM card supports a wide array of payment methods, such as credit cards, PayPal, and Alipay. This variety ensures a smooth and convenient application process for foreigners who might not have a Japanese credit card. The monthly plans ranging from 1GB to 30GB and a minimal one-month commitment, customers enjoy the flexibility to cancel free of charge after the first month. The provision of customer service in Japanese, English, and Chinese ensures accessible support for non-Japanese speakers. Given its ease of use, multilingual customer support, and diverse payment options, Mobal's Japanese SIM card is an excellent choice for both long-term foreigners residents and short-term visitors to Japan.
| Data + Voice Call SIMs Monthly Plan |
|
|---|---|
| Initial Cost | - |
| Minimum Period of Use | 1 month |
| Cancellation Penalty Fee | No cancellation fee required for exceeding usage for over one month. |
| Option Service | - |
| Special offer |
|
- NOTICE: the information is based on April 2024, the details may be changed.
LINEMO is an online-only budget SIM card. It provides two types of plans: the "Mini Plan" (with 3GB plus unlimited LINE usage) and the "Smartphone Plan" (with 20GB plus unlimited LINE usage). These plans are available at monthly rates of ¥990 (tax included) and ¥2,728(tax included) , respectively. What makes LINEMO stand out is its competitive pricing in comparison to major carriers such as Softbank, docomo, and au. The most hallmark feature is that using the LINE app for messaging, voice, and video calls does not deplete your data allowance. (note: sharing location, LINE LIVE, sticker shop, and reading news articles are not covered by this exemption). This makes it an exceptionally good deal for foreigners who frequently use the LINE app.
Payment methods are flexible, including credit card payments and bank transfers from Japanese bank accounts, allowing foreigners who do not have a credit card issued in Japan to sign up. LINEMO sells only SIM cards (including eSIMs), which means potential users will need to procure a smartphone separately. However, for foreigners planning a long-term stay in Japan, it's a SIM card worth considering.
| Pricing Plan |
|
|---|---|
| Initial Cost | - |
| Minimum Period of Use | - |
| Cancellation Penalty Fee | - |
| Option Service |
|
| Special offer |
|
- NOTICE: the information is based on April 2024, the details may be changed. Please check the detailed information on the LINEMO official website.
ahamo, operated by NTT Docomo, is an exclusively online SIM card and smartphone service, offering a seamless digital experience from purchase to customer support. The service features two plans: a 20GB plan priced at ¥2,970 (tax included) per month, offering 20GB of data and complimentary domestic calls within Japan for up to 5 minutes, and a 100GB plan at ¥4,950 (tax included) per month, which includes 100GB of data and similar terms for calls. These plans are particularly cost-effective for foreigners who tend to make brief calls, as they include free domestic calls of up to 5 minutes. Additionally, ahamo provides an overseas roaming service usable in 82 countries without any extra charges, which is convenient for business professionals with frequent international trips and foreigners who regularly travel abroad.
| Pricing Plan |
|
|---|---|
| Initial Cost | - |
| Minimum Period of Use | - |
| Cancellation Penalty Fee | - |
| Option Service |
|
| Special offer |
|
- NOTICE: the information is based on April 2024, the details may be changed.
