Which Japanese mobile phone plans are easiest for foreigners to sign up for? Here are the top three
For foreigners, signing a mobile phone contract in Japan is a kind of adventure. The hurdles to signing a contract are high, with complicated paperwork, cumbersome contract terms, limited payment methods, and language barriers, and many people give up. However, there is no need to worry! In recent years, Japan's mobile phone carriers have become more diverse, and there are more options that foreigners can easily sign up for. Here, we have carefully selected three companies that we particularly recommend and thoroughly explain their appeal.
Why it's difficult for foreigners to get a mobile phone contract in Japan
There are a few unique reasons why foreigners have difficulty getting a mobile phone contract in Japan. Let's take a closer look at each of these factors.
The amount and complexity of paperwork
A mobile phone contract usually requires a passport and residence card, but in Japan you may be asked for additional documents such as proof of residence and bank account. Understanding the required information and preparing the correct documents can be difficult, especially for foreigners who are not familiar with Japanese document formats.
Strict contract conditions and long-term commitments
Many major Japanese carriers have long-term contracts and cancellation fees are common. For foreigners, flexible contracts are required due to the short length of their stay or when they return to their home country, but these commitments can be a major obstacle.Restrictions on payment methods
For foreigners who do not have a credit card or have not yet opened a Japanese bank account, restrictions on payment methods are a major barrier. In particular, new foreigners who have come to Japan often have difficulty passing the screening process for a Japanese credit card, so they need flexible payment methods such as cash and debit cards.Language barriers:
Many Japanese carriers provide explanations and contract documents only in Japanese, and there are only a limited number of stores and support that can speak English or other languages. For those who are not fluent in Japanese, it can take time to understand the content and there is a risk of misunderstandings.
Country specifics
Chinese : In many cases, Chinese people are accustomed to payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, and may be reluctant to pay by credit card in Japan. They tend to prefer carriers that have Chinese-language support.
Vietnamese and Filipinos : Many of them are in Japan for work or study, and long-term contracts are often a problem. Also, since Japanese is not their native language, they tend to prefer careers that offer support in English or their native language.
Koreans and Taiwanese : They are familiar with Japanese culture and many have been to Japan a long time, but they may feel uncomfortable with Japanese contract conditions and pricing, especially compared to the mobile phone situation in Korea. Also, since many of them are long-term residents, they tend to look for carriers with good communication quality and cost performance.
1st place: Rakuten Mobile – The best carrier that solves hassles
First of all, the best option for foreigners is Rakuten Mobile, because it eliminates almost all the hassle of contracts.
Simplicity of paperwork : Rakuten Mobile requires very few documents to sign a contract, and all you need is a passport and residence card. You can also sign up online, so there's no need to go to a store, making the process smooth.
Flexible contract terms : Unlike other major carriers, Rakuten Mobile does not tie you into a long-term contract, so you can cancel your contract whenever you want. This is a big attraction, especially for foreigners who are staying for a short time or who may return to their home country.
Diverse payment methods : Rakuten Mobile mainly accepts credit cards, but also accepts direct debit and debit cards, making it easy to sign up even if you don't have a Japanese bank account.
English Support : Rakuten Mobile's official website and support are available in English, so even those who are not good at Japanese can rest assured. Contracts and plan changes can also be completed online, so you can use the service without feeling any language barrier.
Another attractive feature is the simple pricing of 2,980 yen per month (depending on the plan) with unlimited data usage. You can also use Rakuten Mobile's tethering service to work from home without having to install an internet line, which is a cost-saving trick. There's no reason not to choose Rakuten Mobile!
2. Y!Mobile – Affordable and reliable service
Coming in second is "Y! Mobile." It is a sub-brand of SoftBank and offers stable service and communication quality.
Few documents required : Y! Mobile also allows you to sign up with just your passport and residence card. English support is available at major stores, so support is smooth.
Reasonable rate plans : Y! Mobile features simple plans and reasonable rates. It offers a good balance between stable communication and price, and is excellent value for money.
Ample English-speaking stores : Many Y!Mobile stores have English-speaking staff, so you can sign a contract with peace of mind.
3rd place: Mobal – Simple contract with SIM exclusively for foreigners
Coming in third is "Mobal," a SIM service exclusively for foreigners, catering to a wide range of people, from short-term to long-term residents.
Simple paperwork : With Mobal, you can sign up with just your passport. You don't need a bank account, just a credit card, so even those who have just arrived in Japan can use it with peace of mind.
Flexible short-term and long-term plans : We have plans for different lengths of stay, making it very convenient for short-term visitors.
Friendly support : Mobal offers comprehensive support for foreigners, making the contract process smooth and easy to understand.
lastly
Getting a mobile phone contract in Japan may seem difficult at first, but there are now more and more options that are considerate of foreigners, such as Rakuten Mobile. Rakuten Mobile in particular stands out for its convenience and simplicity. With simple and affordable plans, it's sure to make your life in Japan more comfortable.
And what's more!
Get 14,000 points back now with the Rakuten Mobile Referral Campaign!
If you sign up for Rakuten Mobile now via the campaign page at the end of this blog, you can get 14,000 points. Please consider taking advantage of this opportunity!
Campaign Details
If you apply through this blog (employee introduction), you will receive 14,000 Rakuten points.
Rakuten Mobile is currently running an employee referral campaign. Those who refer someone will receive 14,000 Rakuten points, which is a great deal.
How to use the campaign
Click the link below to go to the campaign page
Click the Entry button
Log in with your Rakuten ID
Once the application page appears, your entry is complete!
About Rakuten Mobile
We have briefly summarized the features of Rakuten Mobile, which has many other attractive features besides tethering.
1. Features of Rakuten Mobile
Unlimited Data
Fast and stable communication
Easy to deploy
Rakuten Mobile offers unlimited data communication, making it an excellent alternative to fixed internet lines.
Another attractive feature is that it allows for fast and stable communication and is easy to install. For example, no construction work is required and you can start using it on the same day, making it ideal for moving or starting a new life.
2. Rakuten Mobile Area Coverage
Covering major cities nationwide
Available locally
Rakuten Mobile covers major cities across the country and is also available in rural areas. This means that you can have a stable internet environment no matter where you live. For example, it is available not only in urban areas, but also in mountainous areas and remote islands, so it is suitable for a wide range of users.
3. Rakuten Mobile's support system
24/7 customer support
Online chat and phone support
Rakuten Mobile offers 24-hour customer support, including online chat and phone support, so you can get immediate help when you need it, and use the service with peace of mind.
Introducing Rakuten Mobile's pricing structure and additional services! Don't miss out on the great deals!
Pricing
Monthly fee : from 2,980 yen
Unlimited plans available
Rakuten Mobile's pricing structure is very simple, and it is available from 2,980 yen per month. There is also an unlimited plan, so you can use it without worrying about data usage. For example, you can enjoy streaming videos and online games for a long time.
Additional services
Earn Rakuten points
Shopping at Rakuten Market is now even more affordable
By using Rakuten Mobile, you can earn Rakuten points and get even more value when shopping on Rakuten Ichiba. This makes your daily life more convenient and profitable. For example, there are campaigns that double your points when shopping on Rakuten Ichiba, which is kind to your household budget.
Rakuten Mobile Benefits
First month free campaign
Contract renewal benefits
Rakuten Mobile also offers a first month free campaign and special benefits when you renew your contract. This allows even first-time users to start with peace of mind. For example, the first month's fee is free, so you can try it out.
Click here to start the employee referral campaign where you can earn 14,000 points!
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