The bank and phone puzzle
Many banks want a Japanese phone number, and many phone plans want a Japanese bank account or credit card. The usual way round it is a plan that accepts a credit card from abroad, which most big carriers and some budget brands do. A data-only eSIM can cover your first days, but it will not give you a phone number.
Choosing a plan
The big carriers are docomo, au, SoftBank and Rakuten Mobile. Each also has cheaper online brands, such as ahamo (docomo), povo (au) and LINEMO (SoftBank), plus sub-brands with shops, UQ mobile and Y!mobile. Budget providers (MVNOs) use the same networks for less, with slower speeds at busy times.
You need your residence card with your address on it and a way to pay. Buying a new phone on instalments involves a credit check that new arrivals often fail, so bringing an unlocked phone is easiest.
Home internet
Most homes use fibre (hikari). Check first whether your building already has a line. If not, installation needs the landlord's permission and often takes two to four weeks, longer in spring. A home wifi router that works over the mobile network, or a pocket wifi, can bridge the gap.
Handy for your move
Stay connected until your contract starts
A tourist SIM or pocket wifi keeps you online for your first weeks, while you get your residence card and a Japanese phone contract.
- Japan SIM cards Data SIMs for your first weeks, before a local contract. Discover ↗
- Pocket wifi Portable internet for your phone and laptop while home internet is installed. Discover ↗
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Tips
- Bring an unlocked phone that supports eSIM. It makes signing up online much faster.
- Many apartment buildings come with free or cheap internet already set up. Ask before signing a separate contract.
- Contracts with long minimum terms and cancellation fees are less common than they were, but check before you sign.
Words you will see
- 携帯電話 keitai denwa
- mobile phone
- 格安SIM kakuyasu shimu
- budget SIM (MVNO)
- 光回線 hikari kaisen
- fibre-optic line
- 契約 keiyaku
- contract
- 分割払い bunkatsu barai
- paying in instalments
Plans and conditions change often. Check each provider's current requirements. Rules and fees can change and vary by city. Check with your city office or the official service before you go.