How to Get a Phone & SIM Card in Japan [2026]
A phone line is one of the first things you need after arriving. With a residence card, foreigners can sign up — online applications can be active the same day, and some carriers work without a credit card.
1. What you need
- Residence card (address must match where you live; for online sign-up you photograph the front and back for eKYC)
- Payment method: usually a credit card. Rakuten Mobile also accepts bank transfer and debit cards; GTN Mobile accepts cash payment at convenience stores
- (If keeping your number) an MNP reservation number or one-stop MNP
2. Plan comparison (as of June 2026)
| Carrier | Monthly (tax incl.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rakuten Mobile | 3GB 1,078 yen - unlimited 3,278 yen | Unlimited data, free domestic calls via Rakuten Link, bank transfer OK |
| LINEMO | 3GB 990 yen / 30GB 2,970 yen | Fast SoftBank network, LINE does not use your data |
| ahamo | 30GB 2,970 yen | Docomo network, 5-min calls included |
| IIJmio | e.g. 25GB 2,000 yen | Fine-grained, cheap plans |
| GTN Mobile | varies | Made for foreigners: support in 13 languages, no credit card needed, apply before arrival and pick up at the airport |
| Goen Mobile | varies | No screening · bank transfer OK · refurbished phone bundle · short-term plans from 2 months |
3. Which one to pick
- Worried about Japanese-language support → GTN Mobile (13 languages) or Rakuten Mobile
- Cheapest → LINEMO or IIJmio
- Heavy data / video → Rakuten Mobile (unlimited)
4. Online sign-up flow
- Choose a plan on the official site
- Photograph and upload your residence card (eKYC)
- Register a payment method
- Receive the SIM (eSIM can be active the same day)
5. Things to know
- Carrier shops often push expensive plans and options — online sign-up is cheaper and safer
- Two-year lock-ins and big cancellation fees have largely been abolished
- For phones brought from home, check they are SIM-free and have the Giteki mark (Japanese radio certification)
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No screening needed — Goen Mobile budget SIM
- No credit card required, no screening
- Bank transfer and cash payment accepted
- Option to bundle with a refurbished smartphone
- Short-term plans available from 2 months
FAQ
Can I sign up without a credit card?Yes. Rakuten Mobile accepts bank transfer and debit cards, and GTN Mobile accepts cash payment at convenience stores.
Can I get a SIM if my period of stay is short?It depends on the carrier. If your remaining stay is short, use a foreigner-focused service such as GTN Mobile, or renew your visa first.
Can I apply before arriving in Japan?Yes — GTN Mobile lets you apply before arrival and pick up the SIM at a Japanese airport.
Sources
* Rules may change. Please check official sites for the latest information.
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