Introduction

Living in Japan, having a smartphone is often necessary. However, foreigners may find it difficult to know how to sign up for a mobile plan. Here’s an easy guide on how to sign up for a mobile phone plan in Japan.

What You Need to Sign Up for a Mobile Plan

1. Residence Card: A card proving your residence status in Japan.
2. Passport: An official document for identity verification.
3. Bank Account or Credit Card: Required to pay your monthly phone bill.
4. Address: You need to provide your current residential address.

Where to Sign Up for a Mobile Plan

1. Mobile Shops: You can visit major carriers like Docomo, au, or SoftBank.
2. Budget SIM Providers: You can also consider budget SIM providers, which offer cheaper plans than major carriers. Here are some recommendations:

Rakuten Mobile

Features: Free domestic calls with some plans. Earn Rakuten Points for other services.Plans: 1GB for ¥1,078, 3GB for ¥2,178, 20GB for ¥3,278, and unlimited data for ¥3,278.

IIJmio

Features: Low-cost monthly plans based on your data usage, with easy online sign-up.Plans: 2GB for ¥850, 4GB for ¥990, 8GB for ¥1,500, 15GB for ¥1,800.

UQ Mobile

Features: Uses au's network, so it has a wide coverage area. Offers good in-store support.Plans: 3GB for ¥1,628, 15GB for ¥2,728, 25GB for ¥3,828.

Choosing a Plan

Mobile plans vary based on talk time and data usage. For example, if you don’t make many calls but use the internet a lot, a plan with more data is better. Ask the store staff for advice on the best plan for you.

The Sign-up Process

1. Prepare the Documents: Bring your Residence Card, Passport, and Bank Account.
2. Choose a Plan: Discuss with the staff to find the best plan.
3. Sign the Contract: Once you choose your plan, you’ll sign the contract.

Conclusion

To sign up for a smartphone, you need to prepare some documents, choose a plan, and sign a contract. By using budget SIM providers, you can save money on your monthly bills. If you have any questions, feel free to ask for help at a mobile shop or customer service. Having a smartphone will make your life in Japan much more convenient!