📱 How to Get a SIM Card in Japan as a Foreign Resident
Getting a mobile phone is one of the first things you need to do after arriving in Japan. Here is everything you need to know about choosing and activating a SIM card.
What You Need
To sign up for a SIM card in Japan, you typically need: your Residence Card (在留カード), a bank account or credit card for payment, and in some cases your My Number Card. Most carriers now accept online applications.
Budget SIM vs Major Carriers
Major carriers (docomo, au, SoftBank) are expensive (¥5,000~¥10,000/month). Budget SIMs (格安SIM) like Rakuten Mobile, LINEMO, and GTN Mobile offer plans from ¥990/month with no minimum contract period — perfect for foreign residents.
Foreign-Friendly Options
GTN Mobile is specifically designed for foreign residents with multilingual support in Vietnamese, Chinese, Nepali, and Indonesian. Rakuten Mobile and LINEMO also have English and Chinese support.
How to Apply
1. Choose a provider from the comparison table below. 2. Prepare your Residence Card and payment method. 3. Apply online or visit a store. 4. Receive your SIM (1-3 days for delivery). 5. Insert and activate.
Compare SIM Cards
8 plans match your criteria
Rakuten Mobile
RecommendedBest overall value
LINEMO
Cheapest + LINE free data
ahamo
Best coverage + roaming
povo 2.0
Flexible / low-usage
GTN Mobile
Non-Japanese speakers
IIJmio
Data-heavy budget users
mineo
Community features
UQ Mobile
Store support (au shops)
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Procedure Checker
Procedure Checker →FAQ
Can I get a SIM card without a Japanese bank account?
Yes, some providers like GTN Mobile accept credit cards issued overseas. Rakuten Mobile also accepts some foreign credit cards.
Do I need to speak Japanese to get a SIM?
No. GTN Mobile offers support in Vietnamese, Chinese, Nepali, Indonesian, and English. Rakuten Mobile has English support online.
Can I keep my phone number if I switch providers?
Yes, through MNP (Mobile Number Portability). Request an MNP number from your current provider, then provide it when signing up with the new one.
Related Procedures
※ The information on this site is for reference only. Please confirm procedure details at your local municipal office.