When you start living in Japan, one of the first things you should prepare is a SIM card. Having a Japanese phone number makes it much easier to communicate with your school, company, real estate agency, bank, and guarantor company.
In this article, we explain how foreign residents can get a SIM card in Japan, what documents are usually required, and what procedures you should complete after arriving in Japan.
Do You Need a SIM Card in Japan?
Yes. If you live in Japan, a SIM card and Japanese phone number are very important.
A phone number may be required when signing a rental contract, opening a bank account, or completing other important procedures.
You can use Wi-Fi only, but some procedures may not go smoothly without a Japanese phone number. For this reason, we recommend preparing a SIM card as soon as possible after arriving in Japan.
Basic Steps Foreigners Should Take After Arriving in Japan
Before applying for a SIM card, please check the basic procedures needed for daily life in Japan.
- Decide your address in Japan ()
- Register your address at the city office or ward office
- Have your address written on your residence card
- Prepare a SIM card or Japanese phone number
- Open a Japanese bank account
For many procedures in Japan, it is important that the address on your residence card is updated. If you have not registered your address yet, please complete the procedure at the city office or ward office first.
Main Ways to Get a SIM Card in Japan
There are mainly three ways to get a SIM card in Japan.
1. Apply at a Mobile Phone Shop
You can visit a mobile phone shop and apply with the help of staff. If you are worried about Japanese, it may be helpful to go with a friend or school staff member who can speak Japanese.
2. Apply Online
You can apply through the official website of a mobile phone company and upload your identification documents. This is convenient because you can complete the procedure from home, but you must be careful about input mistakes and missing documents.
3. Ask willow for an Introduction
If you are not sure which SIM card to choose, willow may be able to introduce a suitable service. If you are worried about Japanese procedures, please feel free to contact us.
Documents Usually Required for a SIM Card Contract
Required documents may differ depending on the mobile company and contract type. However, the following documents are often required.
- Residence card
- Passport
- Proof of your address in Japan
- Credit card or Japanese bank account information
- Student ID or employee ID, if required
If the address on your residence card is different from the address on your application, your contract may not be accepted. It is usually smoother to apply after completing address registration.
Voice SIM vs. Data SIM
There are two main types of SIM cards: voice SIM cards and data SIM cards.
Voice SIM Card
A voice SIM card allows you to use a phone number. It is useful for communication with real estate agencies, schools, companies, and banks. If you plan to live in Japan for a long period, a voice SIM card is recommended.
Data SIM Card
A data SIM card allows you to use the internet only. It can be convenient for short-term stays when you do not need a phone number. However, some contracts and procedures in Japan may require a phone number.
Common Problems Foreigners Face When Applying for a SIM Card
- Your address is not yet written on your residence card
- You cannot complete other procedures because you do not have a Japanese phone number
- You do not have a credit card
- The Japanese contract explanation is difficult to understand
- The address on your ID and application do not match
The address on your residence card is especially important. Applying after address registration is usually the safest and smoothest option.
If you need any help, feel free to contact us!
Best Timing to Get a SIM Card
The best timing is after completing address registration. Once your address is written on your residence card, identity verification becomes easier.
If you need internet access immediately after arriving in Japan, you can temporarily use a short-term SIM card or Wi-Fi. After your address registration is complete, you can apply for a long-term SIM card.
Payment Methods
When applying for a SIM card, you usually need to register a payment method. Many companies accept credit cards or Japanese bank accounts.
However, many foreign residents do not have a Japanese bank account immediately after arriving. Please check in advance which payment methods are accepted.
Things to Check Before Signing a Contract
- Monthly fee
- Data allowance
- Call charges
- Contract period
- Cancellation fees and other charges
- Payment method
- Language support
Even if a plan is cheap, it may not be convenient if it does not match your lifestyle. Since schools, companies, and real estate agencies may call you, please check whether a phone number is included.
If You Are Worried, Please Contact willow
For people who have just arrived in Japan, applying for a SIM card can be confusing. Many people have trouble with required documents, payment methods, and Japanese contract explanations.
If you are worried, willow may be able to introduce a SIM card service. We also support room searches and life after moving in, so please feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can foreigners get a SIM card in Japan?
Yes, foreigners can get a SIM card in Japan. In many cases, identification documents such as a residence card are required.
Q. Can I get a SIM card before address registration?
It depends on the company and plan. For long-term SIM contracts, an address written on your residence card may be required.
Q. Can I apply without a credit card?
It depends on the company. Some companies may accept bank transfer or other payment methods.
Q. Is a data SIM enough?
A data SIM may be enough for a short-term stay. However, if you plan to live in Japan long term, a voice SIM card is recommended because a phone number may be required for rental contracts and bank procedures.
Need Help with Life in Japan or Finding an Apartment?
If you need help with a SIM card, address registration, bank account, apartment search, or life after moving in, please contact willow.
We support foreign residents in an easy-to-understand way so they can start their life in Japan smoothly.
Feel free to contact us on LINE for support with daily life in Japan and apartment search!