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Recommended for foreigners living in Japan! A complete guide to Rakuten Mobile, a cheap plan with unlimited data

  • Writer: 楽天モバイルの体験を語る社員
    楽天モバイルの体験を語る社員
  • 3 days ago
  • 4 min read

If you're looking for a SIM card with unlimited data that can be used in Japan or if you're wondering if there are any cheap SIM cards that foreigners can easily sign up for , then Rakuten Mobile is the best option for you, with a low price of just 3,278 yen . In this article, we'll explain in an easy-to-understand way why Rakuten Mobile is the best option for foreigners living in Japan.


Rakuten Mobile's Strongest Plan
今もっともおすすめなのが楽天モバイル、3,278円と格安



Can foreigners sign up for Rakuten Mobile? Conclusion: No problem🙆♂️


Rakuten Mobile is a telecommunications carrier that foreign nationals living in Japan can officially sign up for .


What you need for the contract:

  • Residence Card

  • passport

  • Japanese address

  • Credit card or bank account (some debit cards accepted)

We handle almost all types of residence status, including international students, technical interns, working visas, and permanent residents.




Unlimited data at this low price! Why choose Rakuten Mobile?


Unlimited data for just ¥3,278 per month📶

Rakuten Mobile's "Rakuten Strongest Plan" offers unlimited data for 3,278 yen (tax included) per month .

Compared to major Japanese carriers and other low-cost SIMs, this unlimited plan is overwhelmingly cheaper at this price .


You only pay for what you use, so there's no waste.

  • Months when you barely use it → Automatically cheaper

  • Months when you use a lot of videos, SNS, and online classes → Maximum 3,278 yen

It's perfect for the common usage among foreigners, where they say "I'll use it a lot this month" and "I won't use it much next month."




Don't worry if you're not good at Japanese! Rakuten Mobile's support system 🌍


In-store support available

Rakuten Mobile has shops all over the country ,

  • SIM settings

  • eSIM settings

  • Smartphone initial settings

You can directly talk to the staff about these things.


Online application is simple too

  • Can be switched to English

  • The application can be completed using only a smartphone

  • Start using the service on the same day or within a few days

There is no need to worry about how difficult it will be to get a mobile phone contract in Japan.



Required documents

  • Identification documents

    A valid residence card or special permanent resident certificate with your address registered


  • Credit card or Japanese bank account number in your name

    You will need a credit card in your name or a Japanese bank account number.


  • Contact email address

    You will need an email address that you can easily check, such as Yahoo or Gmail. Free email addresses are OK.


  • MNP reservation number (if switching from another company)

    Foreigners who wish to continue using their current mobile phone number with Rakuten Mobile will need to enter an MNP reservation number when signing up. Please contact your current mobile phone company and complete the MNP transfer procedure. Foreigners signing up for a new contract with Rakuten Mobile do not need to obtain an MNP reservation number.


  • Payment methods: In addition to credit card payments, we also accept direct debit, Rakuten Super Points payments, and debit cards.


  • Contract procedure: This can be completed online, eliminating the need to visit a store.


This allows foreigners staying in Japan to smoothly sign up and use the service.




Rakuten Mobile is recommended for foreigners like these👤✨


For international students and language students🎓

  • Online classes

  • YouTube and Netflix

  • SNS/Video Calls

It's also ideal for schoolwork because you can use it without worrying about data capacity .


Foreigners working in Japan

  • Google Map

  • LINE/WhatsApp

  • Zoom・Teams

Having no data restrictions, whether for work or personal use, is a major benefit.


Foreigners staying in Japan for a long period of time

Rakuten Mobile is overwhelmingly cheaper for long-term use than a SIM card for short-term travel.




Rakuten Mobile's strong points compared to other SIMs🔥

  • Unlimited data at low prices

  • No contract period restrictions

  • No cancellation fee

  • eSIM compatible (no SIM card required)

  • Earn and use Rakuten points

Even if you search for "recommended Japanese SIM cards for foreigners," Rakuten Mobile offers the best value for money .




Honest explanation of Rakuten Mobile's points to note ⚠️


Signal may be weak in some areas

There are no problems in urban areas or major stations, but in mountainous or rural areas, communication may be weak depending on the location.

If you are unsure, we recommend checking the area in advance .




Summary | Rakuten Mobile is the best solution for foreigners living in Japan 🎯


  • Unlimited data SIM card for use in Japan

  • Foreigners can easily sign a contract

  • Unbeatable value at just 3,278 yen per month

  • Store support is also available for peace of mind

If you're looking for "unlimited Japanese SIM" or "cheap SIM for foreigners," Rakuten Mobile is definitely a strong candidate📱✨

👉 If you are a foreigner looking for a cheap and comfortable smartphone plan in Japan, be sure to check out Rakuten Mobile!




Great campaign information


Rakuten Mobile is running the following campaigns for new subscribers and those considering switching from another carrier (MNP).



To everyone coming to Japan from overseas

We've prepared a short guide for you, choose your language to find out more.

Rakuten Mobile employees talk about their experiences

Blog author and Rakuten employee
  • X

The author of this blog is a current Rakuten employee. In this blog, I will share my honest impressions of my mobile phone charges and signal conditions after switching from SoftBank, which I had been using since my student days, to Rakuten Mobile. I will share information on switching mobile phones (MNP), re-contracting, comparing mobile phones, mobile phone charges, model changes, campaigns, family discounts, and special offers. Currently, the employee referral campaign allows you to earn 14,000 points if you switch (MNP) and 11,000 points if you do not switch. Those who are re-contracting can also apply. Please make use of this opportunity to switch your smartphone or sign up for a new smartphone contract.

Rakuten Mobile, experience report, model change, mobile phone switching, mobile phone charges, mobile phone comparison, MNP, re-contract, new contract

© Rakuten Mobile employees talking about their experiences

Rakuten Mobile Introduction | Real Experience

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