rakuten – Japan Start Guide

Just arrived in Japan and don’t have a credit card yet?
No problem.

This guide lists all the SIM cards you can get in Japan
using only your Residence Card (Zairyu Card).

■ Why You Need a Residence Card-Only SIM

Newly arrived foreigners often face these challenges:

・No Japanese credit card yet
・Just opened a bank account — worried about credit checks
・Application forms are in Japanese only

The good news: several SIM cards in Japan accept your
Residence Card as the only form of ID.

■ SIM Cards You Can Get with a Residence Card

■ Detailed Reviews

【1】Dare Demo Mobile
Monthly fee: ¥2,178 (unlimited calls + 3GB)
Credit check: None
Payment: Bank transfer (no credit card needed)
English support: Yes
Foreigner-friendly: ★★★

The biggest advantage is zero credit check. Anyone with
a Residence Card and a Japanese bank account can apply.
Best choice if you just arrived and don’t have a
credit card yet.

→ Apply for Dare Demo Mobile [No credit check]

【2】Rakuten Mobile
Monthly fee: From ¥1,078 (up to 3GB)
Credit check: Yes (relatively easy to pass)
Payment: Credit card or bank transfer
English support: Yes (select stores)
Foreigner-friendly: ★★★

Only ¥1,078/month for up to 3GB. Some stores have
English-speaking staff. Residence Card accepted for
identity verification.

→ Apply for Rakuten Mobile

【3】IIJmio
Monthly fee: From ¥850 (2GB plan)
Credit check: Yes
Payment: Credit card only
English support: Partial
Foreigner-friendly: ★★☆

One of the cheapest options in Japan. However, payment
is by credit card only. Best for those who already
have a Japanese credit card.

→ Apply for IIJmio

【4】Japan SIM (日本通信SIM)
Monthly fee: From ¥290 (1GB plan)
Credit check: Yes
Payment: Credit card
English support: None
Foreigner-friendly: ★★☆

The cheapest option available. From ¥290/month for
light data users. Application is in Japanese only,
so some Japanese reading ability is required.

【5】b-mobile
Monthly fee: From ¥2,178
Credit check: None (foreigner-specific plans available)
Payment: Credit card or bank transfer
English support: None
Foreigner-friendly: ★★☆

One of the few services with foreigner-specific plans.
No credit check required, but support is in
Japanese only.

■ How to Apply Without a Credit Card

If you don’t have a Japanese credit card, you have
two options:

Option 1: Choose a SIM that accepts bank transfer
→ Dare Demo Mobile, Rakuten Mobile, and b-mobile
all accept bank transfer payments.

Option 2: Get a credit card first
→ Rakuten Card is relatively easy to apply for
with a Residence Card.
→ Once you have a card, IIJmio and Japan SIM
become available options.

■ Documents Checklist

Prepare these before applying:

Required:
□ Residence Card (both sides)
□ Japanese address
□ Email address
□ Bank account details (for bank transfer payment)
□ Credit card (for card payment)

Helpful to have:
□ Passport (as supplementary ID)
□ My Number Card

■ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply on a tourist visa?
A: Most SIMs on this page require a Residence Card.
If you are on a tourist visa, we recommend a
prepaid SIM instead.

Q: Can I pay with a foreign bank account?
A: No. A Japanese bank account is required.
Japan Post Bank and online banks like SBI Net Bank
are also accepted.

Q: How long until I can use the SIM?
A: For online applications, the SIM is delivered
by mail. Allow 3–5 business days.

Q: Can I cancel anytime?
A: Most services have no lock-in period and can
be cancelled at any time.

■ Summary

With a Residence Card, getting a SIM card in Japan
is easier than you think.

Best choice by situation:
・No credit card → Dare Demo Mobile
・Want English support → Rakuten Mobile
・Lowest cost → Japan SIM (日本通信SIM)
・Worried about credit check → Dare Demo Mobile

Get connected from day one in Japan!

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Tag: rakuten

SIM Cards in Japan You Can Get with Just a Residence Card (2026)