Just arrived in Japan and don’t have a credit card yet?
No problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide lists all the SIM cards you can get in Japan
using only your Residence Card (Zairyu Card).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Why You Need a Residence Card-Only SIM<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Newly arrived foreigners often face these challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u30fbNo Japanese credit card yet
\u30fbJust opened a bank account \u2014 worried about credit checks
\u30fbApplication forms are in Japanese only<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The good news: several SIM cards in Japan accept your
Residence Card as the only form of ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 SIM Cards You Can Get with a Residence Card<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Service | Monthly Fee | Credit Check | Payment | English Support
Dare Demo Mobile | \u00a52,178~ | None | Bank transfer | Yes
Rakuten Mobile | \u00a51,078~ | Yes (easy) | Card\/Bank | Yes
IIJmio | \u00a5850~ | Yes | Credit card | Partial
Japan SIM | \u00a5290~ | Yes | Credit card | No
b-mobile | \u00a52,178~ | None | Card\/Bank | No<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Detailed Reviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u30101\u3011Dare Demo Mobile
Monthly fee: \u00a52,178 (unlimited calls + 3GB)
Credit check: None
Payment: Bank transfer (no credit card needed)
English support: Yes
Foreigner-friendly: \u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2192 Apply for Dare Demo Mobile [No credit check]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u30102\u3011Rakuten Mobile
Monthly fee: From \u00a51,078 (up to 3GB)
Credit check: Yes (relatively easy to pass)
Payment: Credit card or bank transfer
English support: Yes (select stores)
Foreigner-friendly: \u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Only \u00a51,078\/month for up to 3GB. Some stores have
English-speaking staff. Residence Card accepted for
identity verification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2192 Apply for Rakuten Mobile<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u30103\u3011IIJmio
Monthly fee: From \u00a5850 (2GB plan)
Credit check: Yes
Payment: Credit card only
English support: Partial
Foreigner-friendly: \u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the cheapest options in Japan. However, payment
is by credit card only. Best for those who already
have a Japanese credit card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2192 Apply for IIJmio<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u30104\u3011Japan SIM (\u65e5\u672c\u901a\u4fe1SIM)
Monthly fee: From \u00a5290 (1GB plan)
Credit check: Yes
Payment: Credit card
English support: None
Foreigner-friendly: \u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cheapest option available. From \u00a5290\/month for
light data users. Application is in Japanese only,
so some Japanese reading ability is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u30105\u3011b-mobile
Monthly fee: From \u00a52,178
Credit check: None (foreigner-specific plans available)
Payment: Credit card or bank transfer
English support: None
Foreigner-friendly: \u2605\u2605\u2606<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the few services with foreigner-specific plans.
No credit check required, but support is in
Japanese only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 How to Apply Without a Credit Card<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you don’t have a Japanese credit card, you have
two options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Option 1: Choose a SIM that accepts bank transfer
\u2192 Dare Demo Mobile, Rakuten Mobile, and b-mobile
all accept bank transfer payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Option 2: Get a credit card first
\u2192 Rakuten Card is relatively easy to apply for
with a Residence Card.
\u2192 Once you have a card, IIJmio and Japan SIM
become available options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Documents Checklist<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prepare these before applying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Required:
\u25a1 Residence Card (both sides)
\u25a1 Japanese address
\u25a1 Email address
\u25a1 Bank account details (for bank transfer payment)
\u25a1 Credit card (for card payment)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Helpful to have:
\u25a1 Passport (as supplementary ID)
\u25a1 My Number Card<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Frequently Asked Questions<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: How long until I can use the SIM?
A: For online applications, the SIM is delivered
by mail. Allow 3\u20135 business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q: Can I cancel anytime?
A: Most services have no lock-in period and can
be cancelled at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Summary<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a Residence Card, getting a SIM card in Japan
is easier than you think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best choice by situation:
\u30fbNo credit card \u2192 Dare Demo Mobile
\u30fbWant English support \u2192 Rakuten Mobile
\u30fbLowest cost \u2192 Japan SIM (\u65e5\u672c\u901a\u4fe1SIM)
\u30fbWorried about credit check \u2192 Dare Demo Mobile<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get connected from day one in Japan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links.
If you sign up through our links, we may receive a
commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations
are honest and independent.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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