How to Get a Smartphone in Japan

In some countries, you can purchase phones at the drop of the hat. But buying a phone in Japan is difficult if you don’t meet the specific requirements. However, these requirements are easy if you have lived in Japan for a while. For those who have just arrived and want to purchase a new phone, some steps are necessary.

Buying a phone for the first time in Japan

You will need:

Japanese bank account

During the process of making a bank account, you will be required to already have a phone number. However, you can provide a friend’s or a guarantor as a placeholder until your phone number has been set up.

Residence card with validity of 1-2 years

This won’t be an issue for visa holders who plan to stay for 2-3 years under a work visa/study visa/working holiday visa. Tourist visas are not valid as a resident card.

Health Insurance card

All residents and foreigners are signed up for the National Health insurance of Japan. You will receive a health insurance card after finding homestay and registering your residency at the City Hall within 14 days.

Passport

As a foreigner, you will need to use your passport for the majority of setting up your life in Japan. When purchasing for the first time, please bring your passport as a form of identification and authentication of your stay.

Buying a phone while living in Japan

You will need:

SIM Card Carrier account

If you have already purchased a phone and want an upgrade, go to your SIM carrier and purchase from their stores. Alternatively, you can go to any BIC Camera and buy from there. You can show them your account and they will help with the transfer.

Identification

You will only need to bring your basic forms of identification This includes your residence card, health insurance card and passport.

What phone model should I buy in Japan?

Buying a phone for the first time can be a challenge all in itself. It helps to buy a model and make that Japanese users are familiar with. Most SIM carriers have offers on these models. These are the most popular brands for Japanese residents:

iPhone

iPhones are the most popular phones to purchase in Japan. They not only have a big market in all stores, but accessories can also be found easily and cheaply.

Google Pixel

Although not as popular as the Iphone, the Google Pixel takes the no. 2 spot. Japanese residents are familiar with the Google layout due to the popularity of Google Chrome. Also the Android phone is a cheaper option than the Iphone.

Sony

Under its flagship name (Xperia) Sony is popular with the locals due to its legacy in electronics and brand loyalty. If you want a phone that can everyone can use, you can purchase this one.

Who are the major phone companies in Japan?

Now that you have chosen a phone brand, you have to find a mobile company or SIM carrier. Japan’s leading companies are the BIG THREE:

• SoftBank
• NTT DoCoMo
• au by KDDI

These three mobile providers are the most popular and usually last for a lifetime. A lot of Japanese people do not change their plan or transfer to a new carrier unless problems arise during contract signing/cancellation fees.

What kind of SIM card should I buy?

Another thing of note is what kind of SIM card you want. There are several options and plans to choose from.

Mobile Data

Accessing the internet from your phone, whether it’s 4G or 5G, you will want as much data usage as possible. There are several plans you can get, however the cost goes higher the more data you want. The plans are usually:
4G / 6G / 8G / 12G / 16G / Unlimited

To call or not to call?

It should be obvious that you purchase a phone for calling, right? But, the majority of social media relies on Wi-Fi, rather than in-conversation calling. You can get a plan that doesn’t have a phone number attached. But you will need a contactable phone number for work purposes. You need to tell your contractor that you would like the mobile data + calling plan.

How to pay your phone bills in Japan

You are now ready to pay. Japan’s phone market price is slightly higher due to taxes, so it’s very common to pay in installments. During the purchase, you can pay full upfront, or you can pay according to a monthly plan. Monthly plans are usually 6 months, 12 months and 16 months, all of which you will pay the phone in full with an interest rate. Please ensure that your payments are on time.

The SIM card plan will also be paid monthly, through which you can do a payment plan with one of the following:

• Direct deposit: You provide your bank account details for the monthly withdrawal

• Convenience store: You will receive an itemized bill through either paper or email, and you will pay within the due date period

• Send yourself: This is one of the most uncommon. You will either go to the bank or use your SIM carrier app, and pay manually within the due date period.

How do I keep my phone and buy a SIM Card in Japan?

For buyers that want to keep their foreign phones, there are several SIM card options to choose from. These options are foreigner friendly and do not require as much preparation as buying a phone and SIM card plan in Japan. These foreign friendly providers are:

Sakura Mobile

This offers much of what Japanese providers do, but Sakura Mobile was made by foreigners for foreigners. Their plans are priced reasonably and it doesn’t take that long to set up. This is a great option for first timers.

JP SMART

Similar to Sakura Mobile, JP SMART is a foreign friendly SIM Provider that boasts cheap plans. These plans can be cheaper than the ones mentioned above and offer great service. The set up takes a little bit longer as everything is done through the JP SMART application process.

However, once done, it is extremely flexible to change from one plan to another. The plan can be applied to any phone, whether it’s a foreign phone or Japanese phone.

All in all, buying a phone is a big step! Choose your options wisely and have a great time!

Author: S.C.Y.H – ALT in Musashino