Best SIM Card for Foreigners Living in Japan – Why Rakuten Mobile Stands Out

If you’re a foreign resident in Japan and still paying ¥5,000–¥8,000 a month for your mobile plan, you’re probably overpaying. Japan’s mobile market has changed dramatically in recent years, and Rakuten Mobile has emerged as one of the most foreigner-friendly, cost-effective options available. In this article, we’ll break down exactly why Rakuten Mobile is widely considered the best SIM card for foreigners living in Japan — and how you can get started with a significant bonus through an employee referral.

Why Foreigners in Japan Struggle to Find the Right SIM

Switching carriers in Japan isn’t always straightforward, especially if Japanese isn’t your first language. Major carriers like NTT Docomo, au, and SoftBank offer extensive coverage and support, but their plans are often expensive and their contracts can be confusing — even for Japanese natives.

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) like IIJmio or OCN are cheaper, but they come with data caps and slower speeds during peak hours. For many foreign residents who rely on their smartphones for navigation, video calls back home, work communications, and social media, these limitations can be genuinely frustrating.

That’s where Rakuten Mobile fills the gap.

What Makes Rakuten Mobile a Great Fit for Foreign Residents

Truly Unlimited Data for ¥3,278/month

Rakuten Mobile’s flagship plan costs just ¥3,278 per month (tax included), and it includes unlimited data on the Rakuten network. There’s no speed throttling after a certain usage threshold — you use as much as you need. For a foreign resident who streams content, video calls family overseas, or works remotely, this kind of simplicity is genuinely valuable.

Compare that to what you’d pay at one of the big three carriers: a comparable unlimited plan can easily run ¥7,000–¥9,000 per month before discounts. Even with discounts, you’re typically looking at ¥5,000+.

For a detailed side-by-side comparison, check out this article: Rakuten Mobile vs Docomo au Softbank Price Comparison for Foreigners in Japan.

App-Based Account Management in Multiple Languages

One of the most practical advantages for foreign residents is that Rakuten Mobile’s account management is done almost entirely through their app. The interface is clean, straightforward, and many functions are accessible even without deep Japanese language skills. Billing, data usage, settings, and support are all in one place.

Rakuten Link – Free International Calls and Texts

Rakuten Mobile includes access to Rakuten Link, an app that allows free calls and SMS to Japanese numbers — and even international calls to select countries at no extra cost. For foreigners regularly calling home or communicating with family abroad, this feature alone can offset a significant monthly expense.

eSIM Support for a Smooth Transition

Rakuten Mobile supports eSIM activation, which means you don’t have to wait for a physical SIM card to arrive. If your phone is eSIM-compatible, you can complete the entire switch digitally — convenient for people who want to get connected quickly after arriving in Japan or switching from another carrier.

The Employee Referral Advantage – Up to 14,000 Points

Here’s where it gets even more interesting for anyone thinking of signing up: Rakuten Mobile has an employee referral campaign that gives you significantly more points than the standard promotion.

How Many Points Can You Earn?

MNP (switching from another carrier): 14,000 Rakuten Points
New number signup: 11,000 Rakuten Points

For comparison, the standard campaign (without a referral) typically offers 13,000 points for MNP. Using an employee referral link gives you 1,000 extra points on top of that — at no additional cost to you.

These points can be used across the wide Rakuten ecosystem — on Rakuten Ichiba (online shopping), Rakuten Travel, grocery purchases at partner stores, and more. For foreign residents already familiar with Rakuten’s services, this is a meaningful bonus that adds real everyday value.

When Are Points Paid Out?

The points are distributed in three installments, starting four months after the month you log in via the referral link. This is important to keep in mind when planning — the points aren’t instant, but they do arrive, and the total is substantial.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process using a referral link, this guide is very helpful: How to Apply for Rakuten Mobile via Employee Referral Link Step by Step.

Multiple Lines for Family or Housemates

If you have family members in Japan or share a household with other foreign residents, it’s worth knowing that one person can refer up to 5 lines. Each line that signs up through the referral gets the same point bonus, making it a practical option for families or groups looking to switch together.

Is the Network Coverage Good Enough?

This is a fair concern. Rakuten Mobile runs on its own 4G/5G network, which has been expanding steadily across Japan. In major urban areas — Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo — coverage is generally strong. In rural or mountainous regions, Rakuten partners with au’s network as a backup, so you won’t be completely without signal even in less-covered areas.

For most foreign residents who live and work in urban centers, Rakuten’s coverage is more than sufficient for daily use.

What to Prepare Before Switching

Switching to Rakuten Mobile is relatively painless if you prepare a few things in advance:

MNP Transfer Number (MNP予約番号): If you’re switching from another carrier, request this from your current provider before applying.
My Number Card or Residence Card: For identity verification, you’ll need a valid form of ID. Foreign residents can use their Zairyu Card (在留カード).
Rakuten ID: You’ll need a Rakuten account. If you don’t have one, it’s free to create and takes just a few minutes.
Compatible Phone: Check that your current device supports Rakuten Mobile’s bands. Most modern smartphones do, but it’s worth confirming on their official website.

Who Should Consider Rakuten Mobile?

Rakuten Mobile is a particularly strong choice if you:

Are currently paying more than ¥4,000/month on mobile and want to cut costs
Use a lot of data and don’t want to worry about hitting limits
Frequently call Japan domestically or abroad (via Rakuten Link)
Are comfortable managing your account through a smartphone app
Want to take advantage of Rakuten Points across shopping and travel

It may be less ideal if you live in a rural area with limited Rakuten network coverage, or if you require in-person Japanese-language customer support regularly.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you’ve been on the fence about switching to Rakuten Mobile, the employee referral campaign offers a genuinely strong incentive: 14,000 points for MNP or 11,000 points for a new number — more than the standard promotion, with no extra hoops to jump through.

You can sign up using the employee referral link below to make sure you receive the maximum available points:

👉 Sign up for Rakuten Mobile via Employee Referral

Just click the link, follow the application steps, and you’ll be set up with an unlimited plan, a meaningful points bonus, and a monthly bill that won’t make you wince.