Rakuten Mobile for Foreigners in Japan: AU Switch Demerits & Complete Guide [2026 Guide]

Are you currently on AU (KDDI) and wondering whether switching to Rakuten Mobile is a smart move? If you’re a foreign resident living in Japan, this question comes up more often than you might think. The price difference is significant, the coverage has improved dramatically, and there are now generous point campaigns that make the switch even more appealing.

But let’s be honest — switching carriers isn’t always straightforward, and AU users in particular need to be aware of a few specific trade-offs before making the move.

This guide walks you through everything: the real demerits of switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile, the benefits, the point campaign details, and practical tips for foreigners in Japan.

Why Foreigners in Japan Are Considering Rakuten Mobile

Japan’s mobile market has traditionally been dominated by three major carriers: NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and AU (KDDI). These carriers offer reliable coverage and brand recognition, but they also come with noticeably higher monthly bills.

Rakuten Mobile entered the scene as the fourth major carrier and disrupted the market with a simple, all-inclusive plan: ¥3,278 per month (tax included) for unlimited data. There are no complicated tier structures — you get unlimited calls via the Rakuten Link app, unlimited data on the Rakuten network, and access to the Rakuten ecosystem of points and rewards.

For many foreigners, especially those who are budget-conscious or on working holiday visas, this kind of transparent pricing is a major relief.

AU to Rakuten Mobile: Key Demerits You Should Know

Before diving into the benefits, let’s address what you actually came here for — the downsides of switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile. Being informed helps you make the right decision for your situation.

1. Coverage in Rural and Underground Areas Can Be Weaker

Rakuten Mobile’s own network (Band 3 / n77) has excellent coverage in urban areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, but rural areas and some underground locations (like deep subway stations) may fall back to AU’s partner network (roaming). While Rakuten has significantly expanded its own infrastructure, it hasn’t fully matched AU’s long-established coverage map.

If you frequently travel to rural Japan for work or leisure, this is worth factoring in.

2. You Lose AU-Specific Services

Switching means saying goodbye to AU-specific perks such as:

auフラット割 (AU flat discount plans)
au PAY card synergy discounts
UQ mobile family discount combinations
au Insurance and au Financial services bundled pricing

If you or your family are deeply integrated into the AU ecosystem, switching one line might actually break a bundle discount that benefits multiple people.

3. Rakuten Link App Is Required for Free Calls

Rakuten Mobile’s “unlimited calls” feature only works through the Rakuten Link app — not the standard phone dialer. While most calls work fine through the app, certain numbers (including some business lines, government offices, and 0120 toll-free numbers) may not connect properly.

For foreigners who frequently call government offices for visa paperwork or residence card matters, this could be an occasional inconvenience. (For a full breakdown of how the app works, see our Rakuten Link App Complete Guide – Free Calls for Foreigners in Japan.)

4. Device Compatibility Issues

If you’re currently using an AU-branded device, it may be SIM-locked or have certain bands optimized specifically for AU’s network. While most modern smartphones (especially iPhones from Series 12 onwards) are fully compatible with Rakuten’s network, older AU-branded Android devices may experience reduced performance.

Always check Rakuten Mobile’s official device compatibility list before switching.

5. No Physical Points Program Integration with AU PAY

AU runs its own AU PAY / Ponta points ecosystem. Once you leave AU, you won’t be accumulating Ponta points through your carrier. You’ll instead move into the Rakuten Points ecosystem — which is arguably larger and more widely usable, but it does require building your points balance from scratch in a new system.

The Benefits: Why Many Foreigners Still Make the Switch

Despite those demerits, Rakuten Mobile has compelling reasons that often outweigh the downsides — especially for foreigners in Japan.

Flat Monthly Cost of ¥3,278 — No Surprises

One of the most common frustrations foreigners face with Japanese carriers is the complexity of billing. AU plans can easily exceed ¥7,000–¥10,000 per month depending on your data tier, option services, and device installment payments.

Rakuten Mobile is refreshingly simple: one plan, ¥3,278/month, unlimited everything. For foreigners who may not be fluent in Japanese and find it hard to navigate complex contract documents, this clarity is genuinely valuable.

Rakuten Points: Japan’s Most Versatile Reward Currency

Rakuten Points are usable across thousands of stores, services, and online platforms in Japan. Whether you’re shopping on Rakuten Ichiba, eating at partner restaurants, or using Rakuten Travel, points accumulate fast and are easy to spend.

When you switch to Rakuten Mobile, you get integrated into this ecosystem, which can actually be more useful day-to-day than Ponta points for many residents.

Flexible Contract — No Lock-In

Rakuten Mobile has no long-term contract requirements and no cancellation fees. For foreigners on time-limited visas (working holiday, student, specified skilled worker), this kind of flexibility is extremely valuable. You can cancel when you leave Japan without penalty.

The Point Campaign: Why Now Is a Great Time to Switch

Here’s where things get particularly interesting for anyone planning to switch.

Rakuten Mobile is currently running a point campaign with generous bonuses for MNP (Mobile Number Portability) transfers and new signups. However, the amounts differ depending on how you apply.

Standard Campaign Points

MNP from another carrier (standard): 13,000 Rakuten Points
New number signup (standard): varies by campaign period

Employee Referral Campaign Points (Higher Bonus)

When you use an employee referral link to sign up, the point totals increase:

MNP from another carrier via referral: 14,000 Rakuten Points
New number signup via referral: 11,000 Rakuten Points

That’s 1,000 extra points on top of the standard MNP campaign — simply by using the right link at signup.

Point Payment Schedule

The referral points are not paid out all at once. They are distributed in 3 installments, starting 4 months after the referral login month. This staggered schedule is worth keeping in mind for budgeting purposes, but the total amount remains the same.

For example, if you sign up in January, your first installment would arrive in May.

Per-Person Line Limit

The employee referral campaign allows a maximum of 5 lines per person. If you’re helping family members or housemates switch as well, each person can use the referral link for up to 5 lines — a useful detail for households with multiple phones.

Who Should and Shouldn’t Switch from AU

To make this practical, here’s a quick summary:

Consider switching if:

You live or work primarily in urban areas
You want a simple, low-cost flat-rate plan
You’re on a time-limited visa and want contract flexibility
You’re not dependent on AU-specific bundled services
You want to accumulate Rakuten Points across multiple services

Think carefully before switching if:

You frequently travel to rural or mountainous areas of Japan
You have AU family bundle discounts that benefit multiple lines
You use many AU financial or insurance services with discounts
You have an older AU-branded Android device with possible compatibility issues

How to Apply: Online vs In-Store

For foreign residents, one common concern is whether the application process will be manageable in Japanese.

Online application is generally faster and available in multiple steps with screenshots, though the interface is primarily in Japanese. You’ll need your residence card (在留カード), a credit card or bank account for billing, and your MNP transfer number from AU (taken from the AU My Page app or by calling AU).

In-store application is available at Rakuten Mobile shops across Japan. Staff at larger shops in urban areas sometimes speak basic English. If you’re not confident with the online process, visiting a store can be reassuring. For details on the in-store referral application process, check out our guide: Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral In-Store Application: How to Apply at a Shop [2026 Guide].

Comparing Referral Campaign Types

If you’re researching your options before signing up, it’s also worth knowing the difference between a Friends referral (from an existing Rakuten Mobile user you know personally) and an employee referral (from a Rakuten company employee). The point amounts and eligibility conditions can differ.

For a detailed breakdown of both options and which one is better suited for foreigners, see the Rakuten Mobile Friends vs Employee Referral: Complete Comparison Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide].

Final Thoughts: Is the Switch Worth It?

Switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile isn’t the right move for everyone — but for the majority of foreign residents in Japan’s urban centers who want a simple, affordable, and flexible phone plan, the calculus is quite favorable.

The ¥3,278/month unlimited plan eliminates bill anxiety. The Rakuten Points ecosystem adds genuine value across everyday life in Japan. And the no lock-in contract aligns perfectly with the realities of living in Japan on a visa.

The demerits — coverage gaps in rural areas, loss of AU bundle discounts, and the Rakuten Link app requirement — are real but manageable for most urban residents.

Ready to Switch? Use the Employee Referral Link for Maximum Points

If you’ve decided that Rakuten Mobile makes sense for your situation, using an employee referral link at the time of signup is the easiest way to get more points than the standard campaign.

Via the referral link below, you’ll receive:

14,000 points for MNP (switching from AU or another carrier)
11,000 points for a new number signup

Points are distributed in 3 installments starting 4 months after your signup month.

👉 Employee Referral Link: https://r10.to/henTIE

There’s no extra cost or complicated procedure — just make sure to use the link before completing your application. It’s a small step that puts a meaningful amount of Rakuten Points into your account simply for timing your signup correctly.

Good luck with the switch, and welcome to a simpler phone bill.