Rakuten Mobile AU to Rakuten Mobile Regret Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]

Thinking about switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile — but worried you might regret it later?

You’re not alone. Many foreign residents in Japan share this concern, especially when it comes to network reliability, customer support in English, and whether the savings are actually worth it. This guide is designed to give you an honest, complete picture so you can make the right decision for your situation.

Why Foreigners Switch from AU to Rakuten Mobile

AU (by KDDI) has long been one of Japan’s most reliable major carriers. It offers solid coverage, familiar service, and a wide range of plans. So why are so many people — including foreign residents — making the move to Rakuten Mobile?

The primary reason is cost. Rakuten Mobile’s single unlimited data plan is priced at ¥3,278 per month (tax included). For AU users paying ¥6,000–¥10,000+ per month depending on their plan and data usage, this can represent a savings of ¥30,000–¥80,000 per year.

For foreigners who are often managing international transfers, remittances, and the general cost of living abroad, that kind of monthly saving adds up fast.

Common Regrets After Switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile

Before we discuss the benefits, let’s be honest about what can go wrong. Understanding the potential downsides upfront is the best way to avoid regret later.

1. Indoor Coverage Gaps

Rakuten Mobile operates on its own independent network (Band 3 / 1.7GHz), which is known for weaker building penetration compared to AU’s mature infrastructure. In rural areas or inside thick concrete buildings, you may notice weaker signal.

Who is most affected: People living in older apartment buildings, working in basements, or living outside major cities.

Mitigation: Rakuten Mobile has a roaming agreement with AU for areas where its own network doesn’t reach. So you won’t be completely without signal — but the roaming experience can feel different from a dedicated AU connection.

For a deeper look at the specific disadvantages of switching from AU, see our detailed breakdown: Rakuten Mobile AU to Rakuten Mobile Demerit Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]

2. Customer Support Language Barriers

Rakuten Mobile’s primary customer support is in Japanese. While there is some English-language support available through chat and web resources, it is not as comprehensive as what some international carriers offer.

What this means for you: If you have a complex billing issue, a device problem, or need to make account changes, navigating support in Japanese can be frustrating.

Practical tip: Many issues can be handled through the My Rakuten Mobile app, which has an English interface. For more complex concerns, having a Japanese-speaking friend or colleague available can be helpful.

3. Points System Can Be Confusing at First

Rakuten Mobile integrates deeply with the Rakuten ecosystem. Points are awarded, used, and tracked through Rakuten ID. If you’re unfamiliar with how Rakuten points work, it may feel complicated at first.

However, once you understand it, the points system becomes one of the strongest reasons to stay with Rakuten Mobile — especially if you’re already using Rakuten services like Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Bank, or Rakuten Pay.

The Real Financial Advantage: Referral Campaign Points

One of the most compelling reasons to switch to Rakuten Mobile — especially right now — is the employee referral campaign, which offers significantly more points than the standard campaign.

Here’s a direct comparison:

Signup Method	MNP (Carrier Switch)	New Signup
Standard campaign	13,000 points	Varies
Employee referral link	14,000 points	11,000 points

By using an employee referral link instead of the standard campaign, you receive an extra 1,000 points when switching from AU (MNP). That’s a meaningful bonus on top of an already generous offer.

How Are the Points Paid Out?

This is important to understand before you sign up:

Points are not given all at once
They are paid in 3 installments
The installments begin 4 months after your referral login month

For example, if you register using the referral link in June 2026, your first points installment would begin in October 2026. Plan accordingly and don’t expect immediate access to all points.

Can You Use the Points?

Yes. Rakuten points can be used for purchases on Rakuten Ichiba (Japan’s largest e-commerce platform), bill payments, and many other Rakuten services. They have real monetary value and don’t expire quickly if your account remains active.

For a complete guide on how the referral system works, including eligibility and step-by-step signup instructions, refer to: Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]

Is Rakuten Mobile’s Plan Actually Worth It for Foreigners?

Let’s break down the value of the ¥3,278/month unlimited plan:

What You Get

Unlimited data (no speed throttling based on usage amount)
Free domestic calls via the Rakuten Link app
Access to Rakuten’s growing network plus AU roaming in uncovered areas
Integration with the Rakuten ecosystem for point accumulation

What You Might Miss from AU

More extensive physical store support
Potentially stronger signal in certain rural or building-dense areas
Longer-established customer service infrastructure

The Bottom Line

If you live in a major city (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, etc.), use your phone primarily outdoors or in modern buildings, and are already somewhat familiar with Japan’s mobile ecosystem, the switch is likely to be a net positive.

If you work in areas with poor signal, rely heavily on Japanese-language phone support, or live in a rural area, it’s worth testing the coverage in your specific location before fully committing.

Who Should Switch from AU to Rakuten Mobile?

Good Candidates for Switching

Budget-conscious users: The ¥3,278/month flat rate is one of the most competitive in Japan
Heavy data users: Unlimited data with no throttling means you won’t be penalized for streaming or working remotely
Rakuten ecosystem users: If you already shop on Rakuten or use Rakuten Pay, you’ll benefit more from the points system
Families or groups: You can register up to 5 lines per person — making it practical for couples or families looking to consolidate mobile costs
Tech-comfortable users: If you’re comfortable managing your plan through an app rather than relying on in-person support

Less Ideal Candidates

People who frequently travel to or work in rural Japan
Users who need consistent, high-quality indoor signal in older buildings
Those who prefer comprehensive in-person Japanese support

Step-by-Step: How to Switch from AU to Rakuten Mobile

Here is a simplified overview of the MNP (Mobile Number Portability) process for foreign residents:

Step 1: Obtain Your MNP Reservation Number from AU

Contact AU by phone or through their online portal to request your MNP reservation number (転出番号, tenshutsubangō). This number is required to keep your existing phone number when switching carriers.

Note: As of 2024, MNP reservation numbers are valid for 15 days and the process has been streamlined under Japan’s mobile number portability reforms.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Foreign residents will typically need:

A valid residence card (在留カード, zairyū kādo)
Credit card or payment method registered to your Rakuten ID
Japanese phone number (for verification SMS)

To receive the maximum points (14,000 points for MNP), use the employee referral link when signing up. This ensures the bonus points are applied to your account.

👉 Referral signup link: https://r10.to/henTIE

Make sure to complete the registration process in one session and not clear cookies partway through, as referral attribution can sometimes be disrupted.

Step 4: Complete SIM Activation

After receiving your SIM card (or eSIM if applicable), follow the activation steps in the My Rakuten Mobile app. The app has English-language support and guides you through the process clearly.

Step 5: Monitor Your Points

After your first login with the referral, your points schedule will be set. Remember: the first installment arrives approximately 4 months after your referral login month. Track this through your Rakuten Point Club account.

Frequently Asked Questions from Foreign Residents

Yes. As long as you have a valid residence card and are registered as a resident in Japan, you are eligible to sign up.

Does Rakuten Mobile work for international roaming?

Rakuten Mobile has limited international roaming options compared to AU. If you frequently travel internationally, check Rakuten’s current roaming plans before switching, as this is an area where AU historically has stronger coverage.

What if I want to add a second line for my partner?

Rakuten Mobile allows up to 5 lines per person. Each line signed up through the same referral link can earn points separately, making it a smart option for households looking to reduce total mobile costs.

Is there an English version of the app?

Yes. The My Rakuten Mobile app supports English as well as other languages, making it more accessible for foreign residents than some competing carriers.

Final Thoughts: Will You Regret Switching from AU?

The honest answer is: it depends on your lifestyle and location.

For most foreign residents living in urban areas of Japan, switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile is a financially smart move. The ¥3,278/month flat rate, unlimited data, and the current referral campaign offering 14,000 points for MNP switches make it difficult to ignore.

The potential regrets — weaker indoor coverage, less comprehensive Japanese-language support, a different customer experience — are real but manageable for many users, especially those comfortable with app-based account management.

If you’re still on the fence, spend some time checking Rakuten Mobile’s coverage map for your specific home, workplace, and commute route. That single step will tell you more about whether the switch is right for you than any general guide can.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you’ve decided to move forward, using the employee referral link is the best way to maximize your first-year value. It takes just seconds to click through and ensures you receive 14,000 points (MNP) or 11,000 points (new signup) — 1,000 more than the standard campaign.

👉 Sign up here using the referral link: https://r10.to/henTIE

Points are distributed in 3 installments starting 4 months after your referral login month, so sign up sooner rather than later to start your point schedule earlier.

Good luck with the switch — and welcome to a simpler, more affordable mobile experience in Japan.