Did You Regret Switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile? Here’s the Truth
Making the jump from AU to Rakuten Mobile sounds like a no-brainer on paper — unlimited data for ¥3,278 per month, thousands of points as a welcome bonus, and a growing network. But for many foreign residents in Japan, the reality after switching tells a more nuanced story.
This guide takes an honest look at the most common regrets foreigners report after switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile, what to realistically expect, and how to decide whether the switch is still worth it for you in 2026.
The Most Common Regrets After Switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile
1. Coverage Gaps in Rural and Suburban Areas
This is the number one complaint. Rakuten Mobile’s own network primarily covers major cities and urban train corridors. Outside those zones, your phone roams onto AU’s network — which sounds reassuring until you realize that roaming data is throttled and calling reliability can be inconsistent in certain regions.
If you live in the inaka (countryside), commute through tunnels frequently, or travel to rural prefectures for work or leisure, you may notice meaningful signal drops that simply didn’t exist on AU.
Honest verdict: If you’re city-based (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, etc.), this is largely a non-issue. If you’re rural, test coverage maps carefully before committing.
2. iPhone Compatibility Issues (Especially Older Models)
Some foreigners bring iPhones purchased overseas and discover after switching that Band 3 (the main Rakuten frequency) or Band 18 (AU roaming) isn’t fully supported on their device. This leads to patchy indoor reception even in central Tokyo.
If your iPhone was purchased in Japan from AU or SoftBank, it’s likely compatible. If it came from another country — especially the US or Southeast Asia — double-check the supported bands before making the switch.
3. The Rakuten Link App Dependency
Rakuten Mobile’s free unlimited calling requires you to use the Rakuten Link app. Many foreigners don’t realize this upfront. Regular calls from the standard phone dialer are billed separately.
For daily life, Rakuten Link works well enough. But some users report issues with:
- Calls not connecting via Rakuten Link to certain government or bank numbers
- Emergency call limitations (110, 119 work from the standard dialer, not Link)
- Slight delays or echo during calls in some situations
This is rarely a dealbreaker, but it’s a genuine adjustment from AU’s seamless calling experience.
4. Point Rewards Are Delayed — Not Instant
A big draw of switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile is the point bonus. Via an employee referral link, you can receive 14,000 Rakuten Points for MNP (carrier switch) or 11,000 points for a new line signup. That’s 1,000 more than the standard campaign, which offers 13,000 points for MNP.
However, points are paid out in three installments, starting four months after the month you first log into Rakuten’s referral system. This surprises many users who expect immediate gratification. If you’re counting on those points to offset upfront costs, plan your timing accordingly.
5. Customer Support in Japanese Only
AU offers English support through various channels. Rakuten Mobile’s main support is almost entirely in Japanese. Chat support, store staff, and the help documentation are primarily Japanese-language.
For beginners or those still developing Japanese language skills, troubleshooting connectivity issues or MNP porting problems can become genuinely stressful. Online communities of foreigners in Japan (Reddit’s r/japanlife, Facebook groups) tend to fill this gap — but official support remains a weak point.
Why People Still Don’t Regret It (The Honest Case For Switching)
Despite the points above, many foreigners — especially those living in major cities — report being happy with the switch. Here’s why:
Unbeatable Monthly Cost
¥3,278 per month (tax included) for truly unlimited data with no speed caps based on usage tiers is extraordinary by Japanese standards. AU’s comparable unlimited plans can run ¥7,000–¥8,000 or more, especially if you’re not bundled with discounts.
For a foreign resident who uses data heavily for maps, streaming, video calls home, and work — the savings are real and immediate.
Rakuten Ecosystem Integration
If you already use Rakuten services — Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Pay, Rakuten Card, Rakuten Travel — being a Rakuten Mobile subscriber boosts your SPU (Super Point Up program) multiplier significantly. Over the course of a year, the additional points from everyday shopping can effectively make your phone plan free.
For a deeper look at how to stack these benefits, check out this guide: Rakuten Mobile Smartphone Carrier Economic Zone: Maximize Your Benefits — Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]
The Referral Bonus Is Genuinely Valuable
14,000 points via employee referral MNP is not a trivial amount. At roughly ¥1 per point, that’s ¥14,000 worth of Rakuten Points — equivalent to over four months of service. Even accounting for the delayed payout schedule, this is a meaningful financial benefit that makes the first year of Rakuten Mobile essentially subsidized.
AU to Rakuten Mobile: Is It Worth It in 2026?
Let’s be direct. The answer depends almost entirely on two factors:
1. Where you live and work
Run the Rakuten Mobile coverage checker for your home address, workplace, and any locations you frequent. If the native Rakuten network (not AU roaming) covers your main areas, you’ll likely be satisfied.
2. How embedded you are in the Rakuten ecosystem
If you already have a Rakuten Card, shop on Rakuten Ichiba, or use Rakuten Pay regularly, the SPU multiplier alone makes Rakuten Mobile one of the most cost-effective choices in Japan. If you have no Rakuten accounts, the platform-specific benefits won’t apply — though the ¥3,278 unlimited plan still holds up competitively on pure price.
What Foreigners Should Do Before Switching
Check Your Residency Documentation
To sign up for Rakuten Mobile, you’ll need your Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyu Card) and a Japanese bank account or credit card. Most major credit cards work, including Rakuten Card. Ensure your residence status allows you to sign up for a long-term mobile plan.
Prepare Your Current AU Number for MNP
You’ll need to request an MNP reservation number (MNP予約番号) from AU before signing up with Rakuten. AU may attempt to retain you with discount offers — politely decline if you’ve made your decision. The MNP number is valid for 15 days.
Choose Your Signup Method Carefully
Signing up via an employee referral link maximizes your points. The standard campaign gives 13,000 points for MNP, while using a referral link bumps that to 14,000 points — a 1,000-point difference that takes less than a minute to use.
For a detailed walkthrough of the signup and referral process, this guide covers every step: Rakuten Mobile Switch Campaign & Referral Complete Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026 Guide]
Understand the Point Payout Timeline
To reiterate — because this catches many people off guard:
- Points are issued in three installments
- The first installment arrives approximately four months after the month of your referral login
- You need to remain an active subscriber to receive all installments
This means you should not cancel the plan early expecting to keep all points. Plan to stay for at least six to eight months.
Managing Up to 5 Lines
One underused feature of Rakuten Mobile is the ability to hold up to five lines per person. If you have a partner, family members, or colleagues also considering the switch from AU, signing up together through a single referral chain can multiply the point benefits significantly. Each person who switches via MNP using a referral link earns their own 14,000-point bonus.
The Honest Bottom Line
Switching from AU to Rakuten Mobile isn’t perfect. Coverage gaps in rural areas, the Rakuten Link calling requirement, Japanese-only support, and delayed point payouts are real friction points that some users genuinely regret.
But for foreign residents living in urban Japan who are paying ¥6,000–¥9,000 or more per month at AU, the math is difficult to argue with. ¥3,278 unlimited, a ¥14,000-point welcome bonus via referral, and compounding SPU benefits for Rakuten ecosystem users make this one of the most financially sensible mobile decisions available in 2026.
The key is going in with realistic expectations — not the glossy marketing version, but the version covered here.
Ready to Switch? Use a Referral Link to Maximize Your Points
If you’ve decided to make the move, using an employee referral link gives you 14,000 points for MNP (versus 13,000 through the standard campaign) or 11,000 points for a new signup — with no extra steps required on your end.
You can use this referral link to get the full bonus: 👉 https://r10.to/henTIE
Points are paid in three installments starting around four months after your referral login month, so make sure you log into the Rakuten campaign page promptly after signing up.
Take your time comparing, check the coverage map for your area, and make the decision that’s right for your lifestyle in Japan.