If you are a foreign resident searching for a mobile plan in Japan, Rakuten Mobile is one name you will encounter quickly. Its flat-rate pricing and unlimited data promise are genuinely attractive, but as a foreigner you probably have a few extra questions: Can I sign up without a Japanese credit card? Is the app available in English? What documents do I need? This guide walks you through everything you need to know about using Rakuten Mobile as a foreigner in Japan — plans, setup steps, coverage reality, and honest pros and cons.
Note: Plans, prices, and eligibility rules change. Always confirm the latest details on the official Rakuten Mobile website before signing up.
Rakuten Mobile Plans: What Foreigners Need to Know
Rakuten Mobile operates on a single unlimited plan (branded "Rakuten UN-LIMIT") rather than offering multiple tiers to compare. You pay one monthly fee and get unlimited data on the Rakuten network, with automatic throttling to a lower speed after a certain threshold when roaming domestically on partner networks. Voice calls are unlimited through the Rakuten Link app at no extra charge.
Because pricing and promotional offers shift regularly, we recommend checking the current monthly fee on the official Rakuten Mobile site. Historically, the plan has been priced competitively — often among the lowest for unlimited data from a major carrier — but introductory discounts and campaign conditions vary. Confirm the latest numbers before you commit.
Can Foreigners Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile?
Yes, foreigners living in Japan can sign up for Rakuten Mobile, provided you meet the basic requirements below.
Required Documents
- Residence card (在留カード) — your primary ID as a foreign resident
- Japanese address — required for delivery of the SIM card or for account registration
- Payment method — Rakuten Mobile typically requires a credit card; a Rakuten Card is preferred and sometimes incentivised, but other major credit cards are generally accepted
The Credit Card Hurdle
This is the most common sticking point for newcomers. Rakuten Mobile does not openly support payment by Japanese bank transfer or convenience store cash payment in the way that some MVNOs do. If you do not yet have a Japanese credit card, you may need to obtain one first — or consider an alternative. If getting a credit card quickly is difficult, foreigner-friendly MVNOs such as GTN Mobile (accepts a residence card, offers multilingual support, and has flexible payment options) may be worth comparing while you get settled.
How to Sign Up: Step-by-Step
- Check eligibility: Confirm your residence card is valid and your visa status allows a standard contract (most medium-to-long-term residence statuses qualify).
- Choose SIM or eSIM: Rakuten Mobile offers both a physical nano-SIM and an eSIM. If your phone supports eSIM, that option lets you activate service immediately without waiting for mail delivery.
- Apply online: Go to the official Rakuten Mobile website. The sign-up interface is primarily in Japanese; using a browser with auto-translate (Google Chrome's built-in translate works well) is helpful.
- Identity verification: Upload a photo of your residence card and a selfie. This is done through an automated system; make sure your card is clearly readable.
- Enter payment details: Input your credit card information.
- Activate: For eSIM, follow the on-screen QR code instructions. For a physical SIM, wait for delivery and then activate via the My Rakuten Mobile app.
- Install Rakuten Link: This app enables free unlimited calls. Without it, standard per-minute calling charges apply.
Coverage: Honest Assessment
Rakuten Mobile has invested heavily in expanding its own network, but coverage is still strongest in major urban areas — Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and other large cities. In rural areas, the phone roams onto the au partner network, which typically still provides usable data speeds, but speed caps may apply after a certain amount of roaming data. If you live or frequently travel outside major cities, check the Rakuten Mobile coverage map carefully before signing up.
Pros and Cons for Foreigners
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple single-plan structure — no complicated tier choices | Interface and customer support are primarily in Japanese |
| eSIM available — fast, same-day activation on compatible phones | Credit card required; less flexible payment options than some MVNOs |
| Free unlimited calls via Rakuten Link app | Own network coverage gaps outside major cities; rural roaming has limitations |
| Competitive monthly pricing for unlimited data | Some Rakuten ecosystem benefits are less accessible without Japanese reading ability |
| Rakuten Point rewards integrate with other Rakuten services | Customer service wait times and language support can be limited |
Alternatives Worth Comparing
Rakuten Mobile is a solid choice if you already have a Japanese credit card and live in a well-covered urban area. However, it is not the only option for foreigners, and it may not be the easiest first step right after arrival. Consider comparing:
- GTN Mobile — specifically designed for foreign residents; accepts a residence card, offers multilingual customer support, and does not require a Japanese credit card
- Mobal — no Japanese credit card or bank account required, English-language support available
- Prepaid SIMs / tourist eSIMs — useful as a stopgap immediately after arrival while you sort out your residence card and bank account
- Major carriers (docomo, au, SoftBank) — wider coverage, but typically require a Japanese credit card and can be harder to navigate for newcomers
When comparing any plan, look at: monthly price, data allowance, whether a Japanese credit card or bank account is required, contract length and cancellation terms, language support quality, and whether the plan includes voice calls or is data-only.
Summary: Is Rakuten Mobile Right for You as a Foreigner?
Rakuten Mobile can be an excellent, cost-effective choice for foreign residents in Japan — especially if you are based in a major city, already have a Japanese credit card, and are comfortable navigating a mostly Japanese-language app with a little help from browser translation tools. The unlimited data plan, free calls via Rakuten Link, and eSIM availability make it genuinely competitive.
That said, if you have just arrived in Japan, do not yet have a Japanese credit card, or need reliable English-language customer support, you may find foreigner-focused MVNOs like GTN Mobile or Mobal easier to start with. There is no single "best" option for every foreigner — it depends on your living situation, phone compatibility, and how long you plan to stay.
Take a few minutes to check the latest Rakuten Mobile plan details and current promotions on their official site, compare them against one or two alternatives, and choose the plan that fits your real situation. Getting connected in Japan is one of the most important first steps — and the right SIM makes everything else much easier.