Hi! It’s Sensei.
How much are you paying for your smartphone every month?
5,000 yen? Maybe even 10,000 yen?
To be honest, that is way too expensive!
Let’s switch to a cheap and fast SIM card that you can use for 1,000 to 3,000 yen per month.
“But I don’t have a credit card…”
“The Japanese contract is too difficult…”
Are you giving up because of that?
It’s okay. Today, I (Sensei) will tell you about the 3 best SIM cards for trainees that “can be contracted without a credit card (Bank Transfer or Convenience Store payment is OK).”
⚠️ Wait a minute! Are you using a “Foreigner SIM”?
In Japan, there are “Convenience Store Payment SIMs (Foreigner SIMs)” specifically for foreigners.
Many trainees use these because they say “No Japanese needed” or “Passport only is OK.”
👨🏫 Sensei does NOT recommend those SIMs.
Because the price is high and the speed is slow!
Please compare. The difference is huge.
| Foreigner SIM (Gaikokujin-yo SIM) |
Japanese SIM (Rakuten/LINEMO) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Price (Nedan / 値段) |
4,000 yen~ Expensive |
990 – 3,000 yen Cheap |
| Data (Deta / データ) |
Around 20GB | Unlimited (Mushigen / 無制限) |
| Payment (Shiharai / 支払い) |
Convenience Store (Konbini) |
Bank Account (Ginko Kouza / 銀行口座) |
You already have a Japanese Bank Account (Cash Card), right?
Then let’s get the same SIM as Japanese people and save 2,000 yen every month!
Now, I’ll announce the “Best SIMs for Trainees” ranking!
⚠️ For those who don’t want to fail the application
If you make a mistake in “Name entry” or “Address writing,” you will fail the screening. If you are worried, use this manual!
📖 See the “Application Manual” to avoid failure#1 Recommendation: Rakuten Mobile (楽天モバイル)
If you want to watch lots of videos, YouTube, and make video calls, this is the only choice.
✅ Why I recommend it
- Unlimited Data: No matter how much you use, the max is 3,278 yen (tax included). Safe even if you use too much.
- Free Calls: If you use the dedicated app, calls within Japan are free.
- Payment: Bank Transfer (Ginko Kouza Furikomi / 銀行口座振替) and Debit Cards are accepted.
⚠️ Points to watch out for
- The signal can sometimes be weak inside buildings (though it has improved a lot now).
If you want to watch YouTube without worrying about data, Rakuten Mobile is the strongest. The application process is also simple.
#2 Recommendation: LINEMO (ラインモ)
It uses Softbank’s network, so the signal is great and fast.
And “LINE” is unlimited for everyone who loves it!
✅ Why I recommend it
- LINE Giga Free: LINE calls and video calls don’t consume any data (0GB).
- Fast: The internet moves smoothly even during lunch breaks or at night.
- Payment: You can pay with your PayPay (ペイペイ) balance! Of course, bank transfer is also OK.
⚠️ Points to watch out for
- All procedures are done online (there are no physical shops).
If you always use LINE video calls to contact your family, LINEMO is recommended. Paying with PayPay is also very convenient.
#3 Recommendation: ahamo (アハモ)
If you want to use docomo’s network, this is it.
It’s amazing that you can use the internet as it is without extra charges when you go abroad (Vietnam, Indonesia, etc.)!
✅ Why I recommend it
- Free International Roaming: When you go home temporarily, you can use your phone as soon as you arrive at the airport.
- Stable docomo: There are almost no places where you can’t get a signal.
- Payment: Bank Transfer (Ginko Kouza Furikomi) is possible.
The price is a bit higher (from 2,970 yen), but you can use up to 20GB, and not having to swap SIMs when going home is a relief.
What you need for the contract (Preparation)
Before applying, prepare these items.
- 1. Residence Card (Zairyu Card / 在留カード)
※Please check if the address matches your current home. - 2. Bank Cash Card or Passbook (Tsucho / 通帳)
※Yucho Bank (Japan Post Bank) is also OK! - 3. Your current smartphone
※Check if “SIM Lock Removal” (SIM Rokku Kaijo) is done.
Summary: You’re losing money if you don’t apply now!
If you think “it looks hard, maybe next time…”, you’ll end up paying a high phone bill again next month.
That’s a real waste!
The application takes about 10 minutes from your smartphone.
If you get stuck, try doing it while using a translation app.
Choose the SIM that fits you and save money wisely!
- 📺 For unlimited data 👉 Rakuten Mobile
- 💬 For heavy LINE users 👉 LINEMO
- ✈️ For use during temporary visits home 👉 ahamo
😥 Worried about the application?
If you’re afraid of “errors during name entry” or “failing the screening,” use this manual!
📖 See the “Manual for Successful Application”!
