Useful Information

How to buy a SIM card

2022.11.25

How to buy a SIM card

SIM card is a card to insert to a devise such as smartphone or tablet. You can make a phone call, use the Internet and use SMS functions by inserting SIM card to your devise. Let’s learn how to buy SIM card in Japan!

What you need in order to buy a SIM card

You can buy SIM card at mobile career’s shops or on the Internet. In order to buy a SIM card, you need your identification card and credit card. If you make a contract at the shop, you will need your e-mail address. If you want to use the same phone number as your previous devise, you will need to show the MNP number.

  • Identification Card

You can use driver’s license, medical insurance certificate or residence card as an identification card. These days, Passport does not have address column, so you may not be able to use Passport as a proof of your identity.

  • Credit card

Generally, you will have to make a payment by using a credit card.

SIM cards are also available to buy at convenience stores or home appliance stores

You can buy a SIM card at convenience stores or home appliance stores such as Yodobashi Camera.

Advantage of buying a SIM card at a convenience store or a home appliance store

  • You can use it immediately.

If you buy a SIM card at a mobile career’s shop or on the Internet, it will take a few days to get it. However, if you buy a SIM card at a convenience store or a home appliance store, you can use it immediately. In the former case, you will make a payment after receiving the SIM card. In the latter case, you will make a payment in advance.

Disadvantage of buying a SIM card at a convenience store or a home appliance store

  • It might be expensive.

Although convenience stores or home appliance stores are useful because you can use it immediately, it might be expensive. If you will stay in Japan for long period, I recommend to use a SIM card at mobile career’s stores.

SIM cards which do not require credit card when you buy it

Credit card may not be necessary when you buy a product provided by so-called “reasonable SIM” sold by such as Rakuten mobile or Y!mobile. In that case, if you have a bank account or a debit card, you can make a contract.

  • Please refer to these articles too.

5 points that we should be careful when purchasing a mobile phone in Japan
https://social-b.net/baiyu/en/keitai20211004en/

Tips for cheapening monthly payment of smartphone (Japanese article)
https://social-b.net/baiyu/getsugakuryoukin0702jp/

Tips for buying a smartphone cheaply
https://social-b.net/baiyu/en/buyingasmartphonecheaply20220618en/