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CompareSIM cards you can get with just a residence card
The short answer
Pick a SIM for foreign residents that you can sign up for without a credit card or bank account. Support in your own language helps when something goes wrong.
Common problems for students
- No credit card
- A bank account needs a phone number, but some SIMs need a bank account
- Contracts and explanations are in Japanese
How to choose
| Point | What to check |
|---|---|
| Payment | Overseas cards, debit cards or convenience store payment accepted? |
| Language | Support in Nepali or Vietnamese? |
| Contract | No minimum term or cancellation fee? |
| Phone number | Voice plan (needed for banks and school procedures)? |
Options
- WiLD SIM: made for foreign residents. At launch in 2022 it had guides in 10 languages, took questions in more than 50, and cost ¥5,500 a month (announcement). Check the current price before you sign up.
- Sakura Mobile: English support, overseas cards accepted, no 2-year contract (official).
- GTN Mobile: pay by bank transfer or at a convenience store, not only by card. Support in English, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Nepali, and you can apply before you arrive (MATCHA).
Our pick · PR
Lyprimo (prepaid SIM)
See Lyprimo plans- Prepaid, no long contract
- Can be used the same day
Never do this
- Never sell or give away a SIM in your name. Handing a SIM contracted in your name to someone else is illegal in Japan, and if it is used for crime you will be suspected.
- Ignore social media posts like "we buy SIMs" or "lend us your name".
Next step
Sending money to Nepal and Vietnam compared
Use a licensed remittance service and compare by how much your family actually receives. Don't choose by a "no fee" label alone.
Read the guide