
For foreigners starting a new life in Japan, securing communication methods is extremely important. In particular, choosing smart call options is essential for staying in touch with family and friends far away. This time, we will thoroughly compare Rakuten Mobile’s call options and introduce how to use all-you-can-call and international calls affordably.
Rakuten Mobile’s Basic Call Charges and Domestic All-You-Can-Call Options
One of Rakuten Mobile’s major attractions is that by using its dedicated app “Rakuten Link,” domestic calls become all-you-can-call for free. For foreigners, this significantly lowers the hurdle for daily communication, such as contacting Japanese friends and colleagues or making reservations at restaurants.
However, there are some exceptions, such as when not using the Rakuten Link app or when calling landlines. In such cases, the domestic call charge is 22 yen per 30 seconds. If you are concerned about the call quality via the Rakuten Link app, or if you want a more stable call environment, you might consider the “10-Minute All-You-Can-Call Option” for 1,100 yen per month or the “Complete All-You-Can-Call Option” for 1,650 yen per month. These options also cover calls made via regular phone lines without the Rakuten Link app, allowing you to use them with peace of mind in a wider range of situations.
How to Use International Calls Affordably
For foreigners who frequently want to contact family and friends overseas, international call charges are a particular concern. Rakuten Mobile offers several ways to use international calls affordably.
1. International Calls via Rakuten Link App
By using the Rakuten Link app, international calls to some countries and regions are free and all-you-can-call. The target countries are very extensive, covering over 100 countries, including major nations. This means that many foreigners may be able to make free calls to their families and friends in their home countries.
Please check the Rakuten Mobile official website for a list of target countries and regions.
2. International All-You-Can-Call Option
If you make international calls to countries/regions not covered by the Rakuten Link app’s free calls, or if you desire more stable call quality, you can consider using the “International All-You-Can-Call Option.” This option costs 980 yen per month and allows for all-you-can-call international calls to eligible countries.
The eligible countries may differ from those covered by the Rakuten Link app’s free calls, so it’s important to choose based on your call frequency and the recipient’s country/region.
3. International Call Rate Plans
Even without subscribing to an option, Rakuten Mobile offers relatively reasonable international call rates. While rates vary by destination country/region, you can typically make calls to major countries for a few yen to tens of yen per minute.
If you don’t make international calls frequently but want to be prepared for when you do, this standard rate plan might be sufficient.
Summary: Find the Perfect Call Option for You!
Rakuten Mobile offers a variety of call options, from domestic to international, to help foreigners enrich their lives in Japan.
- Domestic calls are free and all-you-can-call with the Rakuten Link app!
- For more stable domestic calls, consider the “All-You-Can-Call Option.”
- For family and friends overseas, utilize Rakuten Link app’s free international calls!
- For countries/regions not covered by free calls, use the “International All-You-Can-Call Option” or standard rate plans.
Choose the best option according to your calling style and needs, and enjoy a fulfilling communication life in Japan!




