1. Smartphone Contracts in Japan: Common Concerns for Foreign Residents

When you start a new life in Japan, getting a smartphone is often a top priority. However, Japan’s smartphone contract system can differ significantly from your home country, leading to various questions and anxieties for foreign residents. Let’s look at the common points of concern.

1.1. Complex Pricing Plans and the Language Barrier

Japanese mobile carriers often have intricate pricing plans with numerous discounts and conditions. Understanding these details in Japanese can be challenging, leading to worries like, “Is this plan really right for me?” or “Are there any hidden costs?”

1.2. Contract Hurdles and Required Documents

Many worry about questions such as, “Can I get a contract if my period of stay is short?” or “What if I don’t have a Japanese credit card?” Concerns about required documents and the screening process are common, especially for newcomers who might not yet have a Japanese bank account or credit card.

1.3. High Initial and Monthly Costs

Moving to a new country often involves many expenses. Therefore, minimizing smartphone device costs, initial fees, and monthly charges is a common desire. International call rates to your home country and roaming fees for temporary visits abroad are also important considerations.

1.4. Support System for Issues and Questions

If problems or questions arise after signing a contract, foreign residents often worry about their ability to communicate effectively in Japanese or whether multilingual support is available. This is a critical factor for many.

2. Why is Rakuten Mobile Recommended for Foreign Residents? 5 Reasons

Rakuten Mobile offers numerous benefits specifically tailored for foreign residents in Japan.

2.1. Simple and Easy-to-Understand Pricing Plan!

Rakuten Mobile’s pricing plan, “Rakuten SAiKYO Plan,” is straightforward. It’s a tiered system where your monthly fee adjusts based on your data usage, so you only pay for what you use. This simplicity, without complex discount conditions, is a major advantage for those who may not be fluent in Japanese.

2.2. Unlimited Data Usage (Conditions Apply)!

Within Rakuten’s network service area, data usage is unlimited without increasing your maximum monthly fee. This provides significant peace of mind, allowing you to make video calls to your home country or gather information in Japan without worrying about data limits.

2.3. Multilingual Support Available!

Rakuten Mobile offers customer support in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Having access to support in your native language when you need help is a strong advantage for foreign residents.

2.4. Diverse Payment Methods Available!

Rakuten Mobile supports various payment methods for monthly fees, including credit cards, debit cards, and bank account direct debit. This means you can confidently proceed with a contract even if you don’t have a Japanese credit card immediately after arriving in Japan.

2.5. Earn and Use Rakuten Points!

By using Rakuten Mobile, you’ll earn Rakuten Points. These points can be used to pay your monthly fees or device costs, as well as for shopping on Rakuten Ichiba and other services within the Rakuten Group. This can make your life in Japan more economical.

3. Rakuten Mobile: Strengths and Considerations for Device Installment Payments

Many people want a new smartphone but find an upfront lump-sum payment challenging. Rakuten Mobile offers options for purchasing devices in installments.

3.1. [Strength] Installment Payments Available with Rakuten Card

One of the primary ways to purchase a device in installments with Rakuten Mobile is by using a Rakuten Card.

• Using Rakuten Card: If you have a Rakuten Card, you can select installment payments when purchasing a device on the Rakuten Mobile website or at a store.
• Rakuten Point Rewards: Paying with a Rakuten Card allows you to earn more Rakuten Points, which can be used across various Rakuten Group services.
• Device Lineup: Rakuten Mobile offers a wide range of devices, from the latest iPhones to Android smartphones.

3.2. [Consideration] New Rakuten Card Issuance and Alternative Purchase Options

If you do not have a Rakuten Card, you may need to apply for a new one. The issuance of a Rakuten Card is subject to a screening process.

• Rakuten Card Screening: Rakuten Card’s screening criteria are not publicly disclosed, but the process evaluates each applicant’s situation. Card issuance is not guaranteed.
• Rakuten Mobile does not offer device installment payment methods other than through Rakuten Card.
• If you do not have a Rakuten Card or your application is not approved:
  • You can purchase the device in a lump sum.
  • You can purchase a SIM-free device separately and only contract for Rakuten Mobile’s SIM service.
  • As Rakuten Mobile’s monthly fees can be paid via debit card or bank account direct debit, you can still use Rakuten Mobile by purchasing your device upfront.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I sign a contract if I don’t speak much Japanese?

Yes, you can. Rakuten Mobile offers multilingual online support and has staff available in some stores, so you can consult with them confidently.

Q2: What documents are required for a contract?

Mainly your “Residence Card (or Special Permanent Resident Certificate),” “identification document (driver’s license, passport, etc.),” and “payment method details (credit card, debit card, or bank account information)” are required. Please check the official website or contact support for more details.

Q3: Can I make international calls cheaply?

By using Rakuten Mobile’s dedicated app, “Rakuten Link,” you can make international calls from Japan to many countries for free or at low rates.

Q4: Is a Rakuten Card always necessary for device installment payments?

For device installment payments with Rakuten Mobile, using a Rakuten Card is the primary method. If you don’t have a Rakuten Card, you can pay your monthly fees via debit card or bank account direct debit and purchase your device in a lump sum.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Convenient Smartphone Life in Japan with Rakuten Mobile!

For foreign residents in Japan, Rakuten Mobile offers numerous benefits: “simple and easy-to-understand pricing,” “flexible plans based on data usage,” “multilingual support,” and “diverse payment methods.” Especially for those who frequently contact their home country or gather information, Rakuten Mobile’s Rakuten SAiKYO Plan is an optimal choice.

With a Rakuten Card, purchasing a new smartphone in installments can be a smooth process. If you’re feeling uneasy about signing a smartphone contract in Japan, we encourage you to consider Rakuten Mobile.

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