Starting a new life in Japan often comes with various expenses. Renting an apartment, purchasing furniture and appliances, and various administrative fees can add up to a significant initial investment. Mobile phone contracts are no exception, typically involving device costs, contract administration fees, and SIM card issuance fees. For foreigners, these initial costs in Japanese Yen might feel unexpectedly high.

Rakuten Mobile has implemented measures to minimize initial costs, allowing foreigners beginning their life in Japan to start using mobile services smoothly while keeping their financial burden to a minimum. Compared to other mobile services, Rakuten Mobile’s low initial costs stand out, offering a major advantage for those looking to start their Japanese mobile life easily and with peace of mind.

Typical Initial Costs for Mobile Phone Contracts

When contracting with traditional Japanese mobile phone companies, the following initial costs are common:

• Contract Administration Fee: Many carriers charge an administrative fee of several thousand yen.
• SIM Card Issuance Fee: A fee of several hundred to a thousand yen is typically charged for new SIM card issuance.
• Device Price (for lump-sum purchase): Purchasing the latest smartphone outright can be expensive, ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand yen.
• MNP Transfer Fee (when switching from another company): Previously several thousand yen, this fee is now generally waived.

When these costs are combined, especially when purchasing the latest model, the initial expenses can be substantial, often straining the budget for a new life.

The Secret to Rakuten Mobile’s “Easy Start” Initial Costs

The reasons why Rakuten Mobile can offer lower initial costs compared to other companies are primarily as follows:

1. Free Contract Administration Fee and SIM Card Issuance Fee:
   At Rakuten Mobile, the contract administration fee for new contracts or switching from another company (MNP), and the SIM card issuance fee, are basically free. This is a significant factor in drastically reducing initial costs, making it highly attractive for foreigners contracting a mobile phone in Japan for the first time, as it alleviates their financial burden.
2. Campaigns and Discounts on Device Purchases:
   Rakuten Mobile regularly offers advantageous campaigns and discounts for smartphone purchases. For example, by purchasing a device simultaneously with a specific plan, you might receive substantial discounts ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of yen, or earn Rakuten Points. This makes it possible to acquire even the latest models at a more affordable price than with other companies.
3. Use of Used or SIM-Free Devices:
   Rakuten Mobile allows you to use SIM-free devices or your current smartphone (limited to compatible models). If you don’t need to purchase a new device, there are no initial costs for the device itself. Even if a new device is needed, combining it with reasonably priced devices sold by Rakuten Mobile or used devices can further reduce initial costs.
4. Utilization of Rakuten Points:
   Rakuten Points can be used not only for paying Rakuten Mobile’s monthly fees but also for various Rakuten Group services such as shopping on Rakuten Ichiba. It is also possible to use Rakuten Points earned through campaigns as part of the initial costs, further reducing actual out-of-pocket expenses.

Benefits for Foreigners from Lower Initial Costs

Lower initial costs bring significant benefits to foreigners starting a new life in Japan, beyond just saving money.

• Financial Peace of Mind: Unexpected expenses are common when living in an unfamiliar country like Japan. By reducing initial costs, you create more room in your new life budget, allowing you to start life with financial peace of mind.
• Allocation to Other Necessary Expenses: The saved initial costs can be allocated to other important living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, or language learning.
• Low Barrier to Entry for Trying Out: Even those who are unsure about Japanese mobile phone services can feel more inclined to “give it a try” due to low initial costs, making it easier to commit to a contract.

Conclusion

For foreigners starting a new life in Japan, reducing initial costs is a very important factor. Rakuten Mobile makes it possible to minimize initial costs through various methods, such as waiving contract administration and SIM card issuance fees, offering advantageous device discount campaigns, and encouraging the use of SIM-free devices.

If you wish to start your Japanese mobile life more easily and with less financial burden than with other companies, please consider Rakuten Mobile. Rakuten Mobile will fully support you in starting your new life in Japan more smoothly and with financial peace of mind.

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