For foreigners, signing up for a mobile phone contract in Japan can often be daunting, not just because of complex pricing plans, but also due to anxieties about cancellation procedures and penalty fees. Especially for those considering future cancellation, such as upon the end of their study period, returning to their home country, or switching to another carrier, the ease of cancellation is a crucial factor when choosing a mobile provider.

Rakuten Mobile has earned high praise from many users for the “ease of its cancellation process.” This article provides a thorough explanation of why Rakuten Mobile’s cancellation is easy, along with key points and specific procedures that foreigners should be aware of.

Why Rakuten Mobile’s “No Contractual Lock-in” Makes Cancellation Easy

The biggest reason why Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten Saikyo Plan” is easy to cancel is that there are no contractual lock-in periods and absolutely no cancellation penalty fees.

No Contractual Lock-in Period:

• Many Japanese mobile carriers typically set contract periods like “2-year contracts” or “3-year contracts,” and it was common for high penalty fees to be incurred if you cancelled midway through the period. However, Rakuten Mobile has no such contractual lock-in periods.

Zero Cancellation Penalty Fees:

• Since there is no contract period, no penalty fees are incurred regardless of when you cancel. This provides significant peace of mind for foreigners whose future plans may be uncertain, or for those who want to try the service casually.

This “no contractual lock-in” feature fundamentally makes Rakuten Mobile’s cancellation process simple and stress-free.

Rakuten Mobile Cancellation Procedures Can Be Completed Online!

Rakuten Mobile’s cancellation procedures can be easily performed online via My Rakuten Mobile (website or app). There’s no need to visit a physical store or submit complex documents.

Steps for Cancellation:

1. Log in to My Rakuten Mobile: Log in with your Rakuten ID and password.
2. Go to the “Contract Plan” page: Select your current contract plan from the menu.
3. Select “Cancellation” from “Various Procedures”: Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the “Cancellation” process.
4. Confirm and agree to important notes: Important notes regarding cancellation (e.g., charges for the cancellation month, services that will become unavailable) will be displayed. Please review them carefully and agree.
5. Select cancellation reason and complete the procedure: Select the cancellation reason by answering a simple survey, and complete the process after a final confirmation.

Key Points of the Procedure:

• Available 24/7: You can perform the procedure at your convenience.
• Multilingual Support: Parts of My Rakuten Mobile are multilingual, allowing those who are not fluent in Japanese to proceed relatively smoothly.
• No SIM Card Return Required: In principle, you do not need to return the SIM card after cancellation (please dispose of it yourself).

Important Considerations and Checks During Cancellation

Even though cancellation is easy, there are a few points to keep in mind.

Charges for the Cancellation Month:

• The monthly fee for the cancellation month will be charged in full, not prorated. Since the charge is the same regardless of when in the month you cancel, it’s recommended to cancel closer to the end of the month.

Expiration of Rakuten Points:

• Limited-time Rakuten Points accumulated through Rakuten Mobile usage may expire after cancellation. Consider using them up before cancelling.

Confirmation of Ancillary Services:

• Optional services subscribed to at the time of Rakuten Mobile contract (e.g., device compensation, security services) will also be cancelled simultaneously. Individual procedures may be necessary in some cases.

In Case of MNP Transfer:

• If you wish to transfer your phone number to another carrier (MNP transfer), you need to issue an MNP reservation number instead of proceeding with cancellation. Communicate the issued reservation number to your new carrier to complete the transfer process.

Summary: Rakuten Mobile is a Reassuring Choice for Foreigners

Rakuten Mobile is a communication service that foreigners can use with peace of mind and easily cancel when needed, thanks to its lack of contractual lock-in periods and cancellation penalty fees. Its simple online procedures and multilingual support system are significant advantages for those who feel anxious about language barriers and complex procedures.

If you wish for a smooth transition without stress over changing communication environments, even if your life in Japan changes, Rakuten Mobile is truly a “reassuring” choice. We encourage you to experience the freedom of Rakuten Mobile’s “no contractual lock-in.”

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