Can Tourists Apply for a Japanese Mobile Number?
Japan is a dream destination for many, whether it's to enjoy the beautiful scenery, experience the unique culture, or savor the delicious food. However, for short-term visitors, mobile communication is an essential issue that cannot be ignored. So, as a short-term visitor, can you apply for a mobile SIM card that allows you to make calls in Japan? The answer is, no, you cannot.
No, You Cannot Apply for a Call-Enabled SIM Card
In Japan, applying for a SIM card that allows you to make calls requires personal identification, which is a relatively strict process. Japanese telecom companies require applicants to provide proof of long-term residency, such as a Residence Card and a Japanese address. This means that only long-term residents who hold these documents can apply for a call-enabled SIM card. For short-term visitors, these documents are obviously not available, so it is impossible to apply for such a SIM card.
Proof of Long-Term Residency is Required
Specifically, applying for a call-enabled SIM card not only requires a Residence Card but also a valid Japanese address. This is because Japanese telecom companies have strict identity verification requirements to prevent illegal activities and protect user rights. Therefore, short-term visitors in Japan cannot meet these requirements and thus cannot successfully apply.
Alternatives: Unlimited Data SIM Cards and Communication Apps
Although short-term visitors cannot apply for a call-enabled SIM card, there are still other practical alternatives. The most common option is to purchase an unlimited data SIM card in Japan. This type of SIM card can provide a large amount of data, allowing you to stay connected to the internet anytime, anywhere. By using communication apps such as WhatsApp or LINE, you can easily make voice and video calls without the need for a traditional phone number.
These communication apps are not only easy to use but also mostly free, requiring only an internet connection. Therefore, buying an unlimited data SIM card and using communication apps to make calls is undoubtedly a convenient and cost-effective option.
Recommended: CDJapan Rental Unlimited Data SIM Cards
CDJapan Rental offers the following Japanese SIM card plans, and they can use 5G networks (*):
- 30GB/8 days: 3,200 yen
- 50GB/16 days: 3,900 yen
- 50GB/31 days: 4,900 yen
- Unlimited/17 days: 5,000 yen
- Unlimited/32 days: 6,000 yen
| Japanese SIM Card Plans | Suitable For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30GB/8 days | This SIM card is perfect if you are traveling in Japan for a short time. 30GB of data is enough for 8 days of free usage. | 3200 yen |
| 50GB/16 days | Ideal for a two-week trip, ensuring enough data for daily use and emergency needs. | 3900 yen |
| 50GB/31 days | More suitable for longer trips and travelers with higher internet needs. | 4900 yen |
| Unlimited Data/17 days | Perfect for short-term high-intensity usage, such as a lot of video calls and HD video streaming. | 5000 yen |
| Unlimited Data/32 days | If your stay in Japan is longer or you have a high internet demand (such as frequently uploading large files or working online for long periods), this plan is perfect for you. | 6000 yen |
Check out all the Japanese SIM cards:
Mobile WiFi Devices and SMS-Enabled SIM Cards
If you find that the data is not enough or if you need to share data with multiple devices, renting a mobile WiFi device is a good choice. A mobile WiFi device can provide a stable internet connection and can connect multiple devices simultaneously, making it very suitable for families or small groups. This way, you can easily solve the need for multi-device internet access.
We recommend CDJapan Rental's high-speed unlimited WiFi, which starts at 372 yen per day. The price is affordable and cost-effective:
High-speed Unlimited WiFi Short-term Plan
Additionally, if you only need to send text messages, you can consider using the SMS-enabled Japanese SIM card provided by CDJapan Rental. This type of SIM card offers 25GB of high-speed data per month, which can meet your daily internet needs and conveniently send text messages, making it an ideal choice for short-term travel.
Conclusion
In summary, short-term visitors in Japan cannot apply for a call-enabled SIM card because it requires proof of long-term residency. However, this does not mean that short-term travelers cannot communicate conveniently. By purchasing an unlimited data SIM card and using communication apps, or renting a mobile WiFi device and using an SMS-enabled SIM card, you can still stay connected during your trip and enjoy a wonderful journey. I hope these suggestions can help you easily solve communication problems during your trip to Japan and enjoy every moment of your journey.
