Best SIM Card in Japan for Foreigners (2026): Top 4 Compared, No Credit Card Needed
CEO / Native Japanese Expert
Updated on: June 22, 2026
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Last updated: June 22, 2026
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- •The best SIM card in Japan for foreigners, compared: GTN Mobile, Rakuten, Mobal, and Sakura — with no credit card required and English support.
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Quick answer: For most foreigners in Japan in 2026, the best SIM card is GTN Mobile — it is the only major provider that accepts convenience-store payment with no credit card, no bank account, and no deposit, and offers support in 13 languages. If you want unlimited data and speak Japanese, choose Rakuten Mobile. If you want an English-only experience for a short stay, choose Mobal.
Last updated: 2026-06-11
Moving to Japan brings an immediate "chicken and egg" problem: you need a phone number to open a bank account, but you usually need a bank account (or a Japanese credit card) to get a phone number.
If you walk into a major Japanese carrier (Docomo, SoftBank, au) without a Japanese credit card or a long-term visa, you will likely be rejected.
In this guide, we compare the top 4 SIM card providers specifically for foreign residents in 2026. We analyzed price, language support, and — most importantly — ease of application.
Top Pick for 2026: GTN Mobile
Get a Japanese phone number in 10 minutes. No credit card required. 13-language support.
Which SIM should you choose? (30-second decision)
- Just arrived, no credit card, no bank account → GTN Mobile (convenience-store payment, ¥0 deposit)
- Heavy data user, fluent in Japanese, has a credit card → Rakuten Mobile (unlimited data, lowest standalone price)
- Short stay (under ~90 days), wants everything in English → Mobal
- Wants premium Docomo coverage and strong English support, can pay a deposit or by card → Sakura Mobile
Setting up your phone is Day-1 of our First Week in Japan Checklist — a SIM comes before your bank account, city-office registration, and apartment setup.
Quick Comparison: The Top 4 Contenders
We compared GTN Mobile, Rakuten Mobile, Mobal, and Sakura Mobile. Here is the breakdown for long-term residents.
| Feature | GTN Mobile (Winner) | Rakuten Mobile | Mobal | Sakura Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Overall Best | Heavy Data Users | English-only | Quality Seekers |
| Network | Multi-Carrier | Rakuten | SoftBank | Docomo |
| Monthly Cost | ¥650 ~ ¥3,498* | ¥1,078 ~ ¥3,278 | ¥1,650 ~ | ¥3,278 ~ |
| Binding | None | None | None | None |
| Payment | Conbini / Bank / Card | Card / Bank (Fee) | Card / PayPal | Card / Smart Pit |
| Deposit | None | None | None | ¥20,000 (Cash) |
| Support | 13 Languages | Japanese | English | English |
*Price with set discounts applied.
1. GTN Mobile: The "Life-Saver" for New Arrivals
The only provider that accepts 'Convenience Store Payment' without a massive deposit. Perfect for your first SIM in Japan.
GTN Mobile is designed specifically to solve the "foreigner verification" problem. They understand you might not have a Japanese credit card yet.
Why it wins:
- Payment Flexibility: You can pay your bill at a convenience store (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) or via auto-deduction from a bank account later. No credit card needed.
- Plan Variety:
- Eazy Plan (Docomo): Starts at 1,200 JPY/month (3GB). If you bundle with GTN Hikari (Home Internet) and pay with a GTN EPOS Card, this drops to 650 JPY/month.
- 5G Unlimited (Rakuten): 3,498 JPY for unlimited data. Includes 2GB of free overseas roaming, which is huge for short trips back home.
- 13-Language Support: If you have trouble, you can chat in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Nepali, etc..
💡 Money Saving Hack: Japan Life Hack: How to Lower Your Phone Bill to ¥650/Month (The GTN Ecosystem) Stop paying ¥7,000 for your phone. Learn the 'GTN Ecosystem' hack to bundle your SIM, Credit Card, and Internet to pay only ¥650/month.
The Downside:
- The "Eazy Plan" is incredibly cheap, but it runs on the LTE network (not 5G), which is fine for browsing but slower than the "Unlimited" plan.
Check GTN Mobile Plans
Apply with just your Residence Card. No bank account needed to start.
2. Rakuten Mobile: The "Aggressive" Challenger
Rakuten Mobile has disrupted the market with its pricing.
Why consider it:
- Pricing: Their "Saikyo Plan" caps at 3,278 JPY (tax included) for unlimited data.
- Rakuten Link App: Unlimited domestic calls for free if you use their dedicated app.
The Reality Check (Why it's #2):
- Strict KYC: Rakuten uses AI verification. Many foreigners report getting rejected due to slight mismatches in name order on their Residence Card.
- Support: If you have a technical issue, support is almost entirely in Japanese.
- Payment: To buy a phone in installments, you strictly need a credit card.
⚖️ Read the Full Comparison: GTN Mobile vs. Rakuten Mobile: Which is Actually Better for Foreigners? (2026 Review) Honest comparison of GTN Mobile and Rakuten Mobile. We analyze price, coverage, and the 'Application Trap' that rejects 70% of foreigners.
3. Mobal: The "English-First" Option
Mobal is a British company famous among the teacher/JET community.
Why consider it:
- Simplicity: Their website is natively English, not translated Japanese.
- Voice Lite Plan: They have a plan for 990 JPY if you just need a phone number (minimal data).
The Downside:
- Data Costs: Their data plans are generally more expensive per GB than GTN or Rakuten.
- Payment: They rely heavily on Credit Cards or PayPal. Cash payment is not a standard option for long-term SIMs.
4. Sakura Mobile: The High-Quality Premium
Sakura Mobile runs on the Docomo network, offering excellent coverage.
Why consider it:
- Reliability: Uses the robust Docomo network.
- Community: Very strong reputation for helpful English support.
The Dealbreaker:
- The Deposit: If you want to pay by cash (Smart Pit) because you don't have a credit card, Sakura Mobile requires a 20,000 JPY deposit.
- In contrast, GTN Mobile allows cash payment with 0 JPY deposit.
Verdict: Which SIM Should You Choose?
- Choose GTN Mobile if: You just arrived, have no credit card, no bank account, and want the smoothest application process with multi-language support. (Recommended)
- Choose Rakuten Mobile if: You speak Japanese fluently, have a credit card, and want unlimited data at the lowest standalone price.
- Choose Mobal if: You are here for a short stay (less than 90 days) and want an English interface.
Pro Tip: You can switch from GTN's 'Convenience Store Pay' to 'Bank Withdrawal' later once your bank account is open. It's the safest bridge for your first 3-6 months.
FAQ: SIM Cards for Foreigners in Japan
Can I get a SIM card in Japan without a credit card?
Yes. GTN Mobile accepts convenience-store payment with no deposit, so you can sign up with just your Residence Card. Sakura Mobile also accepts cash via Smart Pit, but requires a ¥20,000 deposit.
What do I need to apply for a SIM card as a foreigner?
For long-term (voice + number) SIMs, you generally need your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and a payment method. Some providers also ask for a Japanese address. If you don't have a Residence Card yet, see our guide to SIM cards without a residence card.
Which SIM card has the best English support?
Mobal and Sakura Mobile operate natively in English. GTN Mobile supports 13 languages including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepali. Rakuten Mobile's support is almost entirely in Japanese.
Can I keep my number if I switch providers later?
Yes. Japan supports MNP (Mobile Number Portability), so you can move your number — for example from a starter SIM to a cheaper plan once you have a Japanese credit card.
Is a tourist eSIM enough if I'm moving to Japan?
No. Data-only tourist eSIMs don't include a Japanese phone number, which you need for a bank account, apartment contracts, and many apps. Residents should get a voice SIM from a provider in this comparison.
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※ The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. Laws and regulations may change, so please always check official sources for the latest information. We assume no liability for any damages resulting from the content of this article.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get a SIM card in Japan without a credit card?
A: Yes. GTN Mobile accepts convenience-store payment with no deposit, so you can sign up with just your Residence Card. Sakura Mobile also accepts cash via Smart Pit, but requires a ¥20,000 deposit.
Q: What do I need to apply for a SIM card as a foreigner?
A: For long-term (voice + number) SIMs, you generally need your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and a payment method. Some providers also ask for a Japanese address.
Q: Which SIM card has the best English support?
A: Mobal and Sakura Mobile operate natively in English. GTN Mobile supports 13 languages including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepali. Rakuten Mobile's support is almost entirely in Japanese.
Q: Can I keep my number if I switch providers later?
A: Yes. Japan supports MNP (Mobile Number Portability), so you can move your number — for example from a starter SIM to a cheaper plan once you have a Japanese credit card.
Q: Is a tourist eSIM enough if I'm moving to Japan?
A: No. Data-only tourist eSIMs don't include a Japanese phone number, which you need for a bank account, apartment contracts, and many apps. Residents should get a voice SIM.