We know that the three major mainstream mobile carriers in Japan are Docomo, SoftBank, and AU, collectively known as the "Big Three." For individuals working or studying in Japan, it is customary to sign a contract with one of these carriers to use mobile services for calls and internet, typically costing a minimum of 7,000 yen per month. This undoubtedly constitutes a significant expense for foreigners with limited funds, especially when much of the allocated talk time and data in the plans go unused.
However, beyond these three major carriers, there are more affordable and convenient options in the form of budget SIM cards.
The term "Low-cost" in Japanese translates to "cheap," signifying Low-cost SIM cards in Japan. The operators of these Low-cost SIM cards are known as MVNO operators (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), and after years of development, there are now over 20 well-known MVNOs in Japan. Among them, 95% utilize the Docomo signal, with notable ones such as Umobile and Rocket Mobile, while a few, like Mineo, operate based on KDDI(AU)'s infrastructure.
Budget SIM cards can generally be classified into data-only cards and voice-and-data cards. The former provides only data without a phone number, limiting its use to internet services. On the other hand, the latter includes a fixed phone number for calls and texts in addition to internet access. Both types of cards can be directly inserted into unlocked phones for immediate use.
Benefits of Low-cost SIM Cards Compared to the Big Three:
1. Affordable Prices
According to data from the Japan MMD Research Institute, the average monthly cost for users of the Big Three is 8,913 yen, while the average monthly cost for users of budget SIM cards is 3,841 yen. On average, this results in a monthly savings of 5,072 yen for consumers, amounting to a yearly savings of 60,864 yen!
2. Flexibility in Options
Low-cost SIM cards are generally divided into "Data SIM Cards" and "Voice SIM Cards":
- Data SIM cards lack SMS and voice functionality and are solely for internet data usage. However, you can still make calls through apps like Line and Messenger.
- Voice SIM cards, in addition to data, provide voice call and SMS capabilities. Depending on individual needs, users can freely choose the corresponding plan.
How to Apply for a Low-cost SIM Card in Japan
- Analyze Budget and Usage: Assess personal budget constraints and data/voice usage.
- Prepare an Unlocked Phone: Acquire a SIM-free phone or purchase a SIM card and phone together from an MVNO.
- Select a Budget SIM Company: Find a Affordable SIM provider, register, and choose a suitable plan.
- Use a Credit Card: Have a credit card ready for registration and use with the Affordable SIM card.
Considerations When Applying for a Low-cost SIM Card in Japan
- Some Low-cost SIM cards accept international credit cards, while others may require a Japanese credit card.
- Voice call charges for budget cards may be relatively expensive; for example, UQmobile charges 20 yen per minute. However, most MVNOs offer options for unlimited calls within 5 or 10 minutes.
3. Many Low-cost SIM cards implement speed restrictions after exceeding the allocated data limit. For instance, UQmobile's 20GB plan imposes a speed limit of 1 Mbps once the 20GB threshold is surpassed.
4. Low-cost SIM cards may experience less than optimal internet speeds during peak hours. This is because most budget SIM cards lease equipment from the Big Three carriers, and during peak times, priority is given to the network speed of these major carriers. At such times, the speed of budget SIM cards is inevitably sacrificed.
5. When obtaining only a SIM card for one's existing phone, it's crucial to confirm whether the selected MVNO provider is compatible with the device. Almost all MVNO providers list "Compatible Devices" in the main menu on their homepage. Generally, SIM-free phones are compatible with almost all MVNO cards, while carrier-customized phones (e.g., from the Big Three) may require unlocking by the carrier before using a budget SIM card.
Japan Low-cost SIM card comparison and recommendation
| MVNO | Minimal Data (month) | Data-Only SIM Card | Voice and Data SIM Card |
| UQ Mobile | 3GB | 1078円~ | 1,628円~ |
| Rakuten Mobile | 0GB | x | 1078円~ |
| J:COM Mobile | 5GB | x | 980円~ |
| ahamo | 20GB | x | 2970円~ |
| NURO Mobile | 3GB | 627円~ | 792円~ |
| 3GB | x | 2178円~ | |
| IIJmio | 2GB | 440円~ | 530円~ |
| excite | 0GB（低速） | 385円~ | 495円~ |
| LINEMO | 3GB | x | 990円~ |
| HIS Mobile | 100MB~ | 440円~ | 550円~ |
For detailed introductions to major Low-cost SIM cards, please refer to the following:
- A Beginner’s Guide to Rakuten Mobile: Prices, Reviews, and How to Apply
- 【2023】Detailed Introduction and Application Guide for ahamo! Japan Docomo's Low-Cost SIM Card
- Best Guide for J:COM Mobile! Low-Cost SIM Card at 1,078円/month
If you are troubled by the high monthly mobile phone expenses and are considering which Japanese SIM card suits your needs, you can compare and choose the appropriate plan. I believe you will save a considerable amount of money!
