What is ahamo?
ahamo is a low-cost SIM card launched by Docomo on March 26, 2021. Currently, more than 3 million people have switched to ahamo from Docomo or other carriers.
ahamo offers 20GB of data capacity for a monthly price of 2,970 yen. In this article, we will introduce the plans and application guide for ahamo SIM cards.
ahamo official website: https://ahamo.com/
What Are the Advantages of ahamo?
1. Affordable Pricing
One of the key advantages of ahamo is its ability to offer a large amount of data at an affordable price, making it ideal for young users.
With ahamo, you can get 20GB of data for just 2,970 yen per month, and you can make unlimited 5-minute domestic calls within Japan at no additional cost.
2. Simple Plans with Zero Initial and Cancellation Fees:
ahamo offers straightforward plans with only two options: 20GB and 100GB of data. This simplicity saves you time when choosing a plan. Additionally, many low-cost SIM cards have initial and cancellation fees, but ahamo does not charge these fees, allowing you to focus on your monthly payments.
3. Stable Communication Quality Using Docomo's Network
ahamo is a subsidiary brand of Docomo, which means it uses Docomo's network infrastructure. Compared to other budget SIM cards, ahamo offers a more cost-effective option while providing stable and high-speed communication. Since ahamo uses the same network and coverage areas as Docomo, you can expect consistent speeds and reliability.
4. Earn d Points for Spendin
ahamo frequently hosts various collaboration events, such as sports events, anime, and Disney-related promotions, which are announced on their official website. Participating in these events allows you to earn d Points (dポイント), which have a wide range of uses. You can use d Points for shopping at various stores, including 7-11, FamilyMart, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Mercari, Amazon, McDonald's, and even for paying your ahamo SIM card monthly fees, making it a convenient perk for users.
Precautions Before Applying for ahamo
1. Ensure Phone Compatibility
If you have an au or Softbank contract phone acquired before September 2021 and wish to use ahamo, you may need to unlock your SIM card first.
Phones brought from overseas to Japan generally work with ahamo without issues.
Some phones lacking technical compliance marks may violate Japanese radio laws and may not be able to connect to Docomo's network.
ahamo offers both nanoSIM and eSIM options. While eSIM activation is quicker, it involves more procedures. Generally, nanoSIM is the preferred choice.
Consider Eligibility for d Points Activities when Switching from Docomo to ahamo:
Since ahamo is a subsidiary of NTT Docomo, similar to Docomo, participating in many activities may not make you eligible for earning d Points.
Therefore, before applying for ahamo, confirm whether Docomo users are also eligible and go through the ahamo activation process if required for specific activities.
3. Be Aware of the Timeframe to Receive d Points
Even if you are eligible for activities and apply for ahamo, it may take a considerable amount of time to actually receive d Points. You will receive d Points as early as the next month or as late as six months, depending on the specific activity.
If you are unsure, contact the official chat support for confirmation ahamo Chat Support:
https://ahamo.com/chat/index.html (available from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, year-round).
Here are some reference times for earning d Points through ahamo activities:
| Twenty-Three Temples Koshien 2023 x ahamo MNP Event | Starting from late September 2023, points will be awarded sequentially. |
| ahamo Hikari｜Released in July 2023 | Points will be awarded 4 months after the month of activation. |
| Enjoy Disney+ with ahamo Activity | Points will be awarded at the end of the second month after meeting the eligibility criteria. |
| Bakuji Selection | Points will be awarded in the next month following eligibility. |
| 5G New Year Discount | Points will be awarded in the month following the completion of the account activation process. |
4. Ensure You Have the Payment Methods Supported by ahamo
ahamo accepts various credit cards and deductions from Japanese financial institutions for fee payments. It's important to note that commonly used Visa and Mastercard are not supported. However, you can apply for Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) as a payment method. For foreigners who have just arrived in Japan, Japan Post Bank typically has the lowest threshold for account setup.
5. ahamo Applications Can Only be Made Through Their Website
Although ahamo is a subsidiary of Docomo, you cannot apply for it directly at Docomo stores.
If you seek assistance from a Docomo store employee to apply for ahamo, you may be charged a service fee of 3,300 yen per application. This fee covers the processing of the ahamo contract and various change procedures.
6. Regarding Data Usage
- ahamo's data usage includes international data communication. However, if you exceed 20GB of data usage in the 100GB plan while abroad, your speed may be restricted to a maximum of 1Mbps (both upload and download speeds).
- Data usage is valid until the end of the month and cannot be carried over to the following month.
ahamo Application Process
1. Official Website Registration Process for ahamo:
Go to https://ahamo.com. As shown in the image, you can purchase both a phone and SIM card together or just apply for a SIM card. For this demonstration, we will choose to apply only for the SIM card.
In the next step, you'll have two options: to switch from another carrier to ahamo or to apply as a new user. Select "New User Application" in this case.
The next step will ask you to prepare your residence card or other required documents, payment method (credit card or bank card), confirm whether your mobile device is compatible with ahamo, and click "準備OK" (Ready).
You'll then be taken to the page where you can choose your plan. There are two basic plans: 20GB of data and 100GB of data, priced at 2,970 yen and 4,950 yen, respectively. Choose the one that suits your needs.
The "かけ放題" (Unlimited Calling) option refers to an unlimited number of calls and unlimited calling time plan, which costs an additional 1,100 yen per month. If you don't select this, it defaults to unlimited calls within 5 minutes, with additional charges of 22 yen per 30 seconds after that.
Confirm your choices and click "次へ" (Next).
At this point, you'll need to create a d account or link an existing one. Enter your email address and set a password. You will then proceed to the residence card and verification step. Verification can be done either through online photo verification or in-person verification with a delivery person (requires a passport). Online verification is recommended for convenience.
After completing identity verification, input your personal details such as name, gender, address, etc. Make sure to enter all the required information correctly and select all the checkboxes. Click Next to continue and input your payment method information.
Finally, after confirming that all information is correct, click "Confirm Order" to complete the application. You will then wait for ahamo to review your application.
2. Activating Your ahamo SIM Card Upon Receipt
When you receive your ahamo SIM card, whether separately or bundled with a phone, you need to complete the activation process. Follow these steps:
First, download the ahamo app. After logging in with your d account, you will see information about your SIM card. Click on the central orange button.
After confirming that your contact number and various notices are correct, click "開通する" (Activate).
If you see the following screen, it means your ahamo SIM card has been successfully activated.
Next, insert the ahamo SIM card into your phone and make a test call by dialing 111, which is a toll-free number, to check if the calling functionality is working properly.
Finally,
- For iPhone users, download the configuration file from here and follow the illustrated instructions to install it: iPhone Configuration Profile.
- Android users can refer to the initial setup tutorial here: Android Initial Setup Tutorial.
After completing these steps, the application and setup process for ahamo is complete, and you can use it for calls and internet access!
Common Questions about ahamo:
Q: Do I need to reapply for a new SIM card even if I am switching from Docomo to ahamo?
A: Generally, if you want to use the same phone on ahamo that you were using on Docomo, you don't need to apply for a new SIM card. However, if you are switching to ahamo and also purchasing an ahamo phone simultaneously, ahamo will send you a new SIM card that you will need to use.
Q: Which iPhones can be used with an ahamo SIM card?
A: ahamo's SIM card (nanoSIM) is compatible with iPhones 6 and newer. If you want to use eSIM, use an iPhone XR or newer.
Q: How long does it take to receive an ahamo SIM card?
A: If it's a physical SIM card, it will typically arrive at your home in about 3 days, including the day you applied on the ahamo website. Additionally, if you applied for an eSIM, you can start using it immediately after completing the procedure.
Q: Does ahamo support dual SIM cards?
A: ahamo does not guarantee the operation of dual SIM cards. If you choose to use dual SIM cards with ahamo, you do so at your own risk.
＼Zero Activation and Cancellation Fees, Unlimited Free Calls within 5 Minutes／
