Japan SIM for foreign residents, no Japanese credit card required
Monthly and prepaid SIM and eSIM plans for people who live, study or work in Japan. You do not need to read Japanese forms or own a Japan-issued credit card, and a real person helps you by chat until your phone is online.
Which kind of SIM do you need?
Pick the situation closest to yours. We show only a few easy options first.
Step 1: what do you need most? You can change your choice at any time.
Three things shibaSIM takes care of
How signing up works
Tell us what you need
Just data, a number to call, or a few months of use: pick on this page or send a message. Not sure is fine too.
Our staff confirm by chat
You do not send documents yet. We check the plan conditions, the total cost and how you will receive the SIM before asking for your address.
Receive your SIM and get online
Only after you confirm do we ship the physical SIM to your address or issue the eSIM. If your phone does not connect, we stay with you until it does.
You do not have to guess whether verification is needed: data and prepaid plans are checked against the provider's conditions, and voice plans require identity verification before activation. We tell you which applies before you pay.
Why newcomers get rejected when signing up for a SIM in Japan
There are three real barriers, and none of them is about gigabytes. First, most budget carriers in Japan only accept credit cards issued in Japan, and a newcomer usually does not have one yet. Second, the sign-up forms are in Japanese and one wrong field sends your application back without a clear reason. Third, the important conditions (minimum term, cancellation fee, identity checks) sit in the fine print.
This is why so many people ask a friend or senpai to sign the contract for them. It is awkward for both sides and risky too: whoever's name is on a phone contract is the one responsible for it.
How many GB do you need per month?
If your home has Wi-Fi and you only use data outside (maps, LINE, WhatsApp, light browsing), about 3 to 5GB a month is enough. That is the situation of most students in dormitories or share houses.
If you watch videos on the train, video call your family often or tether a laptop, 20GB a month is the safe level. HD video calls use much more data than most people expect.
If your home has NO fixed internet and your phone is your only connection, do not choose by GB. Message us first: in that case a larger or unlimited plan, or a home connection, is often cheaper overall.
Do you need a Japanese phone number, or just data?
A data plan (with SMS) is enough for LINE, WhatsApp, Messenger, maps, online classes and the SMS verification codes most apps send.
You WILL need a phone number that can make and receive calls (starting with 090, 080 or 070) to open a Japanese bank account, apply for part-time jobs and get interview calls, sign a rental contract, and register at many offices.
Our honest advice: if you are staying long term and do not have a bank account yet, choose a plan with a phone number from the start. Switching plans halfway is much more trouble than paying a little more at the beginning.
Documents: prepare them only if your plan needs them
Data, eSIM and prepaid plans: document requirements depend on the provider. You do not need to send card photos or ID details through this page. We check the conditions first and tell you exactly what is needed.
Plans with a callable phone number (090/080/070) require identity verification before activation. This usually means a valid residence card, your current address in Japan and a payment method in your name. We explain each step before you send anything.
If the provider requires reading the IC chip of your residence card with NFC, we tell you in advance, guide you step by step, and have a fallback if your phone cannot read the chip.
Frequently asked questions
I do not have a Japanese credit card. Can I still sign up?
Yes, a Japanese credit card is not required. Send us a message and we will confirm a payment method that works for you and guide you through sign-up step by step.
I just arrived and do not have a residence card yet. What should I do?
If you enter Japan with a long-term visa at a major airport, the residence card is usually issued on arrival. If you do not have one yet, use a travel eSIM for the first days, then move to a monthly plan once your card and address are ready. Message us and we will suggest the cheapest way to cover the gap.
Can I keep my current Japanese phone number?
With a voice plan, keeping your number is possible in principle. You need a number transfer code (MNP) from your current carrier first. Message us with your carrier name before you cancel anything.
Will I be locked into a multi-year contract?
Any minimum term and cancellation fee is confirmed clearly before you finish signing up. shibaSIM does not hide conditions in fine print: if a plan has a condition you should know about, we tell you before you pay.
How is this different from the shibaSIM travel eSIM?
The travel eSIM lasts 5 to 30 days, needs no documents and simply expires, which suits short visits. The plans on this page are for people living in Japan: monthly or multi-month, with a phone number option and verification where the law requires it.
Travel eSIM for 5 to 30 days, no documents needed, QR code delivered by chat or email. Just send them this link.