This time, I will share my experience of purchasing a phone number and data plan in Japan. In this digital era, life without the internet feels incomplete as all information can be accessed easily through it. While we can use laptops or computers with Wi-Fi, it’s not always practical. With a smartphone, everything becomes easier, especially when equipped with a phone number and data plan, as free Wi-Fi is not always available everywhere.
The Importance of Having a Phone Number
Having a phone number in Japan is a basic necessity. It becomes the primary contact if something happens or if there’s an important matter. There are many reasons why a phone number is essential in Japan, such as:
- Renting an Apartment: Housing agencies often contact you with important information related to your lease.
- Opening a Bank Account: A phone number is needed for verification and communication with the bank.
- City Hall Affairs: Many administrative matters require a phone number for official notifications.
- Package Delivery: Delivery services usually call you via phone to confirm.
In other words, a phone number plays an essential role in daily life in Japan, particularly in managing various administrative and service needs.
Choosing a Data Plan
Once you have a phone number, the next step is choosing a data plan that suits your needs. Providers in Japan offer various data plans, ranging from 1 GB to unlimited, with varying prices. Before deciding, it’s important to consider how often you use the internet outside the home.
Do you need unlimited internet? If you frequently travel and require stable internet access, an unlimited data plan may be more beneficial than installing home internet. However, every decision should be carefully thought through before signing a contract with a particular provider.
Which Provider Should You Choose?
Choosing a telecommunications provider is an important decision that should be considered from various perspectives. Is your priority price, connection quality, international roaming, or additional benefits like points or deferred payment (pay later)?
The three major providers in Japan are:
- Docomo
- AU
- Softbank
These three providers dominate the market in Japan. Meanwhile, smaller providers often lease bandwidth from the big players, which can limit their connectivity quality in certain areas.
Personal Experience: Choosing Docomo
When I first arrived in Japan, I chose Docomo as my provider. The reason was simple: I wanted a strong connection wherever I went, even if it was more expensive. At the time, I chose the Gigaho plan, which cost around 8,000 yen per month for unlimited data.
By 2024, this plan had changed its name to Eximo, with costs depending on the amount of data used each month:
- 1 GB (4,656 yen)
- 1-3 GB (5,665 yen)
- Over 3 GB (7,315 yen)
By paying 7,315 yen per month, you can enjoy unlimited internet. The activation process was quite fast, especially if you go directly to the nearest Docomo branch compared to filling out an online form, which takes longer. If you choose to go to the branch, it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance to avoid long waiting times.
The documents you need to bring are just your Residence Card and a payment method. Generally, payment is made via auto-debit from a bank account, but I recommend using a credit card to take advantage of cashback on each transaction.
Currently, I no longer use Gigaho. I switched to Docomo Ahamo, which I will discuss in my next post. Additionally, I will explain more about the benefits of using credit cards in Japan in an upcoming post, as this one has become quite long.
Conclusion
Purchasing a phone number and data plan in Japan is an important step that must be done soon after arriving in the country. A phone number is necessary for various administrative needs, while choosing the right data plan can affect your comfort in using the internet daily. Choosing the right provider and plan according to your lifestyle and needs is crucial to support your daily activities. By doing research and carefully considering your options, you can obtain optimal telecommunication services according to your needs.
