Rakuten Mobile: How to Save Money by Switching in Japan

If you’re currently overpaying for your mobile phone plan in Japan, it might be time to consider switching carriers. One great option is Rakuten Mobile, which offers compelling alternatives to traditional carriers, with substantial cost savings and attractive data packages. In this blog post, we’ll explore how switching to Rakuten can help you save money and compare their plans to those of major carriers to illustrate just how much you could save each year.

We go more in detail on how to get your first mobile number as a foreigner here.

Applying to a Mobile Carrier in Japan

Mobile Phone in Japan: how to apply A Guide for Foreigners

Why Consider Changing Your Mobile Carrier?

High Mobile Costs in Japan

Japan is known for having some of the highest mobile phone service costs globally. Major carriers such as NTT Docomo, au, and SoftBank offer various plans, but these often come with high monthly fees and additional charges for data, calls, and texts.

Benefits of Switching

Switching to a different carrier can offer:

• Lower Monthly Bills: Reduce your phone bill without compromising on essential services.
• Better Value for Money: Get more data and services for less.
• Up-to-Date Technology: Access the latest in mobile technology and service.

Introducing Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten is a new player in the Japanese mobile market, offering affordable plans with excellent features. They aim to provide high-quality services at competitive prices.

Rakuten’s Key Features

• Affordable Pricing: Plans that are much cheaper than those of traditional carriers.
• Generous Data Allowances: Competitive data packages with high data limits.
• Simple and Transparent Plans: No hidden fees or complex terms.

How Much Can You Save by Switching?

Let’s compare Rakuten’s plans with those of traditional carriers to see how much you can save.

Traditional Carrier Costs

Here’s a general overview of what you might be paying with major carriers in Japan for plans that offer around 20 GB of data per month:

Rakuten Mobile Pricing

Rakuten offers the UN-LIMIT VII plan, which includes:

• Monthly Cost: ¥2,980 (including tax)
• Data Allowance: 20GB at high speeds, with unlimited data at speeds up to 1Mbps after the initial 20GB.
• Calls/SMS: 5 minutes of free calls per day, unlimited free Rakuten-to-Rakuten calls, and ¥0.1 per SMS.

Annual Cost Comparison

Let’s look at the annual costs for these plans and compare them to Rakuten:

Potential Annual Savings

By switching, you could save up to ¥69,840 to ¥102,620 per year, depending on your current carrier.

How to Switch to Rakuten

Changing to Rakuten is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your transition smooth and hassle-free:

1. Check Your Current Contract: Review your existing mobile plan to understand any contract obligations or early termination fees you might incur.
2. Sign Up: Visit the Rakuten website or go to a Rakuten store to sign up for the UN-LIMIT VII plan. You will need to provide identification and your current mobile phone number.
3. Port Your Number: If you wish to keep your current phone number, you can port it using the MNP (Mobile Number Portability) process, which can usually be completed during the sign-up process.
4. Receive Your New SIM Card: Rakuten will send you a new SIM card. Insert it into your phone and follow the setup instructions provided.
5. Set Up Your New Plan: Once you receive the SIM card, you can activate your plan and start enjoying the benefits.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Backup Your Data: Ensure all important data is backed up before changing SIM cards.
• Check Coverage: Confirm that Rakuten’s coverage meets your needs by checking their coverage map.
• Contact Customer Support: For any issues during the switch, Rakuten’s customer support is available to assist you.

Conclusion

Switching offers a great opportunity to reduce your mobile phone expenses and enjoy high-quality service. With their affordable pricing and generous data allowances, Rakuten stands out as an excellent alternative to traditional carriers.

Potential Annual Savings Recap

By making the switch, you could save up to ¥102,620 per year, which can make a big difference in your annual budget.

Ready to Save?

If you’re ready to make the switch to a more affordable mobile plan, Rakuten is an excellent choice. Visit their website to learn more and get started.

Additionally, they are running multiple campaigns, including a limited campaign where you can use your phone and cell phone number as is and only switching mobile carrier

Use the link to get 13,000 yen points:
Rakuten Referral Link.

Did you find this guide useful? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below. If you’re thinking about switching carriers, let us know how it goes!

References

• Rakuten Mobile Official Website
• NTT Docomo
• au by KDDI
• SoftBank

For more information, check out these resources:

• Rakuten Mobile Plan Details
• MNP Guide from Rakuten Mobile

Embrace the savings and enjoy a new, cost-effective mobile experience with Rakuten Mobile!

Potential Savings Calculator

If you want to calculate your potential savings, you can use the following formula:

Annual Savings=(Current Monthly Cost−Rakuten Monthly Cost)×12=Annual Savings

Try this calculator to see how much you could save by switching!