Student Guide
The International Student's Guide to SIMs in Japan
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If you only read this part
With Wi-Fi on campus and in your dorm, 3GB a month is enough for most students. The first pick is LINEMO's Best Plan (990 yen up to 3GB), and the part that matters for students: you can pay by bank transfer, no Japanese credit card needed.
Until your bank account exists, the standard bridge is Mobal, which takes foreign cards.
Section 01
How Much Data Students Actually Use
Campus, library, dorm: a student's daily route is mostly covered by Wi-Fi. In that environment, mobile data only works during commutes and outings, and staying under 3GB a month is genuinely common.
That said, if your commute runs over an hour each way, your dorm has no Wi-Fi, or you stream and game away from home, budget 10GB. LINEMO's Best Plan steps up automatically to the 10GB tier (2,090 yen) when you cross 3GB, so a misjudged month costs you a thousand yen, not a nasty surprise.
Section 02
Building the 990-Yen Setup
| Plan | Data | Monthly | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| LINEMO Best Plan | Up to 3GB (steps to 10GB) | 990 / 2,090 yen | Card or bank transfer |
| povo 2.0 | 3GB / 30 days | 990 yen | Credit card only |
| Rakuten Mobile | Up to 3GB | 1,078 yen | Card, bank transfer, more |
The prices are nearly identical; the payment column is what decides it for students. povo demands a credit card. LINEMO and Rakuten accept bank transfer. Since Japanese credit card screening is tough on students, "can I pay by bank transfer" is the real selection criterion.
Section 03
The Payment Reality
- Bank transfer is the student routeYou can open a bank account with your residence card and student ID. Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the classic easy-open option for new arrivals.
- Debit cards sometimes workDepends on the carrier-card combination. Worth trying, not worth relying on.
- Your parents' card will not workThe payment method must be in the contract holder's own name. Registering a family member's card errors out.
Section 04
The First Weeks
Opening a bank account requires registering your address on your residence card first, so landing-to-bank-transfer-contract takes two to four weeks at best. The standard bridge is Mobal, which takes foreign cards. University paperwork, part-time job applications, housing contracts: you will need a Japanese number in week one.
The Verdict
The Student Setup
On arrival (month 0 to 1)
Mobal
Takes foreign cards, number in hand immediately. Getting a number is the priority.
After your bank account opens
LINEMO at 990 yen
Sign up with bank transfer and run the 3GB campus-Wi-Fi setup. In your first semester, when you cannot predict your usage, the automatic step to 2,090 yen is your safety net.
For the latest plan and campaign details, see the official LINEMO site.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are there student discounts?
The online-only plans (LINEMO, povo, ahamo) have no student discounts. The big three's student discounts usually still cost more than LINEMO's regular price, so the online plans win for students anyway.
Can language school students sign up?
Yes. A residence card with student status is what matters; language school and university students face the same requirements.
How do I cancel when I graduate and leave Japan?
Cancellation fees are gone on the major plans. See our cancellation guide for the steps to finish before you fly out.