I wanted to keep my Japanese phone number even when going abroad. I found out that with my contract with Docomo, I could store my phone number for a monthly fee of 440 yen (with a one-time service fee of 1,100 yen), so I was planning to use this service when I moved to India.
However, my husband, who had moved to India ahead of me, commented, “You should keep your SMS active because I use it quite a bit.” Wait, what? Use SMS even when abroad?
Upon asking, I learned that SMS is often used for authentication when using Japanese services. Indeed, there has been an increase in such services. You know, the ones that send passcodes via SMS.
Docomo’s phone number storage service stops both data and voice communications while storing your phone number. So, I looked into affordable services that meet two criteria during my time abroad: ① “SMS can be used” + ② “Phone number can be stored” (I excluded major carriers since they are all mostly the same). This information is current as of August 2024.
To give you the conclusion first, I decided to sign up with “Japan Communications.”
Rakuten Mobile
In Japan, 3GB is available for 1,078 yen/month.
No additional settings are required for international roaming (up to 2GB). It can also be used as-is when traveling to other countries (in the 73 countries and regions specified by Rakuten).
A Japanese address, identity verification (such as a driver’s license), and a Japanese credit card are required.
Suitable for: People who don’t like complicated procedures, or who frequently travel or return to Japan.
Japan Communications “Reasonable Simple 290”
290 yen/month for up to 1GB. After that, 220 yen/GB. Cheaper than the carrier’s phone number storage service!
You can choose between eSIM or a SIM card.
You can receive SMS if international roaming is turned on.
A Japanese address, identity verification (such as a driver’s license), and a Japanese credit card are required.
Suitable for: People who want the cheapest option for SMS use and phone number storage.
au “Povo 2.0”
If you’re just storing your phone number, it’s 0 yen/month. However, you need to purchase a paid option (starting from 220 yen) once every six months. If you don’t, your contract will be terminated, and your service will be suspended.
International roaming (SMS) is available. Also, if you add a topping, data communication abroad is possible, so it can be used while traveling abroad.
A Japanese address, identity verification (such as a driver’s license), and a Japanese credit card are required.
Suitable for: Diligent people who can add options every six months, people who don’t use SMS frequently, or those with upcoming travel plans.
Summary
Because I am not good with complicated things, I was considering Rakuten Mobile, but since my frequency of overseas travel and returning to Japan was uncertain, I decided to sign up for “Japan Communications,” which offers cheap SMS use and phone number storage. After all, the low cost is the best!
If I travel abroad, I’ll consider either purchasing a local SIM card or using a service that allows you to buy data via an app that supports eSIM (like Airalo, World eSIM, eSIM-san, etc.).
The biggest concern or worry about signing up with Japan Communications is how I’ll use my phone on the day I arrive in India. I hope to avoid any hassle regarding my phone in the first few days after arrival by purchasing an Indian SIM card in advance or something like that. (I want to take my time and sign up with a local carrier. Not sure if that’s even possible…)
So that’s my discussion about phone number storage + SMS use while living abroad!
