When a foreigner comes to Japan, should they first get a SIM card or open a bank account?

When you come to Japan, you often get stuck in a circular process, thinking, "You need a phone number to open a bank account, but you need a bank account to get a SIM card..." Many people are probably tired of these complicated procedures.

In this article, we will clearly explain which should be prioritized, a SIM card or a bank account, banks recommended for foreigners, and the process for various procedures including SIM contracts and bank account opening.

First of all, the SIM card contract is the priority!

The first thing a foreigner who has just arrived in Japan needs is a Japanese phone number.

Having a phone number will make the procedures required for living in Japan go more smoothly, so we recommend that you prioritize signing up for a SIM card first.

A SIM card is essential for life in Japan!

A Japanese phone number is essential for life in Japan. For example, there are many situations where a phone number is required, such as registering for apps for daily life services and communication apps, and for government-related procedures. Also, if you obtain a phone number before opening a bank account, the process will go more smoothly.

You can easily get a SIM card with just your passport and residence card, and some mobile companies will allow you to sign a contract even if you don't have a bank account.

Having a phone number will make daily communication and various procedures go more smoothly, so when starting a new life in Japan, it is a good idea to sign up for a SIM card first.

If you would like to know more about situations in which you need a phone number, please also refer to the article below.

We recommend "GTN Mobile", which you can sign up for without a bank account!

Many people who come to Japan are unsure whether they should get a SIM card or open a bank account first. For those people, we recommend GTN Mobile, which offers a wide range of services for foreigners!

There are some mobile phone companies that won't let you sign a contract without a bank account, but with GTN Mobile you don't have to worry about that. They offer a wide range of services for foreigners, and their multilingual support is appealing. They also accept a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, automatic bank account withdrawals, and cash at convenience stores.

Click here for more details!

Situations where you need a bank account and recommended banks

You will need a bank account to receive your salary and pay your rent and utility bills in Japan. Opening a bank account after getting a SIM card will allow you to start your life smoothly.

Here we will introduce the situations in which you will need a bank account and the recommended banks.

Situations in which you need a bank account in Japan

1. Receiving salary or compensation

Many companies and part-time jobs require you to have a bank account in Japan to transfer your salary. Having a bank account helps you build a trusting relationship with your employer and ensures a stable work environment. However, if you do not have a bank account, you may be considered to be working illegally, and in the worst case scenario, you may be at risk of being deported from the country, so be careful.

2. Paying utility bills and rent

If you have a bank account, you can automatically pay your electricity, water, gas, rent, etc. bills through direct debit. This will reduce the worry of forgetting to make monthly payments.

3. Transfer via online banking

Most banks offer online banking or mobile apps, making it easy to transfer money both domestically and internationally. This is especially convenient for international students, as they can have their families transfer living expenses to their Japanese bank accounts and can provide proof of remittance when renewing their visas.

4. Apply for a credit card

If you have a bank account, you can apply for a credit card. Credit cards are convenient for booking hotels and shopping online, and you can earn points every time you use them.

Documents required to open a bank account

The following documents are required to open a bank account:

Be sure to prepare these documents in advance in preparation for the contract.

Reference: 外国人が銀行口座を開設するには？難しい？おすすめの口座、サポート方法を解説

5 banks recommended for foreigners

When opening a bank account in Japan, you may be unsure of which bank to choose. Here we will introduce 5 banks that are easy for foreigners to open an account with and offer comprehensive support.

3. Shinsei Bank

4. Mitsubishi UFJ Bank

5. Japan Post Bank

Reference: 外国人の銀行口座開設におすすめの銀行をまとめて一覧で紹介

Procedures required after arriving in Japan

So far, we have introduced whether to prioritize a SIM card or a bank account, as well as banks recommended for foreigners. Finally, we will explain the various procedures to follow after arriving in Japan, including signing a SIM contract and opening a bank account.

1. SIM contract

To get a SIM card in Japan, you need a residence status, but you can complete the procedure with your residence card and passport. If you are an international student, you may be asked to show your student ID card.

2. Resident registration

Mid- to long-term residents (work visa, student visa, working holiday visa, etc.) must register at the city, town or village office of the place of residence within 14 days of arrival. Once registration is complete, a resident card will be issued and you will be able to use various public services. It is also a good idea to apply for health insurance and national pension at the same time.

*You cannot register as a resident at a hotel address. If you are living in a student dormitory, you can register at that address, but in other cases, you must first sign a rental contract and decide where to live before registering as a resident.

Reference: 入国直後の出入国・在留手続きについて

3. Rental property contract

Once you have signed up for a SIM card and completed your resident registration, the next step is to find a room. When signing a rental contract in Japan, we recommend using a room search site for foreigners. After moving in, don't forget to sign up for utilities such as electricity, gas, and water.

We especially recommend the apartment search site "Best-Estate." It supports multiple languages, and you can watch videos and sign contracts from overseas. Even if you don't have a bank account, you can pay rent by international remittance, so it's safe for people who are new to Japan.

Click here for more details!

4. Opening a bank account

Once you have completed the SIM card contract, it's time to open a bank account. If you are not confident in your Japanese, it is a good idea to go with a friend who can speak Japanese. If that is difficult, it will be smoother if you choose a bank that supports multiple languages. Don't forget to bring the necessary documents such as your residence card, passport, and seal.

*You may not be able to sign a rental contract without a bank account, so if you are planning to sign a rental contract, it will be smoother if you open a bank account in advance.

summary

How was it?

This article introduces the priority order and procedure for signing up for a SIM card and opening a bank account for foreigners who have just come to Japan. Please use this article as a reference to get ready and start your new life in Japan!