GTN MOBILE: A Japanese Mobile Phone Service With Multilingual Support

GTN MOBILE - Cell Phone Service Provider Ideal for Foreign Residents in Japan

Picture courtesy of GTN MOBILE

GTN MOBILE is a company offering mobile services for foreign residents in Japan with SIM cards usable in Japan. GTN MOBILE makes it possible to use your mobile phone (*1) in Japan for communication and the Internet by simply changing the SIM card.

Many mobile phone companies in Japan only offer guidance in Japanese, and the paperwork and contracts are Japanese, too. For those who have just arrived in Japan and couldn't speak the language very well, signing up for a mobile phone service can be a very challenging task.

GTN MOBILE, however, has support available in several foreign languages, including English. Offering a wide range of plans for both short-term and long-term residents, they have received high ratings from many users. GTN users can also apply for the GTN EPOS credit card, which is extremely easy to use and comes with many advantages for foreign residents in Japan.

In this article, we explain the advantages of using GTN MOBILE and everything you should know if you're considering using their services. At the end of the article, you'll find an exclusive discount for MATCHA readers!

Sign up with GTN MOBILE

*If your device is unlocked and/or has a technological compatibility mark, you'll be able to use it in Japan without any problems.

Table of Contents

• 1. The Advantages of Using GTN MOBILE
• 2. Points to Keep in Mind about GTN MOBILE
• 3. GTN MOBILE - Available Plans
• - GTN MOBILE Advance 5G (Voice Calls + Internet)
• - GTN MOBILE (Voice Calls + Internet)
• - GTN MOBILE Data (Internet Only)
• - GTN Wi-Fi (Internet Only)
• 4. Convenient Discounts and Tips

1. The Advantages of Using GTN MOBILE

Photo by Pixta

There are seven advantages of using GTN MOBILE.

1. It's Easy to Pass the Screening Process

When subscribing to the services of a Japanese mobile phone company, you can't just sign the contract right away. Regardless of whether you are Japanese or a foreign resident in Japan, all applicants undergo a screening process.

Some mobile phone companies require a residency visa of two years or more and have a difficult screening process that makes it hard for foreign residents. With GTN MOBILE, however, the screening is easy to pass for individuals of different nationalities and it's simple for everyone to apply.

2. Support in 7 Languages! No Need to Speak Japanese

Picture courtesy of GTN MOBILE

The GTN MOBILE website is available in seven languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, and Indonesian. This means that you can sign up for a mobile phone contract even if you don't speak or read Japanese.

Picture courtesy of GTN MOBILE

GTN MOBILE has multilingual employees ready to assist you. Use the chat window on their website or call directly via phone to inquire in any of the seven languages mentioned above. Users can get the full assistance and service needed to feel comfortable and supported before, during, or after signing a phone contract.

If you're worried about reaching your data limit, you can send an inquiry to GTN's staff by phone or email. The monthly invoice will also be sent to you in the language of your preference.

With such thorough support, you'll be able to use your mobile phone with peace of mind.

3. You Can Apply for the GTN EPOS Card, a Convenient Credit Card!

Picture courtesy of GTN MOBILE
Using GTN's internet or mobile service, you can apply for a GTN EPOS card. This card, exclusive to GTN users, is designed for the convenience of foreign residents of Japan.

There is no annual membership fee, and multilingual support is available.

If you apply for GTN mobile phone services and the GTN EPOS card simultaneously, you can arrange for your phone bill to be paid through the GTN EPOS card. In this case, you'll receive a monthly discount of 220 yen on your phone bill!

Video explaining how to use the EPOS card

*GTN EPOS card is available for qualifying applicants

4. Same-Day Delivery Available! Book Online and Use Your Phone Right After Landing in Japan

At GTN MOBILE, you can apply online for an IC card or SIM card needed for mobile phone services. All the procedures, from screening to card delivery, can be completed in a single day! In other words, you won't have to wait long to receive your SIM card and get connected.

You can book with GTN MOBILE online, anytime up to two weeks before your scheduled arrival in Japan. You need your passport to get signed up, so make sure to apply once you know your date of arrival in Japan!

5. Pay at the Convenience Store! No Need for a Japanese Bank Account or Credit Cards

Photo by Pixta

If you've just arrived in Japan and don't have a bank account yet--don't worry. You can pay your GTN MOBILE bills at a convenience store. There is no need to rush to set up a Japanese account or credit card before signing your contract and getting your phone connected.

6. No Required Minimum Length for Your Contract!

The major Japanese mobile phone companies usually require a two-year contract, which means that if you cancel before the two years finish, you will be charged a cancellation fee. Contracts without this requirement will have a more expensive base fee.

GTN MOBILE does not have any length requirements for contracts. You will not be charged an extra fee when you cancel your contract. No minimum contract length is a distinct advantage of using GTN MOBILE as your mobile phone carrier in Japan.

7. Connect to a High-Quality Telecommunications Network

GTN MOBILE uses a network of the same quality as Y!mobile, an affiliate of SoftBank, one of Japan's leading telecommunications companies. Users can benefit from this quality network while paying for a low-price SIM card.

The Y!mobile broadband network is used by many people in Japan, and is available countrywide at a stable transmission speed. You'll be able to make voice calls and use the Internet in comfort.

GTN also offers plans for 5G internet connections, the fastest type of connection in Japan available for budget SIM cards, too.

8. 10 Minutes of Free Domestic Calls

Photo by Pixta

Voice calls on domestic mobile phone networks cost around 25 yen per 30 seconds. GTN MOBILE offers its users 10 minutes of voice calls for free every month, giving users who anticipate making phone calls significant savings monthly.

* After you've reached the limit of 10 minutes, your voice calls will be charged with 25 yen/30 seconds.
* This offer is available only for plans that include voice calls. The Internet-only plans do not include this option.

Sign up with GTN MOBILE

2. Points to Keep in Mind about GTN MOBILE

GTN MOBILE offers many advantages, but there are some things to consider before signing up for their services.

Other Companies Offer Cheaper Plans

In terms of service fees, other mobile carriers offer less expensive plans. However, please note that most companies may not offer multilingual support, the screening process may be difficult to pass, and they may have a contract cancellation fee. If you still want to find a cheaper plan, however, be sure to take a look at the offers of other mobile phone companies.

Inquire to Check the Remaining Data Capacity You Can Use

Each GTN MOBILE subscription plan has a fixed amount of data you can use each month. If you want to know how much data capacity you have left, you'll need to contact GTN MOBILE. Please note that if you use up all of your monthly data capacity, your data transmission speed will be restricted.

If you use up all of your data capacity, you can increase it for a small fee. For details, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions on the GTN MOBILE website.

3. GTN MOBILE - Available Plans

GTN MOBILE has six main plans. We introduce their features below.

New Plan! GTN 5G Unlimited

Data Usage	Base Fee
Unlimited	4,048 yen or 3,498 yen (after discount)

※Documents required for application:
① Residence card valid for 60 days or more (must show current address)
② Passport, Japanese driver's license, health insurance card, My Number card, student ID, etc.

Recommended for:
Those who watch a lot of videos
Those who play online games frequently
Those who download large files often

Apply for GTN MOBILE

GTN Mobile Advance 5G (Voice Calls and Data)

Data Amount	Basic Fee
3 GB	2,178 yen
10 GB	3,278 yen
17 GB	4,378 yen

Recommended for:
- Customers who wish to use a high-quality internet connection
- Mid- to long-term residents who make phone calls
- Foreign students working part-time or looking for a job.
- Holders of a working visa who use their phone for work, etc.

* Includes 10 minutes of free calls.
* To apply, you need a residence card with a validity of at least 90 days and your passport or student ID card.

GTN Mobile Lite (Voice Calls and Data)

Data Amount	Basic Fee
3 GB	1,628 yen
10 GB	2,728 yen

Recommended for:
- Those who wish to be able to continue using the same phone number through MNP (Mobile Number Portability) agreements between carriers.
- Those who want to keep costs as low as possible.

* To apply, you need a residence card with a validity of at least 60 days and your passport or student ID card.

GTN MOBILE Data (Internet Only)

Data Amount	Basic Fee
3 GB	968 yen
6 GB	1,408 yen
10 GB	1,958 yen

*You'll need to show your passport when applying for this service.

Recommended for:
- Medium and long-term residents who do not make frequent phone calls
- Those who want to keep costs as low as possible.
- Those who have come to Japan as technical trainees, or those who use company phones.

4. Convenient Discounts Currently Being Offered

As of June 2022, GTN offers various discounts!

Youtube Campaign

By watching this one-minute video and entering the keyword into the this application form, customers can get a 550 yen discount on their first 3 months of a GTN Mobile contract.

GTN Discount

If you're using any of the other services offered to foreign residents by GTN such as apartment rental, job search, or home internet connection, you'll get a 330 yen discount on your monthly mobile phone fee for the GTN Advance 5G plan - for an indefinite period!

Sign up for GTN MOBILE.

GTN Assistants, a Life Support Service Exclusively for GTN MOBILE users

Many fresh residents of Japan, who may not be very confident with their Japanese skills yet, may wish they had someone offering information and advice regarding living in Japan.

When applying for GTN MOBILE, you can add GTN Assistants as an option to your plan for just 1,078 yen per month. GTN Assistants offers support to foreign residents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in 19 languages! Their support services include:

- consultations by chat regarding living in Japan
- interpretation services for various situations in daily life
- interpretation during medical consultations
- notifications about coupons, discounts, and lifestyle tips

During your first few months in Japan, do consider using this convenient service if you have concerns regarding living in Japan.

Sign up for GTN Assistants.

Real User Interviews with GTN MOBILE Users

What are the actual users feeling? In May 2024, MATCHA conducted interviews to uncover the real sentiments of users!

India - Ms. NATH SOURIYA BAIBHABEE

Q1: Please tell us about your occupation and how long you've been using GTN MOBILE.
A1: I am currently a university graduate student and I have been using it for three years since arriving in Japan.

Q2: How did you first learn about GTN MOBILE?
A2: I received information within the university before coming to Japan and learned about this telecom service.

Q3: What made you choose GTN MOBILE over other telecom companies?
A3: Because I don't know Japanese, the English service of GTN MOBILE was important for me. Also, when I first arrived, I didn't have a bank account or credit card, so paying at convenience stores was very convenient.

Q4: Pros and cons?
A4: The SIM card arrived quickly, and I could start using it shortly after applying. There are multiple payment methods to choose from that suit your needs. The most important thing is that the signal reception is very stable, so I haven't felt any drawbacks so far.

Q5: Any desired services?
A5: I hope there will be international roaming services (in fact, GTN already offers this service, providing 2GB of data per month for free in over 70 countries).

Taiwan - Mr. ZHANG JUNZHI

Q1: Please tell us about your occupation and how long you've been using GTN MOBILE.
A1: I am a working professional and have been using it for one year.

Q2: How did you first learn about GTN MOBILE?
A2: I first found out about GTN MOBILE before coming to Japan by searching online, then I went directly to the counter in Osaka to apply.

Q3: What prompted you to choose GTN MOBILE after comparing with other telecom companies?
A3: It's cheaper than other telecom companies, the screening process for foreigners is more lenient, and the biggest advantage is the ability to pay at convenience stores, which is super convenient for foreigners new to Japan.

Q4: Pros and cons?
A4: The signal is very stable, and there's a dedicated app to instantly see data usage and quickly change plans, which is very convenient. After using it for a year, I haven't experienced any inconvenience, and the customer service in Chinese is very friendly.

Q5: Any desired services?
A5: Currently, there are only 10GB and 30GB plans available. I hope in the future they can introduce plans with intermediate GBs to provide users with more choices.

Main picture by Pixta