Anyone know how to acquire a Japanese phone number WITHOUT a SIM card? I have a phone plan that allows me to make calls/texts internationally without a sim and I don’t want to spend money for a plan I don’t need. I’ve tried using Google Voice but it won’t allow me to use it with my Japanese email. I’m in a time crunch as I need to apply for a bank account asap.
Thanks for any suggestions and help!
4 comments
You can get phone number with Skype.
HOWEVER, and this is a big one, the number will begin with 050, a prefix for VoIP phone number, which is not very credible, and I am not sure if your bank will even accept this number.
If it’s just for opening bank account, it’s probably easier to just use your school or work landline number.
You can use your school/employer/etc phone number to open a bank account, which you can then use to get a domestic phone plan and update your details with the bank.
You can get a phone number through a VoIP service (050 number). I use SMARTalk and it works great. But not perfectly. You need to register using a regular phone number (but just a one-time thing so it’s easy to ask a friend). Also you can’t call 0120 or other toll-free numbers. And you can’t call 110 or 119, which isn’t likely to be a problem but could be serious trouble if you need help and are alone.
Overall it’s a great way to save money. People don’t make many calls these days with LINE and other apps. I had a cheap data plan and a 050 number for years and my cell phone bill was like 1,000 yen a month.
(One person mentioned how 050 numbers are seen as sketchy. That’s not wrong though the issues I encountered were pretty minor.)
There are voip numbers that use SIP protocol, that would allow you to make and receive calls with a phone number starting with 050. You would usually need to install an app on your phone for it. In Japan, they can’t send or receive text messages however. A major downside of them is there are some phone numbers that you can’t call with a 050 number.
https://ip-phone-smart.jp/ is one provider that gives you a number for free.
Alternatively, there are several mobile providers who have eSIM support. If you have a phone that supports it, you only need to scan a qr code to activate it. You would have a regular 080/090 number, and would be able to make calls and send texts. (it’s just an electronic sim, instead of a physical one)