Docomo is quite expensive, so I plan to switch to a cheaper provider. The only thing I’m worried about is my phone number. I don’t want to change it. Has anyone had the experience of changing providers but keeping their phone number?
Yes you can do this. You need to use what is called an MNP number. You can follow this outline: [https://www.docomo.ne.jp/support/cancel_mnp/](https://www.docomo.ne.jp/support/cancel_mnp/)
It’s not so difficult, but you may have to pay additional fees when switching and you need to line up when you will switch to avoid wasting your monthly billing cycles. Also keep in mind you will likely end up paying 2 separate phone bills for whatever month you end up switching, in which case, it might not really be worth it depending on the level of downgrade you’re looking to do. docomo also has other services that are cheaper like Ahamo which might be better for your use case, and I don’t think you need an MNP for that(?)
Just switch to ahamo. Still docomo but cheaper and you still keep Docomo’s network. Edit: also free roaming when overseas
Seconding the recommendation to switch to ahamo, it’s <3000y per month for 20GB data and free roaming overseas. You can switch online through the docomo website or app, it’s very simple.
The downside is that you have to do basically everything online (and they’re kinda assholes about it, even if you go to the store they’ll tell you they can’t help you and you have to so it online), but once you have it set up it’s no big deal. You can keep your number, account, payment info, etc. It still uses the docomo network, so the service is generally good.
They actually let me change my docomo to ahamo at the store when I tried to consult about reducing my monthly bill.
Eventually moved to the 100 GB plan. Still way cheaper than my 30 GB Docomo plan.
I’ve switched from UQ to Ahamo you just need to get permission from Docomo (ie get the MNP confirmation) and then walk into the next store with your MNP confirmation before it expires
Do MNP at some electronic store like yodabashi to get some points or cashback. Changing to Ahamo is a good option. Not sure it will be considered for cashback points
As everyone has said, swap to Ahamo.same network, lower costs.
Only problem is if you use Sony Bank you won’t be able to pay via account transfer.
Yes, I had docomo and switched to Ahamo. Its a quick online procedure, next next finish.
I cut my phone bill right down doing this. As others have told you, you need an MNP 予約番号 from docomo. You give it to the company you want to change to and you’re sorted.
Yes
Others have answered about MnP so yes you can always keep your number no matter how many times you change provider or where you change to.
If I may add suggestion if its possible for you: change to softbank’s y-mobile (they currently have the same monthly tariff with ahamo for first year iirc) in stores like yodobashi/edion etc and get the 22k yen cash back that you can use for new appliances/phone. You can re-sell the phone in mercari for few extra cash if u dont need it.
My principle is to utilize this kind of promo every time i change provider, if not, mottainai 🥹
If you have Docomo and a phone with an e-sim capability, sign up for Ahamo. It’s a subsidiary of Dockmo, but is ¥2000 a month for talk, text and 20g of data. Top-up data is cheap too. I signed up online and received my e-sim in 20-30 minutes and it’s been working wonderfully. Give it a try.
It takes longer than it should, but you can absolutely do that.
I did it, and it was the best decision I ever made with regards to the Japanese mobile phone industry.
Same here. I want to change from Softbank to docomo. Cani just go to their shop and do it? With MNP of course
Yes
MVNOs like ahamo are cheaper and awesome. Highly recommend.
You might be wondering “what’s the catch?”
Well, when a cell tower for docomo is overloaded with traffic, it will prioritize docomo customers over ahamo customers.
Exact details of the algorithm used are not public, but if you’re not in a crowded area, it’s not usually a big deal.
I would assume that as the % of ahamo users increases, the more fair the selection will become to ahamo users.
Anyone who actually uses ahamo can chime in with anecdotes.
17 comments
Yes. It’s called MNP.
Yes you can do this. You need to use what is called an MNP number. You can follow this outline:
[https://www.docomo.ne.jp/support/cancel_mnp/](https://www.docomo.ne.jp/support/cancel_mnp/)
It’s not so difficult, but you may have to pay additional fees when switching and you need to line up when you will switch to avoid wasting your monthly billing cycles. Also keep in mind you will likely end up paying 2 separate phone bills for whatever month you end up switching, in which case, it might not really be worth it depending on the level of downgrade you’re looking to do. docomo also has other services that are cheaper like Ahamo which might be better for your use case, and I don’t think you need an MNP for that(?)
Just switch to ahamo. Still docomo but cheaper and you still keep Docomo’s network.
Edit: also free roaming when overseas
Seconding the recommendation to switch to ahamo, it’s <3000y per month for 20GB data and free roaming overseas. You can switch online through the docomo website or app, it’s very simple.
The downside is that you have to do basically everything online (and they’re kinda assholes about it, even if you go to the store they’ll tell you they can’t help you and you have to so it online), but once you have it set up it’s no big deal. You can keep your number, account, payment info, etc. It still uses the docomo network, so the service is generally good.
They actually let me change my docomo to ahamo at the store when I tried to consult about reducing my monthly bill.
Eventually moved to the 100 GB plan. Still way cheaper than my 30 GB Docomo plan.
I’ve switched from UQ to Ahamo you just need to get permission from Docomo (ie get the MNP confirmation) and then walk into the next store with your MNP confirmation before it expires
Do MNP at some electronic store like yodabashi to get some points or cashback.
Changing to Ahamo is a good option. Not sure it will be considered for cashback points
As everyone has said, swap to Ahamo.same network, lower costs.
Only problem is if you use Sony Bank you won’t be able to pay via account transfer.
Yes, I had docomo and switched to Ahamo. Its a quick online procedure, next next finish.
I cut my phone bill right down doing this. As others have told you, you need an MNP 予約番号 from docomo. You give it to the company you want to change to and you’re sorted.
Yes
Others have answered about MnP so yes you can always keep your number no matter how many times you change provider or where you change to.
If I may add suggestion if its possible for you: change to softbank’s y-mobile (they currently have the same monthly tariff with ahamo for first year iirc) in stores like yodobashi/edion etc and get the 22k yen cash back that you can use for new appliances/phone. You can re-sell the phone in mercari for few extra cash if u dont need it.
My principle is to utilize this kind of promo every time i change provider, if not, mottainai 🥹
If you have Docomo and a phone with an e-sim capability, sign up for Ahamo. It’s a subsidiary of Dockmo, but is ¥2000 a month for talk, text and 20g of data. Top-up data is cheap too. I signed up online and received my e-sim in 20-30 minutes and it’s been working wonderfully. Give it a try.
It takes longer than it should, but you can absolutely do that.
I did it, and it was the best decision I ever made with regards to the Japanese mobile phone industry.
Same here. I want to change from Softbank to docomo. Cani just go to their shop and do it? With MNP of course
Yes
MVNOs like ahamo are cheaper and awesome. Highly recommend.
You might be wondering “what’s the catch?”
Well, when a cell tower for docomo is overloaded with traffic, it will prioritize docomo customers over ahamo customers.
Exact details of the algorithm used are not public, but if you’re not in a crowded area, it’s not usually a big deal.
I would assume that as the % of ahamo users increases, the more fair the selection will become to ahamo users.
Anyone who actually uses ahamo can chime in with anecdotes.