A few years ago, none of the big companies would sell me a phone or their services because they said I had to prove I could legally live in Japan for at least 2 years. I ended up buying a phone and service from DMM, an online company, which doesn’t have physical stores or kiosks, and didn’t require the 2 years. My phone has broken, so I’m considering switching companies. Anyone know if I can start a new contract even though my visa is only good for another few months (less than a year)?
Thank you for any help.
5 comments
Discussion from yesterday https://www.reddit.com/r/japanlife/comments/16ocufp/can_i_buy_a_phone_if_my_resident_card_will_expire/
If the contract is two years, and you lease a phone with monthly installments that lasts two years, you need to be in the country for the duration of the contract/installments so they can get their money. That’s why they denied you.
You should find a monthly, cancel anytime service rather than a contract.
my friend faced the same problem easiest way was to apply for a credit card and use it for installments.
try rakuten credit card since it’s kinda easy to get.
It’s not a requirement for foreigners, it’s just that the contract is 2 years. You need to have at least 2 years left on your zairyu card to show you’ll be able to be in Japan long enough for the contract to finish
Went to Docomo last week with 1 year on my zairyu. They were happy to provide a contract, but a new phone had to be bought up front and couldn’t be split over the years I may/may not be here in their eyes