So whilst I was on holidays my credit card expired. I received the money from the credit card but I couldn’t pay for my mobile phone account (mineo) as it was linked to this credit card. They therefore sent bills (for which I couldn’t pay, since I was out of the country) and by the time I came back they had canceled my sim-card. I therefore registered at a new company (LINEMO). However, Mineo sent me another bill now for the month of March even though the subscription has already been canceled and I didn’t use the sim-card in the meantime. The bill has gotten rather high and tbh I do not feel like paying it since I did not even use the subscription during the time I was away and I could not call them to explain the situation (as they canceled my phone number and for some reason no Japanese companies use e-mail). Should I be ‘scared’ that they will report me or something like that, or is it okay to just ignore the bills and not pay? I will be leaving Japan in three months.
4 comments
So, you didn’t pay your last MINEO bill and they are now sending you new bill, and you still don’t feel like paying?
I don’t think unpaid phone bills increase because of interest, or that you’re billed after your sim was canceled. There’s usually a month delay in billing so I think this is what you’ve used. Just because you didn’t use your phone bill doesn’t mean you are exempt from paying it, just like not watching Netflix for a month doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pay it…it’s a contract. I would just on the basis of good faith pay it. And also find a way to contact them to make sure it’s canceled.
Just pay. You didn’t handle it properly so take responsibility. Think of it as a not so expensive lesson.
I also neglected to read rules when I cancelled my gym membership and had to pay a month even if I never used it. This is how Japan is: massive penalties for those who aren’t prudent.
You will likely be blackballed from ever opening a SIM card again, since Mineo is a major carrier that shares data with other companies. If you never plan to return to Japan, it’s fine, but you will be banned from all phone services in the future.