Buying a smartphone in installments in Japan

If I want to buy a smartphone, let’s say Galaxy S23 Ultra in installments, where can I do it? I have only Japanese debit card and German credit card. Do shops like Kojima or Biccamera sell smartphones in installments with only debit or japanese bank account? I’m completely lost already. I’m asking here before going cause I live far away and I’m very busy. Thank you

10 comments
  1. Depending on your visa and/or residency status you can buy phones from the cell phone companies and they’ll add the monthly payments to your monthly bill if you sign a service contract. I’ve gotten all of my cell phones that way since I’ve been here.

  2. if you have enough credit limit in your credit card just get a sim unlocked version ( oh boy blatware are real here with network providers)and pay it as installments, easy as that.

    getting a phone with instalments from a major network provider can be tricky, let’s say you want to pay for 36 months but you only have 1 year visa left, they won’t give you 36 month plan. it all depends on your visa.

  3. I bought my last few phones that way on Amazon Japan. I’m not sure you can buy in installments if you don’t have a history with them, though.

  4. I wouldn’t go to a carrier’s shop, especially if I’m busy. I think it’s a lot clearer and quicker via web.

    I think those shops are a waste of time.

  5. First step, get a Japanese credit card. Should be easy if you have a Japanese bank account and you’re a citizen.

  6. Paidy gives you installment upto 36 times for iphone and 12 times for samsung galaxy with 0% interest but you have to go through provide verification and all.

    Other way is to try out loan checkout in biccamera. It requires screening and verification.

  7. It’s weird that you hold Japanese nationality and got rejection. You can ask AU. Not sure about your case but for foreigners they just need visa still valid for over 14 months. The initial pay will be higher then Japanese but can do in installment after.

    Should call before you go.

  8. It’s weird that you hold Japanese nationality and got rejection. You can ask AU. Not sure about your case but for foreigners they just need visa still valid for over 14 months. The initial pay will be higher then Japanese but can do in installment after.

    Should call before you go.

  9. I have an account with AU and buy all my phones in installments. I never needed a credit card. I needed a bank account and proof of residency (as in my registration card) but that was it. I bought an S23 recently and pay in installments.

  10. The big 3 providers do allow installments for some phone model and you can pay through automatic bank transfer. That’s how my BF paid for his current phone, through Docomo. We didn’t live together then so I don’t have all the information but I believe he got it shipped to his address. Registration was all online and it took a few days for the screening. His sim isn’t from Docomo though so without an docomo id, he has no idea how many installments he’s got left. But it should end soon.

Leave a Reply
You May Also Like