Dual SIM in Japan: Why Rakuten Mobile Is Worth Considering as a Second Line
Rakuten Mobile recently surpassed 10 million subscribers π — and one of the easiest ways to try it safely is by using dual SIM. Many people in Japan already have a main carrier, but adding a second line can give you extra data, stronger signal in weak‑coverage areas, and a reliable backup connection during emergencies.
The good news is that you don’t need to cancel your current plan or change your phone number to enjoy these benefits. Most modern smartphones support dual SIM, and Rakuten Mobile’s flexible, low‑cost “Rakuten SAIKYO Plan” makes it a practical option as a second line for both Japanese and international residents.
π Quick Start: Safely Try Rakuten Mobile with Dual SIMIf you’re curious but not ready to switch carriers, dual SIM is the easiest way to try Rakuten Mobile safely.
- Keep your current carrier — no need to cancel anything
- Add Rakuten Mobile as a second line via eSIM
- Activation can take as little as a day, all without visiting a store
- Cancel anytime if it doesn’t fit your needs
- Extra perks available through the Employee Referral Program (returning users are also eligible!)
π This is the safest way to try Rakuten Mobile.
Sign-up via Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral for extra perks!
*To be eligible for this campaign, must login to the employee referral campaign page when signing-up
*Rakuten ID required
*To be eligible, must start using Rakuten Mobile by 11:59 PM on the last day of the second month following the day of clicking and logging in the employee referral campaign
π Table of Contents
- π What Is Dual SIM?
- π Pros of a Dual SIM Setup
- ⚠️ Cons of Dual SIM
- π Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten SAIKYO Plan” at a Glance
- πΆ Why Rakuten Mobile Is Worth Considering as a Second Line
- π Employee Referral Benefits
- π Can International Residents Use Rakuten Mobile?
- π Summary
π What Is Dual SIM?
Dual SIM simply means that one smartphone can use two mobile lines at the same time. Instead of carrying two separate phones, you can keep two different numbers or two different carriers inside a single device.
Most recent iPhones and Android phones sold in Japan support:
- πΆ 1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM, or
- πΆ Dual eSIM (two eSIM profiles active at once)
With dual SIM, you can:
- π Have two phone numbers on one device
- π Use one line for data and the other for calls/SMS
- π‘ Keep your existing carrier while adding a cheaper second plan
- ⚙️ Switch which line uses mobile data with just a few taps
Prefer a quick video explanation? Jump to the video.
π Pros of a Dual SIM Setup
1. Extra data without upgrading your main plan πΎ
If your current carrier’s data is expensive, you can add a second line with a cheaper data plan and use that line as your primary data source. This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your monthly bill without changing your main number.
2. Better coverage by combining two networks πΎ
No single carrier has perfect coverage everywhere. By combining two different networks, you reduce dead zones and stay connected in more places — especially useful for rural travel, basements, or buildings with weak signal.
3. Reliable backup during outages and emergencies π¨
A backup line can help during:
- ⚡ Carrier outages: if one provider has issues, the other may still work
- π§️ Typhoons or weather disruptions: network stability varies by carrier
- π️ Rural travel: coverage differs widely by region
- π₯ Medical or safety emergencies: if your main line is congested, the other may connect
Dual SIM is one of the simplest ways to increase your phone’s reliability without buying a second device.
4. Separate work and personal life πΌ➡️π
Dual SIM lets you keep work and personal numbers separate and silence one line outside work hours. This is especially helpful for anyone who wants clearer boundaries without carrying multiple phones.
5. Ideal for international residents and frequent travelers ✈️
If you travel often between Japan and another country, you may be able to have two different carriers from two different countries active at the same time (your device must be unlocked). This is useful if you want to avoid carrying two phones or constantly swapping SIM cards.
⚠️ Cons of Dual SIM (and How to Manage Them)
1. Slightly more complex settings ⚙️
You’ll need to choose which SIM handles data, calls, and SMS, but iOS and Android make this simple with clear menus. Once set up, most people rarely need to adjust anything.
2. Slightly higher battery usage π
Because your phone connects to two networks at once, battery usage may increase slightly. You can reduce this by disabling one SIM temporarily or limiting background data when not needed.
3. Not all phones support dual SIM π΅
Some older or budget phones may not support eSIM or dual SIM. Check your device’s specifications before setting up — most recent iPhones and Android models in Japan support it.
π Rakuten Mobile’s “Rakuten SAIKYO Plan” at a Glance
Rakuten Mobile offers a single, simple plan with three pricing tiers based on monthly data usage:
- 0–3GB: JPY 1,078 / month
- 3–20GB: JPY 2,178 / month
- 20GB–Unlimited: JPY 3,278 / month
*tax included
You only pay for the tier that matches your actual usage. Domestic calls are free when using the Rakuten Link app, and the plan supports both 4G and 5G in eligible areas. For many people using Rakuten as a second line, the lowest tier may be enough — making it a cost‑effective backup.
Related posts:
- π All About Rakuten Mobile’s Employee Referral Campaign
- π Reduce your phone bill to 0 JPY!? How to Get and Use Rakuten Points
- π Can International Residents Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile?
πΆ Why Rakuten Mobile Is Worth Considering as a Second Line
1. Low cost for light to moderate data use πΈ
If you mainly use Rakuten as a backup or secondary data SIM, many users fall into the lowest tier of JPY 1,078 / month. This makes it one of the most affordable ways to add extra data or a backup network.
2. eSIM support and easy activation ⚡
Rakuten Mobile supports eSIM, allowing you to activate a second line online without visiting a store. In many cases, setup can be completed in just a day, making it ideal for anyone who wants a quick, hassle‑free trial.
3. Works well as main or backup line π
- π‘ Data-focused Rakuten + call-focused main carrier
- π Call-focused Rakuten + data-focused main carrier
- π‘️ Rakuten as a pure backup network
Dual SIM gives you flexibility — you can mix and match based on your needs.
4. You can pay your bill with Rakuten Points π
If you use Rakuten services, you can apply points directly to your monthly bill — sometimes reducing your out‑of‑pocket cost significantly.
For a detailed guide on earning and using points: How to Get and Use Rakuten Points.
5. Simple to Opt Out if It Doesn’t Work π
Rakuten Mobile is easy to try because you can stop or switch anytime if it doesn’t fit your needs. Just a few taps to cancel in the "my Rakuten Mobile" app — no store visit required.
⏳ Why Try Rakuten Mobile Today?
Rakuten Mobile recently surpassed 10 million subscribers — and the Employee Referral Campaign currently offers higher‑than‑usual point rewards. If you’ve been thinking about trying Rakuten as a second line, now is one of the best times to do it.
- π₯ Higher point rewards than regular referral
- ⚡ Fast eSIM activation — try it today
- π‘️ Keep your current carrier while testing Rakuten safely
- πΈ Low cost, especially for light data users
- ❌ Cancel anytime if it doesn’t fit your needs
π Extra Benefits with the Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign
If you sign up through the employee referral campaign, you may be eligible for bonus Rakuten Points. Details are explained here: Rakuten Mobile Employee Referral Campaign.
- Up to 14,000 Rakuten Points when switching from another carrier
- Up to 11,000 Rakuten Points for new or additional lines
- Eligibility for up to 5 lines (regular referral only allows 1)
- Referral benefits available for returning users only when reapplying via the employee referral program (not eligible through the regular referral program)
π Can International Residents Use Rakuten Mobile as a Second Line?
Yes — international residents can sign up if they meet the basic requirements. Full details are in: Can International Residents Sign Up for Rakuten Mobile?
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dual SIM drain battery?
Slightly, because your phone connects to two networks. You can disable one SIM temporarily if needed.
Will my main carrier be affected?
No — your main line stays exactly the same. Dual SIM simply adds a second line alongside it.
Can I cancel Rakuten Mobile anytime?
Yes. Cancellation can be done through the app.
Can foreigners sign up?
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements. Full details are linked above.
π₯ Quick Video: Dual SIM Explained
If you prefer a short visual overview, here’s a condensed video version of the key points about Dual SIM in Japan:
π Summary
If you’re satisfied with your main carrier but want more flexibility, better reliability, or a cheaper way to add data, a dual‑SIM setup with Rakuten Mobile as a second line can be a practical and convenient option. Its simple pricing, eSIM support, easy cancellation, free domestic calls via Rakuten Link, and the ability to pay with Rakuten Points make it a strong candidate for anyone considering a second line in Japan.
*Conditions apply, such as logging in via the referral campaign URL or starting service use before applying.
*Points will be awarded in installments starting four months after the referral login month.
*1 If the referred person uses the 6,000 yen OFF coupon at the official Rakuten Mobile Rakuten Ichiba store, they will receive 8,000 points instead.
Comments
Post a Comment