When you need SMS authentication with a Japanese number from abroad (this happens more often than you'd think)
Cases where you need Japanese SMS authentication while abroad.
For those living abroad for the medium term or who have emigrated, I'm sure many have encountered this situation.
When do you actually need SMS authentication?
Maybe you want to register for a new service but can't complete the SMS verification, or when you try to log in to a service you've already registered for, it asks for SMS authentication because you're on a different network.
Because of things like that, you'd be surprised how often you're asked for SMS authentication.
This can lead to situations where you can't use or access Japanese services.
I canceled my Japanese mobile number
When I moved to Thailand, I canceled my Japanese mobile phone before I left, thinking I wouldn't need it anymore.
Then, after I arrived in Thailand, I found myself being asked for a Japanese mobile number every now and then, and I felt it was quite inconvenient.
At first, I had my family in Japan help me with the really necessary things, but it's a hassle to keep asking for help, and I really wanted to be able to handle it myself.
Conclusion: Rakuten Mobile was the optimal solution
So, the one I thought was the best was Rakuten Mobile.
With some simple settings on Rakuten Mobile, you can receive SMS on your Japanese mobile number from abroad.
What's great about it is that Rakuten Mobile's rate plans are cheaper than other carriers. With their 'Rakuten Saikyo Plan,' it's only 968 yen including tax.
By signing up for this plan, you can first of all keep your Japanese mobile number.
You can handle services that require a phone number to register, and you'll be able to receive SMS on your Japanese mobile number even from abroad.
I think that alone is worth the 968 yen per month.
No contract term commitment
What's nice is that there is no contract term commitment. There are no multi-year contracts, so you can cancel anytime if you feel you don't need it anymore.
For those who have emigrated or are traveling abroad for the medium term, this is a pretty welcome point.
And besides that, there are some pretty nice perks for those living abroad.
You get 2GB of international data usage
You can use 2GB of data abroad for free every month.
Honestly, 2GB is something that runs out pretty quickly if you're really using it, but I find it quite useful for things like needing a bit of data to get from the airport to the hotel, or if my SIM expires right before my stay ends. It's surprisingly helpful.
It costs money to top up more than 2GB, so frankly, you're better off buying another eSIM if you need more, but I find the initial 2GB to be quite handy.
Free international calls to Japan via Rakuten Link
If you use an app called Rakuten Link, you can make international calls to Japan for free.
If you're communicating with other people who use LINE, you'll probably just use that, but Rakuten Link is convenient when you need to call a shop or a public institution.
I used to use Skype to call Japan from abroad, but since Skype is no longer available, I've started using Rakuten Link instead.
A real essential for life abroad
In summary, having Rakuten Mobile allows you to do the following:
Keep your Japanese mobile number
Receive Japanese SMS from abroad
Use 2GB of international data for free
Make free international calls to Japan
No contract term commitments
I think it's a convenient option for those living abroad for a long time, so I highly recommend it.
I've summarized how to receive SMS authentication from abroad in detail in the article below, so please check it out if you're interested.