Chapter 2.4

Bank Account Opening and Contract Number

Bank Account Opening

When I first came to Japan, I often encountered the problem of the bank requiring a cell phone number to open an account, and to get a cell phone, I need to have a bank account first, so this kind of dilemma of "the chicken or the egg comes first" is a headache for me. My suggestion is to open a bank account first, and then get a cell phone number.

Recommended Banks: Yucho Bank (Japan Post Bank)

First of all, we recommend "Yukio Bank" for the following reasons:

• ATM MultiBecause this bank has a wide range of ATMs, there are ATMs at every post office, so you can get your money out when you are doing mail-related business.
• No Handling Fee: There are no handling fees during ATM operating hours. Longer operating hours than other parents.
• Fewer documents required: When opening an account, you only need to bring your Resident Card, Circle/Square Stamp, and your Student ID and Passport for emergencies.
• Simple Phone NumberPhone number: You can fill in your dormitory phone number, office phone number, or school phone number first, and then change the number after you have applied for a cell phone.

Remittance Notes

It is important to note that Yucho Bank does not accept Taiwan Dollars/Japanese Yen for overseas remittance, only US Dollars or Euros, and there is a possibility that your account will be frozen. For example, a European housemate asked her parents to send money to a post office account, and her account was frozen for a while, and it took several attempts to get her account unfrozen. Therefore, it is advisable to use other banks when transferring money from overseas. For more details, please refer toYucho Bank Official WebsiteThe

Recommended Bank: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC)

I opened an account with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) with the help of the Tohoku University International Student Support Office. As a result of the cooperation between Tohoku University and SMBC, I was able to open an account directly using my student status, and I was able to receive my passbook and ATM card in about a week, which was very convenient. For more information about remittance and collection methods, please seeSMBC WebsiteThe

Purchase a door number and cell phone

Purchasing the contract number and cell phone was the last step, but it became the most time-consuming challenge for me.

Rejection by the three major telecommunications companies

I went to three major telecommunication companies (Softbank, Docomo, and AU), but I couldn't get a visa for only one year. They suggested that I sign a two-year contract and pay a penalty to terminate the contract after one year, but since I was not fluent in Japanese, the clerks rejected my application despite my senior's help in explaining the situation.

Meet GTN mobile

While chatting in the dormitory lounge, she learns that GTN mobile, a telecommunications company specializing in foreigners, provides service personnel in various Asian languages. I went to the Shinjuku head office of the company with the feeling of being rejected again, but I was warmly received by the kind and friendly service staff. I was impressed by a woman named Huang, who explained each charge in detail in Chinese. The SIM card of "GTN mobile" only provides internet service, not a telecom number. However, the company provides a pair of VoIP numbers, one for making calls and the other for sending SMS, which can be used as a cell phone number. However, since it is a VoIP phone, you will not be able to make calls once your Internet traffic runs out.

Recommended Cheap Telecom Companies

With the advancement of time, it is no longer as difficult as it was back then to find a door number program that suits your needs, you can refer to the following, apply on the Internet, and convenient, but also reduces the number of ineffective communication with the shopkeeper who does not understand Japanese.

LUMINE Mobiles (LUMINE Action)

• parent companies: LUMINE® Corporation
• Funding Options
  • Provide a single programRakuten UN-LIMIT VIIThe
  • The monthly fee varies depending on the amount of data used, and is a maximum of 3,278 yen per month (tax included).
  • Data usage is 0 yen for 1GB, 1,078 yen for 3GB, and 2,178 yen for 20GB, and is billed on a tiered basis.
• Network Quality
  • Unlimited data usage in owned line areas.
  • Enjoy 5GB of high-speed internet per month in partner line areas.
• Features
  • LUMINE® points can be accumulated and used.
  • Cooperation with LUMINE® Group services such as LUMINE® Market and LUMINE® Card.
  • Support eSIM, you can start using it immediately after applying online.
• (sth. or sb) else
  • This program is suitable for students and workers who are eligible to stay in Japan for more than one year.You cannot apply if you have not completed one year.

Y!モバイル (Y Action)

• parent companies: SoftBank Corporation
• Funding Options:
  • Simple program (シンプル S/M/L) is provided according to data capacity.
  • Monthly rates start at 2,178 yen (tax included).
  • Additional discounts such as family discounts and fiber optic internet packages are available.
• Network Quality:
  • Use SoftBank's high-speed 4G/5G network.
  • Provides a stable network in a wide area of the country.
• Features
  • You can use the Yahoo! Premium Membership Special for free.
  • You can enjoy partnership discounts on SoftBank Group services such as PayPay points.
  • Company e-mail (@ymobile.ne.jp) is available.
  • Provide a comprehensive physical store support system.
• (sth. or sb) else
  • For students who are interested in a half-year exchange program, they can apply as long as they have at least 90 days to stay in the country.

UQ Mobility (UQ Action)

• parent companies: KDDI Corporation (au)
• Funding Options:
  • Kurikoshi Platinum S/M/L" is available in data capacity.
  • Monthly rent starts from ¥1,628 (tax included).
  • Featuring the "Data Kurikoshi" function that allows you to extend the remaining data capacity to the next month.
• Network Quality:
  • Use au highly reliable 4G/5G network.
  • High-speed internet is available in a wide range of areas, from urban to rural.
• Offer:
  • Residential group discounts (discounts for combining with internet services) are available.
  • Discounts are available for cooperation with au related services.
  • Company email (@uqmobile.jp) is available.
  • Provide online support and complete physical store support system.
• (sth. or sb) else
  • Students who have stayed for more than 90 days are eligible to apply for a half-year exchange program.
  • If you purchase a cell phone body at the same time as the contract, you can only pay for the body in one lump sum.
  • However, if the credit card can be used properly, the limit on the length of stay may be removed. (The restriction is only intended to recognize the user's ability to pay.)

Trivia

• "LUMINE® Mobiles is characterized by flexible billing with data usage adjustment and partnership with LUMINE® Services. LUMINE® Mobiles is recommended for those who use a lot of data or frequently use LUMINE® Lifestyle Circle.
• "Y!モバイル" offers SoftBank's Internet quality at an affordable price. It is suitable for users who frequently use family discounts and Yahoo!
• "UQモバイル" is characterized by its data renewal function and stable network quality. It is recommended for users who want to utilize data efficiently or who value cooperation with au services.

If you are not confident about the application process or interface, please feel free to contact us.

The experience of switching phones

After getting a SIM card, I decided to get a new phone and went to the Apple Store in Shibuya (now closed) and bought a SIM-card-free iPhone SE to start my new life in Japan.

little reminder

Unlike the Taiwan version of the cell phone, the Japanese cell phone will have a "clicking" sound when taking pictures after installing the Japanese SIM card, but if you change back to the Taiwan SIM card, it will become a silent camera again.

There are different opinions on the Internet, saying that it is enacted by Japanese law, but in fact, it is not entirely true. The reason is that there are no legal provisions in Japan that directly regulate the shutter sound of cell phones or smartphone cameras. However, the reason why the shutter sound is mandatory is to protect privacy and prevent clandestine photography.

Background and Purpose

• Privacy: Mandatory shutter sound is intended to protect privacy by preventing the taking of photographs without the consent of others.
• Preventing clandestine photography: Shutter sounds play an important role in deterring surreptitious photography in public places or crowded areas.

Practical Operation

• Vendor AutonomyMost smartphones sold in Japan are designed so that the shutter sound cannot be turned off. This is not a legal requirement, but is a manufacturer-imposed rule.
• Liability: The act of clandestine photographing is prohibited by prefectural ordinances such as the Prevention of Confusing (Chinese: 擾民) Behavior Ordinance, and those who violate these ordinances are subject to penalties.

Points of Attention

• Respect for privacy: When taking photographs, be aware of your surroundings and, if necessary, obtain the consent of the other party to avoid infringing on their privacy.

In short, even though there is no direct legal provision on shutter sound in Japan, it has become a common practice that cell phones are designed so that shutter sound cannot be turned off for privacy protection and to prevent clandestine photography.

Conclusion

When you first arrive in Japan as an exchange student, you will face many new procedures and challenges. However, these challenges can be overcome if you follow the steps to complete these important procedures in an orderly manner and seek help from your older siblings and junior teachers along the way. Below is a brief summary of the process:

1. Obtaining a Resident Card: Ensure your eligibility for part-time employment by completing the application form for permission to engage in unqualified activities.
2. Meeting with Elementary Teachers and Purchasing a Short Term Network Card: Ensure contact and networking needs in the early stages of your stay in Japan.
3. Residency and health insurance enrollment.: Ensure legal residency and basic health care.
4. Bank Account Opening and Portal Number Application: Choose the right bank for easy money transfers. And choose the right telecommunication plan to make sure that you have a good connection.

Although I encountered some difficulties during the process, with the help of my senior sister and junior teacher, I successfully completed all the steps and started my research life in Japan. I hope that my sharing can help students who are going to Japan, and I wish you all a smooth and happy exchange trip!

Related Resources

• Opening of Foreigner's Guests｜Yucho Bank
• Foreign Nationals DeSu ga, Kuchiza opening dekimasu ka? ｜Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
• Audit period ga no kurai kakaruka teach me to eat? ｜LUMINE® Mobiles
• About the confirmation book アップロード｜Y!モバイル
• A list of the necessary information for application｜UQモバイル
• スマホ カメラ シャッター tone なぜ ?

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