There is a common bottleneck that international students and Working Holiday makers face during their first 2 to 3 weeks in Japan. It is because a phone number, a bank account, and a housing contract all require one another.
Why Everyone Gets Stuck Here
If you start without knowing the right order, you will get caught in this loop:
- Trying to open a bank account? → They require a Japanese phone number.
- Trying to get a phone number (carrier contract)? → They require a Residence Card + a Japanese bank account or credit card.
- Trying to sign a housing contract? → You must already have a phone number and a bank account.
In other words, because these three are codependent, trying to do any of them first will result in repeatedly hearing, "To do that, you need this first." Many people spend their entire first week just dealing with this loop.
The Correct Order
The starting point to break this cycle is the phone number.
Step 1 — Get a Japanese Phone Number
Almost every procedure—from opening a bank account and signing a housing contract to applying for part-time jobs—requires a reachable Japanese phone number. Without a number, all subsequent steps grind to a halt.
The problem is that signing up with a major carrier (Docomo, SoftBank, etc.) requires a Residence Card and a payment method, and the screening process takes time. Right after arrival, before your Residence Card is fully processed or registered, you will hit this wall.
Step 2 — Open a Bank Account
Once you have a phone number, you can open a bank account. You need a bank account to receive salary payments, set up automatic utility bill payments, and transfer rent.
Step 3 — Housing & Utility Contracts
With your phone number and bank account ready, you can proceed with your housing contract and register for gas, water, and electricity. These registrations also strictly require a phone number.
Prepare Before Arrival to Save Your First Week
The key is to complete Step 1 (getting a phone number) in advance while you are still in your home country, before arriving in Japan. This allows you to jump straight to Steps 2 and 3 as soon as you land.
KEICALL was created specifically to solve this problem.
- Voice eSIM / SIM Card — An official Japanese phone number activated using your Residence Card and passport. It bypasses the residency period and credit check issues that often cause rejections during major carrier screenings.
- Apply Before Departure — Apply in advance from home, and your number will be ready by the time you arrive. You can start your bank and housing contracts on your very first day.
- Korean Support — Get guided through the entire process with support in Korean.
Eliminating that frustrating first week of "not being able to do anything because I don't have a phone number"—that is the difference between knowing the correct order and preparing in advance.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via KakaoTalk. We will guide you through the best setup order and products for your situation in Korean.
