How to set and charge for overseas roaming to use Rakuten Mobile overseas

Rakuten Mobile provides roaming services that allow you to use data communication, calls, and SMS overseas, just as you would in Japan.

Other carriers offer similar services, but the current situation is that they cannot be used casually due to additional charges.

So how does Rakuten Mobile's fourth carrier, overseas roaming, compare to other companies?

This time, we thoroughly investigated the outline of overseas roaming of Rakuten Mobile, as well as the charges and setting methods.

If you are having trouble securing data communication means for overseas travel or business trips, or if you want to use data communication as cheaply as possible, please check this article.

Rakuten Mobile Overseas Roaming Points \ Check the following for details / Go to Rakuten Mobile official website Table of contents

1. What is overseas roaming?
2. Countries / regions that can be used overseas
3. Free for overseas use, capacity is 2GB
4. How to use Rakuten Mobile smartphone overseas
5. How to stop overseas roaming after returning to Japan
6. Rakuten Mobile's overseas roaming is more advantageous than other companies

* Prices in this article are displayed in total.

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What is overseas roaming?

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I think many people have heard the term overseas roaming once.

To use data communication in Japan, you need to contract with a carrier such as Rakuten Mobile, which has a communication network in Japan.

However, Japanese carriers do not have their own communication networks overseas, so they cannot be used overseas as they are.

Therefore, originally, in order to use data communication overseas, it is necessary to contract with a local telecommunications carrier, but there are problems with languages ​​and procedures, and the hurdles are quite high.

Therefore, Japanese telecommunications carriers respond to user demand and cooperate with local telecommunications carriers to provide overseas roaming services that allow smartphones that are normally used in Japan to be used overseas as they are.

You can use it immediately by applying to a carrier that has a contract in Japan, and you do not need to contract a local SIM each time.

However, it is necessary to confirm because the countries and regions that can be used differ depending on the carrier.

In the past, overseas roaming services had the image of being pay-as-you-go and expensive.

However, in recent years, the number of carriers with fixed amounts and upper limits has increased, making it easier to use.

A compatible model is required to use overseas roaming.

Smartphones released in recent years support overseas roaming, but please note that some models may not be available.

Points of overseas roaming

Countries / regions that can be used overseas

With Rakuten Mobile, overseas roaming is available in 66 countries and regions around the world (as of April 2021).

The table below summarizes the major countries and regions where overseas roaming is available on Rakuten Mobile.

Due to space limitations, we could not list all countries / regions, so please check the Rakuten Mobile official website for details.

Country / Region	Communication charges	3G	4G LTE
America	free	○ ○	○ ○
Canada	free	○ ○	○ ○
Guam	free	×	○ ○
Hawaii	free	○ ○	○ ○
Alaska	free	○ ○	○ ○
China	free	○ ○	○ ○
India	free	○ ○	○ ○
Taiwan	free	○ ○	○ ○
Hong Kong	free	○ ○	○ ○
Korea	free	○ ○	○ ○
Singapore	free	○ ○	○ ○
Thailand	free	○ ○	○ ○
Philippines	free	○ ○	○ ○
Vietnam	free	○ ○	○ ○
England	free	○ ○	○ ○
France	free	○ ○	○ ○
Italy	free	○ ○	○ ○
Spain	free	○ ○	○ ○
Switzerland	free	○ ○	○ ○
Germany	free	○ ○	○ ○
Turkey	free	○ ○	○ ○
Russia	free	○ ○	○ ○
Australia	free	○ ○	○ ○
new zealand	free	○ ○	○ ○
Brazil	free	○ ○	○ ○
Mexico	free	○ ○	×
Peru	free	○ ○	×
South Africa	free	○ ○	○ ○
Morocco	free	○ ○	○ ○

Currently, there are many unprovided areas in areas such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Since Rakuten Mobile is actively expanding overseas roaming, there is a possibility that the number of countries and regions that can be targeted will increase in the future.

Even if it corresponds to the target country / region, it does not necessarily cover the entire area.

It may not be possible to connect depending on the communication conditions.

Free for overseas use, capacity is 2GB

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Rakuten Mobile's flat-rate plan "Rakuten UN-LIMIT VI (up to 3,278 yen per month)," which was launched in April 2021, also includes overseas roaming services.

You can use services such as data communication, international calls, international SNS, and unlimited international calls in the same way as in Japan.

In addition, it is very convenient because you do not need to apply and you can use it immediately with simple settings.

Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of Rakuten UN-LIMIT VI's overseas roaming capacity and charges.

Features of Rakuten Mobile Overseas Roaming

Free up to 2GB

If you have a contract for "Rakuten UN-LIMIT VI", you can use high-speed data traffic up to 2GB per month overseas for free.

This is converted as the amount of high-speed data communication provided by the local partner carrier, so it is treated separately from the amount of high-speed data communication in Japan.

If the 2GB high-speed data traffic is used up, the communication speed will be limited to 128kbps at maximum.

However, if you are using the docomo line / au line plan provided by Rakuten Mobile before April 7, 2020, please note that international roaming is not free.

Additional capacity is 500 yen per 1GB

For overseas roaming, you can use high-speed data traffic up to 2GB every month.

Short stays will suffice, but long stays may be inadequate.

If you run out of space, you can charge it for 500 yen per 1GB from the "my Rakuten Mobile" app.

This overseas roaming charge is not taxable.

The charge fee is considerably cheaper than other companies.

The charged capacity has a 31-day deadline including the purchase date.

Considering that it will not be used up, we recommend that you add it each time instead of purchasing it all at once.

Only models compatible with Rakuten lines can be used

It is convenient and affordable overseas roaming of Rakuten Mobile, but unfortunately it can only be used with models that support Rakuten Mobile lines.

If you are using a smartphone that you bring in with a SIM-only contract, you may not be able to use it depending on the model.

You can check the target models for overseas roaming from the official website of Rakuten Mobile, so it is recommended to check before traveling.

How to use Rakuten Mobile smartphone overseas

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To use Rakuten Mobile smartphones overseas, you must be a member of Rakuten UN-LIMIT VI.

If you subscribe to the plan, you can use it without applying.

However, it is necessary to set in advance to use overseas roaming.

Here, we will explain the setting method required to use overseas roaming with Rakuten Mobile.

To use your smartphone immediately after arriving at the site, you need to make settings in advance.

If you do not set it, you will not be able to use it immediately on site.

First, let's install "my Rakuten Mobile" on your smartphone.

Log in to my Rakuten Mobile and turn on the setting

Launch the my Rakuten Mobile app installed on your smartphone and perform the following operations before traveling.

The procedure is the same for both iPhone and Android versions.

1. Launch the my Rakuten mobile app and tap "Login with Rakuten ID"
2. Enter your Rakuten user ID and password and tap "Login"
3. Tap the "Contract Plan" tab at the bottom of the screen
4. Tap "Overseas roaming (data communication)"
5. Tap "Change"

After arriving at the site, turn on data roaming

When you arrive at the site, turn on data roaming in the settings app on your smartphone.

While data roaming is turned on, you will be able to use all Rakuten services such as data communication, international calls, international SNS, and unlimited international calls.

The operation is different between iPhone and Android.

Let's take a look at each procedure.

Turn on data roaming on iPhone

Follow the steps below to turn on data roaming on your iPhone.

The screen used for the explanation is iPhone 11 Pro with iOS 14.4.2.

1. Launch the "Settings" app from the home screen and tap "Mobile communication"
2. Tap "Communication option (roaming off)"
3. Tap "Data roaming" to turn it on

Turn on data roaming on Android

Follow the steps below to turn on data roaming on Android.

The screen used for the explanation is Pixel 3a with Android OS 11.

1. Launch the "Settings" app from the home screen or application screen, and tap "Network and Internet".
2. Tap "Mobile network"
3. Tap "Roaming"
4. Tap "OK"

Make an international call

With Rakuten Mobile, you cannot make calls from overseas using the standard phone app.

To make an international call, you need to use "Rakuten Link", a call & message app provided by Rakuten Mobile.

Call charges are free for calls between Rakuten Links.

However, if you call a landline or smartphone, you will be charged a call charge. Call charges vary depending on the country / region and usage time.

The method for making an international call using Rakuten Link is as follows. The procedure is the same for both iPhone and Android versions.

1. Launch the "Rakuten Link" app from the home screen or application screen, and tap "Call" at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap the dial button at the bottom right of the screen
3. Enter "010 (or press and hold 0 to" + ")" + country code + the other party's phone number, and tap the call button.

Use all-you-can-call international calls

Rakuten Mobile offers an option called "Unlimited International Calls (980 yen per month)" that allows you to make unlimited international calls for as long as you like.

Even if you forget to apply for a new contract, you can apply later using the "my Rakuten Mobile" app.

The procedure for applying for unlimited international calls is as follows.

1. Launch the "my Rakuten Mobile" app from the home screen or application screen, and tap "Contract plan" at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap "Unlimited international calls"
3. Tap "Change"

After completing the application, you will be able to use it free of charge when making international calls from Rakuten Link.

The monthly charge for all-you-can-call international calls starts from the month of the contract date.

Send and receive international SMS

Rakuten Mobile cannot send messages from overseas using the standard SMS app.

To send and receive international SMS, you need to use "Rakuten Link", a call & message app provided by Rakuten Mobile.

If you are in the specified 66 countries and regions, the transmission fee is free regardless of the number of characters, but in other countries and regions, a full-width 70 characters / 100 yen charge will be incurred.

The method for sending international SMS using Rakuten Link is as follows.

1. Launch the "Rakuten Link" app from the home screen or application screen, and tap "+" at the bottom right of the screen on the message screen.
2. Tap "New message"
3. Tap the recipient from the list of contacts
4. Enter a message in the input field and tap the send button

International SMS can only be sent to the person registered in the contact book application of the smartphone.

If you know the phone number, it will be smooth if you register it in the contact book application in advance.

Don't forget to set the stop after returning to Japan!

After returning to Japan, it is recommended to stop overseas roaming.

Even if you leave overseas roaming turned on in Japan, there is basically no additional charge.

However, if you receive radio waves from overseas carriers in Japan, theoretically high charges will be incurred.

It is basically impossible in Japan, which is not directly adjacent to other countries, but it is safe to turn off overseas roaming just in case.

The procedure for stopping overseas roaming is explained in the next section, "How to stop overseas roaming after returning to Japan."

How to stop overseas roaming after returning to Japan

After returning to Japan, you need to stop roaming with the Rakuten mobile app and the smartphone settings app.

Here, I will explain the procedure to stop overseas roaming with my Rakuten mobile app and smartphone setting app.

Turn off overseas roaming with my Rakuten Mobile

After returning to Japan, launch the my Rakuten mobile app on your smartphone and perform the following operations.

The procedure is the same for both iPhone and Android versions.

1. Launch the my Rakuten mobile app and tap the "Contract plan" tab at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap "Overseas roaming (data communication)"
3. Tap "Change" to turn it off

Turn off data roaming on iPhone

Follow the steps below to turn off data roaming on your iPhone.

The screen used for the explanation is iPhone 11 Pro with iOS 14.4.2.

1. Launch the "Settings" app from the home screen and tap "Mobile communication"
2. Tap "Communication option (roaming on)"
3. Tap "Data roaming" to turn it off

Turn on data roaming on Android

Follow the steps below to turn off data roaming on Android.

The screen used for the explanation is Pixel 3a with Android OS 11.

1. Launch the "Settings" app from the home screen or application screen, and tap "Network and Internet".
2. Tap "Mobile network"
3. Tap "Roaming" to turn it off

Rakuten Mobile's overseas roaming is more advantageous than other companies

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This time, I explained about overseas roaming of Rakuten Mobile.

The following is a summary of Rakuten Mobile's overseas roaming explained in this article.

Rakuten Mobile Overseas Roaming Points

Other companies have additional costs and functional restrictions for overseas roaming, but Rakuten Mobile has a high point that it can be used at a great deal.

If you are traveling for a short period of time, you will be able to fully utilize it without purchasing additional capacity.

However, if you meet the following conditions, we recommend renting an overseas Wi-Fi router or arranging a local SIM.

People who are not suitable for overseas roaming of Rakuten Mobile

Rakuten Mobile's overseas roaming, which can be used as comfortably as in Japan overseas, is very useful as a means of communication during your stay.

To use it with peace of mind, be sure to check the compatible countries / regions and target models on the official website of Rakuten Mobile before traveling.