Money-Saving in Japan

Key Takeaways: povo 2.0 keeps a Japanese number at a ¥0 base fee, as long as you buy a paid topping — from ¥250 — inside every 180-day window, or the line is suspended. Residents can take the voice plan with a residence card and eKYC; tourists without one are limited to the data-only eSIM. Signing up through a point site adds up to ¥5,600 in cashback. 📱 This article is for you if: You want to keep a Japanese phone number at minimal cost You need a secondary line or backup SIM Your data usage varies month to month You want au network quality without high costs 🔥 Sign up for povo via point sites – new users can get up to ¥5,600 value! That’s enough to maintain your line for over 20 years! (Annual cost only ¥500) Quick answer for foreigners Yes — foreigners can get povo 2.0.

Key Takeaways: Foreign residents in Japan can use furusato nozei on the same terms as Japanese citizens — nationality is irrelevant, but you must be registered somewhere in Japan on January 1, and most people see no benefit until their second year. Your donation minus ¥2,000 comes off income and resident tax, with gifts capped at 30% of the donation. Point rewards ended in October 2025. Get premium Japanese products for just ¥2,000 Furusato Nozei for Foreigners in Japan: Can You Do It? Quick answer for foreigners Yes — if you live in Japan and pay resident tax (住民税), you can do furusato nozei and get regional gifts (wagyu, rice, appliances) for a flat ¥2,000 fee, just like Japanese residents. Nationality does not matter. But three things catch foreigners: (1) you usually only benefit from your second year, (2) you must be registered in Japan on January 1, and (3)