Rakuten Link: The Ultimate Guide to Free Calls

If you're from overseas, Rakuten Link is arguably the single best reason to choose Rakuten Mobile. It's not just a dialer app; it's a way to call your family back home for free and keep your Japanese phone bill at flat zero for calls.

Here is the official breakdown of how it works, based on Rakuten Mobile's 2026 specifications.

What is Rakuten Link?

Rakuten Link is a "Super App" that handles calls, messaging, and payments. Unlike standard phone apps that use the 3G/4G voice network (which costs ¥22/30 sec), Rakuten Link uses data (RCS) to route calls, allowing Rakuten to offer them for free.

Key features:

• Free Domestic Calls: To any Japanese mobile or landline.
• Free International Calls: To 66 countries/regions (from Japan).
• Free Messaging: SMS and photos.
• No Data Count: Calls do not consume your high-speed data allowance.

Free International Calls (The Killer Feature)

Most carriers charge expensive rates (e.g., ¥100+/min) to call overseas. Rakuten Mobile includes free international calls to 66 designated countries and regions when you call from Japan using the Rakuten Link app.

Supported Countries (Partial List)

• North America: USA, Canada
• Europe: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.
• Asia: China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, etc.
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

Important: You must use the Rakuten Link app. If you use the standard green phone app on your iPhone or Android, you will be charged standard international rates.

Using Rakuten Link Overseas

When you travel outside Japan, Rakuten Link becomes even more powerful.

1. Incoming Calls: Receiving calls is free globally.
2. Outgoing to Japan: Calling a Japanese number from overseas is free.
3. Data Roaming: You get 2GB of free high-speed data per month in 73 countries. No extra application needed.

Critical Warning: Activate Before You Leave

To use Rakuten Link overseas, you must activate the app (login and verify SMS) while you are still in Japan. If you try to set it up for the first time after landing in another country, the SMS authentication may not work.

Common Pitfalls

1. The "Standard App" Mistake

On iPhones, incoming calls often ring on the standard iOS Phone app, not Rakuten Link (due to iOS restrictions). If you tap the notification to return the call, it might open the standard app. Solution: Always open the pink Rakuten Link icon manually to make a call.

2. Excluded Numbers (0570)

Calls to "Navi-dial" numbers starting with 0570 are not free, even via Rakuten Link. These are often used by customer support centers and delivery services.

3. SMS on iOS

On iPhones, you can send/receive SMS via Rakuten Link only to other Rakuten Link users. To non-Rakuten users, you must use the standard iOS Messages app (which costs money for SMS, though iMessage is data-based). Android users can use Rakuten Link for all SMS.

Summary

For foreign residents who call home or need to call Japanese offices (City Hall, Bank, etc.) frequently, this app alone saves thousands of yen per month.