How to Get an Anonymous SIM in Reality ～For People Who Want to Use a Smartphone Without Revealing Their Identity～

July 31, 2025

This time, we received information from Gekiura Information.

"Please give me a SIM that won't reveal my identity"

If you say something like this when buying a smartphone (hereafter, smartphone), the store staff will probably look at you suspiciously.

However, anonymous SIMs do indeed exist.

So this time, we will introduce several real ways to obtain anonymous SIMs. Of course, within the legal scope.

■"Anonymous prepaid SIM" available at stores

It may be surprising, but in Japan, there are SIMs that can be bought without ID. For example, "disposable prepaid SIMs" sold at Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera, or "travel SIMs" for overseas use. Basically, they are data communication only, but there are rare cases of SMS-compatible types.

However, there is one point to note. Cash payment is recommended at stores. If you use a credit card or point card, your identity will be revealed from there.

■Hidden gem SIMs available on Amazon and Rakuten Ichiba

Anonymous SIMs can also be purchased via online shopping. Searching for "prepaid SIM SMS" or "travel SIM SMS" will bring them up. If the shipping origin is domestic, it will arrive the same day or the next day.

However, payment information remains, so it is not completely anonymous. Using convenience store payment methods offers some peace of mind, but if you choose "home delivery" for receipt, it is no good.

Ideally,AntiSpyPhone and similar apps should be downloaded to create a new Amazon account. Then, wearing sunglasses and a mask, go to a convenience store and purchase an Amazon gift card with cash.

For SIM receipt,PUDO locker or Amazon locker can be used to obtain it almost anonymously (only the convenience store camera remains).

■Importing overseas SIMs (somewhat for enthusiasts)

Overseas, SIMs that do not require registration are still widely available. Especially prepaid SIMs in Southeast Asia and the former Soviet Union are often available at airports or kiosks and can be used immediately.

Places to purchase include,
・Locally (while traveling)
・eBay and AliExpress
and others.

However, be careful about compatible frequency bands. It is necessary to check whether it can be used in Japan.

Also, overseas carriers are outside the jurisdiction of Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, so they are unlikely to respond to inquiries. Especially Russia and Ukraine have not been reported to respond to inquiries from Japan.

■Prepaid eSIMs

Recently, prepaid types have appeared for eSIMs as well.

Overseas services like Airalo and Ubigi allow charging and immediate use via apps, and payment with virtual cards is acceptable.

They offer the three advantages of no identity verification, same-day activation, and being hard to trace. However, many do not support voice calls, and SMS authentication may also be impossible.

■eSIMs purchasable with cryptocurrency

There are also eSIMs that can be purchased with cryptocurrency. All can be purchased without identity verification.

・Nomad
Payments can be made with credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, gift cards, etc. Purchasing Google Pay gift cards with cash and paying with them is almost anonymous.

・Silent Link
Payments can be made with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Lightning, Monero, USDT, etc. Monero is especially highly anonymous. Plans with voice numbers are also available.