[tommasi]

Prepaid phones are often used for crimes and the regulation changed fey years ago and now you definitely need to show some kind of valid ID.

I'm Japanese but even I had to show my driver's license to buy it so since newly arrived foreigners do not have any records other than ARC, the govt. thinks it's a good idea.

But since someone else can buy phones for you, it is pointless.

Anyways, good luck with getting one.