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Recommended eSIM Japan and SIM Card Comparison
| airalo | NomadSIM | Local SIM | ||
| Cheapest plan | Unlimited for $32 | $20 | Depends on carrier | $4 |
| Globally compatible | More than 200 countries around the world | 36 countries with a round the world plan | Locally or only in some areas | 63 countries with worldwide plan |
| Advance preparation | Can be prepared in Japan | Can be prepared in Japan | cannot be prepared in Japan | Can be prepared in Japan |
| telephone number | not granted | not granted | granted | Granted, but cannot send or receive SMS |
| Japanese support | ◎ | ◎ | × | ◎ |
| Detailed information | airalo official website | Nomad SIM official website | – | skype official website |
Airalo
Airalo off
ers eSIM data plans that work in over 100 countries worldwide. See their websitefor more details.
Pros
- Instant access: you can buy and use your communication plan instantly online, without having to wait for the delivery of a physical SIM card.
- Support for many countries: the Global plan supports as many as 130 countries, so it is very easy to use, almost without having to use different SIMs in different countries.
- Price: eSIM prices are low.
Japanese language support: 24-hour Japanese language support is available. - Plenty of plans: if you don’t travel around a lot of countries, you can buy country-specific plans, which are cheaper.
- No fear of losing your SIM card: eSIMs are eSIMs, so you don’t have to worry about losing them like you do with SIM cards. No need to replace it.
Cons
- Devices not supporting eSIM: Not all smartphones and devices support eSIM, so some devices may not be available.
- No phone number given: you cannot make calls to local landlines or other people over the airwave line.
SIM cards
It’s better to buy SIM card in advance when you visit to Japan. You can compare which GB is the best for you from them on Rakuten website.
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価格:2280円～ |
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価格:3550円 |
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価格:2400円 |
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ヨーロッパ周遊 アジア周遊 プリペイド SIMカード!3G/4G/5Gデータ通信【15日間6GBデータ定額】Sim2Fly 899B 価格:5880円 |
NomadSIM
NomadSIM is an eSIM operated by a Japanese company, making it a good option for Japanese travelers. They offer 24/7 Japanese customer support. However, NomadSIM does not currently offer a plan specific to Japan.
Pros
- Uses the communication lines of a major carrier (Softbank)
- No fear of losing it: as it is an eSIM, there is no risk of losing it like a SIM card. No need to replace it.
- Operated by a Japanese company: Made in Japan for peace of mind.
Cons
- Capacity: 1GB of data per day depending on the plan.
- Price: Prices are a little high
No phone number given: no local landline or ability to call other people over the airwave line. - Devices not supporting eSIM: Not all smartphones and devices support eSIM, so some devices cannot be used.
Japan Local SIM Cards
Local SIM cards are physical SIM cards purchased and used in a specific country. They can be a cost-effective option for longer stays, and they often come with a local phone number. Here are some of the main local carriers in Japan:
- Rakuten mobile
- Softbank
- IIJ
Things to consider when using a local SIM
Purchase location: Local SIM cards can usually only be purchased in Japan, typically at major airports or carrier stores. Setup: You may need to activate the SIM card or change APN settings before it works. Expiration date: Prepaid local SIMs often have an expiration date or data limit. But we don’t reccomend you to buy them if you are travelar. There are many complicated contracts and you don’t need to buy them.
Japan’s Internet Situation
Internet penetration rate
| country | rate |
| Japan | 93.3 % |
source ：Internet World Stats
| device | download | upload |
| mobile | 48.00Mbps | 8.71Mbps |
| Fixed Broadband | 198.60Mbps | 110.97Mbps |
source ：SPEEDTEST
Essential items other than Japanese eSim
Here are some options for staying connected in Japan:
Overseas Insurance
Consider travel insurance for peace of mind.
It’s very nice when you travel other countries too. Reasonable and also they help you in English.
Overseas Remittance
Wise is a recommended service for exchanging money at a low rate.
VPN
A VPN can help secure your connection when using public Wi-Fi. Hotel Booking: Agoda is a recommended website for finding hotels in Japan.
Hotel
Please check Agoda website. There are many nice hotels in Japan. It’s reasonable than booking from other websites.
SIM cards and eSIM information for other countries outside Japan.
Summary of Recommended eSIM and SIM Cards for Japan
For eSIM-compatible devices with a need for global coverage: Airalo For eSIM-compatible devices with a preference for Japanese support: NomadSIM (although currently not specific to Japan) For making calls to landlines: Purchase Skype international calling credit (requires internet) For longer stays or those who want a local phone number: Purchase a SIM card in Japan that I told you before from Rakuten.
FAQs about eSIM and SIM Cards in Japan
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QWhat is an eSIM?
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AAn eSIM is a virtual SIM card embedded in your device.
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QWhat are the benefits of eSIM?
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ANo need to change physical SIM cards, easy plan management while traveling.
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QWhat are the requirements for using an eSIM in Japan?
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AAn eSIM-compatible device and a carrier that supports eSIM.
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QCan I use an eSIM and a physical SIM card at the same time?
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AYes, many devices are dual SIM.
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QIf I switch to an Japan eSIM, will I still be able to use my existing number and plan?
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ADepending on your carrier, you may be able to transfer your current number and plan to the eSIM.
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QWhat is a local SIM?
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Alocal SIM is a physical SIM card purchased in the country or region you are visiting. They are generally provided by local telecoms carriers.
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QWhich is cheaper, a local SIM or an Japan eSIM?
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AThis depends on your destination, the amount of data you use and the length of your stay. In general, local SIMs are often more cost-effective for longer stays, while pre-purchased eSIMs may be more convenient and economical for shorter trips or when data usage is low.
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QWhich is easier to deal with in the event of local communication problems?
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AWith a local SIM, it may be easier to deal with problems due to the presence of physical shops and carrier support centres. On the other hand, with pre-purchased eSIMs, support is mainly provided online.
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QAre there any differences in terms of security?
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ABasically, both are considered reliable. However, in the case of Japan eSIMs, there is no risk of physical loss, so security in this respect is higher.
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QIs it difficult to set up a local SIM in Japan?
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AMany local SIMs are plug-and-play and are often set up automatically. However, APN settings may be required, so it is recommended to refer to the instructions and support at the time of purchase. These questions and answers are general. It is important to make the best choice for your specific situation and needs.
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