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On the subject of getting a SIM card for foreigners in Japan, the subject has grow to be each easier and extra sophisticated over time. On the plus facet, it’s not unattainable, because it was 10 years in the past once I first visited Japan.
If something, there are too many choices right this moment. Do you order one upfront, or just decide it up if you arrive? There are even SIM card merchandising machines, although these have their very own dangers—who do you name if it doesn’t work? Then, in fact, you possibly can all the time go the previous “pocket WiFi” route.
Spoiler alert: I personally suppose essentially the most foolproof technique to keep related in Japan purchase a Japan eSIM from Holafly earlier than you even board your flight. I’ll clarify over the course of the following few paragraphs why I imagine this to be the case.
The Sophisticated Historical past of Japan SIM Card for Foreigners
After I was on the cusp of arriving in Japan for the primary time in 2014, I used to be flummoxed. I’d Googled “SIM in Japan for foreigners”—and I used to be not proud of what I noticed. On account of antiquated legal guidelines (which I’d later discover out are extraordinarily frequent in supposedly fashionable Japan), nonresident foreigners have been legally prohibited from shopping for SIM playing cards. There have been different methods to remain related, however none have been particularly engaging.
Fortunately, because the Olympics approached and Japan’s tourism trade ballooned each in dimension and significance, the nation’s legislature repealed most of those legal guidelines. Abruptly, you might not solely purchase a SIM upon touchdown—you have been bombarded with choices for doing so. This actuality is a part of why I’ve created the information beneath. If you happen to give me only a few minutes of your time, I’ll provide you with an entire run-down of all of your choices.
Tips on how to Get a Japanese SIM Card (or Keep Linked if You Don’t)
Purchase an eSIM earlier than you journey
If you happen to’ve purchased virtually any mobile phone previously few years, it’s eSIM appropriate. Which means with a purpose to use your cellphone with a distinct calling or information plan, you merely have to obtain some code on it (that is basically what’s meant by “eSIM”) and also you’ll be able to go. If you purchase your eSIM, you’ll want to decide on a package deal based mostly each on the variety of days you’ll want it, in addition to how a lot information you anticipate to make use of.
TIP: If you happen to use my hyperlink to purchase a Japan eSIM from Holafly, you’ll get an unique 5% low cost off your complete order!
Get a bodily SIM upon arrival
Whether or not as a result of your cellphone isn’t eSIM appropriate, or simply since you’re a bit old style, one other SIM card in Japan for foreigners is a bodily SIM card. Desks promoting these function within the Arrivals areas of all main airports in Japan; in some instances, you possibly can even discover a SIM card merchandising machine. Your SIM card will permit your cellphone to work with fashionable Japanese cellular networks like Softbank and docomo.
(Or a pocket WiFi)
Pocket WiFi items have been the most typical means of staying related in Japan earlier than it was authorized for foreigners to purchase SIM playing cards. They’re nonetheless helpful as of late in some instances. For instance, should you’re touring with a gaggle (particularly with young children) and need a single “hub” for everybody to remain related, with out having to obtain a number of eSIMs or purchase many bodily SIM playing cards.
Roam utilizing your property provider
Is it cheaper to purchase a SIM card in Japan than to make use of your property nation’s mobile phone plan? Nicely, that relies upon. Most likely not, you probably have a globally-focused cell supplier like Google Fi. Even should you use a mainstream firm (equivalent to AT&T or Verizon within the US), you’ll have to confirm whether or not there’s a fixed-rate “worldwide information cross” you possibly can avail. If not, roaming costs could also be a lot increased (and accumulate a lot quicker) than you anticipate.
Get by utilizing WiFi and your sense of course
If you happen to’re simply utterly opposed to purchasing a SIM card in Japan, you aren’t with out choices. WiFi in Japan is extraordinarily widespread—in motels and on bullet trains, and even in lots of cafes and eating places and on buses, subways and native trains. Then again, should you don’t converse a minimum of some Japanese, this generally is a dangerous choice in additional rural locations the place locals don’t converse any English.
What If I Overlook to Purchase my eSIM Earlier than I Get to Japan?
Now, don’t be fooled: Though pre-purchasing an eSIM is one of the best Japanese SIM card technique for foreigners, you aren’t S.O.L. should you arrive at Haneda or Narita airports with out one:
- If you happen to’ve verified that your machine is eSIM appropriate, connect with the airport’s free WiFi community and use it to entry the Holafly web site. You should buy your SIM card and set up it when you wait within the immigration queue!
- If you happen to don’t have an eSIM-compatible machine, to not fear. You may go to a desk or a merchandising machine to buy a bodily SIM, or you possibly can go tremendous old-school and hire a pocket WiFi.
See? The subject of SIM card for foreigners in Japan really isn’t all that complicated to grasp, a minimum of not in 2024 as in comparison with 2014.
Different FAQ About SIM Playing cards in Japan
Can foreigners get a SIM card in Japan?
On the subject of methods to get a SIM card for Japan, it’s surprisingly simple. Foreigners can both set up an eSIM earlier than they journey to Japan, or buy a bodily SIM card upon arrival. Alternatively, teams of vacationers could select to share a pocket WiFi, somewhat than shopping for particular person SIMs.
Is it value getting a SIM card in Japan?
It’s 100% value getting a SIM card in Japan. Whereas public WiFi is quick and broadly obtainable in Japan, there’s worth to having a assured connection in all places you go. It’s particularly useful should you want to journey off-the-beaten-path in Japan, the place getting access to Google Maps (and Google Translate!) is indispensable.
Do American SIM playing cards work in Japan?
If you happen to nonetheless really feel intimidated after studying methods to purchase a SIM card in Japan, you possibly can in all probability simply use your US mobile phone plan whereas touring in Japan. Nonetheless, I like to recommend contacting your cellular supplier earlier than you journey to confirm charges. You don’t need to come dwelling and get a shock invoice for a number of lots of of {dollars}!
The Backside Line
On the subject of SIM playing cards for foreigners in Japan, one of the best plan of action in 2024 is to order a Japan eSIM from Holafly earlier than you journey. This manner, you might be related the second you land; you additionally don’t have to fret about any additional {hardware}, be {that a} tiny SIM card or a cumbersome pocket WiFi unit. After all, there are some instances the place this doesn’t make sense, whether or not you will have an previous cellphone otherwise you merely have a superb dwelling nation cellphone plan you’re certain will work in Japan. Need your journey to be unforgettable, regardless of the way you keep on-line as you journey? Contemplate hiring me to plan a customized Japan itinerary!
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