Japan Sim Cards
To stay connected during your travels in Japan, here are the 7 best Japan Tourist SIM cards that you may consider finding what sim card suits your needs . In this article 7 different SIM cards that are perfect for short stays, comparing them to portable Wi-Fi routers. And also provides information about eSIM.
When it comes to accessing the internet in Japan, there are various options available. While free Wi-Fi may be the most cost-effective choice, it is limited in availability and can pose security risks. In such cases, having a traveler’s SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi router can be very useful.
Those planning a long-term stay in Japan should check out Trendy Life Article.
1. IIJmio Travel SIM
Picture courtesy of IIJmio Travel SIM
If you’re looking to buy a SIM card for your trip, consider the IIJmio Travel SIM. It is available at major electronics stores in most large cities like Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and Kojima. The price may vary depending on the store, but as of August 2023, a 30-day card with 3GB data is sold for 2,480 yen at Bic Camera. IIJmio is a popular and affordable SIM service provider in Japan.
2. MOBAL SIM Cards
If you’re looking for a reliable SIM card provider for your trip to Japan, consider MOBAL. This UK-based company offers various SIM card plans, with the cheapest option being an 8-day plan with unlimited data for 4,730 yen. However, please note that data speed may be reduced once you exceed 3GB per day.
Picture courtesy of MOBAL Sim Card
MOBAL SIM cards can handle a similar amount of data as pocket Wi-Fi routers, making them a great alternative. Additionally, there is no shipping fee for customers worldwide, so overseas visitors can receive their SIM card in their home country before arriving in Japan.
In addition to regular SIM cards, MOBAL also offers Voice SIM cards with Japanese telephone numbers. These plans last for 30 days and come with 7GB of data, starting at 7,920 yen. Furthermore, Mobal provides eSIMs, which are becoming a popular choice among travelers. You can purchase an 8-day plan with 1GB of data starting at 1,920 yen.
3. Sakura Mobile SIM Card
Sakura Mobile is a great option for English-speaking travelers or long-term visitors to Japan. Their SIM cards offer unlimited data, though the data speed may be reduced after exceeding 2GB per day. While their prices may seem a bit high compared to other options like MOBAL , Sakura Mobile is known for their excellent customer support. They’re happy to answer any questions you may have before your trip and offer consultations during your stay if any issues arise. If you’re new to Japan or using a SIM card for the first time, we definitely recommend giving Sakura Mobile a try!
Picture courtesy of Sakura Travel SIM
In addition to their SIM card service, Sakura Mobile also offers an eSIM option. Prices vary depending on the length of use, but as of August 2023, a 10-day package with 5GB of data costs 3,350 yen.
4. Nippon SIM for Japan
Picture courtesy of Nippon SIM for Japan
Nippon SIM for Japan, offered by DHA Corporation, can be purchased on Amazon and major electronics stores in most large cities like Bic Camera. The SIM card comes with a 30-day plan that includes 3GB of data for 1,980 yen. There are also other plans available with varying durations and data allowances. This SIM card is ideal for people with low data usage who are looking for an affordable option, as the data capacity is limited.
5. B Mobile Visitor SIM Card
The B Mobile Visitor SIM is conveniently available for purchase on Amazon, major electronics stores in most large cities like Bic Camera and the official website of the company. It is priced at 1,980 yen for a 10-day card with 5GB of data. However, please keep in mind that there is an additional postage charge associated with the B Mobile Visitor SIM. For cards sent to Japanese airports, an additional 370 yen will be added, and for cards sent to hotels, an additional 520 yen will be added.
Picture courtesy of B Mobile
6. SIM Cards Offered by Klook
If you’re planning a trip to Japan and reside in Southeast or East Asia, you might want to check out Klook. It’s a booking site for experiences and also offers a variety of SIM cards that are suitable for your trip. Many of these SIM cards can be shipped to different countries in Asia, so it’s worth taking a look!
7. Sim Cards at the Airport
No need to worry if you forget to purchase a SIM card in your home country! Major Japanese airports now have SIM card vending machines. For instance, you can find a 6-day SIM card with 1GB of data priced at around 2,000 yen at Narita Airport. For more information, please visit the official website.
eSIM: An Alternative to Physical SIM Cards
Using a SIM card carries the risk of losing it when replacing it due to their small size (1 to 3 millimeters). However, a new trend called eSIM eliminates the need for physical replacement. In the U.S., the iPhone 14 series introduced eSIM functionality in 2022, and other carriers are expected to follow suit. Japan also offers eSIM services, such as MOBAL (starting from 1,920 yen for 8 days with 1GB data), Sakura Mobile (3,350 yen for 10 days with 5GB data), and Nippon SIM for Japan. If you have a smartphone that supports eSIM, consider exploring these options.
Picture Courtesy of Japan Wireless Pocket Wifi
When it comes to handling large amounts of data, a portable Wi-Fi router is usually more expensive than a SIM card. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, the Japan Wireless router costs depends on how many days you will rent it.
Picture Courtesy of Japan Wireless
While carrying a router may be inconvenient, but it allows multiple devices to access the internet without the need to change SIM cards. Keep this in mind when considering whether a portable Wi-Fi router is the right option for you.
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FAQs
Which SIM card is best for tourists in Tokyo?
For English speakers who want to buy SIM cards for traveling in Japan, the top options are Sakura Mobile, Mobal, and IIJ Mio.
How do I get a prepaid number in Japan?
B-mobile provides a prepaid voice and data SIM for tourists in Japan, which is known as the PAYG SIM. You can buy it at Yodobashi Camera stores in Japan. After purchasing, you need to submit scans of your passport photo page, proof of address, and your entry stamp to Japan to activate the SIM.
Can you buy a SIM card as a tourist?
In order to enhance your travel experience, Simify offers fast data speeds, generous data inclusions, and access to the best local networks. Their international SIM cards and eSIMs are prepaid and do not require any ID verification or lock-in contracts, which makes them easy to use and set up.
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