Activate an eSIM in Japan
If you’re planning on visiting Japan, a good way to stay connected is with an eSIM. This is a digital chip that will allow you to connect to a local mobile network even before you land at Haneda or Narita airports. This will save you the time and hassle of finding a place to purchase a sim card at your destination. It will also allow you to start browsing the Internet right away, without needing to find a WiFi hotspot and exposing your personal data to strangers.
Most smartphone manufacturers have already made their devices eSIM-compatible, so you should have no problem buying and installing an eSIM for your trip to Japan. It’s important to note, however, that eSIM is only applicable for countries where the operator you bought it from supports it. If you use a Japan eSIM on a device that is not supported by the provider in question, your phone will not be able to connect to a network or receive calls.
You should buy an eSIM for Japan before your flight View More, so that you can install it on your phone before arriving at your destination. Some eSIMs will activate automatically, while others require you to set them as your primary SIM before traveling abroad. If you’re not sure whether your eSIM will activate as soon as you click on it, look at the activation policy (you can usually find it in the “Additional Information” section).
How to Activate an eSIM in Japan
One of the best options for travelers is Ubigi. This eSIM provider offers affordable, prepaid data plans for different regions and individual countries. Their Japan eSIM, for example, provides close-to-local data rates and no roaming fees. You can purchase it online, and all you need is a phone that is compatible with eSIMs (most Apple devices released in 2018 or later) and an internet connection to activate it.
Another great option is Holafly, which has a number of eSIM packages for Japan. These include everything from a 1 GB plan that’s valid for five days to a 100 GB package that’s valid for two months. Moreover, their Japan eSIMs are based on the NTT Docomo network, which is one of the country’s most prominent providers.
Lastly, there’s Textr. This eSIM for Japan is designed specifically for the country, and it’s available in multiple denominations. It also comes with a free virtual phone number that you can use to receive texts and calls. It’s worth noting, however, that Textr eSIMs don’t support voice calls or video chat apps.
When you’re ready to purchase your eSIM, simply choose the option that meets your budget and travel needs. Once you’ve made your choice, download the carrier’s app from the App Store or Play Store, and follow their instructions to activate your eSIM. Don’t forget to check the expiry date of your data plan, as it may be limited. This will give you peace of mind that you’ll have enough data for your trip to Japan.