One of the first things you\u2019ll want to do when arriving in Japan is ensure you have a reliable source of mobile data while you\u2019re out and about. Depending on whether you\u2019ll be in the country for just a short time or you\u2019re relocating for the long term, you may want an eSIM, a physical prepaid SIM, or a phone plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past few years, eSIMs have become a standard for traveling. Since they\u2019re virtual, you can set up the SIM before you enter the country, meaning you\u2019ll have an internet connection the moment you hit the ground. There are a huge number of eSIMs on the market, and the best option often depends on where you\u2019re visiting. In Japan, the top choices include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is still the option to purchase a prepaid SIM in Japan, although you\u2019ll need to check that the SIM will work with your phone if you purchased it in another country. You may like this option if you\u2019ll be in Japan for a short time and want to have the option to recharge the card with extra data \u2014 this is an option for several physical SIMs. By ordering in advance, you can pick up your SIM at the airport to be immediately connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ll be in Japan for the long term, it makes sense to take out a mobile contract. This is the most popular option for residents, with around 80% of people having a phone subscription. Plans are more economical, provide you with a phone number, and offer better coverage. The catch is they are only available to residents \u2014 you\u2019ll need to provide your Japanese residence card, bank account information, and proof of address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, a cheaper and more flexible option than a phone plan with a major provider is a contract with a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). These services use the infrastructure of the big mobile networks but often cost less than JPY 2,000 per month, have a shorter lock-in period during which a termination fee is payable (no automatically renewing two-year contracts), and make it possible to keep your current number.<\/p>\n\n\n
Samsung Galaxy Note 10<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" One of the first things you\u2019ll want to do when arriving in Japan is ensure you have a reliable source of mobil […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":51949,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[61,103,166],"tags":[62],"class_list":["post-2039","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-relo-japan","category-shopping","category-the-internet","tag-login"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
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