Which is the best Japan Sim Card for travellers?

Guide to Japan SIMs for travellers and tourists. See also our regularly updated Japan Sim Card comparison article: tokyocheapo.com/business/inte...
Sim cards mentioned in this article:
Mobal - tokyocheapo.com/yt/mobal
Sakura Mobile - tokyocheapo.com/yt/sakura-mobile
Sim Card Geek - tokyocheapo.com/yt/sim-card-geek
0:00 Sim cards in Japan
1:34 Voice and data sims
2:35 Data only sims
3:42 eSims
4:48 Buying in Japan
6:17 Pocket wifi
★★★ TokyoCheapo ★★★
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★★★ Credits ★★★
Intro sequence by the most talented Peter Laugesen
Creative commons images used in the intro:
* Gundam Robot Statue in Odaiba www.flickr.com/photos/picsofl...
* Japanese Salaryman Asleep www.flickr.com/photos/istolet...
* Domestic Cat commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
* Saraninman commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Us...
* Wild Cat www.geograph.org.uk/profile/34298
* Ginza Holiday Promenade www.flickr.com/photos/yoshika...
* Shibuya Crossing www.flickr.com/photos/3102986...

[@annagabrys6514]

Thank you, it was very helpful. I've never thought about e-sim, and I think it'll the best option for me

[@tikifhe7769]

this was super helpful, thank you so much for putting all this information together!

[@tokyocheapo]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@ednasalinas5568]

Very helpful. Hope the pocket wifi video will be on your list soon. Thx

[@paulw4259]

Really helpful. Thank you.

[@FranciscoJavier32423]

Thanks finally someone explain it better, I live here and i was looking for my visitors. The only issue is the mobile internet speed is awful in Chile and Europe is much faster, I had AU and Ahamo, the second is a little worst but cheaper

[@user-oy9ox8fx8s]

As a Japanese, I surprised at mobile companies. Cuz I've never heard all of them. Softbank, Docomo and Au are famous for mobile company in Japan. I learned different about sim card between for Japanese and tourist. Thank you for making this video:)

[@arandashi386]

Just came back from Japan. The Ubigi e-SIM card is cheaper than Japan SIM card. $17 for 12GB /30days .

[@theb5395]

How was the internet connection? Speed? Was it any problems?

[@Application1999]

So it’s trustful ? I will buy it today

[@lhananas8875]

Is there also a a phone number in addition to the data ? 🙏

[@anastasiastefanie2620]

Hello. Thankyou for the info about ubigi. Can I ask about the network while in japan with ubigi? Is it fast & stable enough?

[@icald]

@@lhananas8875you can’t get a phone number if you’re a foreigner

[@barrabae]

Love your channel :) thanks

[@tokyocheapo]

Thank you for watching!

[@shyomt2925]

Thaaaaank you really really helped us the best video ever

[@tokyocheapo]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@AmbientWalking]

This video is the bomb! Wow! Really had so much fun watching it!

[@tokyocheapo]

Thanks for watching!

[@taco86]

I got an ESIM from Ubigi,work wonders In Japan.If your planning to get a ESIM,please make sure your phone is unlocked .

[@KK.Wirasmo]

I use Airalo…very convenience

[@lhananas8875]

Is there also a a phone number in addition to the data ? 🙏

[@claratse3792]

JAL ABC also has a 30 day (data only) SIM Card for 7000JPY or so. And comes with an instruction sheet on how to get started

[@kazkylheku1221]

Still a giant rip-off.

[@glennaa11]

if you want to get concert tickets in Japan it seems like you need a Japanese phone number to access the apps for that purpose. So it's nice that Mobal has an option to get an actual Japanese phone #

[@galehess6676]

looking at their 30 day unlimited everything plan for 7500 yen $50.

[@theharper1]

On previous trips I've bought a SIM at Narita airport but on a recent trip, the SIM I bought at Haneda was a rip-off. The price was high and it only provided 3GB total data. Usually phone services get cheaper over time, but the pandemic seems to have had the opposite effect in Japan. I really recommend buying a SIM before you travel. I also bought a dual SIM phone so I don't have to remove my normal SIM to install a travel SIM.

[@fatimaperez5383]

Hi! I'm thinking of a way to have a dual number or something someway so that it does not interfere with my normal number and connecting with my family as how we usually do, is there a way you did this? Or is there any way to get a dual SIM card, etc.? I am planning on going to three different countries

[@theharper1]

@@fatimaperez5383 my phone is dual SIM. I leave the usual SIM in place and put the travel SIM in the second slot. It's possible to get travel SIMs which cover multiple countries, and some phones allow you to receive or make calls with either SIM. I think some phones will allow an ESIM plus a real SIM to get dual SIM functionality, but I haven't tried this. When travelling in the USA, I was able to receive calls on my normal SIM (at a roaming cost) while using the travel SIM for data and local calls. The travel SIM had a different phone number. Yes, it can be done.

[@EmmarcoPro]

which website in usa did you brought your sim card?

[@theharper1]

@@EmmarcoPro sorry, but I live in Australia.

[@kevinross5432]

Just got home from a month in japan. My partner and I used pocket wifi. We loved it. Got it delivered to the hotel just before we arrived. Will use it again when we go back next year.

[@cecedodo8571]

I would travel to multiple cities in Japan, so can I pick it up and then return it at different places?

[@kevinross5432]

​@CeCe Dodo they give you a return post envelope so you can post it back

[@peoplepeople21]

what pocket wifi did you use

[@kevinross5432]

@@peoplepeople21 we used japan wireless

[@briandemodulated]

Pocket wifi was pretty good for my family except for two things - if you get separated one of you won't have internet, and you need to remember to charge the device every day. For these reasons we plan to get esims next time instead.

[@tokyocheapo]

Thanks for your comment with great feedback! Going with pocket wifi vs. a sim will really depend on your uses.

[@Slayerrrrrr]

That's what I really dislike, the fact that you have to keep the mobile Wi-Fi charged at all times.

[@phogenicjosh2601]

Do you know where to get esim in Japan? I have a iPhone and it seems rakuten is the only place to get it. But that’ll mean it won’t be activated until I go there so i can’t really use my phone when I land.

[@briandemodulated]

​@@phogenicjosh2601 You can pre-purchase the esim from home before your trip and then activate it when you land. Then you'll have data as soon as you're in the airport. I recommend searching KZbin for videos comparing esim providers so that you can do your own research.

[@jckncoke]

If you plan to get a pocket wifi, why not just get 1 sim and turn on mobile Hotspot on your phone? No need to carry an extra device and it really doesn't drain your phone fast. Just make sure you have a portable charger for your phone.

[@chibifanz]

very useful

[@Pjiwm]

Are there options for ordering esim online? Seems like there's no need to necessarily buy it in a store or pick it up at the airport.

[@swschilke]

What about an free WiFi in Japan video ❓ I think an updated 2022/2023 video

[@jake_a.lien_]

Question: Any thoughts/tips on ordering a SIM card from Japan Rail Pass's website?

[@shankarraj3433]

Thanks 📱📲

[@solomani5959]

Any recomendation for an eSim that does data and voice?

[@Jagaa89]

If i buy a sim card with voice call and data .. can i able to call anywhere in Tokyo ??? Or do i need to recharge seperate for the voice call ???

[@victorguerrero5733]

Does anybody knows if my simcard will still be working if I made the purchase today and I activate it in 8 months from now?

[@cabron81]

Thank you for the video. Which Sim card would you recommend for calling family members, while visiting Japan?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! The Mobal voice + data sim will allow you to call family members using a Japanese phone number. If, however, you don’t mind using an app like FaceBook Messenger to make calls, any of the data-only sims will work for this.

[@sw33tfr0styy]

Can I use my own cell phone data service from USA in Japan instead of buying a SIM card? I just need internet to research places and use map on my phone. Don’t need to call anyone. Is SIM card for if I need to call someone?

[@lukob6368]

November 2023 update. I followed this advice but when i got here to fukuoka - bic camera is much cheaper. I paid £24 for 7gb over 30 days with sim card geek. (Which was cheaper than mobal) Bic camera have 10gb over 30 days for £17.

[@nobodynothing00000]

I ordered the pocket wifi with power bank to pick up at Haneda airport. do I still need VPN, I mean I will be the only one on the wifi signal

[@mfo06]

Is there anyone get Simcard Geek from the NRT airport? How is it?

[@Shairon97]

Hello ! Will I be able to talk through whatsapp if I put the mobal only data SIM in my phone?

[@sherwiniravani544]

I cancelled my MOBAL account 2 months ago and still receive small charges every month. Does this eventually stop? I emailed their tech support.

[@baseddandere]

You mentioned having an unlocked phone but which one does it have to be, "international" or "US version"? Im about to buy a phone but before I do want to make the right purchase before heading out there. I appreciate your videos!

[@maiwurld2578]

I think you need a quad phone

[@thepreviewchannel6398]

title of BGM musics please

[@JoeB1946]

Best option is have T-Mobile. I get free data and text outside the US in most countries...Mexico and Canada the same as being in the US. As soon as I arrive in Japan I get a text from T-Mobile letting me know I have unlimited data and text. Your video is very helpful and I have a friend coming from Vietnam and I will let them know about it. Thanks for posting a very helpful video.

[@sw33tfr0styy]

I use T-mobile too. Would I need to turn on roaming data in Japan?

[@d.c.484]

Is Sim Card Geek still around? I don't see any updates anymore with their social media platform.

[@tokyocheapo]

Yes they are still around and selling SIM cards 😊

[@OnlyGrafting]

Got the Sakura mobile travel SIM. Plan to use WhatsApp for communication anyways so i can bypass the phone number and SMS shenanigans. The 3 of us who are going will all have the same SIM so we can always get in touch via data in the cities

[@isabelcristinaperezverona9940]

Can you please let us know here how it goes? Is it really unlimited, how is the service coverage, did you had any hicups with the signal/usage? Thank you advance!!

[@lesonline2268]

Is getting the sim shipped to the UK likely or possibly will get stuff for custom charges? Unfortunately airport collection isn't possible. My Haneda flight has a forward flight to Osaka at 9.30 so will be closed and Osaka not an option.

[@kevinross5432]

You might be able to get it delivered to the hotel and be waiting for you when you check in

[@lesonline2268]

@@kevinross5432 I think the option they give is international post, or collect from the airport.

[@kevinross5432]

@Les Online oh ok. Big tip: if you're wanting to visit any of the big tourist attractions, go early in the morning before the tour buses roll in which is like 9-10.

[@lesonline2268]

@@kevinross5432 lol… oh that’s breakfast time!

[@DavidSamui]

Great Video !!! So, let's say I purchase the Sim and decide to pick it up upon arrival at Narita Airport (4th Floor at Post Office in my case). How does this work...........do I collect my luggage first and then proceed to the 4th floor to pick up the Sim, or do I pick up my Sim on the 4th floor and then proceed to pick up my luggage ? If the latter option, I'm kind of worried to leave my luggage going round and round on the luggage carousel while I pick up my Sim card. Thank you 😊😊😊

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi David! You collect your luggage first.

[@DavidSamui]

@@tokyocheapo Thank you. I purchased a Mobal 8 day unlimited data sim card from the link your provided in the description. It will be shipped to my house prior to going to Tokyo. It only cost US $ 30.82 and now I don't have to spend time to go to the 4th floor and then back down again to the trains. Thanks again 😀😀😀

[@elenjyakzi3201]

mobal is not shipping to austria, its the only one with telephone and data :((((( can u reccomand an alternative?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi! If you're looking for voice and data on a short term sim then Mobal's really the only one that provides that but you can also arrange to pick it up from the airport once you arrive.

[@meric12131415]

So anybody notice the giant poster of pokemon scarlet?

[@famider]

Do I have good reception or good internet speed if I choose to visit the countryside? How good is the reception in Japan?

[@briandemodulated]

It depends where you go, but in general Japan seems to have incredible reception pretty much everywhere. For example, our pocket wifi worked perfectly on the Shinkansen, on buses, in the basements of buildings, and on Mount Fuji.

[@gabriellevu5393]

I’m planning to visit multiple surrounding counties including Japan. Would I need to buy seperate pocket wifi for different countries or can one pocket wifi work in numerous countries?

[@tokyocheapo]

You’ll need a different one for each country

[@albertsnijders7566]

I think that you can rent a pocket wifi. No need to buy it if you are there for a limited time.

[@Woolyjuggs206]

Japan wireless has a 7gb voice and data for 2500yen, is that any good?

[@tokyocheapo]

Great question! The voice sim from Japan wireless is a monthly contract sim, so maybe not suited for short trips. We focused on prepaid sims for travellers in this video but we might cover contract sims in a future video 😊

[@azahirrahim2522]

Hi, I have my own pocket wifi which I have used in Europe without any issue. Would the data only Sim card works with pocket wifi?

[@tokyocheapo]

It might be be a bit tricky in some cases as some of the SIM card providers need you to install a network profile. This is easy to do on your phone, but they only have instructions for doing this on android / apple ios, and it may not even be possible with a pocket wifi device.

[@mokisan]

Where is the video on pocket WiFi? Can't find it? Would be awesome if you could update it for 2023

[@tokyocheapo]

Thanks for the comment! We're currently making an updated pocket wifi video, which will be out in the coming month.

[@mokisan]

@@tokyocheapo that's awesome!

[@ioanpena]

Internet options are a ripp-off in Japan ! In Romania you get trully unlimited data ( no slowdown speeds after a certain amount of data ) for 5 € unlimited calls in Europe, North America , Japan , S.Korea ...

[@anthonyloke2846]

I already have a mifi device. Which sim card is recommended?

[@tokyocheapo]

If you're just looking for some extra data, then the data-only sim cards from Mobal or Simcard Geek could work well. If you'll need to make calls or need a Japanese phone number for any reason during your stay, then Mobal's voice and data sim is the way to go.

[@bombading1215]

I will be going in May. Has anyone used At&t's International Day Pass service?

[@RHBronco]

I did in 2015 when I was last there. It worked fine for navigating and using Google Translate a few times. I waited for WiFi to do all the heavy lifting of data, and I don’t remember making any calls, so I didn’t really tax it. Sorry I don’t have more current info.

[@pepebotl]

So is it 1GB per day? or is It 1GB for the whole 30 days? If so, I think is not enought for a big trip around Japan.

[@tokyocheapo]

For the in-store bought sim cards, it's 1GB for the 30 days. So we recommend getting a sim card sorted before you arrive 😊

[@nfr8539]

Do not use Mobal, they charge you for th card and then double the price to activate it.

[@Vaiden]

any tips for whats the best option for me? im staying 6 months

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! We cover sim card options for longer stays in our article here: tokyocheapo.com/business/japan-sim-card-options-data-voice/

[@bakkwa8705]

I am planning to go to Chiba , Japan for 2 - 3 months . What is my best options ? Thanks

[@tokyocheapo]

We have an article comparing longer term options too, have a look at this: tokyocheapo.com/business/japan-sim-card-options-data-voice/

[@bakkwa8705]

@@tokyocheapoThank you

[@markusweber7445]

is it really necessary to book a Sakura Sim in Advance, or can I just buy it at The Airport when I arrive? thank you!

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! It's recommended to book online. Express orders can be accommodated at Narita airport but there will also be an extra fee. Here's a link to Sakura's FAQs: support.sakuramobile.jp/hc/en-us/articles/360020531591-Can-I-pick-up-your-products-at-the-airport-tonight-tomorrow-

[@markusweber7445]

@@tokyocheapo Ok thank you very much

[@SARA-yu1ee]

So if i buy a data only sim (like sakura mobile) will i be able to talk through whatsapp?

[@tokyocheapo]

Yes!

[@masoudghodrati3770]

buying online might be the easiest but not the cheapest, exchange rate is something you have to pay. might night be high for a sim card price

[@kiIIingxspree]

Why not a wifi ninja? Or portable wifi?

[@tokyocheapo]

Great question! It really depends on your needs - a portable wifi device is easy and can be shared if you're travelling in a group but you've got to make sure to keep it charged. Sim cards of course don't require keeping an extra device charged and you can have a phone number if you go with the Mobal sim but their setup process is a little longer. We have a video in the coming month dedicated to portable wifi options - so stay tuned for that 😊

[@margieablay6674]

Hi, wanted to get the mobal data only sim and will be landing in Fukuoka. Unfortunately it's not on the list fot airport pick ups. Will it be fine to have it delivered to my hotel directly instead? Appreciate any comments/suggestions. Thank you! 😊

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! Yes shipping within Japan is possible and free with Mobal. It usually takes 2-5 business days. Alternatively, you could also get it delivered free to your home before you travel to Japan.

[@kat12333]

hey! im going to live in Japan for one year, whats the best option?

[@tokyocheapo]

Hi there! All the sim cards mentioned in this video are for short term travel but we've got an article comparing providers for those living in Japan here: tokyocheapo.com/business/japan-sim-card-options-data-voice/

[@kat12333]

@@tokyocheapo thank you!

[@guitar22xkl]

Hi, can you please help me? 🙇‍♀🙇‍♀🙇‍♀I just received my MOBAL SIM (data + phone). I'm still in the US. I need to verify my Japanese phone number by calling a Japanese phone while I'm still in the US but I'm getting an error message saying that there is no network provider and I can only make emergency calls. Is there a way around this? I want to purchase concert tickets for my trip to Japan but I need to create a Ticket Pia account with a Japanese phone number and verify the phone number by calling a Japanese phone from my new Japanese phone number. Is it not possible to make calls from a Japanese SIM while you're still in a country outside of Japan? I've reached out to MOBAL customer service 3 days ago but have not received a response yet.

[@HadyAshour]

You probably already got your answer, but yes, the MOBAL SIM only works in Japan as they cited at their website on the very very end of their sim card site on the Q&A section 😊

[@kazkylheku1221]

7500 for 30 days is a giant rip-off.

[@akanephysic]

Look how expensive the data plan is, im gonna stick with my home postpaid roaming plan. Much cheaper than this

[@DannyK1992]

2:31 call rate charges? what is this. 1999? we are literally paying for air

[@Mir0ll]

Is this sponsored video? There are only expensive providers, there are HUNDREDS of other much cheaper options if you just leave the airport... check other videos guys, dont trust this scam.

[@tokyocheapo]

This video isn’t sponsored. Our team compiled this list after extensive research comparing providers on factors such as price, data amounts, ability to make voice calls, ease of use and English support. If videos are ever sponsored, you’ll see a ‘paid sponsorship’ tag appear on the video 😊

[@ivanteo1973]

sim card geek has poor connection and speed. do not buy it.

[@marietesh]

are you deleting comments? shame on you if you do