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Japan Prepaid SIM: Where to Buy in 2023 purchase?

Aug 04,2023 | goodesim

Japan is a beautiful country to visit, with its unique culture, delicious food, and beautiful sights. To ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable stay, it is essential to have access to reliable and fast internet connectivity. Whether you need to stay connected with loved ones, navigate through new places, or access essential travel apps, a prepaid SIM card is a must-have. In this article, we will explore where to buy prepaid SIM cards for Japan in 2023.

In addition, we will also be talking about a new alternative for connecting to the internet, very similar to SIM cards, but that will allow you to connect to the internet in a faster way; we are talking about the eSIM card!

Where can I buy a prepaid SIM card for Japan?

You can buy a prepaid SIM card for Japan from various outlets such as convenience stores, electronic stores, airports, and esim online stores. However, it is essential to note that not all SIM cards are compatible with all mobile devices. Therefore, it is crucial to check the compatibility of the SIM card with your mobile device before purchasing.

There are two options for obtaining a SIM card while traveling to a foreign country like Japan. One option is to purchase an eSIM card for the destination country online before departure, while the other is to buy a local SIM card upon arrival in Japan. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, which are described below:

Option 1: Purchase an eSIM card for the destination country online before departure.

Advantages:

Convenience: It is easy to purchase and activate an eSIM card online before departure, eliminating the need to search for a local vendor upon arrival in Japan.

Immediate Access: As soon as you arrive at your destination, you can start using your phone with the eSIM card already activated.

No Need to Switch SIM Cards: An eSIM card doesn't require a physical SIM card, so you don't have to remove your current SIM card and replace it with the new one. This can be beneficial if you want to keep your original SIM card active for incoming calls or messages.

Disadvantages:

Limited Options: There may be limited options for eSIM cards for certain destinations, so you may not have as many choices as you would with a local SIM card.

Mobile Compatibility: The esim card is not compatible with all mobile phones, you need to pay attention to whether the mobile phone model used supports the esim card.

Option 2: Buy a local SIM card upon arrival in Japan.

Advantages:

Reliable Service: Local carriers generally offer better coverage and reception than foreign eSIM cards, which is important when traveling to different regions of Japan.

Flexibility: With a local SIM card, you can choose a plan that fits your data usage needs and upgrade or downgrade as needed.

Disadvantages:

Time-consuming: Buying a SIM card from a local vendor can be time-consuming, especially if there is a long queue or language barrier.

Inconvenience: Having to switch SIM cards can be inconvenient and may lead to missed calls or messages.

Language Barrier: If you don't speak the local language, it can be challenging to communicate with the vendor and understand the plan details.

Buy your tourist SIM card in Japan

There are three primary mobile network operators in Japan: KDDI, SoftBank and DoCoMo. Both offer prepaid eSIM cards for tourists that provide high-speed internet connectivity. Below are some of the popular prepaid tourist SIM cards in Japan.

KDDI Prepaid SIM card

KDDI is one of the most popular mobile network operators in Japan. They offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists under their brand name, "au." These SIM cards provide high-speed internet connectivity, and you can choose from different data plans depending on your needs. You can purchase KDDI Prepaid SIM cards at their outlets in airports, convenience stores, and electronic stores.

SoftBank Prepaid SIM card

SoftBank is another mobile network operator in Japan that offers prepaid SIM cards for tourists. Their prepaid SIM cards provide high-speed internet connectivity, and you can choose from different data plans. You can purchase SoftBank Prepaid SIM cards at their outlets in airports, convenience stores, and electronic stores.

How much does a prepaid SIM card for internet in Japan cost?

The cost of a prepaid SIM card for internet in Japan varies depending on the data plan and the mobile network operator. Typically, the cost ranges from JPY 1,500 to JPY 8,000. You can choose from different data plans depending on your needs, and most of the prepaid SIM cards are valid for 14 or 30 days.

Unlimited data eSIM card for Japan

An eSIM card is a digital SIM card that is embedded in your mobile device. It allows you to activate a mobile plan without the need for a physical SIM card. In Japan, several mobile network operators offer unlimited data eSIM cards that provide high-speed internet connectivity. Some of the benefits of using an eSIM card include:

No need to physically change SIM cards when traveling between countries
Easy activation process
No need to worry about losing or damaging a physical SIM card.

However, there are also some disadvantages of using an eSIM card, including:

Limited device compatibility. The main disadvantage of eSIM cards is their limited compatibility. Being new tech, many older cell phones do not offer it, so before you buy, check your cell phone is compatible.

How much does a tourist eSIM for Japan cost?

One of the popular eSIM card providers for Japan is GoodeSIM. They offer unlimited data eSIM cards that provide high-speed internet connectivity. Their eSIM cards are compatible with various mobile devices, and you can purchase them online. The activation process is quick and easy, and you can start using the internet immediately after activation.

Frequently asked questions about SIM cards for Japan

Can I use my home country's SIM card in Japan?

If your home country's mobile network operator has a roaming agreement with a mobile network operator in Japan, you can use your home country's SIM card in Japan. However, roaming charges can be expensive, and you may end up paying a lot of money for internet connectivity.

Do I need a passport to buy a prepaid SIM card in Japan?

Yes, you need a passport to buy a prepaid SIM card in Japan. This is because the Japanese government requires all mobile network operators to verify the identity of the user before activating a mobile plan.

Can I buy an esim card without a passport?

Yes, The Japanese esim card in the GoodeSIM store can be purchased without real-name authentication(eKYC) and without a passport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having access to reliable and fast internet connectivity is essential when traveling to Japan. There are several options for purchasing prepaid SIM cards in Japan, including KDDI Prepaid SIM card and SoftBank Prepaid SIM card. Additionally, eSIM cards are becoming more popular, and you can purchase them from various providers such as GoodeSIM. When purchasing a prepaid SIM card, it is essential to consider the data plan, cost, and compatibility with your mobile device. With the right prepaid SIM card, you can stay connected and enjoy all that Japan has to offer.