Whether people are traveling to Japan for an extended stay or just a couple of weeks as tourists, they definitely need a mobile connection that includes data, voice calls, and text messaging.
A virtual SIM card — also known as an eSIM in Japan, such as the Japan eSIM from mobal.com — can help with that. It’s very easy to get and offers a number of advantages that we’ll go over below.
Finding Out If a Smartphone Is an eSIM-Compatible
First of all, to use this service, make sure the phone is eSIM-compatible. These phones and tablets started being released in 2019, and many models released since then support the phone compatibility eSIM.
For example, Apple supports it in models XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15. Google supports it in Pixel 3 and newer. Samsung supports it in Galaxy S20 and newer. Devices of other brands, such as Sony, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Motorola, made in the past few years usually support this option.
Unsure? Dial *#06#, and a 32-digit EID code should appear on the screen, which means eSIM is supported. If no code shows up, the device doesn’t support eSIM, and one should prepare phone for travel with a physical SIM.
On Apple devices, check eSIM support here: Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan. On Android, go to Settings → About Phone → Status Information → SIM Card Status.
If a person’s using a workaround like an app from eSIM.me that relies on a physical SIM card to emulate eSIM in Japan, one should note that mobal.com does not support such an eSIM setup.
If the device doesn’t support eSIM, it’s always feasible to resort to a physical SIM card from mobal.com that’s purchasable in one of our Japanese offices.
What to Do Before Travel
After checking and confirming that the phone supports eSIM, it’s time to choose one of our plans to install eSIM for Japan, such as:
We offer both data-only options and packages that include data + SMS + voice calls. Please keep in mind that data-only cards won’t provide a Japanese phone number.
When it comes to data only, it’s possible to choose from various data volumes (from 3 to 100 GB) and different validity periods (8, 16, and 31 days).
If a Japanese phone number for data, calls, and SMS is a necessity, then our users can select from several flexible pricing plans and durations, with different monthly payment options.
How to Get and Activate a Japan eSIM
We recommend purchasing and activating one’s eSIM in Japan in advance, before arriving in the country. First of all, this is just practical and convenient: setting up an eSIM requires internet access, and Japanese airports may not always offer Wi-Fi.
To avoid frantically searching for a hotspot in the city, it’s better to comfortably set up an eSIM at home before departure.
If a data-only eSIM is required, we’ll send the instructions on how to set up eSIM to the email a user provided.
If a user needs a Japan eSIM with phone number (for data, calls, and SMS), then under Japanese law, we are required to verify a person’s identity first. We’ll ask for a person’s ID, and one can receive the activation/setup code in one of three ways:
- We send the code on a physical carrier to the address listed on the ID
- A person visits one of our eSIM pickup/activation locations upon arrival in Japan, shows their ID, and can activate eSIM Japan on the spot
- We deliver the code to a location specified by the user (we operate in 30+ countries) and hand it over to them after verifying their identity.
With the Japan eSIM with phone number, everyone can have flexible plan options, such as:
Tips for Using eSIM in Japan
To ensure the experience using eSIM-ready devices in Japan goes smoothly and our users are fully satisfied, we recommend keeping in mind the following tips:
- Japan eSIM works only within Japan—it will not function in other countries.
- Make sure the phone is “unlocked,” meaning it can connect to SIM cards from any provider worldwide and is not locked to one provider only. If the phone was bought not from a specific mobile provider, it should be unlocked.
- Set up the eSIM functionality before the trip while still in a comfortable environment. But if this couldn’t be done for some reason, visit one of our offices in Japan—we’ll be happy to help with setup.
- Choose a plan that best fits one’s needs so as not to overpay but also not to end up without service when in need of it.
- Regularly check the remaining data, texts, and minutes to avoid running out of service.
- Use free Wi-Fi whenever available to save mobile data in Japan.
- Enable data roaming only when necessary.
- When using two or more SIM cards simultaneously, keep all of the SIM cards active just in case.
eSIM in Japan: Stay Connected Easily with Mobal.com
Japan eSIM gives the convenience of staying connected during travels, business trips, or any visits to Japan. And the eSIM from mobal.com is a fast, easy, and practical solution to make that happen!
