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eSIM Cards
A Japanese Airalo eSIM allows you to use a digital SIM in order to use a local network carrier, not with a traditional physical SIM card or roaming. An eSIM can be bought in Japan from the Airalo app, which can then activate at your next destination, giving access to data quickly once you're there.
Airalo is an eSIM that simplifies access to a foreign mobile network for tourists. You get to enjoy mobile services such as data, calls, and text while abroad. The eSIM works virtually, so you do not have to wait for a SIM card to arrive via mail before you leave.
Airalo offers benefits on international travel to make your trip cheaper and provides global coverage along with adjustable plans to ensure your convenience. Here you’ll learn how Airalo works in Japan, the prices, and whether it’s worth buying.
Yes, you can use an Airalo eSIM while in Japan. The company offers eSIMs that are especially designed for use within the nation and pre-installed before heading out, thus ready to activate upon arrival. Data plans for different validity periods can be selected from.
The eSIMs are easier than traditional SIM cards since you will be able to avoid roaming charges and won't have to purchase a local SIM card when you get there.
The easiest way to acquire an Airalo eSIM in Japan is by downloading the Airalo app or accessing the site. You'll need to set up an account unless you've already got one. From here, you'll be able to see the options for an eSIM in Japan and buy a plan that you need based on your data allowance and budget.
Once you purchase the eSIM, you can install it through the app, by scanning the QR code, or by entering the activation code manually. Following installation, the eSIM network should be visible on your device.
Airalo eSIMs offer global coverage, convenient data plans, and no need for a local physical SIM card. That is, staying connected when overseas, not having a hard time with your data plans, and avoiding roaming charges.
They have flexible options for single destinations, regions, or global coverage. Airalo Japan eSIM can be pre-installed and activated before your arrival, so you’ll be instantly connected when you land.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the benefits of Airalo eSIM:
Airalo eSIMs have some drawbacks, however. These include limited data plans, new eSIM requirements per destination, and a lack of built-in security features. Some users found that the connection wasn’t reliable, experienced slow speeds, and had a strict refund policy.
These are some of the main drawbacks of Airalo eSIM:
Airalo offers a free eSIM to get started in Japan, which covers 1 day and 1GB if you’re stuck for data when you arrive in the country. They have more extensive plans ranging from 20GB for 30 days at $26 to regional Asia plans for continental travel and global packages if you plan to travel further afield.
Check out the table below for more details on Airalo eSIM Japan cost options.
| Data | Validity | Price |
| 1GB | 1 day | Free |
| 1GB | 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB | 15 days | $6.50 |
| 3GB | 30 days | $8.50 |
| 5GB | 30 days | $11.50 |
| 10GB | 30 days | $18.00 |
| 20GB | 30 days | $26.00 |
To use an Airalo in Japan, you need to purchase an eSIM for the country, region, or global data plan and install it on your device to ensure it’s active when you arrive. You’ll then need to turn on your eSIM data and disable your primary SIM to avoid roaming charges.
To purchase the eSIM, you can go to the Airalo app or visit their website. Then, based on your data needs and how long you’ll be staying, select a Japan eSIM plan. Then, install the eSIM by following the instructions in the Airalo app.
Once you arrive in Japan, you can activate your eSIM by using your phone settings and enabling your new eSIM. Disable data roaming for your primary SIM to avoid charges from your home carrier. You can now access the internet from your eSIM.
Before purchase, you should make sure that your phone is eSIM compatible. You may need to select a specific Japanese network when you arrive, but it should automatically find the best network based on your location.
Suppose your Airalo Japan eSIM isn’t working when you arrive. In that case, you should start by checking your device settings to ensure that data roaming is turned on for your Airalo profile and that your phone is connected to an available network. The eSIM also needs to be properly activated, and you can try restarting your phone to resolve the issue.
You can check for data roaming in your cellular or mobile data settings. Then, check in the Airalo app to ensure that your eSIM has been properly activated. Restarting ensures that the Airalo Japan eSIM activation has been properly applied.
In phone settings, you can also check your network settings and disable automatic network selection in case the eSIM profile has automatically chosen an incompatible network. You can then manually choose an available network from the list.
If none of these troubleshooting tips work, you can also contact Airalo customer support. They can help with further fixes and let you know if there are any region-specific outages in your area. You can reach them via live chat on the website or app, and their Help Centre also provides useful tips for fixing common issues.
Airalo eSIMs provide a convenient digital SIM for traveling, making it ideal for short to medium-term stays. At the same time, a local Japanese SIM card can be more beneficial if you plan to stay longer than that. Airalo eSIMs are prepaid, so you can manage your data usage more easily, while local SIMs have various plans and data allowances for more frequent use.
Airalo eSIM eliminates the need for a physical SIM and has easy activation and top-up in its app. You can buy for different durations and data allowances depending on your travel plans and internet usage. The carrier works in many countries, including Japan, but some users have reported that speeds can be slower compared to local SIMs in the country.
A local Japanese SIM card can provide you with faster and stronger signals through direct connection to their mobile networks. They offer a range of data allowances, durations, and call and text plan options. These can be better for longer trips where you anticipate high data usage. While you will likely need to use a physical SIM card, they are available at airports, convenience stores, and online.
Airalo Japan eSIM reviews have reported mixed experiences with the service. According to some reviewers, it's easy to install and is of good value with a reliable data connection in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Others found that connectivity was poor and experienced slow speeds in more remote areas.
The Trustpilot score for Airalo eSIM is 2.6 out of 5 stars. Reviews from users who traveled to Japan said that the connection was mostly LTE/5G while in Tokyo. Others said that the customer support process was long, and the data packages didn’t provide enough for the duration of their stay without the need for topping up.
Another reviewer from Reddit found that the service was unreliable, and they frequently faced disconnection. However, on Facebook, users noted that they had plenty of data and could reliably use the eSIM on multiple trips to Japan.
If you’re looking for convenience and value for money, an AIralo eSIM can be a good choice for your trip to Japan. However, the cost may be slightly higher than a local SIM if you’re planning on staying for a long period, and coverage can be less reliable in remote areas.
Pre-purchasing the eSIM makes it a convenient option as you can activate it as soon as you land for instant access to the internet. You won’t incur roaming fees while using an eSIM as you’ll use a local network. The variety of data plans makes it budget-friendly for short to medium-term trips. It’s easy to top up through the Airalo app if you’re running low on data.
Airalo eSIM can have network issues in remote areas and may work out slightly more expensive than a local provider’s physical SIM for a long period. The lack of built-in security may also be an issue for users with privacy concerns. Some users reported lengthy contact times with customer support if they encountered difficulties.
Overall, Airalo provides good coverage in central areas and decent data speeds, making it a reliable option for staying connected in Japan. Suppose it’s not suitable for your needs. In that case, you can purchase a physical SIM card from a local provider once you arrive in the country or rent a portable Wi-Fi device for more reliable but expensive coverage. Free Wi-Fi from many places in Japan can also help you stay connected while visiting.
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