Japan eSIM guide
Using an eSIM in Japan: install it on Wi-Fi before you leave, then when you land switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming. Days only start counting the first time it connects in Japan. Plans run on the NTT docomo, KDDI au, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile networks. From NT$39.
Japan plans
| Data | Days | Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500MBAdd-on | 7 days | 4G | NT$39 |
| 1GBAdd-on | 7 days | 5G | NT$109 |
| 1GB/day high-speed | 3 days | 5G | NT$169 |
| 1GB/day high-speed | 5 days | 5G | NT$259 |
| 5GBAdd-on | 30 days | 5G | NT$269 |
| 2GB/day high-speed | 3 days | — | NT$299 |
| 1GB/day high-speed | 7 days | 5G | NT$359 |
| 10GBAdd-on | 30 days | — | NT$429 |
| 2GB/day high-speed | 5 days | — | NT$449 |
| 1GB/day high-speed | 10 days | 5G | NT$479 |
| 20GBAdd-on | 30 days | 5G | NT$579 |
| 2GB/day high-speed | 7 days | — | NT$599 |
| 2GB/day high-speed | 10 days | — | NT$799 |
Prices in TWD; tap a price to check out. Total-data plans: use them until the data or the days run out.Daily plans: a fixed amount of data each day; once it runs out, speed drops to 1 Mbps until the next day.
How days are counted
Days start counting the first time the eSIM connects in Japan, so you can install it at home without losing any days.
Use it within 180 days of purchase, after which it expires.
Carriers and speed
Plans can use the NTT docomo, KDDI au, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile networks. See the Network column above: plans marked 5G use 5G where there's coverage and your phone supports it, and 4G elsewhere.
Note: traffic exits through Hong Kong, so websites see you as being in Hong Kong rather than Japan. Everyday use (maps, LINE, bookings, social media) is unaffected; a few services limited to Japan, such as some local streaming sites, may not work.
How much data do you need?
- Mostly maps and LINE text messages: 500MB for 7 days or 1GB for 7 days.
- Sending photos, looking things up and social media every day: 5GB for 30 days.
- Watching videos, video calls, or a longer stay: 20GB for 30 days.
- A steady amount every day, so you can't burn it all early: a daily plan such as 1GB/day high-speed for 5 days or 1GB/day high-speed for 7 days.
These are general suggestions; actual usage varies. If unsure, go one size up.
eSIM vs SIM card vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi
| Getting started | Texts to your home number | Who can use it | What to carry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Buy online, scan a QR code to install, no card swap | Your home SIM stays in, texts arrive as usual | One phone per eSIM | Nothing |
| SIM card | Delivered or picked up at the airport, swap cards on arrival | Lost while your home SIM is out (unless dual-SIM) | One phone per card | Keep your home SIM safe |
| Carrier roaming | Request it from your home carrier before leaving | Texts arrive as usual | One phone | Nothing |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Pick up before leaving, return when back | Texts arrive as usual (no card swap) | Several people can connect | The device, charged every day |
Four steps from purchase to connected
- Make sure your phone supports eSIM: see phones that support eSIM, or dial *#06# and look for an EID.
- Pick a plan and check out; you get the install QR code right after payment (also by email).
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave: iPhone guide / Android guide.
- In Japan, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming. Turn off mobile data on your home line to avoid roaming charges.
Can I get a refund if I don't use it?
Japan plans can be fully refunded within 30 days of purchase if not yet installed. See the refund policy.
FAQ
Can I make phone calls with a Japan eSIM?
No. It's a data-only plan with no local phone number. Use LINE or other internet calling; calls and texts to your home number still go to your original SIM (roaming charges may apply abroad).
What if I run out of data?
Total-data plans stop once you use it all; you can buy another plan. On daily plans, once the day's data runs out, speed drops to 1 Mbps until the next day. Plans marked "Add-on" in the table can also be topped up: tap "Add data" on your eSIM page or on the order in your account; the added data and days go onto your existing eSIM with no need to reinstall (add-ons can't be refunded).
Will I still get verification texts to my home number in Japan?
Yes. eSIM phones can hold your home SIM and the eSIM at the same time: data goes through the eSIM while your home number still receives texts.
When should I install it?
Before you leave, on Wi-Fi. Days only start counting when it first connects in Japan, so installing early doesn't cost you days; installing after you land means finding Wi-Fi first to download it.
Ready? Pick a Japan plan
See Japan plans