If you are visiting the Land of the Rising Sun as a tourist, then you must need a Japan Sim card. Using your regular sim card may incur you expensive roaming charges. Japan happens to be a famous destination both for vacation and business travel, but it is notorious for being a very expensive place. It is known for being the third most expensive country in Asia, with the cost of living topping 80% of countries in the world. But nevertheless, this doesn’t deter travel into the country as it is noted for having 21 World Heritage Sites like the Himeji Castle, Shirakawa-go, and Nara.
Japan SIM Card
As such, it would be in your best interest to purchase a prepaid Japan sim card to help you manage your calls and internet data usage. This will be essential for your life as a tourist or business traveller. Whether you’re in Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, or any other prefecture, it is vital to have this prepaid sim to help you manage your budget. Because there are many types of sim cards available for sale, it can be tricky to decide which one is best for you. Here are the top queries most people ask about these sim cards:
What is a prepaid sim card?
A sim card is a very small chip that you insert into your mobile phone. It contains pertinent information about your chosen network. Buying a prepaid sim is easy and hassle-free. It comes with pre-loaded specs, like data allotment and speed, that will let you use the card on your phone immediately. You can even order this nifty device online before you fly out for Japan. Look for a service provider that will give you a how-to guide and an opener for the sim tray of your smartphone. Don’t fret because you don’t store any personal information and contact numbers on this prepaid sim.
Are there various types available?
All Japan sim cards will have a certain amount of internet data and phone call usage. If you are going to be making a lot of calls, you want both a voice and data plan. However, if you are only making VOIP (voice over internet protocol) calls, then a data-only sim is already suitable for your needs. Should you be using your internet a lot, you may want to purchase a data plan with high GB allotment and fast LTE capabilities.
Can you use your mobile phone with the sim?
If you want to be able to use your phone, you must make sure that it is sim-unlocked. If you are tied up with a local network in your home country, your prepaid sim card will not work. Be sure to check this detail because though your prepaid sim is plug-and-play, it will not work if your phone is locked or tied to your local network provider.
What do I need to provide to purchase this card?
Unlike post-paid, long-term sim cards that need you to provide your ID and proof of residence, it is a lot simpler to buy a prepaid Japanese sim card. You can buy it when you get to Japan, or you can order it online. The only problem in doing the former is you experience a language barrier with local retailers. Buying your sim card online ideally a few weeks before your departure is best. Apart from serving you in English, you are assured you have the right sim that meets your needs. Order the card that suits your travel requirements, pay online, and have it shipped to your door. Check on how to use this sim from the provider, then pop it into your phone as soon as you land in Japan. How convenient is that?
Final Word
As you can see, the process of buying a short-term travel sim card for your Japan trip is pretty seamless and easy. Just make sure that you work with a reputable provider that will give you 100% English support. When you are only in the country for a short period, you want to maximise your time and not get lost in translation, especially if you don’t understand Niponggo (the official Japanese language). Have a safe and pleasant trip!
