So just to confirm - this insanely cheap sim was absolutely fine. My daughter clicked on all the ads to boost out high-speed data allowance to 700mb each, Wife & daughter didn't run out but I did because I was doing all the logistics as we went (plus a fair bit of social media, truth be told!) . I ran out of high-speed data on 2nd day at the snow (after a week of sight-seeing) but found the low-speed data was fine for mountain comms via skype. & there were lots of Docomo wifi hotspots we could for free, everywhere we went, including Hikage base at Nozawa. Highly recommended for the tight-arse ski bum! https://wow-j.com/en/sim_wifi/
Got this one as well, clicking all the ads got me only 500MB extra though. We got the 1.2Gb version, let's see how far that gets us (will probably be checking Hyperdia and the JR East train status pages a lot)
Ours came with 300Mb & clicking the ads gave us another 400Mb. I found that hyperdia & maps weren't using very much data (& how good is the hyperdia phone app! I'd only ever used the web version before - the app is so much better, & fast too!). Also found that the docomo hotspots only work if you leave your mobile data on as well - no idea why that is.
The quote is referring to this SIM card deal UPDATE: So I order (and very promptly received) the card. I arrived into Narita last night. I plugged the SIM in, while on the Skyliner into Ueno, and set up the APN. So far it works brilliantly. I'm on the shinkansen as I type this and I'm getting excellent connectivity. I am hotspotting to my lappy, so no issues with that. At $41 AUD for 16 days unlimited, I reckon this is the best SIM deal yet. Caveat: no voice, data only.
No prepaid SIM has voice in Japan except the Softbank voice only SIM, which normally only residents can get
We got these for our teenagers and they did exactly the same on the skyline no complaints from them so far we are in Zao at the moment
Google is your friend: (down the bottom) https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/service/svc_19 Depends on time, and you may need to check the SIMs online, to see what they have.
Thanks - Ill try and find the Japan welcome SIM as that seems to be the one people recommend here. And that link doesnt seem to list the Japan welcome SIM???
Did you need separate accounts for each SIM card you got? Going for 26 days so thinking if it was a possibility to get 2 under 1 person. Thanks!
I decided to hold off getting internet access device thinking the free wifi would be enough. It wasnt. sure there was lots around but it needed logging in each time and then it would drop out. I ended up getting a portable wifi device delivered to the hotel. It was probably more expensive but i didnt care. I have discovered i dont travel well in strange cities where i cant read the language and signs. Having the device ment i could show people adresses and where i wanted to be and was able to get help easier. Also ment having access to the disney app that tells you the queue length/time which i would definately recommend people use if visiting disney sea or disney land. There is no free wifi in disney land. I should also add my phone and tablet were not compatable with japan sim cards so i did need to rent the wifi device.
I got a data only sim but my airbnb host not only provided a portable wifi thing but a portable battery charger to make sure it didnt run out!
Hi all, An update on my Japanese sim story. Here is a guide on what NOT to do Don’t be like me and buy Data Sims from EBay from a seemingly reputable seller only to find out when you put them in the four phones at Haneda that they are dodgy Chinese sims and no matter what you do they don’t simply “plug and play” as advised. I could go on for a lot longer about the crap copped from wife and kids especially for not buying more sims at Haneda airport as recommended by the young guy at the airport bus stop who had told us that getting data sims in HAKUBA was near impossible and that was why he bought 2 for his mates working there. I am putting it down to jet lag or excitement of finally being in Japan. If you do find yourself in a pickle like me, here is what I did find out after catching the bus to Nagano from Goryu the next morning. My legs got a good workout as I walked from place to place seeking data sims. The closest to Nagano station was BIC camera but they had sold out in our sim size. I was eventually directed to Yamada electronic store. It’s a fair walk so just jump in a taxi and go to Yamada department store about 10mins by cab from the station, they had what I needed. 3gb travel sim did us for the 3 weeks, using only to message each other and look up directions, social media etc. We had an amazing time in Japan and now can’t wait to go back BUT next time I will definitely buy my data sims at the airport. Safe travels CJP
I've got one of these ready for the trip. I usually do the airport thing, but this was a really good deal! Instructions look foolproof. I'll probably try to configure it before/as I taxi into Narita, in case there are critical issues, I can get another one easily at the airport before leaving.
Working well so far. Easy to set up with instructions provided and no issues with reception or speed at Shiga Kogen
we also have two of these Butwhen we put into phone they did not work. ended up buying two travel sim cards at a news day in the middle of nowhere LUCKY. Then after about 8 hours when i went to put in the new sim cards they started working. anyway. if u have trouble with it give it a day.
...and nearly 2 weeks using it for me. Absolutely no issue, I have have travelled to some out of the way areas. A great deal, for sure!
I had wifi from japan-wireless for two weeks. Service was flawless, always responded to an email within hours. Do recommend.
I remember the days when you had to rent a j-phone (the old flip phone style). I'm glad they are over
Good info thanks tonester. What type of phone do you have. I have a couple of samsung units that are not on the compatible device list. i would be interested on your thoughts about this. Cheers
I have the same problem with a Nokia 8, but I suspect the reason the phones aren't on the list is that they haven't tested them, not that they don't work. If the LTE bands for the phone at least partially line up (personally I'd want at least 3/4 bands that match) with the ones the network uses you are probably ok.
I should probably add, I haven't actually used the sim in question, just going off what I know about how phones work.
This trip we rented an Econnect pocket wifi. Worked everywhere from Hiroshima to Furano, and surprisingly even worked in the train tunnels between Kyoto and Hiroshima. Reasonable price, no daily data limits, a free portable battery and the usual easy return via any mailbox. https://www.econnectjapan.com/products/wifi/
iphone xs I just got back yesterday and the SIM worked everywhere. In fact, it was often faster than the hotel wifi, especially during peak usage times. It was nice to know I had unlimited data. And I could hotspot it to my lappy
Using this SIM card and it’s very good so far hot spot works, good coverage, fast speed. Definitely good value delivered from Queensland in 1 day.
I've been using these guys for a few years now. I used to use Pupuru until their prices went through the roof. If you need true unlimited data then japan-wireless are great. Others may say that they are unlimited data but you will soon find that their "fair use policy" trumps their "unlimited" policy. I use ~300 GB / month for several months at a time and do not have any problems.
Hi all. I am using virgin mobile, their roaming pack is $30 for 30 days 500 mb. We will be away just under 3 weeks. To me this seems ok, or am I missing something?
The main use will be if we need to contact each other during the day, wife is also with virgin. As a side note. I have installed Traverous app, for tracking during the day, Its doesn't use data, however im not sure how much data will be used with my GPS locator activated.?
I hate the idea of having to mind my bits and bytes when travelling. For an extra $20 you can get an data only sim with unlimited data. It's a no brainer for me.
We're using them on a Samsung s7 and a Samsung s9, I don't think I saw them on the list but they're working fine.
Just to back this up, I had a very similar experience, great coverage in central Hokkaido. Exceptional value if you're only looking for a SIM rather than a pocket wifi device.
Hi @Sandy - is the info in the opening couple of posts still up to date - I notice it was posted in 2013... I havent read the entire thread yet but will if I need to get the right info... Thanks.
The details are still mostly correct, but: - LTE(4G) has similar coverage to 3G. - More frequencies available - Prepaid still holds (Voice SoftBank, Data DoCoMo). More choice and availability from 3rd party onsellers of DoCoMo data. - Walkie-talkie same. - Wi-Max is no longer a wide band WiFi network, but LTE.
One more question @Sandy - Can you get this from Osaka airport for example: Data only, SIM only from DoCoMo, via B-mobile This is a little trickier, as you have to (supposedly) buy these on line, and have them delivered. However, I've seen them being sold at some places at Akihabara.
Hi folks. I wrote a detailed post on walkie talkie radios in Japan for the Hokkaido Wilds blog. Might be good to link? https://hokkaidowilds.org/two-way-radios-in-the-hokkaido-backcountry
Anybody tried mobal, https://www.mobal.com/japan-sim-card/#modal ? We need one with voice and data the other one data only will do. Have not seen them before - but they have voice+data for short stay.
Thanks @Tonester looks like I will go with this one unless something else comes up in the meantime. Anyone else used this sim ??
We got two for the teenagers in Jan, worked a treat, they connected while they were on the shinkansen leaving the airport and used it for two weeks around Zao and then Appi region with no problems.
