How many days before your trip should you buy an eSIM for Japan? Plus, troubleshooting tips for common purchase issues.

When should you buy an eSIM for communication in Japan if you're traveling there?

If you're a Japanese national traveling abroad, it's recommended to purchase your eSIM a week before departure. This gives first-time eSIM users plenty of time to set it up and confirm it's working properly.

Travel Mobile's Median Purchase-to-Use Time is One Day

For Travel Mobile eSIMs, the median number of days between purchase and initial communication is one day. Many people purchase a Travel Mobile eSIM and start using it the very next day. There are also many users who purchase and immediately begin using their eSIM.

eSIMs Can Be Purchased Anytime, Anywhere, and Used Immediately

eSIMs can be purchased online and activated on the spot. This is a significant advantage over physical SIM cards that require pickup or rental Wi-Fi routers. As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, you can purchase and set up an eSIM even at the airport right before departure or at your hotel. If you suddenly need a way to connect in Japan, an eSIM is highly recommended.

eSIM Purchase Issues

More and more people are choosing to use eSIMs for communication in Japan. Many travelers who previously bought a physical SIM card at the airport in Japan later purchase an additional eSIM when their data runs out.

However, some people experience issues when trying to purchase an eSIM while already in Japan.

Credit Card Authentication Fails

As more people arrive in Japan and purchase eSIMs at the airport, it's common to find that most Japanese eSIMs require credit card payment. The issue arises because credit card payments in Japan often require 3D Secure authentication. Many users find themselves needing to authenticate via a phone number set up in their home country. While in Japan, they can't receive SMS messages to that number, leading to frequent 3D Secure authentication failures.

Set Credit Card Authentication to Email

Credit card authentication issues in Japan aren't limited to eSIM purchases. You'll also encounter 3D Secure authentication when paying with a credit card for hotel stays or other purchases. Before coming to Japan, make sure to set your credit card's authentication method to email. If you set it to email, you'll be able to authenticate your credit card as long as you have an internet connection (like Wi-Fi). Once you've purchased and set up an eSIM for Japan, you'll also be able to receive authentication emails for credit card purchases while you're out and about in Japan.

Buy Your eSIM for Japan Now!

eSIMs are sold by various service providers.

Our Travel Mobile eSIMs use Japan's Docomo network, offering the same quality as SIM cards and eSIMs sold at airports, but at a significantly lower price. Compared to roaming eSIMs sold in other countries, our eSIMs connect directly to Japan's Docomo network, resulting in much better communication quality.

Whether you choose Travel Mobile or another provider, we highly recommend an eSIM that connects directly to a local network for a seamless experience.

Recommended eSIM Plans for Stable Connection in Japan

For stable communication throughout Japan, we recommend services that use the Docomo network.

Setting Up Your eSIM for Japan

It's a good idea to set up your eSIM for Japan before you arrive. Here, we'll walk you through the setup process for Travel Mobile eSIMs. Most Japanese eSIM providers, including Travel Mobile, follow a similar setup method.

Purchasing an eSIM

Purchase an eSIM for communication in Japan. You can use any of the providers mentioned above, or any other that suits your needs.

Japan eSIM Plans

eSIM Download and Installation

You'll need an internet connection to download your eSIM profile, so make sure you're in a place with Wi-Fi. Log in to your Travel Mobile My Page to activate your purchased eSIM and view its settings. You can also check your data usage for Japan there. Scan the QR code provided in your eSIM settings to install the eSIM on your smartphone.

eSIM Setup (for iPhone)

   
1. Open Settings App: Open the "Settings" app on your smartphone.
   
2. Tap Cellular (or "Mobile Data"): From the settings menu, select "Cellular" or "Mobile Data."
   
3. Tap Add eSIM (or "Add Cellular Plan"): Select the "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan" option.
   
4. Scan QR Code: Your camera will open. Scan the QR code that was sent to you upon purchase. If the QR code can't be read or if manual setup is required, select "Enter Details Manually" and input the provided information.
   
5. Set Plan Label: Give the added eSIM a clear label, such as "Travel" or "Tokyo eSIM."
   
6. Set Default Line: Select the newly added eSIM as the line to be used for data communication. Typically, while in Japan, you'll set the new eSIM for data and keep your original physical SIM for calls and messages.

eSIM Setup (for Android)

Steps may vary slightly by model, but the basic flow remains the same.