Poketinerary

An eSIM is a digital card that lets you connect to a mobile network without needing to insert/use a physical SIM card into your phone.

Instead of needing to swap physical SIM cards, you are able to simply download a mobile plan to your device, usually by scanning a QR code or via a dedicated eSIM app provider – we use Ubigi (we are not affiliated in any way). It is simply the one we have used for our trips after researching price, plans and features. For more information click here.

An eSIM allows you to:

• Access and use mobile data immediately on arrival to your selected location.
• Use maps, translation, and transport apps which alleviates stress from language barriers.
• Avoid paying expensive international roaming charges (depending on your plan/provider).
• Avoid the hassle of needing to visit a store or airport kiosk and of having to swap SIM’s.

As long as your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked (nowadays most devices should fall into both categories, but do check), you should be able to set everything up before you even arrive in Japan.

Click here to find out how to check if your phone supports eSIM.

• Instant setup: Install your eSIM before your trip and activate it as soon as you land.
• No physical SIM card required: Avoid the hassle of removing and replacing your actual SIM card. Plus, this avoids any unfortunate SIM card losses!
• Avoid roaming fees: eSIM plans are usually far cheaper than international roaming charges.
• Multiple plans on one phone: You can turn off and on your regular SIM (and your new eSIM) whenever you want/need.

For most travelers, eSIM’s are the simplest, most convenient and cost effective way of getting data/mobile coverage abroad.

Before committing to purchasing an eSIM, here’s what you need to check:

1) Your Phone Support eSIM

The majority of modern smartphones support eSIM’s, including recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, and other devices. To check your phone supports eSIM’s you can do various things:

• For iPhone: Go to Settings > Mobile Data (or Cellular) > Add eSIM or Add Data Plan. If you see this, it means your phone is compatible (in 99% of cases).
• For Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (or Network & Internet > Mobile Network) > Add eSIM. Like above, if you see this, it means your phone is compatible (in 99% of cases).
• Use online resources: If doubt persists, simply Google whether your device model is compatible. Alternatively online forums, Reddit, Youtube and AI tools like ChatGPT should be able to provide a definitive answer.

2) Your Phone is Unlocked

Your phone MUST be unlocked. This means it CANNOT be locked to a specific mobile carrier.

Provided both these criteria’s are met, your phone should support eSIM’s. But as with anything, its best to remove any possible doubt, so ensure you follow all of the above steps.

Step 1: Choose the Right eSIM Provider and Plan

There’s many providers to pick from when it comes to buying an eSIM plan. We strongly recommend comparing as many as possible, as offers and pricing can vary by brand and destination.

As a general rule, choose a plan which covers the entire length of your trip to avoid any future hassle, such as running out of data.

We have NO affiliation (yet… feel free to contact us though), so our opinions are strictly our own. But if it helps, we have used Ubigi for our trips to Japan, as well as other destinations where we required an eSIM and they have been smooth, easy to use and set up and so they are our top recommendation. That said please do your own due diligence and find what is best for your needs.

Once you’ve decided, proceed to download the providers app on your device (most eSIM providers have one).

Step 2: Purchase the eSIM Plan

Once you have installed the app of the provider you decided to buy an eSIM from, choose a plan based on:

• Data allowance: One off, monthly or annual plans available.
• Duration of trip: 7, 10 and 30 day one off plans are typically available.
• Destination: Ensure to select your destination correctly, as regional plans are also available.

Then, proceed to checkout and buy (although click here if using Ubigi and you are interested in a discount code!).

Note this is the case with Ubigi and that the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the provider chosen.

Step 3: Install the eSIM

The app should then prompt you to install it. Worry not, it will not activate until you are physically in your selected country’s destination.

You can install it after purchase – although keep in mind Ubigi and other brands often require preloaded data plans to be activated within 6 monts of purchase – or if you would prefer to play it safe, you can install/preload it just before your trip.

Step 4: Activation

As mentioned above, once your arrive at your selected destination your eSIM will automatically activate.

To ensure it works correctly:

• Go onto your devices network settings.
• Set Ubigi (or other provider) eSIM as the primary data line.

We then turn off our main sim, but you do not need to do this, its simply a personal preference to avoid panic!

How much data you use will entirely depend on how long you are travelling for and how you travel.

As an example, our last trip to Japan lasted 11 days. We purchased a 10GB plan and that lasted us for the entire trip.

That said we used it pretty moderately. Only for occasional map and destination tracking, some light internet browsing as well as translation. We did not use any social media, nor did we upload or download any videos or images using the data.

Heavier internet usage is something we only really did in the hotel room and that with via wifi.

In the event your data runs out, Ubigi (and possibly other brands) make it easy to top up even without data.

We have found Ubigi to be our favorite eSIM provider for international as well as EU trips. Here is why:

• Setup is extremely easy and informative.
• Coverage was always reliable. No hiccups at any location we have been in so far.
• Quick activation on arrival.
• Pricing has always been competitive. We have been fortunate to find discount codes and referrals to make our purchases even cheaper. If you are interested we will provide our own referral code below which will give you 20% of your first plan.
  
  Disclaimer: If you use our referral code we may receive a small incentive off our next purchase also, at no cost to you. We are not affiliated with Ubigi, this is simply a referral program anyone can use. Feel free to use someone else’s if you prefer or certainly if you find a larger discount!
  
  Our referral code: TA8YPZ1Q

One of the most common reasons for using an eSim is undoubtedly for directions/maps usage to generally get around Japan, whether that’s working out how to get to top attractions or how to get to a specific Pokémon Center.

In the case of the latter, we’ve prepared a custom Pokémon Center itinerary with different starting points to help you plan your routes, especially if you plan to Visit all Tokyo Pokémon Centers in 1 day!