Mobile internet

Will my phone work in Japan?

Yes, you can use your phone in Japan. Check the most convenient and budget-friendly ways to stay connected and avoid roaming charges.

Yes, your phone will work in Japan without issues. But you should consider some things, like whether your phone is unlocked or can rely only on roaming when visiting the Land of the Rising Sun.

This guide will help you understand how your phone will work in Japan. It covers everything from roaming options from different carriers to tips for choosing the ideal data plan for your trip, such as a travel eSIM.

In this article

Can I use my cell phone in Japan?

Yes, as long as your phone can work with Japanese band frequencies. For most newer phones, this shouldn’t be an issue.

But this is not the only thing you need to check to get mobile internet in Japan. You’ll also need to check if your phone is unlocked so you can use options like an eSIM or SIM rather than relying on roaming.

Do I need an international plan in Japan?

You’ll need an international plan to stay connected in Japan. A standard option is to use roaming in Japan, which is available by carriers from the UK, the US, Australia, and Canada.

However, these plans aren’t the cheapest options, even though you’ll access mobile data, text, and phone calls while traveling.

Let’s break down how roaming works for these countries and their carriers.

Will my US phone work in Japan?

Yes, your US phone will work in Japan. You can rely on daily passes or choose a plan with built-in international roaming.

AT&T and Verizon roaming: Both offer a $12/day international pass, which includes unlimited data, calling, and texting.
T-Mobile roaming: Built-in roaming on Experience Beyond and Experience More plans with 5 GB to 15 GB of roaming data per month, or roaming passes, ranging from $5 to $50, with up to 15 GB of data.

Will my UK mobile phone work in Japan?

UK phones will work in Japan, and roaming plans are available from providers like Vodafone, O2, and Three.

Vodafone roaming: Based on when you joined Vodafone, you can use your local allowance for calling and texting and up to 25 GB of data for £7.86 or £6.
Three roaming: Free roaming on Value and Complete plans for up to 56 days with roaming passes, or £7 a day for Advanced and Lite plans. Roaming passes are also available, ranging from £17.50 to £49
O2 roaming: You can roam free on an Ultimate Plan with the O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Ultimate Bolt On, or pay £7 for unlimited data, text, and calls.

Will my Australian phone work in Japan?

You can use your Australian phone in Japan by roaming through local providers like Telstra or Optus.

Telstra roaming: For $10 AUD/day, you can use 2 GB of mobile data, including unlimited texting and calling.
Optus roaming: For $5 AUD/day, you can use 5 GB of mobile data, including unlimited texting and calling.

Will my Canadian phone work in Japan?

Canadian mobile phones also work in Japan, and roaming is the standard option for travelers. Here are Rogers and Telus’ available plans.

Rogers roaming: You can rely on a daily pass for $18 CAD/day, or choose roaming passes for 14 or 30 days, which cost $90 and $100 CAD, respectively. These plans unlock your local allowance while visiting Japan.
Telus roaming: You can use the Easy Roam pass, which costs $16 CAD/day and includes unlimited mobile data, texting, and calling.

How to use your cell phone in Japan?

While roaming in Japan is a standard solution, it’s not the cheapest alternative for travelers. Let’s explore the different alternatives to staying connected in Japan for a portion of what roaming costs.

Unlimited data eSIM for Japan

An eSIM is a great alternative for use with eSIM-compatible phones—there is no need to worry about SIM swapping, and you’re connected from the moment you arrive.

With the Holafly eSIM for Japan, you get unlimited mobile data ranging from $3.90 to as little as $1.55 USD per day, including up to 500 MB of hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, and 5G data speeds.

Plus, you can choose how long you need your eSIM to work, ranging from 1 to 90 days; there is no need to pay extra.

Holafly also offers multi-destination plans, ensuring you stay connected across borders. For example, if you’re also traveling to South Korea, the Holafly eSIM for Japan and Korea will keep you connected from the minute you land. Prefer exploring China? The eSIM for Japan and China will be your perfect travel companion.

SIM card for Japan

Getting a Japan SIM card isn’t complicated, and you can choose from providers like KDDI, NTT Docomo, SoftBank, or Rakuten.

Depending on your preferred plan, these local SIM cards range from ~$7 to ~$60 USD. There are limited and unlimited plan options, and they work for up to 30 days.

Before selling and activating your physical SIM card, you’ll need a valid passport with a copy, an unlocked phone, and proof of accommodation if requested by the provider.

Pocket WiFi for Japan

A pocket WiFi for Japan is a great alternative if you need to connect multiple devices during your trip.

You can choose from Japan Wireless or Ninja WiFi, two local pocket WiFi providers, to avoid additional charges like delivery costs.

Here are the available plans:

Ninja WiFi: Limited data plans range from 440 yen (~$2.99 USD) per day to 1,320 yen (~$8.98) per day. Unlimited data plans range from 1,980 yen (~$13.48 USD) to 2,200 yen (~$14).97) per day.
Japan Wireless: Two options are available, Business and Premium, for $4.8 to $5.1 USD per day if rented for 28 days. If rented for less, the starting price is $21 to $26 USD, and each additional day costs $6 to $7 based on your chosen pocket WiFi.

But Holafly Plans is ideal for your trip if you want a better alternative. For $64.90, the Unlimited Plan includes unlimited data, unlimited hotspot data, 24/7 customer support, 5G data speeds, and coverage in 170 destinations.

Will my phone work in Japan? The verdict

Using your phone in Japan isn’t as complicated as it seems. As long as you have an unlocked device, you can access more alternatives and avoid high roaming fees.

But the best option for your phone to work in Japan is with an eSIM. Whether you choose an eSIM for Japan or Holafly Plans, you’ll get high-speed mobile internet access and internet as soon as you land.Plus, you won’t have to worry about losing your SIM card, damaging a pocket WiFi, or paying a hefty roaming fee, as the Holafly eSIM can cost you as little as $1.55 USD/day.

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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