Can I use my phone in Japan?

Yes, you should be able to use your phone in Japan without any problems. As a US tourist, your exact phone model does make a difference, but the latest iPhones and Androids will support Japanese networks.

In this article, we’ll explain how you can use your cell phone in Japan to ensure it’s compatible with the local networks, has good coverage, and doesn’t cause any surprising bills due to data roaming. 

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Will my phone work in Japan?

Yes, it will work, but you have to check several things. Japan has different network frequencies than the USA, but if your cell phone is not too old, it can support Japanese networks. That is the most significant puzzle piece, but not the only one. It is also important to check whether your mobile phone is unlocked so you can use different ways to stay connected to the internet while in Japan.

To use your mobile phone to stay connected in Japan, you’ll need to:

• Check whether your mobile phone supports Japanese network frequencies. 
• Check what frequencies are used by every major local carrier to ensure coverage.

Check if your mobile phone works on network frequencies in Japan

You can check this before your travels and make sure you’ll be able to use your cell phone without problems.

Find out which bands of frequencies your cell phone uses.

• For iPhone, dial *3001#12345#*, then press the call button. This will open the Field Test Mode. Go to LTE or NR and select Serving Cell Info. There, you’ll find the Frequency Band Indicator.
  
• For Android, dial *#*#4636#*#* and go to Phone Information, where you’ll find Current Band. Alternatively, you can download NetMonster or Network Cell Info Lite to check this.

Check the frequency bands used in Japan. This is what they are:

• 5G bands: n3 (1800), n18 (850), n28a (700), n28b (700), n77 (3700), n78 (3500), n79 (4700), n257 mmWave (28GHz)
• 4G bands: B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B8 (900), B11 (1500), B18 (800), B19 (800), B21 (1500), B26 (850), B28B (700), B28a (700), B41 (TDD 2500), B42 (TDD 3500)
• 3G bands: B1 (2100), B8 (900), B9 (1800 Japan), B11 (1500), B19 (800)
• 2G bands: CDMA BC0 (800), CDMA BC6 (2Ghz)

Alternatively, you can do all this by using online compatibility tools:

1. Check your phone model. If you use iPhone, go to Settings > General > About > Model Name > Model Number. For Android devices, follow this path: Settings > About Phone/Device > Model Number.
   
2. Go to WillMyPhoneWork or Kimovil and enter your phone model to check if it matches the Japanese bands.

Check frequencies of local networks 

This is especially important for tourists who plan on going to remote areas of Japan and need to know if their mobile phones will work there. Not all carriers work on all bands. What does this mean for you? 

Well, let’s say your phone is compatible with bands used in Japan but you go to an area not covered by all major networks. 

Your phone would need to be on any available network. However, that network might not operate on one of the bands your mobile phone can use. 

Here are the bands used by the most popular carriers:

Do I need an international plan in Japan?

An international plan is a better option than being charged for roaming. Providers offer international plans to travelers so they can still use voice calls, texts, and data abroad. However, the rates are usually lower than the roaming charges.

You can expect different providers to charge for their international plans differently. Some charge a daily fee for access to your domestic rates, while others have packages with set amounts of minutes, texts, and data. Let’s look into other options for people to use their cell phones internationally.

What are the other options for using my cell phone in Japan?

For today’s travelers, staying connected is essential even when going abroad. Working on the go, contacting hotels and transportation services, and simply staying in touch with friends and family are now integral parts of the travel experience. 

Technology follows this trend, so today, you can use plenty of services to stay connected and get an international data plan. Here are some of them:

• eSIM plans for Japan
• Japanese prepaid SIM card
• Pocket WiFi
• Free WiFi networks in Japan

When visiting Japan, choosing wisely and avoiding roaming charges is essential, so let’s look into each option in more detail.

Unlimited data eSIM for Japan

Getting a travel eSIM for Japan is one of the best ways to use the internet while you’re there, especially if the virtual SIM card you choose offers unlimited data plans. Holafly offers unlimited data for as many days as you choose (up to 90), so you only pay for the days you are actually in Japan.

Let’s take a quick step back and explain eSIM technology to those who haven’t yet encountered it. Namely, many modern cell phones have an embedded chip that acts as a SIM card without using the SIM card slot. When you buy an eSIM from a provider, you get a QR code to scan, activating your eSIM. 

Pros and Cons to Using a Holafly eSIM in Japan

Pros

• No need for a physical SIM card
• Unlimited data throughout your stay
• Easy installation
• 24/7 customer support
• Keep your phone number
• You can buy it online without going to a store
• You can connect multiple devices using tethering
• No need for two SIM cards
• You can use the app to manage and purchase a new eSIM

Cons

• Data only. No phone calls or SMS.
• Your smartphone has to be eSIM compatible
• Tethering is limited.

If Japan is just one stop on your journey, and you plan on visiting several countries, look into eSIM for Asia with unlimited data.

SIM Card for Japan

Japanese phone operators such as Softbank, Sakura Mobile, and Bmobile offer tourist SIM cards for visitors. These Japanese phone plans cost 10$ and up to 30$ or more depending on the days of use and the amount of data to surf. 

You can buy local SIM cards for tourists in stores nationwide, shopping malls, and international airports. Please note that you must always go through a local registration process that is required for all tourists. 

You can also find this type of service in international online stores, which allows you to skip the registration process. Despite being purchased outside the country, these SIM cards will work in Japan without problems.

Pros and Cons of Using Prepaid SIM Cards in Japan

Pros

• Prepaid SM cards can be a budget-friendly option
• You can make and  receive calls and texts
• You get a local number
• Prepaid SIM cards don’t come with contracts

Cons

• Limited data plans
• Not suitable for a longer time period
• The activation process can be a hassle due to the language barrier
• Registration is usually required
• You can use it for local calls and texts, but every phone usage towards your home country counts as roaming

Pocket WiFi for Japan

Pocket WiFi for Japan is another alternative way to connect to the internet. These small devices provide a wireless network you can use to connect your phone. You can also connect other devices directly or via a portable WiFi router.

This option was widely used among travelers in the past, but it has lost its fame mainly due to inconvenience and prices.

Pocket WiFi can be purchased or rented. Obviously, renting is cheaper than buying, but you need to deal with picking up and returning the device, which doesn’t always work with your itinerary. 

Currently, many companies rent portable WiFi devices. One of them is a Japanese company called Ninja WiFi. A week’s rental with Ninja WiFi is around $50 and an additional $9 if you want the Pocket to be delivered directly to your hotel in Japan.

Pros and Cons of Using Prepaid SIM Cards in Japan

Pros

• Great for connecting several devices
• Rented devices can be delivered to you, or you can arrange an airport pick-up.
• Data plans with no limits are available

Cons

• Another device to carry around
• Risk of damage to the rented device
• Rental costs can be high
• Battery life is not great

Free WiFi in Japan

When you arrive in Japan, you will find free WiFi in many public places. You can access a free network at airports, train stations, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and Airbnb. 

However, keep in mind that these WiFi hotspots may not always be reliable or even secure. Not to mention, you can’t plan on using that kind of access for navigation apps when you are on the go.

Pros and Cons of Using Free Networks in Japan

Pros

• No cost
• Easy to find in public spaces

Cons

• Not available on the go
• Sometimes requires registration
• Not secure
• Connection quality may vary

Will my local Internet work in Japan?

Most local operators worldwide offer data roaming services to their users. However, before traveling, check with your provider whether you can use your mobile data in Japan and the price for such services. 

Remember that international roaming is one of the most expensive services, as you could be spending up to $10 per day. Here, we will discuss the roaming services of two very famous operators.

Use your cell phone in Japan with AT&T

AT&T offers two ways to use your phone in Japan. First, there’s the International Day Pass, with which you can enjoy your phone services, such as data and calls, paying $12 a day. 

Your other option is the pay-as-you-go service. If you prefer only the data and minutes you actually use, this is the best option for those who expect light phone usage while in Japan. International roaming rates are around $2.05/MB and $3 per minute per call. 

Use your cell phone in Japan with Vodafone

Vodafone, together with T Mobile, is one of the largest mobile providers in the UK and Europe. For precise pricing of their international roaming services, you have to consult their local websites. 

Vodafone usually calculates its roaming pricing based on the zone of the country you are visiting. For monthly plans, countries are classified into Zone A, B, C, D, and the Rest of the World destinations. For UK users, Japan is in Zone D. 

If you use a pay-as-you-go service, the zones are A, B, Around the World, and Rest of the World.

What’s the best way to use a cell phone in Japan?

This depends on the way you plan on using your phone in Japan:

• For most users, getting an eSIM for Japan is the best option.
• A local SIM card is a good option for those without eSIM compatibility or needing a local phone number.
• Portable WiFi is suitable for heavy internet users who don’t mind paying extra.
• Using free networks is excellent for those who only need internet occasionally and don’t have to stay connected.

Here’s why an eSIM makes the most sense: 

• You don’t have to worry about getting a prepaid SIM card and registering for it with local vendors. 
• You don’t have to worry about losing a physical SIM and your access to the internet.
• You have full control over your data package and get 24/7 customer service for any issue you may encounter. 

With Holafly’s unlimited data and flexible plans, you can use your phone in Japan for the entirety of your journey.

Frequently asked questions about how to use your phone in Japan?

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Leoneska Ruiz

SEO Specialist Jr.

Hi! Leoneska here, your guide to traveling connected. I'm a Venezuelan SEO content specialist with over four years of experience sharing tips and tricks for using mobile internet while traveling and making the most of your adventures. At Holafly, I take care of providing reliable and high-quality information to travelers like you. I hope you enjoy my content and find it useful!

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