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Roaming in Japan: Costs, plans, and alternatives
Roaming in Japan can be costly. Compare roaming costs and see how to stay connected abroad for less with an unlimited data Holafly eSIM.
Depending on your mobile provider, plan, and whether you use roaming passes, streaming a single Instagram Reel from Japan could cost between $5 and $1,000+ USD. That means not understanding Japan’s roaming rates can quickly cost you a small fortune during your trip.
In this article, we’ll explore how to be smart about roaming in Japan by breaking down international roaming rates from major carriers from the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada, comparing data roaming costs, tips on avoiding high roaming charges, and exploring travel alternatives like an unlimited data travel eSIM.
Avoid excessive roaming fees
Don't get caught out by data roaming charges in Japan. Use local networks at local rates.
Roaming costs in Japan
If you’re planning international travel and looking at Japan roaming options, it’s essential to compare what major providers offer for using your phone in Japan – high-speed data, voice calls, and texting abroad. The table below provides a quick insight into Japan roaming charges you can expect if traveling from abroad.
| Tourists | Roaming-inclusive monthly plans | Travel passes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourists from the USA | ~$50-100 USD | $5-50 USD |
| Tourists from Canada | ~$50-120 CAD | $10-15 CAD |
| Tourists from Australia | ~$60-130 AUD | $15-20 AUD |
| Tourists from the UK | ~£50+ GBP | Up to £10 GBP per day |
Roaming costs in Japan for US travelers
If you’re traveling to Japan from the US, your home provider is likely T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T. The table below shows Japan roaming options and charges for each mobile operator.
Follow the links for a more detailed discussion of each provider’s roaming policies and how to use mobile internet in Japan.
| Carrier | Monthly roaming plans (for Japan) | Travel passes | Pay-as-you-go roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile Japan roaming | Experience Beyond and Go5G Next,Experience More, Go5G, Go5G Plus, MagentaOne, and One Plus | One day to 30-day passes: $5 to $50 USD for 512 to 15 GB | $0.25 USD per minute, $0.01 USD per MB |
| AT&T international roaming | No plan available for Japan | $12 USD a day to use unlimited texting, existing data, and talk allowances | $3 USD per voice minute, $0.50 USD per text, $2.05 USD per MB |
| Verizon Japan roaming | Monthly Plan ($100/month), Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Welcome | $12 USD daily to use unlimited data, talk, and text | $2.05 USD per MB, $0.99 USD per minute, $0.50 USD per sent text, $0.05 per received text |
Roaming costs in Japan for UK travelers
Traveling to Japan from the UK? The table below briefly describes the available roaming options for main UK providers such as EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone UK. Check out each provider’s links for more details on their roaming services, international data plans, and policies when traveling internationally.
| Carrier | Monthly roaming plans | Travel passes | Pay-as-you-go roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE international roaming | No monthly plan available with inclusive roaming in Japan | £7.50/day for unlimited calls and texts and 500 MB of data | £1.80 per minute, 60p per text |
| O2 international roaming | Ultimate, Volt, and Plus | O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Bolt On + O2 Travel Inclusive Zone Ultimate Bolt On | £3 per minute, £1 per text, 1-5 GB data bundles for £9-29 |
| Three international roaming | Three Your Way Value and Three Your Way Complete | Go Roam Pass: £7 for calls, texts, and up to 12 GB of data allowance | £3 per MB, £2 per minute, 35p per text |
| Vodafone UK international roaming | No monthly plan available with inclusive roaming in Japan | £7.86 a day on top of your existing plan for calls, texts, and up to 25GB of data | 60p per minute, 8p per text, 66p per message, 12p per MB |
Roaming costs in Japan for Australian travelers
Here are all the specific roaming options for Australia’s main providers: Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone AU. For more information, visit our separate roaming guides for each provider to stay connected abroad.
| Carrier | Monthly roaming plans | Travel passes/packs | Pay-as-you-go roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telstra international roaming | International roaming day pass: $5-10 AUD per day | Pre-Paid International Roaming Packs: $10-25 AUD | $3 AUD per MB, 75c per text, and $1.50-5 AUD per minute on call |
| Optus Japan roaming | Optus Choice PlusOptus Plus FamilyOptus Plus PromoBusiness Choice Plus: $5 AUD daily charge | Optus Roaming Pass: 1GB of data and unlimited calls and texts for $10 AUD/day | $1.50 AUD/minute for calls, $0.50 AUD per SMS message, and $1 AUD per MB |
| Vodafone AU Japan roaming | Use your regular allowance of calls, texts, and data in Japan for $5 AUD/day (for all pay-monthly customers) | $5-35 AUD add-ons: specific allowances for data, call, and text | $1 AUD per minute, $0.75 AUD per text message, $1 AUD per MB |
Roaming costs in Japan for Canadian travelers
For tourists from Canada, there are a variety of international plans from major operators like Bell, Rogers, and Telus. The table below displays these main providers and Japan roaming options. Visit each provider’s international roaming guide to learn more about their international data roaming options and best plans.
| Carrier | Monthly roaming plans | Travel passes | Pay-as-you-go roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bell international roaming | Roam Better ($16 CAD per day) | No travel pass coverage available for Japan | $8-16 CAD per MB of data, $2.50-4 per voice minute, $0.99 per text |
| Rogers international roaming | Roam Like Home | -14-day Travel Pass: $100 CAD -30-day Travel Pass: $110 CAD (to use your existing allowances) | Up to $3 CAD per minute, $0.75 per text, up to $15 per 10 MB |
| Telus international roaming | Easy Roam: daily $16 CAD charge for unlimited talk and text, and existing data allowance | No travel pass coverage for Japan | $1.60-7 CAD per voice call minute, $0.75 per SMS sent, $5-10 per MB of data |
Holafly eSIM for Japan: Unlimited data with no roaming charges
While the leading carriers in Canada, Australia, the UK, and the USA offer various options for roaming in Japan, international roaming comes with limitations: daily fees, limited data allowances, reduced speed data caps, and the worry of unexpected charges.
This is where Holafly’s eSIM for Japan becomes the smarter choice. Instead of worrying about additional roaming charges, Holafly gives you unlimited data at a fixed price to stay connected with peace of mind.
The biggest benefits of a Holafly eSIM include:
- Instant activation and access to the internet the moment you land
- 24/7 customer support
- Manage your plan from the Holafly app
- Unlimited data plans
- Flexibility to match your eSIM plans to your vacation
And better value than roaming passes. For only $3.90 USD per day, you can enjoy unlimited data and 500 MB of hotspot for remaining devices. With Holafly’s eSIMs, you’re not just saving money and avoiding roaming charges but making international travel easier, faster, and more convenient.
Skip the sign-ups
Pick your plan and make your purchase. No need to create an account for your Japan eSIM.
How to avoid roaming charges in Japan
One of the biggest concerns for travelers is racking up a sky-high phone bill due to unexpected roaming charges. The good news is that there are smarter ways to avoid these costs.
- Turn off background data and auto-updates. Even a few data-heavy apps syncing in the background can burn through your data allowances. Set updates to WiFi only.
- Download offline maps and apps before traveling to reduce the need for constant mobile data.
- Use Japan’s public WiFi in airports, train stations, and cafes for light browsing. Be mindful of security issues when browsing.
- Buy a local Japan SIM card, available at airports, convenience stores, and electronics shops. This is usually cheaper than roaming, but it may also come with limited data options and strict tourist requirements.
- Rent a pocket WiFi for Japan for multiple travellers or devices. However, you’ll need to charge and carry an expensive device. Choose Holafly Plans instead, a digital monthly eSIM subscription with unlimited data plans.
- Get Holafly’s eSIM for Japan. With instant setup, unlimited data, and no surprise roaming fees, you’ll be connected as soon as you land. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone.
Match your eSIM to your vacation
Choose a plan lasting between 1 and 90 days so you never pay for days or data you don't use.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
