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Traveling from Australia to Japan soon? You can use your regular Telstra SIM card to stay connected throughout your visit. No need to look for a travel SIM card in Japan or worry about other connection options.

Follow along as we take a closer look at Telstra’s roaming options for Japan, including plans and pricing for both prepaid and postpaid users. By the end, we’ll also introduce you to Holafly, a travel eSIM alternative for all your travel data needs.

Telstra roaming Japan

Does Telstra roaming work in Japan?

Yes, Telstra international roaming works in Japan with options available for both prepaid and postpaid users. Japan falls into Zone 2 out of the three roaming zones with Telstra, which means you get the same roaming rates as you would in a majority of popular destinations in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of June 27, 2025, and is subject to change.

Telstra international roaming in Japan: Plans and pricing

There are three different types of roaming options available for Telstra users in Japan: buying an international day pass for postpaid plans, getting a prepaid roaming pack for prepaid plans, or using pay-as-you-go roaming rates.

  • International day pass: Japan falls into Telstra’s international roaming zone 2. This means that the day pass costs AUD$10/day, which gets you 2 GB of data as well as unlimited calls and unlimited texts. If you run out of your data allowance, you can buy an extra 2 GB for $10.
  • Prepaid roaming pack: Telstra’s prepaid international roaming packs are available in 38 destinations, including Japan, with three options for you to choose from:
    • $10 for 400 MB, 15 SMS, and 15 minutes of calls for 3 days.
    • $15 for 2 GB, 25 SMS, and 25 minutes of calls for 7 days.
    • $25 for 4 GB, 50 SMS, and 50 minutes of calls for 14 days.
  • Pay-as-you-go roaming: If you don’t get a roaming pack but still use your phone abroad, you’ll automatically be charged pay-as-you-go roaming rates. These rates vary from country to country. For Japan, you’ll be charged $3 per MB of data, $0.75 per SMS, and $3.00 per minute of calls.

All in all, even Telstra recommends that you go for one of the roaming packs, as pay-as-you-go roaming can quickly become very expensive. 

Whenever you go abroad with your Telstra mobile plan, you’ll get a message informing you of the roaming options, so make sure to pick up a roaming pack to avoid excessive pay-as-you-go charges.

How to get Telstra international roaming in Japan

The process of getting a roaming plan depends on the Telstra service you choose to use. Here are step-by-step instructions for each roaming option.

  • Activate a Day Pass:
    • Open the Telstra app or website and go to the Services tab.
    • Open the Extras menu.
    • Tap on the International Roaming option.
    • Toggle International Roaming Day Pass to the on position.
    • It takes up to two hours for the Day Pass to become active.
  • Get a prepaid roaming pack:
    • Open the Telstra app or website and go to the Services tab.
    • Open the Extras menu.
    • Select the roaming pack you want to buy.
    • Complete your purchase.
    • You can also call +61 439 12 5109 to have an agent help you get your roaming pack. 
  • Use pay-as-you-go roaming:
    • You will automatically be charged pay-as-you-go rates whenever you use Telstra services abroad without having a Day Pass or a roaming pack.

If you plan on using a prepaid roaming pack, make sure to buy it once you land in Japan. These packs become active the moment you buy them, so you’d be wasting your validity period if you bought it before the trip.

For international day passes, they activate automatically with data usage, calls, or texts abroad. So as long as the service is activated on your Telstra account, you can simply turn on data roaming and enjoy your time worry-free.

No matter which roaming option you choose, you’ll need to turn on data roaming on your phone to be able to use mobile internet abroad. You don’t need to do anything extra to use your mobile number for calls and text messages.

Stay connected in Japan with Holafly

Neither Telstra option sounds like the right fit for you? Consider using a Holafly eSIM as your go-to way to stay connected the next time you’re travelling overseas. Since eSIMs are completely digital, you won’t have to worry about buying a local SIM card or roaming plans. Simply get your eSIM plan and activate it online from the comfort of your couch.

The prices of Holafly eSIM for Japan range from AUD $2 to $10/day, depending on the duration of your plan. All plans include unlimited data and 24/7 customer support, ensuring you’ll never lose connection. Even at its most expensive, Holafly costs the same as Telstra’s roaming for Japan, all while offering unlimited data compared to Telstra’s 2 GB.

If you plan on travelling the world for a while longer, Holafly also offers a pay-monthly subscription with Holafly Plans. Enjoy solid coverage in 170+ destinations worldwide with data plans ranging from $39.90 to $64.90 USD ($61.50 to $100 AUD) and data limits from 10 GB to unlimited data.

Rokas Aniulis

Rokas Aniulis

Senior SEO copywriter

A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.

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