Options For Obtaining A Japan SIM Card As A Foreigner

It’s not possible to get a voice-enabled SIM card in Japan unless you’ve got a permanent address. Only foreigners with legal residency are allowed to buy a SIM. A hotel address is not sufficient for this purpose. At the same time getting a data-enabled SIM isn’t a problem. You can purchase either data only SIM, or Japanese WI-FI units to constantly stay in touch with loved ones. Law changes in April 2006 made it difficult for foreigners/travellers to buy voice or text enabled SIM cards.

The law came into the act because Japanese authorities, especially the lawmakers, consider the fraud use of cellphones as a social problem, and so police and law agencies want to address this issue. If any crime is committed using a cell, they can find the owner and trace his details. So, as a traveller to Japan, who doesn’t possess a valid Japanese passport, you simply cannot obtain any voice-call-capable cellphone service. In which case, it becomes necessary to understand your options.

What are your options?

The data-only SIM card, and Public/Hotel WI-FI

As mentioned earlier, obtaining a data SIM in Japan isn’t a problem. Due to various frequencies and network types, there are many companies selling data enabled tourist SIM packages. The most popular networks in Japan are NTT Docomo and B-mobile. These are most popular because of their widespread network in the country.

Data Only SIMs are available at Narita International Airport, where you can get one through vending machines. The airport has two such machines, for Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with only credit cards accepted. Users are required to register their information to activate the SIM. It can be done by scanning their passport information at the vending machine. Using this SIM, you can make WhatsApp call.

If you’re planning to rely entirely on WI-FI, then the government of Japan is trying to make it easier to access the public Wi-Fi before Tokyo Olympic in 2020. However, right now, it’s difficult to find the public (free) WiFi in Japan for a foreign traveller, except maybe at your hotel. So, do not heavily count on public WiFi in Japan.

Activate International roaming

Activate international roaming package on your existing mobile number. This is a hassle-free way to stay connected over voice/data. However, the packages offered by these Indian subscribers are costly. For example, Airtel – charges 3600 INR for 3 GB data and 250 minutes valid for 10 days. For the ones who don’t wish to change their number can opt out for this plan. However, if you wish to reduce your phone bills, you can pre-book a Japan SIM.

Pre-order a SIM before your travel date

Pre-ordering a Japan SIM is the best and most reasonable way to stay connected over voice, text and data. While international roaming packages are super expensive, a prepaid SIM is a relief because it brings down your cost big time (almost by 40%). Using TIMS’s Japan SIM card you can enjoy unlimited incoming and outgoing calls. So, you get more and pay less. At the same time, you can enjoy unlimited data.

Bottom Line

If you think that your trip can be sustained on WhatsApp calls and data, sure you can go for data only SIM. Public WI-FI isn’t readily available in most places. Voice calls from Japan to India are only possible with the help of international roaming packages or buying a prepaid SIM from India. If you’re using a dual SIM phone or have the liberty to change your number you can pre-order a SIM; otherwise, you have to go for an international roaming package.