As we get the chance to travel around the world, there are many things that change from one’s home country to a new place. One of the things we need to discuss is how to use a cellphone when traveling. But, we will focus on how to use a cellphone in Japan, as this is one of our favorite destinations!
Here we will tell you everything people need to know regarding using a cellphone when they are abroad. So, if you love traveling, this will be the perfect guide that will become your companion wherever you go, so let’s see what we can expect from it.
Contents
Can I use my phone in Japan?
At first glance, the answer to this query appears to be straightforward because everyone traveling to Japan, including those from the UK, are permitted to use a cellphone.
However, people must learn a few basics about how to use their devices. You should be aware of local cellphone bands and coverage zones when traveling. All travelers should try to remember these tips, which are pretty simple to understand.
Try to look up all the details we’ve covered here, so you can learn more about the destination you’re visiting. Communication is a must, especially when traveling, and even more when you have a meeting or need to get someone.
There are currently a few options to learn how to use a cellphone in Japan; we’ll discuss them later. Anyone should know that there’s a lot to learn and a wide range of possibilities.
What are the options for using a UK Mobile phone in Japan?
There are plenty of alternatives that come to mind while discussing cell phone usage in Japan, as can be seen. For example, portable WiFi and roaming. But is that all our available options when traveling?
In fact, there are some alternatives that are better than others, as we could expect. Travel and communication are essential in today’s world as we immerse ourselves more and more in the digital era.
So, what cellular alternatives are available in Japan according to our list? These include SIM cards, eSIM, Free WiFi, and Pocket WiFi devices, to mention a few. Which of these alternatives is better for people, though? That’s what we’ll be discussing in this section.
This way, if you’re not sure which service to choose, we’ll walk you through everything so you
Unlimited data eSIM for traveling abroad
These digital SIM cards for Japan have recently gained a lot of popularity among those who are unfamiliar with the eSIM. They perform the same way and give users most of the features we’re used to getting with a traditional SIM card.
What should consumers know about these services, and how can they obtain it? Well, we can find many companies that provide this kind of service to people. They are typically simple to acquire because tourists can buy these cards from online retailers.
The Holafly eSIM for Japan is one of the eSIMs we suggest the most, owing to its features. There is nothing to worry about; all you need to keep in mind is that you will need one of the most up-to-date cellphones that can support the eSIM.
Advantages
- Has a pretty decent coverage in most destinations.
- Easy to install on your cellphone.
- Only requires a QR to be activated.
- It works with 4G network speeds most of the time.
- Doesn’t occupy a physical space in your cellphone.
Disadvantages
- It only works on last-gen devices.
- It can’t be used on more than one device at a time.
- eSIMs only last for a certain amount of time.
International SIM Card
The SIM card is the second option we have on our list. People all around already know what a SIM card is and how to use it because most of us have been using one all our lives! They have been around for a while and can now be use when traveling.
It’s different with these SIM cards because they need the user’s device to have open bands to work. These foreign cards cannot be used otherwise.
Other than that, the buying process is easy and quick. You don’t need to do much to use it once it has been inserted in your phone, either! Using the Holafly SIM card is our best idea, with reasonable costs and good network coverage.
Pocket WiFi
It’s time to discuss portable WiFi devices. These are simple to rent, and customers can even receive the device at their home in just a few days!
With these gadgets, there is not just one fee. A week of rental costs roughly ranges from $50 to $100. Depending on how many days people travel, it might be more, plus you have to pay for shipping, for the data, and probably theft/loss insurance.
However, depending on whether there are fines to pay, renting such a gadget may cost up to $400.
Free Wifi
Using a free WiFi connection is one option for remaining connected when traveling. This could seem like a regular pick to go for when traveling.
WiFi hotspots can be found in various areas, although sometimes they are not activated or an unreliable service. And because travelers need to be connected as much as possible, this is something to think about. Still, it’s a wise decision to bear in mind. This free service only has a few flaws, but the biggest one is that we won’t always be in the same place for a long time, and so we won’t always be connected.
Can I use my UK phone service in Japan?
For as long as we have known, the answer to this question is yes. When you go to Japan, you use through your domestic service provider, and it’s actually pretty convenient!
For those who may be wondering, we are specifically referring to these businesses’ roaming services. Likely, you use Three, O2, or Vodafone if you are from the UK, as these are the most common options.
But, what about the roaming costs of each one of these companies we are mentioning here? Let’s talk about them.
Using my Mobile phone in Japan with Vodafone
With roaming services, Vodafone gives customers a hassle-free way to use their phones. Japan is currently one of the most expensive countries due to its location, and the corporation separates its roaming territories into three categories or sectors. Remember that the daily roaming charge in this country is $8, or around $0.05 per minute for calls, and approximately $0.02 for SMS messages sent.
Using my Mobile phone in Japan with O2
It’s time to discuss the O2 service. In comparison to what you can see on Vodafone, they offer quite similar services. The cost of sending a text message is $0.02 per message and $0.05 every minute of a call.
Using my Mobile phone in Japan with Three Mobile
Three Mobile is the final cellular service provider on our list. They must be included because they are well known to UK users.
However, there is a downside here. They do not provide roaming services in Japan currently. This implies that users of Three Mobile will need to find another option.
Local mobile operators in Japan
While SMS and phone tariffs vary, cellular data roaming costs $7 daily.
There are numerous cellular service providers in Japan that you can use. The list includes companies like KDD, Rakuten Mobile, and KDDI, among others.
Rakuten Mobile is the best option for people there. They are typically cheaper for nomads, offering better coverage and great plans!
When visiting Japan, visitors can connect to any of these cellular provider companies, but doing so can be a nuisance, so keep that in mind.
How much does it cost to use my UK phone in Japan?
Much of it depends on the service you choose. The Holafly eSIM for Japan costs between 19 and 99 dollars, although prices with other vendors may vary.
For instance, the one that works with Pocket WiFi costs $400, which is significantly more. The SIM card offered by Holafly starts at 29, and there are many other options to use, and that’s something worth knowing, making it a good choice. There is no question that these two options are the best ones for us.
