Are Airalo eSIMs the best way to get cheap and reliable mobile internet service during my upcoming trip to Japan?

Are Airalo eSIMs the best way to get cheap and reliable mobile internet service during my upcoming trip to Japan? So, you’ve been planning that long-awaited trip to Japan for months. You’ve bought your plane and shinkansen tickets, got your hotels booked, and looked up so many restaurants online that you can almost taste the tonkotsu ramen already. To find those ramen restaurants, however, along with all the other cool places you want to visit in Japan, you’ll want to make sure you have a reliable (and cheap!) source of internet available for the duration of your trip. But what do you go for? Gamble on using public WiFi (don’t do it!)? Pocket WiFi? Physical SIM card? Maybe this new thing you’ve heard about called an eSIM? Here at Selectra, we know how bewildering all the options for travelers are these days, which is why we review companies such as Airalo that provide mobile internet services to travelers. This article delves deep into Airalo, one of the leading providers of eSIMS to travelers visiting Japan, including information on Airalo’s rates and plans, its English customer service, and how it stacks up against the competition.

What is Airalo? 

Airalo is an international company founded in 2019 that provides eSIMs, primarily to world travelers. Airalo has done much to popularize eSIMs travelers as a convenient modern mobile internet alternative for travelers as opposed to older and more established technologies like physical SIM cards and pocket WiFi.

With Japan experiencing a massive resurgence in inbound tourists since the end of the COVID pandemic, demand for cheap and convenient mobile internet has never been higher. While there are many companies offering a variety of plans and options, Airalo has emerged as a particularly trusted name for travelers to Japan due to their affordable pricing plans, hassle-free eSIM service, and helpful English-language customer service. Airalo also offers the rare option of free 3-day trials so you can try out their eSIM service to find out if it’s right for you.

What is an eSIM?

Don’t be shy. C’mon—we know you want to ask it. What is an eSIM, anyway?

If you’ve never used an eSIM before, the concept and the terminology can be a little confusing at first, even if the actual technology could not be simpler and or more convenient.

If you have owned a mobile phone (cell phone) within the last few decades, you are no doubt well acquainted with physical SIM cards, the little rectangular cards with the metal chipboard that you slide into a small portal in your phone. These are what allow your phone to get mobile internet service from a provider. International travelers to Japan often purchase a new SIM card to use in the country while there, as their SIM card from home will not work in Japan or will result in disastrously high roaming charges. With that system, you take out your own SIM card and replace it with the SIM card that works in Japan that you have purchased.

This all sounds fine until you lose your original SIM card and have to explain this to your mobile service provider when you get home. This is where eSIMs come in.

Unlike a physical SIM card that you insert into your phone, an eSIM is embedded directly into the phone in a tiny eUICC chip as a piece of software. All you have to do to use your embedded eSIM with Airalo is to download the Japan mobile data plan that you have purchased from Airalo and boom! You’ve got access to mobile internet in Japan wherever you want it and whenever you want it for the duration of your stay.

Note: while most mobile phones from major makers (Apple, Android, etc.) released in recent years are equipped with eSIM compatibility, not all are. Be sure to check with your provider or tech shop (or Airalo) about the eSIM compatibility of your particular phone or device.

Does Airalo Provide Service to Customers in English? 

Yes! Airalo is designed around international travel, so the company offers service to customers in an incredible 53 languages (including English and also including Japanese!). The company’s website is available entirely in English and is extremely easy to navigate.

Is it easy for English speakers to sign up for Airalo?

Yes! Registration for Airalo is beyond simple in English (or any of the other 53 languages available). Simply head to the Airalo homepage and browse through the list of their various plans. The Airalo plans for Japan are all called Moshi Moshi, a clever choice as it is the way that you answer the phone in Japanese (moshi moshi!). Airalo’s Moshi Moshi plans essentially only vary in terms of the length of your stay and the amount of data that suits your needs and the layout of the website makes this very intuitive and easy to understand, so you don’t need to spend ages reading through convoluted material

When you’ve found the right Airalo eSIM plan for you, simply click BUY NOW and you will be directed to a page where you can enter your personal info, travel details, and payment information to purchase your eSIM mobile service plan for Airalo.

Does Airalo offer customer support in English?

Yes! Airalo provides full customer support in English via the Help Center on their website or directly via email, with English-speaking operators standing by to assist you.

How does Airalo work?

Airalo is exclusively an eSIM company with plans geared towards travelers. While Airalo offers service in most countries worldwide, the popularity of Japan as a travel destination right now means that their promotions for Japan are especially competitive and appealing. Because the company offers eSIMs that connect to local Japanese mobile networks, there is no need to worry about roaming charges or network incompatibility. Just download your eSIM via the Airalo app or the handy QR code sent to you and you’re all set for mobile internet service on your Japan trip!

Airalo Network Coverage in Japan

Airalo’s eSIMs connect to Japan’s KDDI and SoftBank LTE networks, two of the country’s largest, most reliable telecom providers. You can expect strong signal reception and stable data connectivity in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. In fact, these networks are so widespread in terms of coverage in Japan that you should have ready internet access everywhere apart from extremely mountainous or remote regions. 

What eSIM options does Airalo offer to travelers in Japan?

If you’ve been spinning your wheels online going round and round looking at complicated mobile internet plans for tourists in Japan, you can stop your search at Airalo’s website. Airalo cuts through the noise with its no-nonsense eSIM plans for travelers, which basically only vary based on the length of your stay in Japan and the amount of data that suits your needs.

How much do Airalo eSIMs cost for travelers in Japan? What plans and pricing plans are available from Airalo?

Airalo eSIMs are priced very reasonably due to the extremely competitive Japanese travel market and Airalo’s reach as a global company. Airalo Moshi Moshi eSIM plans for tourists in Japan range in price from just ￥700 (1 GB, 7 days) to ￥5350 (Unlimited data, 10 days). Take a look at the table below for a cross-section of Airalo’s Moshi Moshi eSIM plans for travelers heading to Japan.

*Currency conversions are approximate for reference and are subject to change based on exchange rates.

How do I register for an Airalo eSIM to use during my trip in Japan?

It’s so easy. Just head to the Airalo website and choose Japan from the list of available countries. It’s easy to find as it’s right at the top. Everyone wants to go to Japan right now—you’re just the lucky one who is actually going!

How do I set up my Airalo eSIM when I first arrive in Japan?

The best approach with setting up your Airalo eSIM for your upcoming trip in Japan is to download the app or use the QR code to install the eSIM before you leave for Japan. That way, you can activate your Airalo eSIM as soon as you touch down in the Land of the Rising Sun so that you’re all set to explore this wonderful country (and post pics and vids so that all your friends and family can see all the fun you’re having).

Here is the process in 4 easy steps:

1. Confirm your phone’s eSIM compatibility (okay for most modern iPhones and Android devices).
2. Download the Airalo app from iOS, Android, or the Airalo website.
3. Choose the Airalo eSIM data plan that matches your trip and your usage needs.
4. Activate upon arrival in Japan (no need to visit a store, service counter, or phone provider).

How do I use my Airalo eSIM while traveling around Japan?

Enable your eSIM line, switch on Mobile Data, and ensure that Data Roaming is on. You must (must!) ensure that your primary SIM is switched off to avoid expensive international roaming charges. After you’ve done that, your Airalo eSIM should pretty much run itself, giving you mobile internet service throughout your stay in Japan.

Special Offer: What if I am planning to travel to other Asian countries on the same trip, as well as Japan?

If you’ve been planning that big pan-Asian trip and the departure date is fast approaching, you might want to consider Airalo’s Asialink Regional eSIM plans. These incredible plans allow you to travel anywhere within the 18 countries where Airalo works without changing your eSIM at all.

This service is available in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

Travel hands-free all over Asia with high-speed mobile internet from Airalo always right at your fingertips.

What are the pros and cons of using Airalo eSIM as a traveler in Japan?

While Airalo eSIMs are currently at the cutting edge of current mobile internet technology, they do inevitably come with their own list of pros and cons for travelers in Japan.

The Pros of Choosing an Airalo eSIM for Visitors to Japan

• Nationwide coverage - connect to the internet anywhere in Japan via the super-reliable KDDI and SoftBank LTE national networks. Unless you are way out in the mountains, you’ll be fine pretty much anywhere.
• Use your own device - if your own device (phone) already has eSIM capability, you can easily use your own device (phone) to connect to mobile internet in Japan throughout your trip.
• Different data options (and contract lengths) - choose the Moshi Moshi plan from Airalo that works for you, ranging from 1GB to Unlimited Data.
• Easy setup before you arrive - you can complete the setup procedure before you arrive so that from the moment you touch down in Japan and the pilot gives the okay, you can switch on your phone and get connected immediately. No waiting in lines or trying to find service counters involved!
• No physical card involved - because with Airalo eSIM there is no physical card to insert into your device, you don’t have to worry about breaking, bending, or losing a new card or the one from your home (returning to your country only to discover you’ve lost your original SIM card is not anyone’s idea of a good time).
• No pickup/return required - all you need to do is download your data plan from the Airalo App or via the QR code. No messing around with pickups, returns, or deliveries that don’t come on time.
• English support - you can communicate fully in English if you have any problems or questions. Airalo offers full customer service in English. Their easy-to-navigate website explains their services in English as well as 52 other languages.

The Cons of Choosing an Airalo eSIM for Visitors to Japan

• Only works for one device - unlike router devices like Pocket WiFi, an eSIM cannot be used for more than one device. It is essentially limited to your phone, though you can create a hotspot from it to connect your laptop in a pinch.
• Not compatible with all devices - older and cheaper phone models do not always have eSIM compatibility, so be sure to check before you order your data plan from Airalo.
• You have to download your data plan - while Airalo has taken steps to make this very simple, you will have to download your data plan. Ideally, this should be done before you arrive in Japan so that you don’t need to mess around with Public WiFi at the airport when you arrive.
• If you lose or break your phone - this is the worst case scenario, because the eSIM is not replaceable or transferable, so take this into account, though Airalo does at least have customer service in English.

How do Airalo eSIMs compare with other internet options for travelers in Japan?

While Airalo eSIMs are an excellent option for travelers in Japan when it comes to mobile internet, there are obviously other options out there. 

Airalo eSIMs vs. Free Public WiFi

Finding free public Wi-Fi in Japan has become slightly easier in recent years, but many public Wi-Fi networks are still only available to residents of Japan who subscribe to certain local mobile phone companies. Public networks that tourists can use are sometimes difficult to find or access, with information only in Japanese. These public networks are also limited in terms of speed, time, and bandwidth. Worst of all, such public Wi-Fi networks are almost never available when you are out and about and need internet access the most. Choosing an eSIM from Airalo means that the internet is always right there when you need it. Who wants to spend their holiday in Japan going in circles searching for public Wi-Fi?

Airalo eSIMs vs. Pocket WiFI

Pocket WiFi is the name in Japan given to portable routers that you rent from a mobile service provider. These Pocket WiFi routers connect to local mobile networks and generate a WiFi signal that you can connect to with your phone, laptop, or tablet (or all three). Obviously this ability to connect multiple devices is the main advantage of Pocket Wi-Fi, especially if you will be using a laptop for work during your trip or traveling with family or friends.

Pocket Wi-Fi is generally more expensive than eSIMs, however, and there is the added hassle of picking up the router (or having it shipped to you) and returning it when you are done, with the possibility of big-time late charges if you run into problems. If you lose your Pocket WiFi somewhere or break it—yikes. Get out your wallet. You have also got to remember to charge your Pocket WiFi while you travel, which sounds easier than it actually is. All in all, Pocket WiFi is a decent option, but if you want something that is truly hands-free during your trip to Japan, an Airalo eSIM is probably a better bet.

Airalo eSIMs vs. Physical SIM Cards

We know, we know—anything with ‘e’ in front of it (e-bikes, e-scooters…) always sounds a bit suspect at first. But once we get used to the new tech (e-mail, e-transfer…), it just becomes part of everyday life.

While you might feel more at home with physical SIM cards due to the years you have spent using them, think of all those times you had to pry open your phone with one of those paper-clip tools and try to slot in a tiny SIM card without bending or breaking it (or putting it in backwards or upside down). And if you have ever lost a SIM card while traveling (just try keeping track of a tiny SIM card in your travel bag…it’s a nightmare for travelers), you know the stress that this can cause when you try to explain it to your phone company back home.

While it might feel reassuring to have a tangible physical SIM card, once you have tried one of Airalo’s eSIM card plans, you’ll never want to go back. No delivery or pickup, no lost cards, no fiddling around with paper clip tools—it’s just a lot easier.

Beware: while eSIMs are preferable overall to physical SIM cards these days, you need to be sure to check whether your phone is compatible with eSIM technology. Not all phones, especially cheaper or older models, are eSIM compatible. Ask your phone company or ask the experts at Airalo, who will be only too happy to help.

Airalo eSIMs vs. Other eSIMs

When comparing Airalo eSIMs to eSIMs from other companies, there are three factors to consider: price, data, and English customer service.

To help you compare Airalo eSIMs with eSIMs from other companies for travel in Japan, we at Selectra have prepared the following table for your quick and easy reference. We hope that it will help you make an informed decision on which eSIM plan is right for you.

Airalo has been particularly praised by travelers for its excellent value for short stays, so if you will be in Japan for 3-30 days, Airalo could be the one for you.

Are Airalo eSIMs compatible with my phone?

More and more of the phones sold these days are eSIM-compatible, as world leisure travelers and international business travelers demand ever more seamless transitions regardless of time zones, flags, and national borders.

However, the fact remains that not all phones are eSIM-compatible. Many older models and cheaper models do not have this technology enabled and eSIM compatibility also varies by region and carrier. Check with your phone maker and your phone company before ordering an eSIM from Airalo. Airalo customer service reps can also advise you if you contact them (English customer service is available).

In general, most recent Apple iPhones (iPhone XS and later) are eSIM compatible, as are Google Pixel phones (3 and later) modern Samsung Galaxy, Huawei, Motorola, Oppo, and Xiaomi phones. Samsung is a bit of a sketchy one sometimes, so if you have a Samsung phone, you should really check, check and double-check before ordering eSIM service.

Review: Is an Airalo eSIM my best option for cheap and reliable mobile internet service throughout my trip around Japan?

Any trip to Japan has the potential to be an unforgettable, life-changing experience that opens one’s mind to the wonders of one of the world’s most unique and ancient cultures. From the mossy temples of Mount Koya and the towering walls of Himeji Castle to the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji and Blade Runner-esque streets of Osaka’s Dotombori, Japan is filled with sights that will linger long in your mind’s eye. And don’t even get us started on the food…

The main point here is simple: you want to make the most of your valuable time in Japan. The more you can cut down time spent faffing around with inserting SIM cards, searching for service counters, and fretting over lost routers or SIMS, the more time you will have to enjoy all that Japan has to offer.

Where Airalo has succeeded but so many travel mobile internet providers have failed is through simplifying both the process of choosing the right plan to suit your needs and the actual downloading of the eSIM data plan itself. Prices are extremely reasonable. Signing up and activating your eSIM with Airalo couldn’t be simpler (in English or 52 other languages). And once you get to Japan, you will have the perfect companion in your pocket to get you to what you want to see, where you want to go, and (most importantly) what you want to eat.