Internet in Japan: the complete guide for Gulf travellers

Your options for internet in Japan

There are four main ways to stay connected in Japan:

• A travel eSIM: you buy it online before the trip, install it with a QR code, and it works as soon as you arrive. Nothing to pick up, and your own SIM stays in your phone.
• Roaming with your own operator (such as stc, Mobily and Zain in Saudi Arabia, or e& and du in the UAE): the easiest to set up, but usually the most expensive, charged per day or with a small data allowance.
• A physical SIM card from the airport: you queue for it and take your own SIM out, so bank messages and verification codes no longer reach your number.
• A pocket Wi-Fi device: a router you rent, collect and return, carry with you all day and keep charged.

For a detailed comparison, read eSIM vs SIM card vs pocket Wi-Fi vs roaming.

Why most travellers choose an eSIM

It combines convenience and price. You buy it from home, the QR code reaches your e-mail within minutes, and your own SIM stays in your phone for calls and bank messages. Best of all, a Pinglo plan's validity starts from its first connection to a Japanese network, not from the time you buy, so you can install it days before your trip without losing a day.

How much data do you need?

It depends on how you travel. Maps, chat and e-mail use little, while posting stories, watching video and sharing your connection with family use several times more. Our practical estimate:

• Light use (maps and chat): about 0.3 to 0.5 GB a day.
• Average use with social media: about 0.7 to 1 GB a day.
• Heavy use or sharing with other devices: 2 GB a day or more.

Try the data calculator to find the right plan for the length of your trip.

Japan's networks and coverage

Japan has three big networks: NTT docomo, KDDI au and SoftBank. Coverage is excellent in cities and train stations, and can drop in long tunnels and some mountain and rural areas. Pinglo's Flex and Go plans run on docomo, and the Plus and Max plans run on au and SoftBank. The details are in the Japan networks guide.

What to prepare before you fly

1. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
2. Pick a plan for the length of your trip and the way you use your phone, and buy it on the plans page.
3. Install the eSIM on your home Wi-Fi a day or two before you fly (within 180 days of buying).
4. When you arrive: turn on data roaming for the Pinglo line and choose it for mobile data.
5. Keep your own SIM on for calls and bank messages, and turn off its data roaming so your operator doesn't charge you.

Tips for travellers from the Gulf

• Bank messages and verification codes: keep your own SIM active in the phone so it receives messages from banks, Absher, Tawakkalna and government apps, and turn off its data roaming so your operator doesn't bill you for data.
• WhatsApp stays on your number: a data-only eSIM doesn't change your WhatsApp number, so you keep in touch with family from the same number.
• Busy seasons: cherry blossom season in spring and the summer and autumn holidays are among the busiest times. Sort out your internet before you fly instead of looking for it at the airport.
• Families: give each person their own eSIM, or share the connection from one phone as a hotspot. In that case a large daily plan such as Max works best.
• Payment: prices are in Saudi riyals and you pay with mada, Visa, Mastercard or Apple Pay. Prices can also be shown in your own Gulf currency at an approximate rate.

When you land in Japan

Once you are off the plane, open your phone settings, choose the Pinglo line for mobile data and turn on its data roaming. Within a minute it connects to a Japanese network and the plan's validity starts from that moment. If it doesn't connect, restart the phone or pick a network manually in the line's settings. If the problem continues, contact us through «Report a problem» on the site and we'll help you.

Which plan? A quick summary

Is free Wi-Fi in Japan enough?

You'll find free Wi-Fi at airports and in some stations, cafés and hotels, but not reliably on the street or on trains, and much of it asks you to register. To rely on maps and get around all day, you'll need your own connection.

Frequently asked questions