Airalo eSIM in Japan

Is using Airalo for Japan good? To me, yes.
Is Airalo easy to use? Yes.
Would I do it again? Yes.

Here’s my detailed take on using Airalo’s Moshi Moshi Japan eSIM – note that this is a data-only eSIM. (Check out my other post for more SIM/eSIM reviews.)

And if you want USD3 off your first Airalo eSIM purchase after reading this,
Use code GRACE4397 when you sign up or check out via this link: https://ref.airalo.com/bwWc 😀

Connectivity and Easy to use?

I didn’t have any problems with data connectivity so I was a happy user 😀
I used this while in Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone, Tokyo, and while driving around Mount Fuji on a mini-road trip (that means places like Fujikawaguchiko, Fujiyoshida, Shin-Fuji, etc.)

Do note that to use the Airalo e-SIM, you’ll have to switch on Data Roaming on your phone.

How much does it cost?

Let’s talk about the price. I bought 10GB valid for 30 days at USD18. To me, that’s pretty worth it compared to my local M1 data passport (on my post-paid plan) of SGD35 a month (that’s approx. SGD24-ish with Airalo instead). Of course, Airalo has packages with shorter validities. I bought mine based on the amount of data I wanted, although I only needed it for 2 weeks ^_^

<– Here’s a screenshot of the other packages and their prices
(click in to see the full image):

You can also purchase top-up packages (i.e. more data) as needed. The options are shown after the first “Buy” button you click on, and the pagelooks something like this:

Delivery & Validity

The eSIM is delivered immediately after you purchase it on the app! There are clear instructions on how to install the e-SIM via 3 different methods (Direct, QR Code, and Manual)

When does the countdown begin?
The validity of the eSIM (number of days you purchased for) begins when the eSIM connects to a mobile network within its coverage area. So for this case, although I purchased my 30-days 10GB eSIM a few days before my trip, the 30 days countdown only began when I started using the Moshi Moshi eSIM in Japan (meaning switching it on, and the eSIM successfully connecting to a mobile network).

Telco Network

As of the time of purchase and usage, the networks available for the Moshi Moshi e-SIM were Softbank and KDDI. I had 5G/4G+ connection for most locations!

Why did I not get a tourist SIM upon arrival?

Well ngl I wasn’t too sure if it was gonna be worth it (possible changes in prices since my last trip 7 years ago) and I didn’t wanna need to wait till we reached a Yodoyabashi or BIC Camera. Needed the data right upon arrival for various reasons so this was the best option!

Also with an eSIM, there’s no need to fiddle around with changing my SIM card on the plane 😛

* Information and screenshots are correct as of Dec 2024

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