Poll: Best Travel SIMS for JAPAN in 2017

Moderators at OzBargain have decided to run yearly polls to decide the best products in popular categories that get asked repeatedly in the forum. Our aim is to have a central thread where users can vote on the items, suggest options and also change their vote throughout the year. The polls will end once the year is over.


Question

What is the best Japanese Travel SIM for the year 2017?

Most people perceive Japan as being the forefront of technology, so you would expect Japan to be a country full of free Wifi hotpots; so it might come as a surprise to you that Wifi is actually pretty patchy and most of the time you'll be relying on cellular networks to keep you connected while on-the-go.

Getting a SIM card for use in Japan can be a little tricky, as most mobile providers usually require you to be a resident of Japan in order to sign up to a mobile plan. That's where MVNO's (mobile virtual network operators) come in, who resell part of a main operators network (such as N.T.T Docomo or Softbank) to tourists. Many of these SIM cards can be purchased in Japan, either in person at Airports or from select stores, or, you can order them online and have them shipped to you.

Some Important points to consider when choosing a Travel SIM:

  • Whose cell network you will be using. Refer to this network coverage map
  • NTT Docomo has the best regional coverage, covering most of Japan. Softbank mostly covers the metropolitan cities, such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Sendai and Fukuoka. KDDI is somewhat in-between in terms of coverage.
  • There are SIMS that offer only data usage and nothing else. These SIMs aren't capable of receiving any calls, but they might fit those who find using Skype, WeChat or Whatsapp sufficient for keeping in touch. However, having access to voice calls can have a big advantage — namely, being able receive calls while abroad and also being able to use 24-hour Translation hotlines which can help you out when you're stuck.
  • Many SIM packages offer unlimited incoming phone call/SMS's and even unlimited data* (speed throttling applies once you've reached a certain threshold, which resets after 24 hours)

So what's your favourite JA Travel SIM account for the year 2017? Make your suggestions below, and be sure to justify why it's the best account for you.


  • Don't see an account that you like in the poll options? Make a (sensible) suggestion and we'll add it to the list.
  • You are allowed to change your vote.

How to Suggest a Poll option? Simply type into the textbox above your Comment box and then submit your comment.

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Poll Options expired

This is part of What Should I Buy poll for 2017. Check out other recommendations from the OzBargain community.

Comments

  • +6
    Suggested B-mobile Visitor SIM (5GB, 21 Days)

    Let's start with B-mobile Data only SIM, 21 Days. Their only offering is this:

    Price 3,223yen (excluding tax) (Rougly $29.50 Australian)
    SIM size Nano / Micro / Regular
    Service type Data only. No Voice services
    Data speed LTE / 3G (Best effort theoretical maximum speed.)
    Traffic control P2P Applications are throttled, Streaming applications are also throttled (continuous data)
    Data amount 5GB
    Usable period 21 days or up to 5GB which ever comes first.
    Charge You can charge (refill / top-up) 1GB ( 1day/ 500yen (including tax)) from Charge page.
    Tethering Able to use tethering feature.
    Network coverage Most all of Japan ( as per NTT docomo network)

    You can purchase this online and have it delivered to your place of stay (Hotel), or pickup from 7 different Airports.

    • +1 for bmobile. Currently using as I type this. 5gb is more than enough for 3 weeks and is on the Telstra of Japan.

    • I've been doing a bit of comparing the last few months and this one seems the best for my two week holiday. Still doesn't feel cheap compared to most other countries.

  • Suggested Starhub (Only available when flying through Singapore SIM $14.17AUD; 2.4GB/30 Day Japan

    Starhub sim as per this deal
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/316426

    • This is my plan, if I can get the SIM at 3am at the airport. Does anyone know?

      • Yes.

  • Suggested U-Mobile 30 Days

    If you're going for > 21 Days but less than 30, U-Mobile offers a day-rate SIM with 200MB/day, which can be purchased online, from shops, and even from vending machines at Narita. It's about ~¥3,800 (AUD 43.83)

  • +1
    Suggested Sim2Fly 399 baht ~$15.30 AUD 4GB 8 Days - available in Thailand or on eBay.

    http://www.ais.co.th/roaming/sim2fly/en/
    Can be had on ebay ~$20-25

    • ^ used this and worked very well for my recent trip. Best part is unlimited 3G speed usage after using up the 4G data.

      • Do you mean you continued to get data after the 8 days were up?

        • no I mean after you use up 4GB

  • Docomo is sloooooow. 2mbps on 4g+ I was getting in Tokyo

    • I was getting 3-5Mbps most places last month. Still slow but fast enough for most things. Played youtube without any issues.

  • have been to japan afew times and have always used this one B-mobile Visitor SIM (5GB, 21 Days)

    you pre-order can either pick up from the airport or have it delivered to your hotel

  • -2

    KnowRoaming Global SIM Card. Use my Code to get Cheapest rates as well as 30% OFF Sim Card purchase PLUS $5 Credit.
    Very reliable and transparent Canadian Company offering great services to most countries.
    FREE Whatsapp use!!
    Support is fantastic.
    Highly recommended.
    I use it in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc.
    You can even use it in Australia for cheap calls.
    One SIM to use anywhere.
    Awesome.

  • Suggested Yokoso SIM from eBay AU

    Yokoso SIM

    NTT DoCoMo Network.

    Delivers to your doorstep in Australia.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/usr/yokososim-au?_trksid=p2047675.l2…

    $32 - 8 days 3GB
    $45 - 16 days 3.5GB
    $49 - 31 days 4GB
    $65 - 65 days 5GB

    Used them in July this year. Wait for a 20% off code from eBay.

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