This card is close to half the price on Amazon than at the airport in Japan. The 1gb of data worked best for us since we are not heavy data users. The card was easy to install and for our whole trip (19 days) the data speed was fast (usually LTE but occasionally 3G)
If you go past the 15 days you can buy more data to extend the card.
We installed the app before traveling to Japan as instructed. The day after we arrived we installed the SIM card with no issues. The app was easy to use and it did the rest of the set up on our iPhones with only a couple prompts. It created a profile which could be found in the "General" settings. This is important because when it comes time to remove the SIM card and replace it with your home SIM card the profile must be removed. Directions to install the SIM were easy to follow and easy to find online however the uninstall directions were not.
The app has a helpful meter that shows how much data you have used and how much you have remaining. The path for adding data to the SIM card is direct and simple to follow.
We were able to use iMessage several times on our trip with the only issue being the temporary phone number assigned. iOS kept asking if we wanted to add the number to our contacts. Slightly annoying but has nothing to do with the card.
We used maps regularly, email and some apps such as Foursquare, Airbnb, Trip advisor and Open Table and some light use of the web. At the end of the trip we had not used all of our data. We did use the wifi at the hotels and the Airbnb places we stayed all had wifi so that helped.
One other thing, we also purchased docomo wifi access but found it too difficult to use. Don't waste your money. The docomo wifi access is pretty common however to use it requires logging in every time with a login you cannot set or change so it is hard to remember.
We explored several options for wifi access while in Japan and at the end of our trip concluded that the SIM card from eConnect was the most economical, reliable and over all best option. In the future we will go with this SIM card. If you use large amounts of data you might want to consider other options.
I have seen some reviews that suggest buying something at the airport (Narita) and I can say definitively that is a bad idea. You will pay close to double than if you buy it before you leave no matter your choice, portable hotspot or SIM card or the company involved. There might be some rare chance that you find some incredible deal but it is a chance not likely to happen often. Consider this; how often do you find inexpensive food at the airport? How often can you get good exchange rates at the airport vs the bank? With a little planning and buying when you have the luxury of taking your time to make a choice will end up costing you a lot less money.
If you use a lot of data daily be sure to explore all your options. A few Google searches will give you more than enough information on the different companies. eConnect's prices were not the most competitive in some areas however with this card and the ease of use I feel that if you are going for the low data option they are the best choice.
Pros:
- Price
- Connection speed. We were reliably connected the whole trip and the data speed was fast
- Ease of use. We did not spend a lot of time fiddling with settings and passwords. With a couple steps we were up and running
- Coverage. We were in the countryside a few times and had coverage. Docomo is the supplier and they are a big provider in Japan.
Cons:
- The uninstall process was not as well explained.
- Currently the app deletes any previous profiles you may have on the iPhone so you will need to replace it after removing the eConnect SIM
How to uninstall if you are curious:
1. Go to the app and deactivate the SIM card
2. Remove the SIM and replace it with your carrier's SIM
3. Go to General Settings and find the profile that says eConnect. Delete it.
4. If your carrier automatically sets your APN you don't need to do anything else.
5. Get to where you have a wifi connection and go to your carrier's support site. Usually they have a link to download a profile for setup. If that is too confusing you can call and they usually will text you a link to download a profile.
... will do it again for my next Japan trip.
It's best utilizing for general web browsing, Google map, text, email ... 1 GB data sufficiently accommodated my two weeks in Japan.
As many posters have mentioned previously, it's data-only SIM card.
Download LINE - the popular free voice & video call app in Japan - & set the default country code to Japan (+81). Add $0.99 credit to the account and it's ready for making local calls to land lines, hotels…
Just follow the instruction:
Before the flight while connect to internet, download & install the eConnect app to your phone.
Upon arrival at the airport, start the eConnect app & activate the SIM while in off-line mode. And, it's ready for actions.
I have been to Japan 3 times in the last 1.5 years and I have found this prepaid SIM card to be one of the best in terms of convenience, service coverage, and price.
Convenience: You can use this prepaid SIM card the moment your plane lands in Japan and you can also use it as your plane is preparing for take off. This is because you get the SIM card before you even leave for your trip. Most other services are merely SIM card rentals. You must pick them up at Japanese post offices (or at an airport kiosk) or at your hotel and drop them off at a mailbox just before you enter the security line at the airport. I have used SIM card rentals during my 1st and 2nd trip to Japan, and while the prices were reasonable, I didn't like having to pick them up at the airport post office and mailing them back just before I left Japan.
An additional convenience is that this SIM card allows you use your phone as a hotspot device. If it doesn't work right away, give it some time or toggle the hotspot mode on and off a few times. I was able to use my iPad and computer tethered to my iPhone. They certainly don't block you from doing so.
Service Coverage: This SIM card uses Japan's best cellular network (NTT DoCoMo). Tokyo is great and all, but I actually spend more time in Japan's smaller towns/cities and rural areas and I have found that NTT has great LTE coverage even in lesser populated areas as well. The only places where service cuts out are in some long train tunnels in rural areas and some forest/mountain areas. If you're only staying in Japan's big cities, don't worry about coverage with this SIM card; it will work just fine everywhere in those areas if your phone has the proper frequency bands.
Price: The initial price for the SIM card, SIM ejection tool, and 1 GB of data is reasonable. In my opinion, the price for top-ups are also reasonable.
App: I was afraid that the app that is recommended to use with this SIM card would be buggy, but I have found that it works great. It displays your data usage with updates in near real-time, and buying top-ups within the app when my data was running low was super easy. The app also made applying the proper NTT APN an amazingly painless process. Download and install the app before you leave your home country for best convenience to use the SIM card as soon as your plane lands in Japan.
The fact that this SIM card does not come with traditional voice minutes or SMS is not a big deal since there are so many VoIP options out there for free calling back home or anywhere else you need to call.
Note: If you have an iPhone and you only see "4G" instead of "LTE" displayed when using this SIM card, don't worry, you are still getting LTE speeds. (I don't have the energy to explain why LTE is displayed as only "4G" in Japan and in some other countries outside the USA, so look it up if you really want to know.) If you only see "3G" displayed at all times, that is when you might be concerned that you're not getting the fastest data speeds. Double check your phone's settings and that it has all the proper frequency bands for LTE on Japan's NTT DoCoMo network.
Service tested on unlocked American iPhone 6s bought directly from Apple.
This SIM has worked wonderfully! I bought the SIM and installed it in an unlocked MOTO X. I downloaded the eConnect app, registered the SIM, and chose a start date. When I landed I went to 1) settings 2) APN 3) Create APN. I used the APN settings the app provided and saved the profile. It immediately started working! My husband also bought one and had no issues using it. After activation you CAN buy more data in the app. It's called "Top Up" and I did a few times while running low. I've had service everywhere and it's been fast. If you want to "text" use WhatsApp. The day before you leave activate WhatsApp with your mobile number on whatever phone you're taking. (You can only use 1 device per phone number) I got the WhatsApp code on my iPhone (that had my normal Verizon SIM) and WhatsApp began working on my MOTO phone immediately. It was "deactivated" on the iPhone device. Remember, only one device per mobile number. Thank you, eConnect!!
This SIM card is a great value. Much cheaper than renting pocket WiFi and more convenient since you are ready to go off the plane. Thst said, my experience was different than several of these reviews so I thought I’d share. I did the app download and pre registration prior to arrival. However once landing, I found that I did need to be connected to WiFi to do the last step. I was able to get WiFi while standing on the jet bridge in Haneda airport. If you wait until you hit customs you won’t have free WiFi so either step to the side on the arrival jetbridge or wait til you clear customs and are in the airport arrival lobby. Once you do that last step you are good to go. I used the card on an unlocked iPhone 6s if that matters. You can still use iMessage but you need to make sure you are imessaging others using their email address - not their phone number. Also - I used way too much data in the beginning and found the culprit was sending and receiving text messages while on data. To conserve I would open google maps, type in my navigation destination, then turn off cellular. You can still navigate to your destination, and I then only used around 32mb/day data. Back at the AirBnb I would just use their WiFi. Was able to stay within 1 gb for 12 day trip. Really helpful tool to get around Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Feature Product
- No Daily Cap, No Fair Usage Policy, No Speed Restriction
- Make Top Ups & Check Data Balance with eConnect Mobile App (iOS, Android)
- High Speed Internet with Great Coverage across Japan under Docomo 4G/LTE (can be used only in Japan)
- 3-in-1 Trio type for all SIM Sizes (nano, micro and mini)
- Please Activate within 4 months from the purchase date
Description
*Activate within 4 months from the purchase date Network: Docomo Xi network, Connectivity: 2100 MHz / 800 MHz (W-CDMA / HSDPA / HSUPA), Voice Call / SMS: Not Supported, Data Top Up: Supported, Compatibility: Compatible with unlocked devices, APN Settings: Required, Expiry: Must be used within 180 days from purchase or expired, After Use: Disposable
If you are traveling to Japan and just want peace of mind that you will have internet access (Google Maps, Translate, Airbnb, etc.) while you are there, this is a very good solution.
You need to set it up before you depart for Japan. Download their app, register your SIM, and set the start date for your plan.
If you install their SIM card on the plane, you will have a connection when you arrive.
You may need to update the APN file. This is available through the eConnect mobile app. You'll also need to remember to delete the APN file when you get back to the States.
This is an easier solution than what we experienced in the past purchasing a SIM from a BIC Camera store in Tokyo. That card was a pain to set up b/c there was no support in English. The eConnect card costs 10 or 20 dollars more, but is totally worth it in terms of convenience.
It's also super nice to be able to add more data if you end up using more data than planned.
Just be sure to turn off Cellular Data for all the apps you don't really need to use while walking around. I found that the NYTimes mobile app ate up huge amounts of data. Why? Who knows.
The only downsides of the card are that it should probably be 1GB per 7 days rather than 500MB, and the set up isn't as clear as it might be (a simple Step 1, Step 2, etc. process would be better). On past trips to Japan were we used Google Maps every day, I found that we used about 1GB per week. Slimming down to 500 MB is totally doable though.
Also... super nice that they include a SIM removal tool (you should keep one with your travel stuff). With some other vendors (Paris), we had to scrounge around for a paper clip at the airport or train station.
A SIM card with data is essential in Japan -- train schedules, best transit routings (via Google Maps), and just getting around. (Note that you can't buy a voice SIM unless you are a Japanese resident and commit to a contract). This card worked flawlessly for our recent 10 day trip to Japan. Be sure to download the eConnect app on the App Store and just follow the instructions. When I contacted customer service with a question I heard back within 24 hours (and in English!). We traveled all over Japan and had a good signal wherever we went (including subways).
Sure, you can buy SIM cards in the airport at Narita. But most are more expensive than this one, and you had better already have JPY on you. Buying this ahead of time from a well-rated Amazon seller is a no-brainer. I had data from the moment I stepped off the plane.
I used these SIMs in two smart phones (one Android and one one iPhone) during a recent trip to Japan. It was very easy to install and activate; the instructions were clear and concise. Performance and coverage on the network were excellent in all of the places we traveled. One suggestion to iPhone users to conserve data is to limit syncing of your photos to the icloud to use wifi only. Otherwise, you will chew up the data plan every time you take a photo. This is not a negative reflection on the SIM card, simply advice on how to keep from consuming too much data while connected to the cellular service. Overall, this is an outstanding product and I would highly recommend it for short-term visitors to Japan.
I'm a non techy so my review may contain errors. I installed the sim while in the US but could not enter the profile until I was in japan. Also I got a message to turn on data on my phone. A few days later I tried to save $ by turning off data and using only Wi-Fi, but when I switched it back to data it said to install sim. I emailed econnect and I think they fixed it on their end. This sim saved me because the Wi-Fi at one of hotels went wacky. I did have to buy another gb after a week but it was inept and worth it. Overall while it involved some effort to get it to work, it was a good investment.
Easy, seamless. Pretty good data reception "out in the sticks". Only issue was I couldn't find the app that was supposed to tell my my data usage. I was able to get it from the web site, though, although I had to enter my IMEI number.
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