Staying connected while traveling in Japan is more crucial than ever and, with the advent of the eSIM, it is now more convenient than ever before to remain connected!
If you’re looking to have access to real-time directions via Google Maps, keep that hotel booking email within easy reach, upload your latest ramen photo to Instagram, or just looking to stay in touch with loved ones miles away, then an eSIM like those offered by Nomad may be the perfect travel accessory for your Japan trip.
Interested in a Nomad eSIM?
Visit the official Nomad website today to get a 5% discount off your order — just use the code ‘JAPANTRAVEL’ at the checkout!
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a kind of SIM card embedded directly into your smartphone (or tablet). It can be programmed to connect to a cellular network of your choice, in the same way popping in a physical SIM card traditionally works (without the hassle, of course). Installing an eSIM is typically achieved through a free-to-download official carrier app (like Nomad’s on Google Play and the App Store), requiring a few taps and lasting a few minutes once you are signed up.
eSIMs can be reprogrammed too, so you can easily switch them out when you need (by just uninstalling), though many devices these days allow you to install multiple eSIMs and support a limited number of concurrent, active eSIMs.
eSIM support started to appear in phones from 2017, like the Google Pixel 2, followed by iPhone XS (2018) and Samsung Galaxy (S21/S20). If your phone was released after 2020, there’s a strong chance it supports eSIM. But if you’re not already using one, or less familiar with eSIMs in general, It is recommended to confirm whether your device (smartphone or tablet) supports eSIM before purchasing one. You can check the full list of eSIM compatible devices here.
Introducing the Nomad eSIM
Nomad offers eSIMs for over 170 countries offering high-speed data at ultra-competitive rates, so you can be assured you are getting a reliable, trustworthy service that is not just quick and easy to set up, but also highly affordable.
Considering the alternatives, it is remarkable how smooth and convenient a Nomad eSIM is for any traveler to Japan — it just makes total sense. Consider the following:
- Roaming can be expensive and gives you little control over networks or sudden charges (from e.g. receiving a call).
- Getting a local physical SIM card takes time, effort and perhaps a language barrier or other restrictions.
- You could even try getting a Pocket Wi-Fi, but this doesn’t give you a local number and, besides, who wants to carry around (and keep charged and looked after) an extra device?
An eSIM, like Nomad’s, offers the best overall experience and the most competitive pricing— it’s essentially a no-brainer for tourists visiting Japan. You can expect a seamless install and activation in 5 minutes or less
If you’re concerned about data usage, Nomad has you covered. You can choose from the Day Plans—offering a choice of different data allocations from 500MB–3GB—which is ideal for shorter trips, or opt for a Regular Plan which can unlock better priced prepaid data deals for e.g. 30- or 45 days, from 1GB to 50GB. Their app also allows you to monitor data usage, manage multiple eSIMs and, if you ever hit your data limit, you can either continue to use data at a throttled speed (on Day Plans) or get add-on data quickly and easily (for Regular Plans).
What makes a Nomad eSIM the perfect companion?
So now you know more about what the Nomad eSIM is and what it offers, what else is there to know about how Nomad eSIMs stand out from the crowd?
- Great Network Coverage for Japan
Nomad eSIMs support connecting to both Softbank and KDDI — two of Japan’s biggest networks with superb coverage nationwide. With two networks you have the best of both worlds too, so if you experience any issues with one in certain areas, the other provides a redundancy. - 4G/5G speeds like back home
If your phone supports it, you’ll get 5G speed if it’s available to you, depending on the time of day and location. - Competitive rates
Nomad eSIM rates are equivalent to local SIM rates, but still cheaper than many available in the market. - 24/7 customer sSupport
Nomad pride themselves on a solid customer service experience and their app reviews are testament to this — you can expect peace of mind around the clock if you ever need to contact them - Quick, easy setup
The Nomad eSIM is quick to install and can be working in around 3 minutes, once you have purchased through their app. If you factor in the time saved from not having to wait at an airport kiosk (for a local physical SIM card). - Ultra convenient: keep your home number
With phones these days supporting multiple SIMs, you can keep your primary SIM active for receiving calls/texts, and use your Nomad eSIM for connecting to data networks in Japan. It’s a seamless experience, and you’ll never need to swap around SIMs
So now you know more about Nomad eSIMs, be sure to check out their official website to find out more. If you’re ordering, don’t forget to unlock a 5% discount on your order by using the code ‘JAPANTRAVEL’ at the checkout!
