"I want to buy a SIM card for traveling abroad, but I don't know how to choose one."
Where can I buy an overseas SIM card?
As such, many people may feel unsure about using their smartphones on their first trip abroad.
In this article, we will explain the basics of overseas SIM cards, how to purchase them, and how to choose one for those who want to know more about them.
Please use this article as a reference to deepen your understanding of overseas SIM cards.
SIM stands for "Subscriber Identity Module" and is a card with an IC chip that identifies the subscriber.
In addition to physical card-type SIMs that are inserted into smartphones, there are also eSIMs that are pre-installed in devices and do not require removal.
By linking the subscriber information recorded on the SIM card with your phone number, you will be able to make calls and use data communications.
The types of SIM cards by function are as follows:
When choosing one of the above SIM cards, you must prepare a smartphone that is compatible not only with the type but also with the size of the SIM.
For more information about SIM cards, please refer to the following article:
reference: What is a SIM card? Understanding the basics of SIM cards
reference: What are the sizes and types of SIM cards? What to be careful of when changing the size!
reference: What is a data SIM? Differences from a calling SIM and tips on how to choose one
An overseas SIM card is a SIM card used to access mobile networks overseas.
Since you will be using an overseas mobile network, you will not be able to use the Internet unless you purchase a SIM card compatible with the local area.
The advantage of using an overseas SIM card is that you can choose the product you prefer depending on your destination, data capacity, and number of days you can use it, so depending on how you use it, you can use it at minimal cost.
For example, the image below.
By using an overseas SIM card, you don't have to go through the trouble of searching for free Wi-Fi or carrying a Wi-Fi router.
I found out that by inserting an overseas SIM card into your smartphone, you can enjoy the internet using the local mobile network.
However, many people probably don't know where to purchase an overseas SIM card.
Here we introduce some of the most popular places to purchase them.
Just because it's an international SIM card doesn't mean you have to buy it overseas.
Nowadays, you can easily purchase them at various retail stores, travel agencies, electronics retailers, and online shops.
Additionally, large mall-style e-commerce sites also sell a large number of prepaid international SIM cards, so we recommend that you consider these.
The biggest advantage of purchasing from an online store is that you can easily purchase without having to go to a store.
On the other hand, since there are many places to purchase online, we recommend that you compare and consider multiple products before making an immediate decision, taking into consideration the reputation and reviews of each retailer and product.
If you are unsure about purchasing online, you can also purchase it from a retailer in Japan.
For example, you can purchase an overseas SIM card at the following locations:
・Electronics retail stores
・Various stores located within international airports
The advantage of using a domestic retailer is that specialized staff will help you choose the SIM card that's right for you, depending on your destination and how you plan to use your smartphone.
In addition, you can also consult face-to-face about the initial setup after purchasing the SIM card, eliminating any concerns you may have about the setup.
On the other hand, one disadvantage is that there are fewer international SIM cards to choose from compared to online shops.
If you are considering purchasing from a domestic retailer, we recommend visiting multiple stores to compare the products and services offered.
If this is your first time traveling abroad, we recommend purchasing your travel gear in advance in Japan to avoid any hassle once you arrive.
However, you can also purchase an international SIM card at the following locations in your destination country:
The advantage is that even if you need a SIM card for a specific country or are in a rush before leaving the country and are unable to purchase one, you can purchase one at your destination.
If you are accustomed to traveling abroad or have no concerns about language skills, you may want to purchase it from a local store.
Now that you know where to buy an overseas SIM card, we'll show you how to choose one.
fees vary depending on the number of days you will use it, the volume, your destination, etc., so please choose carefully, especially if this is your first time traveling abroad.
When choosing an overseas SIM card, be sure to choose one that is compatible with the country you are traveling to.
Specifically, SIM cards are sold for each destination, such as the "Korea SIM" which is only compatible with Korea, and the "Travel Type" which is compatible with 30 Asian countries.
Of course, if you're only traveling to Korea, you won't need a SIM card that's compatible with 30 Asian countries.
Basically, the more countries you travel to, the higher fees of your SIM card will be, so be careful.
If you are traveling to multiple countries, choosing a roaming plan may save you the trouble of changing SIM cards each time and may also help you save money.
With overseas SIM cards, you often have the freedom to choose not only your destination but also the number of days you will use it and the amount of data you will need.
For example, the image below.
Basically, fees increases with the number of days of use and the amount of data used, so be sure to simulate in advance how much data you will use per day and choose an appropriate plan.
Checking with your carrier to see how much data you use in Japan can give you an idea of how much data you'll need at your destination.
Reference: What is data capacity? Explaining the approximate capacity and how to choose the appropriate fees plan!
As we explained in "SIM Card Basics," you can choose SIM cards based on their functions, such as "data SIM" or "voice call SIM."
You may not make many phone calls overseas, but there are still many situations where you will need to use the phone, such as contacting restaurants or hotels, or arranging for the police or an ambulance.
To be on the safe side, one option is to sign up for a voice call SIM card.
Especially if it's your first time using an overseas SIM card, you may be worried about the procedures and initial settings.
In such cases, choose an overseas SIM card with good customer support.
The level of support varies, with some companies offering 24-hour telephone support in Japanese and others providing easy-to-understand instructions on how to set up a SIM card.
It would also be even more helpful if the official website had a comprehensive FAQ page.
In this way, try to choose an overseas SIM card that comes with thorough support.
Once you have decided on the overseas SIM card you want to purchase, you need to check whether it is compatible with your smartphone.
Here are two things to prepare before purchasing an overseas SIM card.
When using an overseas SIM card, you need to choose the SIM card size that is appropriate for your smartphone.
[SIM card size]
Most modern smartphones are compatible with nanoSIM cards, but if you have an older model of smartphone, it may be that it uses microSIM cards.
It is important to check in advance to avoid the problem of purchasing an overseas SIM card and finding that it does not fit your smartphone.
Also, if you are considering using an eSIM type overseas SIM instead of a SIM card, you will need to check whether your smartphone is eSIM compatible.
Check the smartphone manufacturer's official website to see if you are using an eSIM-compatible device.
A SIM lock is a mechanism that restricts your smartphone so that only a specific SIM can be used.
In the past, there were cases where a SIM lock was applied to prevent non-payment of the terminal price at the carrier under contract.
However, according to the "Guidelines for Ensuring Smooth Distribution and Use of Mobile Terminal Equipment" revised in August 2021, models released after October 1, 2021 are generally unlocked with SIM locks.
If you are using a smartphone purchased before September 2021, you will not be able to use another company's SIM card unless the SIM lock is unlocked.
For information on how to unlock your SIM lock, contact your carrier.
It is fees to unlock the SIM, but it can be unlocked from the Internet without any fees. (※1)
*1: If you cancel by phone or in-store, a fee may be charged.
Reference: What is SIM unlocking? A detailed introduction to the advantages, disadvantages, and how to unlock it
Now that you have completed the preliminary preparations to purchase an overseas SIM card, we will explain how to actually go about the process and how to use it.
Please also refer to the information already introduced in "How to Choose an Overseas SIM Card" and consider your destination, number of days of use, data capacity, etc. before purchasing a SIM card.
Also, before purchasing, please check the size of the SIM card and whether or not it is SIM-locked.
If you purchase a card-type SIM, when you receive the SIM, follow the manual or guide to insert the SIM card into your smartphone.
(If you select eSIM, there is no need to switch.)
Basically, you turn off your smartphone and then open the SIM card slot on the side of the smartphone (the location may vary depending on the device).
The method for opening the SIM card slot will vary depending on your phone, but most involve using a SIM pin that you insert into the SIM card slot.
For details on how to change the SIM card, please refer to the following article.
Reference: You can change your SIM card yourself! Explaining the preparations and precautions to take when changing your SIM card
Also, please keep the SIM card you originally used in Japan in a safe place as you will need it again after returning home.
Once you have replaced the SIM card, the final step is to set up the APN.
Simply put, APN settings are the initial settings required to connect to the Internet on a smartphone when you insert a new SIM card into it.
The setup procedure is detailed in the guide or manual that comes with the overseas SIM card, so it's not that difficult.
In addition to guides and manuals, the instructions may also be listed on the official website of the overseas SIM card company, so please check there.
In this article we have introduced overseas SIM cards, but there are other ways to use the internet overseas.
Here we will introduce ways to use your smartphone other than using an overseas SIM card.
This is a way to connect to the Internet by renting a Wi-Fi router that can be used at your destination.
Once you sign up for a Wi-Fi router, you can pick up the device at the airport counter, in a locker, or via courier.
Although fees plans vary by company, there are types that you can choose based on the amount of data you want to use per day.
Example) fees image
Once you receive your Wi-Fi router, you can immediately connect it and start using the Internet; there is no need for any particularly complicated settings.
If you are using an overseas SIM card, you will need to replace the card and perform the initial setup after receiving it.
When it comes to ease of use, Wi-Fi routers are great.
On the other hand, Wi-Fi routers are often fees on a daily basis, and if you plan to stay for a long period of time, the cost tends to be high.
With an overseas SIM card, you can specify the number of days you will use it in advance, making it easy to stay for a long period of time and highly cost-effective.
Additionally, renting a Wi-Fi router requires the hassle of returning the device after returning home.
Please consider the length of your stay, fees, and the hassle of returning the rental car before making your selection.
Overseas roaming is a method of transmitting data using the mobile network of your destination country from your current carrier in Japan.
In the past, when roaming overseas, most plans were pay-as-you-go, meaning you were fees only for the amount of data you used, but recently there are also many flat-rate plans available that allow you to specify the number of days and data volume.
This makes international roaming easier than ever before.
It is very convenient that you can apply directly from the carrier you use in Japan without the hassle of switching SIM cards like you would with an overseas SIM card.
However, just like with Wi-Fi routers, if you are planning to stay for a long period of time, there are more plans to choose from with an overseas SIM card, and in some cases it may even be more economical.
Furthermore, au 's online-only brand *2 is povo2.0 So you can purchase data by deciding the amount of data and number of days you need in advance to avoid unexpectedly high fees. International roaming We offer:
It is not a daily rate, as is often the case with Wi-Fi routers, so you won't have to worry about high costs due to long stays.
If you run out of data at your destination, you can simply purchase the data you need.
*2: As this is an online-only plan, all procedures and support will be handled online. Please contact us via the povo2.0 app or official website.
Reference: What is international roaming? Explaining fees, benefits, and things to be aware of!
Reference: Overseas roaming
If you use the free Wi-Fi at your destination, you can essentially use the internet for free.
However, you have to find a facility or store that offers free Wi-Fi, and you can only use your smartphone in that location.
Since you will not be able to use your smartphone freely at any time, you will likely find that your use is increasingly restricted at your accommodation.
In this article, we have provided a detailed explanation of the basics of overseas SIM cards, the preparations you need to make before purchasing one, and how to use them.
fees vary depending on the number of days of use, data volume, and number of countries in which the plan is used.
Also, although it's not difficult if you follow the instructions, many people may find it more of a hassle to have to replace the SIM card and set up the initial settings compared to Wi-Fi routers or international roaming.
What I would like to recommend is the international roaming service provided by povo2.0.
Not only can you use povo2.0 data communications in over 160 countries and regions overseas, but you can also freely choose the data volume, target countries, and number of days of use.
For example:
■Regular Topping available in over 90 countries and regions
■Area Topping
*Please note that all fees are current as of the time of publication (July 2024).
You can Topping as much data as you need, and once you reach the limit, it will automatically become unavailable, so you won't incur unexpectedly high costs.
If you run out of data, you can purchase additional data (Topping) at any time through the app, and you can also check your usage status through the app.
"I want to avoid burdensome tasks such as replacing SIM cards and initial setup as much as possible."
"It's a hassle to sign up with another carrier."
If you feel this way, please consider it.
In addition, povo2.0 's international roaming service allows you to use not only data communications but also voice calls and SMS in over 200 countries and regions overseas (pay-as-you-go).
For detailed fees, please check the link below.
>> For details on povo2.0 international roaming, click here
*To use data communications overseas, you must purchase an "Overseas data Topping." *Even if you have not purchased Topping, if you are already logged in to the povo2.0 app, you can purchase an "Overseas data Topping" even if you do not have an external internet connection such as Wi-Fi. Please note that if you are not logged in to the app, you will need a separate internet connection to log in. *Available countries and regions vary depending on the type of Overseas data Topping. (Click here for supported countries and regions) * Overseas data Topping will be in a standby state for 30 days after purchase until you connect to data communications in an available area before it can be used. * Topping validity begins from the time you start using it.
(Example: If you purchase an Overseas data Topping that can be used 24 hours a day on July 15th and start using it at your destination at 15:00 on August 1st, the usage period will end at 14:59 on August 2nd.) *While Overseas data Topping or a data bonus that can be used overseas is being applied, you will not be able to purchase a new Overseas data Topping or apply a data bonus that can be used overseas.
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