Traveling to Japan is an exciting journey—there’s so much to see and do! But while you’re making all your plans and getting ready to pack, it’s important to know all the ins and outs of using your phone in Japan. Read on to find out about AT&T service in Japan, whether you need a SIM card or eSIM, and all the ins and outs of using your U.S. phone in Japan.
The basics of using your phone in Japan
Can I use my U.S. cell phone in Japan?
Most likely, but it depends on your cell phone model. Most current smartphones are also built for use in different countries.
If you have an older phone, you may not have the capability to use it overseas. In some instances, you may need to make modifications—such as inserting a SIM card that will work in Japan—to get it to work. To find out if you can use your older phone model in Japan, do a Google search on the make, model and year of your phone to find out what its capabilities are. This is information that may be available on the manufacturer’s website.
Does AT&T wireless service work in Japan?
In short, yes! Using your cell phone in Japan is easy with AT&T. However, you’ll need to decide how you want to stay connected. The easiest way to use your AT&T service in Japan is to activate AT&T International Day Pass, which makes it easy for you to use your phone the same way you do when you’re at home for $12 per day.
Saving money in Japan with AT&T International Day Pass
Staying connected in Japan doesn’t have to be expensive. Choosing the right mobile data option can help you avoid unnecessary charges while ensuring you have reliable service throughout your trip.
International roaming plans are a convenient option for international travel. AT&T Wireless customers who have an unlimited plan can add AT&T International Day Pass for $12 per day for a single line and $6 for each additional line used on the same calendar day. If your trip includes a cruise, you’ll pay $20 a day to cover you for land and sea.
The first time you use data, send a text, or make or accept a phone call, your 24-hour International Day Pass begins, and you will be charged a daily fee. You won’t trigger another daily fee until the next time you use your device in an included destination after that 24-hour period ends. The daily fees are calculated and charged to your bill at the end of your billing cycle.
You can call within Japan, as well as any other 210+ International Day Pass destinations and back to the U.S. Calls to destinations not included in International Day Pass will be billed at International Long Distance rates. Per-minute pay-per-use rates apply unless an International Long Distance package is added to the device placing the call. Visit att.com/internationalcalling to review rates and options.
When you travel for your next international trip to one of the International Day Pass destinations, your plan will kick in automatically. You won’t be charged again until then.
Unlocking your phone for international use
If you plan to use a local SIM card or eSIM while traveling in Japan, your phone must be unlocked. A carrier-locked phone may prevent you from switching to a different network, limiting your options for affordable connectivity.
For iPhone:
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- Go to Settings → General → About
- Look for Carrier Lock
- If it says “No SIM restrictions,” your device is unlocked
For Android:
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- Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Networks → Network Operators
- Search for available networks
- If multiple carriers appear, your phone is likely unlocked
If your phone is locked, you’ll need to contact your carrier—such as AT&T—to request an unlock. Keep in mind that most carriers require your device to be fully paid off and meet specific eligibility requirements before unlocking it. An unlocked phone gives you the freedom to switch between networks, use local SIM cards, and activate eSIMs, helping you stay connected without extra fees.
FAQs about SIM cards and eSIM
Do you need a SIM card in Japan?
If you want to limit your phone usage to make your cell phone use more affordable, using a SIM card in Japan may be a good option for you. If you opt for a physical SIM card, you’ll want to make sure you purchase one from a Japanese wireless carrier—but remember you’ll be billed separately for your usage, and your U.S. phone number won’t be accessible until you get home. Another option is to download and activate an eSIM if your phone will support it. Once you return home, you can simply deactivate it by switching your phone settings back to your domestic phone line.
Where can I buy a SIM card in Japan?
There are plenty of places where you can buy a SIM card in Japan. It’s also possible to buy a SIM card at the airports in Osaka, Haneda, or Narita.
What is an eSIM?
Whether you’re looking for an eSIM for Japan or for another international trip, an eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card that lets you connect to a wireless network without inserting a physical chip into your phone. That’s why it’s called an eSIM—it’s short for “embedded SIM.” With a physical SIM card, you’d insert a tiny card into a slot in the side of your phone. But with an eSIM, you just download it and activate it on your phone to connect you to the network of your choice. Learn more about what an eSIM is and how it works.
Does Japan support eSIM?
eSIM can be used anywhere internationally, but yes, you can get eSIM for Japan. All you need is a compatible device that can download and activate an eSIM, and you’re good to go!
What to know about Wi-Fi in Japan
Is there free Wi-Fi everywhere in Japan?
Absolutely—there’s both paid and free Wi-Fi options all throughout Japan that support all your wireless devices. There are free public Wi-Fi networks at airports, train stations, tourist information offices, and certain coffee houses and restaurants. Some Wi-Fi hotspots may need an app to connect you to the network. Just remember to exercise safety when using public Wi-Fi.
However, paid Wi-Fi hotspots are more common throughout Japan, with options to pay for daily or weekly usage. Bear in mind some paid Wi-Fi hotspots require payment connected to a Japanese address and credit card number, but there are some in English that will let you pay with your U.S. credit card.
Is it better to get pocket Wi-Fi or a SIM card in Japan?
It depends on your needs. A pocket Wi-Fi is a small device that can help you create your own personal wireless network using the greater cellular phone network and can connect multiple devices. You can buy or rent pocket Wi-Fi at the airport in Japan.
If you’re using more than just your cell phone when you’re out and about—for example, if you’ll also need to connect your smart watch, tablet and computer and use them when you’re out and about—pocket Wi-Fi might be the best option for you. But if you’re just using your smart phone and don’t want to use an international plan or roaming, a SIM card may be your best bet.
General travel info for visiting Japan
What is mobile phone etiquette in Japan?
When in Japan, you definitely don’t want to use your mobile phone the same way you do at home. In general, using your cell phone in a public space is a bad idea. It’s considered rude to have private conversations in public, especially if you’re on the train. But it’s also considered impolite to use your phone in restaurants, hotel lobbies, and coffee shops.
If you need to use your phone in public, try to find a quiet spot away from public spaces to make or receive a call. If you can’t find a space, try to text whoever is calling you to let them know you’ll call them back when you can find a less public area to make or receive a call. If you absolutely can’t find a quiet space to use your phone, at the very least, ensure you’re quiet while you’re on your call.
Similarly, it’s considered rude to watch videos on your phone without headphones, so make sure your headphones are connected so people around you don’t have to listen to your favorite YouTuber giving you travel tech tips. It’s also recommended to keep your ringtone and text notifications quiet. If you can, opt for silence mode so your phone vibrates when you get a call or text, but doesn’t make any sound.
Lastly—and this is good advice no matter where you travel—don’t walk around staring at your phone! If you need to use your phone for directions or while you’re out and about, don’t impede the flow of foot traffic. Pull over to the side to do what you need to do, and make sure you’re always aware of your surroundings.
What accessories do I need for traveling to Japan?
To make sure you’re honoring Japanese etiquette for using your cell phone in public spaces, it’s a good idea to invest in some quality travel accessories to make your trip as easy and comfortable as possible, such as a good pair of headphones so you don’t disturb anyone when listening to music or watching videos when you’re out and about. And if you don’t already have a good protective phone case or screen protector, it may be time to invest in some. You want to make sure your phone can survive if you drop it on the train platform!
But probably most importantly, you’ll want to keep your phone juiced up and ready to go at a moment’s notice. A travel kit that includes a magsafe charger and lightning cable can be a helpful addition to your suitcase, as is a world travel adapter that ensures you can easily plug your device into a Japanese outlet without frying your tech. Plus, you can use it in other countries, so you’ll be ready to bring your device on your next trip—wherever it takes you!
Updated by Zoya Cochran, TechBuzz by AT&T and AT&T Business Insights managing editor and contributor. This article is AT&T sponsored content originally written by Carly Milne, a formerTechBuzz contributor. The statements in this article are her own and don’t necessarily represent the positions, strategies, or opinions of AT&T.
