The company providing this game-changing eSIM is Mobal.
I’m a big fan of Mobal because they focus on helping foreigners visiting or living in Japan, and they donate a large portion of profits to charity. For example, Mobal funds over 14,500 meals per day for school kids in Malawi!
Mobal now offering an eSIM with a real Japanese number is truly exciting. Let’s look at why having a local number can be helpful during your Japan trip. But first, confirm that your phone is both unlocked and eSIM compatible.
Check with your carrier if uncertain.
Contents
Why Have a Japanese Number?
Emergencies
For some, having a Japanese cell number while traveling there provides an extra sense of security.
For example, earthquakes frequently occur in the area. In a large quake with infrastructure damage, a local number likely means you can still make calls or send texts.
With Mobal’s plan, you can also receive texts and calls for free, even international ones! This can really provide peace of mind.
Receive Calls From Home
As mentioned, incoming calls are free with Mobal’s plan. However, making outgoing international calls will cost extra. But having a Japanese number means you can freely receive calls from home or anywhere else!
Receiving Packages
This is actually my main reason for wanting a local number during trips. As a long-term traveler, I have packages shipped to me constantly, regardless of location.
A phone number is usually required for deliveries. A popular Japan service is luggage delivery through companies like Yamato Transport.
To use these, you need to provide a local phone number. Hotels can supply their’s, but options like Airbnbs won’t have one. So having your own Japanese cell number is essential for sending and receiving deliveries in these cases.
Making Reservations
Another great reason for having a local number is making bookings at specialized places in Japan. For example, restaurants like the Kirby Cafe and Pokemon Cafe may require one when reserving. The same goes for booking amusement park tickets to places like the new Ghibli Park.
What’s Included in Mobal’s eSIM Plan?
Real Japanese Phone Number
Having an actual Japanese number allows you to receive local calls while in the country. You’ll also get excellent nationwide coverage through Docomo’s network which spans over 99% of Japan. The plan includes free incoming domestic and international calls and texts.
Fast 4G LTE Data
In my usage Mobal has provided reliable 4G or 4G LTE speeds. I’ve never run speed tests but also haven’t experienced any major sluggishness or other issues, apart from occasionally inside train tunnels. But the connectivity is great otherwise!
Hotspot Capabilities
You can connect multiple devices with the hotspot feature, perfect for families or groups traveling together. Just ensure your phone supports tethering to additional devices.
No Minimum Contract
There’s no long-term contract so you can cancel anytime. While Mobal markets it under “long-term plans,” it works very well for tourists too! More details on this next.
Cost Breakdown
The base price for the eSIM with voice capabilities is ¥2,970. You then choose a monthly plan which ranges from ¥1,650 per month (includes 1GB of data) up to ¥4,378 per month (includes 30GB of data).
As mentioned, all incoming domestic and international calls/texts are free.
Outgoing domestic texts (to other Japanese numbers) cost ¥33 per message, with a max of 160 characters per text.
Calls to Japanese numbers (including voicemail) are ¥44 per minute.
For international calls, you first enter a prefix code, then dial out. Cost depends on the country, but ¥65 per minute for most top destinations and ¥200 per minute for all other countries.
If you want to avoid fees for international calls, use apps like WhatsApp or Skype instead.
Getting Started with Mobal
1- Choosing Your Plan
When selecting your eSIM you actually must choose a “long-term plan” that is 90+ days. This may seem odd if you’re not staying that long, but don’t worry. You can still cancel at any time without penalty. It’s mainly due to service regulations.
After picking a long-term option, choose the “Japan Voice Plus Data” eSIM plan. Click buy now and pick delivery method for the access code. I suggest grabbing it in-person when you land in Japan to simplify things. They’ll give you the code right there after showing ID.
Next, log into your account and activate your eSIM, selecting a monthly data amount starting from 1GB up to 30GB.
Finally, install the eSIM profile and enter APN settings if prompted during setup. Then you should have both data and voice working perfectly in Japan!
I highly recommend Mobal’s eSIM with voice and recommend it to anyone visiting Japan. Definitely makes travel there easier. And with affordable plans that you can cancel anytime, it just makes sense.
Will you be getting Mobal’s combo eSIM for your next Japan visit? Or maybe you only need a data-only eSIM or regular SIM card? Check out this post comparing the best eSIM data options in Japan. And see this guide if you’re still evaluating whether to get a SIM card, eSIM or pocket WiFi for your upcoming Japan trip.
Thanks for reading! Please let me know if you have any other questions.
