Best travel SIM in Japan (speech + data)

February 12, 2013 8:17 AM

I'm searching for the best SIM card for a one month stay in Japan. I've already found e-connect (1 GB/30 days, only data @ 4100 Yen), but I would prefer an option including SMS/speech.
posted by mathiu to Technology (2 answers total)

Actually, I'm leaving for Japan today, (for a 3week stay), and my best option ended up being Verizon's global plan (mostly because of the timing of my flights, and the fact that I will be in rural areas and unable to coordinate the pickup/purchase of a simcard).

I mostly wanted a data plan for google translate as well as google maps, but also the ability to make calls/send texts.

However, here's the research that I did:

Option 1: b-mobile

This seems to be the best option if you only need to use data communication, which costs JPY 4,000 (about USD $50) for 14-days unlimited use. You can pick it up at airports. Downside is obviously that it does not have voice service…

Option 2: Hanacell
If you need both data and voice service, you can buy a SIM card. It might be expensive though, if you use data heavily.

Option 3: Softbank
You can also rent a SIM card, instead of buying it. The service provider, Softbank, is one of the major wireless carriers in Japan, but this also might be expensive.
posted by larthegreat at 8:52 AM on February 12, 2013 [2 favorites]

bmobile has a voice and data SIM too, but I don't know if it is for sale to non-Japan residents.
posted by gen at 7:35 PM on February 13, 2013