Whether you’re navigating Tokyo’s train system, posting photos from Kyoto, or messaging family back home, reliable mobile data is essential.
Australian travellers generally have three main options for staying connected in Japan: using their Australian telco’s roaming service, buying a physical SIM card in Japan, or purchasing a travel eSIM before departure.
Here’s how the options compare.
Using Your Existing Provider
The easiest option is simply using international roaming through your existing provider. This lets you keep your Australian number active without changing SIM cards. Often. roaming starts automatically when you land in Japan.
The downside is cost. Daily roaming passes can add up quickly over a two or three week trip. Telstra’s roaming pass, for example, costs $10 per day in Japan for 2GB of data.
You can find more information on each Telco's roaming plans here:
Buying a Physical SIM Card in Japan
Another option is purchasing a Japanese SIM card after arriving.
You’ll find SIM cards at airports like Narita and Haneda when you land. Beware though, airport SIM cards are often priced higher, targeting tourists looking for convenience
Cheaper SIM cards are available in city stores and electronics retailers, but finding the best value usually requires a bit of research once you arrive. Some stores also have limited English support, which can make setup more difficult for less confident travellers.
You can get a physical SIM from a provider like Japan Experience, or head to an electronics store in the city you land in (like Bic Camera).
Buying a Travel eSIM Before You Fly
For many travellers, a travel eSIM is now the best balance between convenience and price. A travel eSIM lets you install mobile data on your phone digitally before leaving your home country. You simply scan a QR code and activate your plan when you land in Japan.
Unlike physical SIM cards, there’s nothing to swap out. Most modern iPhones and Android phones support eSIM technology.
Travel eSIMs are typically far cheaper than Australian roaming plans and much more convenient than hunting for a SIM card after arrival.
Grab a RoamMate eSIM Today
RoamMate offers travel eSIMs for your overseas adventures. They're data only packages and they're much more cost effective than a typical telco's offering. We don't offer calls or texts, but you can still use services like WhatsApp, Instagram and Google Maps which use a data connection.
For example, if you're a Telstra customer heading to Japan for two weeks, you could grab our Japan 20GB 30 Days eSIM instead of buying Telstra day passes:
Telstra |
RoamMate |
|
| Keeping in touch | Yes, calls and texts over cell network | Yes, using apps that work over data (iMessage, Facetime, WhatsApp etc) |
| Data allowance | 28* GB total (*2 GB per day) | 20 GB total, used over your trip |
| Price | $140 🤯❌ | $40 ✅ |
That's a $100 difference. When you buy an eSIM today, it's instantly sent to you via email, and can be activated up to 180 days later.
Which Option Is Best?
If convenience matters most and cost isn’t a concern, roaming with your Australian telco is the simplest choice. If you’re comfortable navigating stores in Japan and want a local SIM, buying a physical SIM card can work well.
But for most Australian travellers, a travel eSIM offers the best mix of affordability, convenience, and flexibility - especially for trips to Japan where reliable mobile data is essential every day.
