These days, travelling is all about the ‘gram and sharing shots of the new and exciting places you have visited to inspire and induce envy from your mates back home. There’s also often the need to take a quick squiz at Google maps when you take a wrong turn, check-in for your flight and book last-minute activities. How did we ever go on overseas trips without smartphones?
So, while we have the luxury of staying connected, being able to check out credit card balance and ordering an Uber while we are away from home can’t be done without the internet. You need to go on the line.
Sure, it’s usually easy enough to find an open Wi-Fi connection, but let’s be honest I just want it when I want it, ok!? Also it’s super unsafe and not really the recommended option even when you’re in your home country, let alone when you travel.
So, how can you continue to post to social, stay in touch with friends and fam and have enough data left over for all the little day-to-day things we take for granted? With a pre-paid 4G SIM, of course!
1. Why can’t I visit Tokyo without a local SIM card?
Well, look, technically you *can* visit Tokyo without a local SIM card, but you’re not going to have a lot of fun if you have to rely on your telco from back home. We’ve all heard the horror stories about travellers returning home to bills in excess of thousands of dollars due to aimlessly scrolling on Instagram while their phone was set to international roaming. Don’t let this happen to you! The best way to avoid that kind of nightmare is by preparing yourself with a SIM card from a Japanese supplier that will enable you to stay in touch at local prices. You can order with Klook, and then pick it up when you land.
2. Can I pre-order a SIM card online?
Yes, you can, and you definitely should!
Ordering your SIM card online carries no risk and will make things easier after dragging yourself off a long flight. SIMply find the pick-up point, show your voucher and you are on your way.
Klook offers a range of different SIM cards to suit your phone size, data needs, duration of your stay and travel plans. It’s super simple.
3. How can I pick it up?
You will be pleased to know that after you’ve ordered your SIM card online you will have plenty of pick up points to choose from.
The major cities for pick up are:
- Tokyo
- Osaka
- Hokkaido
- Okinawa & Ishigaki
- Nagoya
Narita International Airport boasts two collection points, while Haneda, Kansai and Nagoya International Airports each house a pick-up booth, too. You can also collect your SIM card from New Chitose International Airport, Naha Domestic Airport and the Edion Namba Tourist Information Center. Sooo many options.
Once you’ve chosen the collection point that best suits your plans, picking up your SIM card is easy. SIM-ply print off or show the voucher you’ll receive when you purchase, and show it to the helpful staff. They will either insert the new SIM for you, or you can help yourself. It will start to work instantly so you can FaceTime your Mum straight away and let her know you landed safely. You’re a good kid.
4. How much data will I need?
This part is up to you. Are you an avid poster of photos and videos who is reliant on the internet? Or are you the type to use it only as a back-up or in an emergency?
If you know you will be posting on Instagram, watching your stories back again, Snap Chatting and Tik Toking and also keeping on top of emails, you will probably be better serviced by an unlimited data option.
On the other hand, if you are hardly ever on social media and only want a bit of data so you can use WhatsApp and make an occasional Google search, you will obviously require less gigs.
Whatever your needs are, Klook has you covered. From a 1GB limit for those who just like a little safety net, right up to an unlimited option for people who love to post, share and chat.
Bonus tip: If you aren’t sure how much data you would normally use, opt for the unlimited SIM in Japan. Hey, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
5. Is it cheaper than roaming?
This one is easy to answer – yes, yes, yes!
A lot of Telcos claim to look after their clients while travelling to ensure they are not lumped with massive bills for data roaming, and while some do offer reduced data plans or special deals for overseas travellers, there are often catches, hidden fees or the possibility that your phone just won’t work when you arrive. Don’t find out the hard way. The only way to truly avoid a whopping big bill on your return home is to use a local SIM with a data limit of your choosing.
By pre-paying and being aware of how much data you have – as opposed to finding out later how much you used - you are in control.
6. How does the SIM card work?
The process is pretty SIM-ple (man, we could do this alllll day) and all you will need to do when you are given your SIM is switch out your usual SIM card (please keep this in a safe place, such as a zipped compartment you won’t be opening for the rest of the trip) and pop in the new one.
The team at the booth can help you do this if you aren’t comfortable doing it on your own.
Once the new SIM is in, it will work instantly. If it doesn’t you are entitled to a refund or a new SIM card. Just make sure that you don’t leave the service desk until you are absolutely certain it has kicked in.
7. Does the SIM card only work in Tokyo?
No. The beauty of this SIM is that you will be able to use it all over Japan. Even if you pick the SIM up in Tokyo, it will still work in Osaka and vice versa.
Some happy customers have even said they were able to add to their Instagram story partway up Mount Fuji. Now that’s service!
8. Is there anything else I should know about the 4G SIM card?
The most important thing to know about this particular SIM is that it offers data only. You will not be able to make phone calls from your phone or receive calls to it when this SIM is in. The same goes for text messages. Bear in mind, though, that most of your regular communication apps, such as Messenger, WhatsApp and even Instagram provide for video and audio calls on top of regular text messages these days, so you will be able to utilise those functions if you find yourself needing to phone home.
The SIM card will also be limited to phones that are not HTC, HUAWEI, Xiaomi, Blackberry, or phones that are SIM-locked. Ie your Samsung or Apple will work just fine!
Lastly, if you plan on travelling for more than 8 days you will need to purchase a new SIM for each block of eight days you plan on being in Japan as they will expire, despite how much data remains. If this is you, it sounds likely that we won’t just be in one spot, so you may need a JR Pass too which will help you get around the country with surprising ease - if this is the case, opt for the SIM card + JR Pass Combo. Everything you’ll need, plus great savings.
If you were concerned about data usage on your next trip to Japan, worry no more. We’ve got it sorted and you can roam to your heart’s content – both around the country and online!