When going to Japan, should I use eSIM, wifi or physical SIM? Compare 3 popular network solutions

My first trip to Japan almost turned into a disaster when my phone lost connection in the middle of a crowded Tokyo neighborhood. At that time, I couldn't call a taxi, couldn't look up a map, and was completely disoriented. That valuable lesson made me realize: choosing the right network solution when traveling abroad is more important than I imagined.

eSIM: Modern solution for smart travelers

eSIM is becoming the top choice of many travelers thanks to its outstanding convenience. After only 5 minutes of payment via VietQR transfer, you will immediately receive a QR code via email. No need to wait for shipping, no worries about losing your SIM in the middle of a trip.

The biggest strength of eSIM is the ability to operate in parallel with Vietnamese SIM. You still receive important calls and OTP messages while using high-speed data in Japan. This is especially useful for those who need to maintain contact with relatives or verify bank accounts.

Tip: Most high-end phones from 2019 support eSIM. iPhone from XR/XS and above, Galaxy S/Note 20 series, Pixel 3 and above are all compatible.

Mobile Wifi: Economical but has many limitations

At first glance, renting pocket wifi seems like an economical choice. But after 3 trips to Japan, I realized unexpected inconveniences:

• Every day you have to carry a bulky wifi transmitter and worry about charging the battery
• You cannot go separately if traveling in a group
• Speed is usually slower than direct SIM data
• Risk of theft or forgetting to pay, causing heavy fines

Physical SIM: Traditional solutions are no longer optimal

Physical SIMs are still chosen by many people because of their psychological familiarity. However, this option has many disadvantages:

• It takes 2-3 days to wait for the SIM to be delivered by post
• Having to remove the Vietnamese SIM card means not receiving OTP or emergency calls
• Risk of losing/damaging SIM when removing and inserting multiple times
• Easy to get into trouble when the device is locked to the network

Conclusion: Why is eSIM shibaSIM the optimal choice?

Through many personal experiences and feedback from friends, I have found that shibaSIM's eSIM offers many outstanding advantages:

1. Receive QR code immediately after payment, no need to wait
2. Keep the same Vietnamese number to receive important calls and OTPs
3. Vietnamese support 24/7 through many channels
4. Pay in VND via VietQR transfer, no need to worry about conversion fees
5. Guaranteed to refund if unable to activate due to network error

For basic usage needs (checking mail, Google Maps, social networks), a 1GB/day package is usually enough. If you need to watch a lot of videos or livestreams, you should choose a larger data package.

Are you preparing for your upcoming trip to Japan? Take 2 minutes to view shibaSIM's Japanese eSIM plans and choose the plan that fits your schedule. Don't let lost connection become an obstacle in your journey to explore the land of the rising sun.