Moderators at OzBargain have decided to run yearly polls to decide the best products in popular categories that get asked repeatedly in the forum. Our aim is to have a central thread where users can vote on the items, suggest options and also change their vote throughout the year. The polls will end once the year is over.
Question
What is the best Japanese Travel SIM for the year 2017?
Most people perceive Japan as being the forefront of technology, so you would expect Japan to be a country full of free Wifi hotpots; so it might come as a surprise to you that Wifi is actually pretty patchy and most of the time you'll be relying on cellular networks to keep you connected while on-the-go.
Getting a SIM card for use in Japan can be a little tricky, as most mobile providers usually require you to be a resident of Japan in order to sign up to a mobile plan. That's where MVNO's (mobile virtual network operators) come in, who resell part of a main operators network (such as N.T.T Docomo or Softbank) to tourists. Many of these SIM cards can be purchased in Japan, either in person at Airports or from select stores, or, you can order them online and have them shipped to you.
Some Important points to consider when choosing a Travel SIM:
- Whose cell network you will be using. Refer to this network coverage map
- NTT Docomo has the best regional coverage, covering most of Japan. Softbank mostly covers the metropolitan cities, such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Sendai and Fukuoka. KDDI is somewhat in-between in terms of coverage.
- There are SIMS that offer only data usage and nothing else. These SIMs aren't capable of receiving any calls, but they might fit those who find using Skype, WeChat or Whatsapp sufficient for keeping in touch. However, having access to voice calls can have a big advantage — namely, being able receive calls while abroad and also being able to use 24-hour Translation hotlines which can help you out when you're stuck.
- Many SIM packages offer unlimited incoming phone call/SMS's and even unlimited data* (speed throttling applies once you've reached a certain threshold, which resets after 24 hours)
So what's your favourite JA Travel SIM account for the year 2017? Make your suggestions below, and be sure to justify why it's the best account for you.
- Don't see an account that you like in the poll options? Make a (sensible) suggestion and we'll add it to the list.
- You are allowed to change your vote.
How to Suggest a Poll option? Simply type into the textbox above your Comment box and then submit your comment.
Let's start with B-mobile Data only SIM, 21 Days. Their only offering is this:
You can purchase this online and have it delivered to your place of stay (Hotel), or pickup from 7 different Airports.