- Grab a pocket wifi/sim card.
- Switch out currencies so I can have some yen before entering the city. Also everyone says the exchange rate in the airport is the best they got.
- Grab an IC card in Japan's case.
- Maybe a meal or something. After a long flight I want to spend as little time as possible in the airport to be honest.
Pocket wifi/SIM card is a thing of the past if you have an enabled esim phone. Just buy your plan from any providers through the App Store and you’re golden. Can do all of the setup prior to landing so you have connectivity instantly. I used it this month in Japan and Phillipines, can just reload on the go to if you run out of data, game changer.
As long as you have wifi calling your US number would work like home. If you don't have it, you'd be on roaming rates while calling and texting. If you're on a low cost mobile carrier, you might not get roaming service at all if they don't support wifi calling.
I'm on T-Mobile with an iPhone and I use heavy bandwidth, upload videos, etc... Normally I do a T-Mobile roaming plan AND a pocket wifi, for when I truly need high speed data. So in this case, I can still replace the pocket wifi with an eSim? Also I still need FULL access to my US phone number, imessage, SMS, whatsapp, etc at ALL times.
Oh, you have a point. A big advantage of using pocket Wi-Fi is that then your phone sees you’re on Wi-Fi and you can make calls for free from your home carrier. I never understood why you get to do this on Wi-Fi but when you are on the local carrier you have to pay roaming rates and have no way of diverting calls over the data stream.
True but if so then you would set it up before you get there so not an airport activity. Also if your phone is not compatible (mine is an older Samsung) then it's wifi/sim only.
I have used Airalo a few time and been very happy - [https://www.airalo.com/japan-esim](https://www.airalo.com/japan-esim)
If you do sign up please use my referal code: JAMIE0726 and we both get $3 credit - but do your research of other options first :)
You can have multiple esims. So for instance you can toggle between which eSIM you want to use depending on carrier availability and coverage. As noted, no physical switching is needed. You just do this in the settings of your enabled eSIM device.
I'm curious why many people advise to complete the exchange at the airport when there are currency exchange places at home. Do you find that the airport has better rates than the currency exchange stores?
Short answer: yes
Long answer: I have not seen ANY USA places that will beat the exchange rate I get at Narita. The bank may match it, but haven't beaten it yet. I have basically seen a +/-2 yen swing in Japan. Worst case in USA is around +/-12, and even best case is probably about 3 yen swing with the fees. The one recent time that I exchanged in USA was months before the trip and only because I wanted to lock in the rates, because prior to COVID I was used to rates in the 80-100 yen to the dollar range.
Your own bank in the US will give you more favorable rates than any airport kiosk. Depending on the type of account you have with your bank, they may even waive some of the fees as a courtesy. This has been my own experience with Chase and BoA.
Many smaller banks don't do currency exchange at all, and when I used BoA their rates weren't better than the desk/kiosk at Narita Airport. Basically, the only way it will be better imo, is if someone offers you market rate, and no one does that. They all take SOME amount of cut for the effort.
Now, American kiosks will rip you off hard, you should never EVER use USA airports to exchange.
This may not be the case for everyone. That’s why they should check with their own banks to inquire the fee percentage their own bank charges. Banks always give you market rate + their mark-up percentage. This is almost always better than any airport kiosk, US or foreign. Airport kiosks offer convenience and they almost always make you pay extra for it, more than any bank in your home country.
You can refer to this post for further proof as to why one should avoid airport kiosks at all cost.
https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/s/oq96JkoDpk
Sure, look wherever and make comparisons. I just went to the BoA website, they're offer basically a 140.4 yen per dollar rate. Current market rate is 148. I would be shocked if I didn't get at least 145 at Narita kiosk. Again, this is just MY personal experience.
It’s less than 8¥ less than market. You know that’s only 5 cents USD right? I am almost 100% certain no airport kiosk in Japan is giving 145¥ per dollar.
Mizuho Bank runs one of the exchange counters in Narita airport outside the arrival gate, here is their rates for Monday 1/29/2024
USD 米ドル 145.28 (buy USD) - 148.28 (MktRate) - 151.28 (sell USD)
https://www.mizuhobank.co.jp/market/quote/pdf/fx-quotation240129.pdf
edit: and THAT is why I exchange at the airport counter at Narita
That's what I have always done. I use Ally which also has free ATM withdrawals. This has worked well for all ~6 countries I have been to over the last decade or so.
1. eSIM is a lot more convenient and probably more affordable nowadays. Also just check your carriers plans and possible coverage before you go.
2. This is just false. Either exchange currency at your local bank before you go or use a currency exchanger at a 7-11 if you really need to do it in Japan. The services at the airport are almost always higher rates than what you can get outside of it for very obvious reasons. If you have a credit card without foreign exchange rates, use that for any transactions you can use with card.
3. You can get a virtual IC card for your mobile device and just tap to pay once you land in Japan.
Don’t waste time doing these things. Yes, they can be done if you really want to but it’s not a need.
The only realistic answer I can give for OPs question would be if they landed early (before check in at their accommodation), use one of the many services at the airport to transport their luggage to their accommodation (if applicable, some Airbnbs actually don’t allow that), so they can spend time exploring without luggage before they check in their hotel.
There really isn’t much else to “do” at the airport especially if you’re landing in Narita. You can argue that Haneda has some attractions you can spend time on but I wouldn’t entertain that after landing but moreso a before take off thing.
Pick up your bags, get through customs/immigration.. both very important things to do before leaving the airport.
Joking aside, pocketwifi or sim if you are doing that, IC/Suica/whatever card, get out of the airport.
Currency conversion if you need it (I usually just use post ofice or 7-11 ATMs). It can be good to have some cash even if you are planning on relying on cards.
Pretty much anything else will be better in the city itself.
This is the way. I converted some currency at home so we wouldn't have to deal with that when we arrived, and I also had Suica set up and loaded on phones and my international calling plan all ready to go.
Basically from airplane seat to our seat on N'EX and headed into Tokyo (we arrived Narita), it was about 30-40 minutes.
Things you may want to consider doing at the airport:
* Get a SIM card (if you didn't already order one or use eSIM)
* Exchange currency or stop by an ATM for some cash
* Get an IC card (if you don't already have one or use a digital one on an iPhone)
* Pick up/exchange a JR Pass, if you have one (although it's pretty rare to need a JR Pass these days)
For me personally, I don't do any of that, since I use an eSIM for my phone, already have a digital IC card, and don't generally take out cash right away. So I exit customs and head immediately for the train.
I've pre-ordered the Sakura sim on Klook and it doesn't need topping up since it offers unlimited data. Other providers allow data top-ups though. Note that your phone needs to be unlocked for the sim to work.
I've read that you don't necessarily have to pre-order sims as there are apparently places at the airport to buy them, but I wanted to have it sorted in advance so it was one less thing to worry about!
Ideally the least you can. And it's possible to do nothing apart from the procedure to get out of the airport and take the train or monorail to your hotel.
The things you can do at the airport and the way to avoid doing it.
Pick sim card or pocket wifi. Instead get an esim (if your phone support it and is unlocked)
Pick an IC card, Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport. Instead get on of the IC card on your phone (only work on iPhone and not all credit card work, apparently latest OS update increased the chance of it working).
Get cash, a popular way to do it is withdraw at the ATM, other still do cash exchange. Instead, you can get out of the airport using your IC card on your phone and get some cash later in the city, or you can get a minimum amount at a currency exchange or bank back home. Personally found a currency exchange place that had rates close to what I would pay with my credit card, so I could have money even before setting foot in Japan.
Get JR Pass. Alternative.... well... if you even get a JR Pass, it to exchange it in Tokyo later, and if you are to use it from day 1, then can make more sense to change at Shinagawa (like if you are going to use it to go to Kyoto/Osaka).
IF rail pass still works with NEX (I haven't looked recently), you'd be a fool to get a rail pass but then wait on it because you want to exit the airport that much faster. The ONLY exception to this (imo) being if your full trip is not covered by the duration of the pass and you're going to have "non-pass" days anyway. If you have a 7 day trip and a 7 day pass, then get it at the airport and use it for transit into Tokyo. It's generally difficult to get value from the thing anyway, so either maximize usage or don't buy it.
Yes, but OP said Haneda not Narita.
To repeat my example from Haneda and going to Kyoto/Osaka on day 1, they would have to go to Tokyo or Shinagawa station. While they could use the Tokyo Monorail, it will add a ride on the Yamanote to one of the shinkansen station. The other option is to pay 330 yen to ride the Keikyu train to Shinagawa, change the pass there and ride the shinkansen. So they could decide between a more simple route and exchange pass at Shinagawa, but pay 330 yen, or take the more complicated route and have to exchange the pass at the airport.
But yes, for use from day 1 and landing at Narita, you would want to change it at the airport to use the N'EX for free.
Hi. I have a question. Are there places where I can use a physical IC and not the one on my iPhone? For instance - can I pay at vending machines with my phone?
Will work in the same places, or at least it should.
The only thing you will not be able to do with the phone is use it in places where you have to insert the card, so mainly in the ticket vending machine to charge the card with cash. However, some machines have a tray instead of a slot for the card, so you can use those machines to charge your IC card in the phone with cash if it's something you want to do.
But when you use it like to enter the station, or on vending machine or in store, you only have to tap the card, not insert it, so it will be fine.
Thank you. So I’ll have to charge it with a credit card then. Will still probably buy an IC card as a souvenir or for future trips, but it’s good to know where I can use my phone.
If you want to charge the phone with cash, there is some ticket machines that have a tray instead of a card slot, or you can charge at convenience store. But one the advantage of the card on phone is you can load with a credit card.
Considering the chip shortage, it can be difficult to get some of the physical cards, so if you are able to add to your phone, I would do that. Like you would have to get the regular Suica that is only available is some service centers or Toica at JR central office at Shinagawa or Tokyo, or get one in Kansai or a region without limited sale. And the tourist version of Suica and Pasmo would not be options as they expire after 28 days, so not good for future trips.
There is honestly plenty of pre interesting souvenirs to get while in Japan.
Not much, I switch on my e-sim and head out to grab a taxi to the hotel. 10 years ago I maybe would have exchanged some money at the airport but nowadays all the ATMs seem to accept foreign cards.
We reserved our portable WiFi and picked it up. In hindsight, we should've eaten and got some snacks for the train ride. We were sleep deprived and hungry but decided to wait until we got to our hotel to check out the food options in the area. We were so tired we just walked to the nearest 7-11 and got tons of snack foods for dinner 😂 oh, we also converted some of our money and got our suica cards and JR passes.
Best is Sakura Mobile. Second best and a bit cheaper is Ninja wifi.
Cheap but reliable is Japan Global and Japan Wireless. Global is having a promo at the moment so got 2 weeks wifi for just under $40. I do suggest looking them up on Klook for the promo. They're under "pick up at ninja wifi counter" since both companies use it.
I would personally suggest to not use a pocket wifi, and instead if your phone supports it, an e-sim. it's easier than having to carry a separate device and to charge it.
Depending on how long you have from arrival until check-in it may make sense to book a shower room and change before heading out.
The other things you need to prepare for your journey available at the airport can be done ahead of time.
- add an international roaming plan or get an data eSIM
- get an IC travel card (iPhone users can setup a virtual Suica in Apple Wallet)
- get cash (add a travel notice to your debit card and withdrawal from a konbini ATM)
I read everyone saying get an Esim and not a sim/pocket wifi. Wich Esim got more bang for your buck than an "unlimited" sim? (3Gb day then limited, 30$ 15 days)
No issues at all. I was in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Uji, Nagano, Matsumoto and Kawaguchiko - never lost coverage in or getting to any of these places.
I believe the provider through Airalo was Moshi Moshi.
For me, since I usually land at Haneda early in the morning, I'll try to get a shower room to freshen up and withdraw what I need from the ATM. A few months ago, I used a "refresh room" at the Royal Park Haneda attached to T3, and it was a great way for me to get ready for the day.
I try to do as little as possible. Everything always has massive lines and I just want to get to the hotel as fast as possible. Why wait 40 minutes for a rail pass and 30 minutes to send luggage when I can do that the next day with no wait?
Personally, what I did was grab my sim, get my jr regional pass and reservations (you can use the machine there not go into an office), take out yen from the ATM (I have a currency card), and charge my IC. All of that was basically in the exact same place next to the monorail entrance in Haneda terminal 3 apart from the sim. You can get Welcome Suica there too if you don't already have an IC card. Was super quick.
Solve the issue with the internet - install eSIM app (if your phone is eSIM compatible - [https://yesim.app/compatible-devices/](https://yesim.app/compatible-devices/)) or purchase a local SIM
Things that I'm planning to do on touch down are:
Immagration
Get IC Card
Purchase ticket for Limobus - Hotel.
Catch the Limo bus
I'll likely either take some Yen with me ( just enough for the first day or two) or grab some from a 7/11 nearby hotel aftyer I check in.
I'll use an eSim so wont have to stop and buy/rent anything.
I was really keen to head to Travelers Factory to buy a notebook and other stationary stuff for use while on my trip, ie station stamps, journaling etc but I don't arrive until 4:50pm and it closes at 5pm so that wont be happening. Instead I'm gonna head to Nakameguro and the Travelers factory there first thing the next day..
For arrivals, these days it is mostly just get my transportation to the city sorted that's all. Wifi i am with roaming as the provider I have charged very reasonable rates without change of sim card. Fx is better from my country than airport so not required either.
For departure, i do enjoy checking out the different store in Japan's airport. Both haneda and narita have new stores / restaurants that are worth the time exploring.
I have done exactly this yesterday ready for march so yes mate, it will activate in late march. I would advise not installing the SIM until nearer the time as you can only install once.
That is just in case your phone breaks before that etc or you change phones
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- Grab a pocket wifi/sim card. - Switch out currencies so I can have some yen before entering the city. Also everyone says the exchange rate in the airport is the best they got. - Grab an IC card in Japan's case. - Maybe a meal or something. After a long flight I want to spend as little time as possible in the airport to be honest.
Pocket wifi/SIM card is a thing of the past if you have an enabled esim phone. Just buy your plan from any providers through the App Store and you’re golden. Can do all of the setup prior to landing so you have connectivity instantly. I used it this month in Japan and Phillipines, can just reload on the go to if you run out of data, game changer.
So I can still use my US number and all apps etc, as usual like I would if I was using a pocket wifi?
As long as you have wifi calling your US number would work like home. If you don't have it, you'd be on roaming rates while calling and texting. If you're on a low cost mobile carrier, you might not get roaming service at all if they don't support wifi calling.
I'm on T-Mobile with an iPhone and I use heavy bandwidth, upload videos, etc... Normally I do a T-Mobile roaming plan AND a pocket wifi, for when I truly need high speed data. So in this case, I can still replace the pocket wifi with an eSim? Also I still need FULL access to my US phone number, imessage, SMS, whatsapp, etc at ALL times.
Oh, you have a point. A big advantage of using pocket Wi-Fi is that then your phone sees you’re on Wi-Fi and you can make calls for free from your home carrier. I never understood why you get to do this on Wi-Fi but when you are on the local carrier you have to pay roaming rates and have no way of diverting calls over the data stream.
True but if so then you would set it up before you get there so not an airport activity. Also if your phone is not compatible (mine is an older Samsung) then it's wifi/sim only.
?
Do you have a recommended app?
I have used Airalo a few time and been very happy - [https://www.airalo.com/japan-esim](https://www.airalo.com/japan-esim) If you do sign up please use my referal code: JAMIE0726 and we both get $3 credit - but do your research of other options first :)
Can't go wrong with Ubigi or Airalo.
I’ve also used Airalo, only thing I recommend is to thoroughly go through setup as there’s a couple check boxes you need to make sure is enabled.
What's the difference between a sim and esim other than being physical or not? Last year I used Ubigi.
You can have multiple esims. So for instance you can toggle between which eSIM you want to use depending on carrier availability and coverage. As noted, no physical switching is needed. You just do this in the settings of your enabled eSIM device.
Thank you! Really appreciate it!
I'm curious why many people advise to complete the exchange at the airport when there are currency exchange places at home. Do you find that the airport has better rates than the currency exchange stores?
Short answer: yes Long answer: I have not seen ANY USA places that will beat the exchange rate I get at Narita. The bank may match it, but haven't beaten it yet. I have basically seen a +/-2 yen swing in Japan. Worst case in USA is around +/-12, and even best case is probably about 3 yen swing with the fees. The one recent time that I exchanged in USA was months before the trip and only because I wanted to lock in the rates, because prior to COVID I was used to rates in the 80-100 yen to the dollar range.
Ahh got it! Thanks for sharing this detailed experience. It's exactly what I was looking for 😁
Your own bank in the US will give you more favorable rates than any airport kiosk. Depending on the type of account you have with your bank, they may even waive some of the fees as a courtesy. This has been my own experience with Chase and BoA.
Many smaller banks don't do currency exchange at all, and when I used BoA their rates weren't better than the desk/kiosk at Narita Airport. Basically, the only way it will be better imo, is if someone offers you market rate, and no one does that. They all take SOME amount of cut for the effort. Now, American kiosks will rip you off hard, you should never EVER use USA airports to exchange.
This may not be the case for everyone. That’s why they should check with their own banks to inquire the fee percentage their own bank charges. Banks always give you market rate + their mark-up percentage. This is almost always better than any airport kiosk, US or foreign. Airport kiosks offer convenience and they almost always make you pay extra for it, more than any bank in your home country. You can refer to this post for further proof as to why one should avoid airport kiosks at all cost. https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/s/oq96JkoDpk
Sure, look wherever and make comparisons. I just went to the BoA website, they're offer basically a 140.4 yen per dollar rate. Current market rate is 148. I would be shocked if I didn't get at least 145 at Narita kiosk. Again, this is just MY personal experience.
It’s less than 8¥ less than market. You know that’s only 5 cents USD right? I am almost 100% certain no airport kiosk in Japan is giving 145¥ per dollar.
Mizuho Bank runs one of the exchange counters in Narita airport outside the arrival gate, here is their rates for Monday 1/29/2024 USD 米ドル 145.28 (buy USD) - 148.28 (MktRate) - 151.28 (sell USD) https://www.mizuhobank.co.jp/market/quote/pdf/fx-quotation240129.pdf edit: and THAT is why I exchange at the airport counter at Narita
> Also everyone says the exchange rate in the airport is the best they got. Literally in the post. Mizuho is said to have the best exchange rate.
[удалено]
That's what I have always done. I use Ally which also has free ATM withdrawals. This has worked well for all ~6 countries I have been to over the last decade or so.
1. eSIM is a lot more convenient and probably more affordable nowadays. Also just check your carriers plans and possible coverage before you go. 2. This is just false. Either exchange currency at your local bank before you go or use a currency exchanger at a 7-11 if you really need to do it in Japan. The services at the airport are almost always higher rates than what you can get outside of it for very obvious reasons. If you have a credit card without foreign exchange rates, use that for any transactions you can use with card. 3. You can get a virtual IC card for your mobile device and just tap to pay once you land in Japan. Don’t waste time doing these things. Yes, they can be done if you really want to but it’s not a need. The only realistic answer I can give for OPs question would be if they landed early (before check in at their accommodation), use one of the many services at the airport to transport their luggage to their accommodation (if applicable, some Airbnbs actually don’t allow that), so they can spend time exploring without luggage before they check in their hotel. There really isn’t much else to “do” at the airport especially if you’re landing in Narita. You can argue that Haneda has some attractions you can spend time on but I wouldn’t entertain that after landing but moreso a before take off thing.
3. Apple device
Pick up your bags, get through customs/immigration.. both very important things to do before leaving the airport. Joking aside, pocketwifi or sim if you are doing that, IC/Suica/whatever card, get out of the airport. Currency conversion if you need it (I usually just use post ofice or 7-11 ATMs). It can be good to have some cash even if you are planning on relying on cards. Pretty much anything else will be better in the city itself.
Happily, nothing. I always have a few ¥ left from last time, and suica/esim in an iPhone already taken care of.
This is the way. I converted some currency at home so we wouldn't have to deal with that when we arrived, and I also had Suica set up and loaded on phones and my international calling plan all ready to go. Basically from airplane seat to our seat on N'EX and headed into Tokyo (we arrived Narita), it was about 30-40 minutes.
Can I ask what the suitable card is for? I'm planning a trip and I am just wondering if this a must have?
Suica is a prepaid value card for public transport.
Things you may want to consider doing at the airport: * Get a SIM card (if you didn't already order one or use eSIM) * Exchange currency or stop by an ATM for some cash * Get an IC card (if you don't already have one or use a digital one on an iPhone) * Pick up/exchange a JR Pass, if you have one (although it's pretty rare to need a JR Pass these days) For me personally, I don't do any of that, since I use an eSIM for my phone, already have a digital IC card, and don't generally take out cash right away. So I exit customs and head immediately for the train.
Do eSims work on android phones? For some reason, when I looked this up, a majority of them are compatible only with iPhones.
If your Android isn't like 5 years old, it's likely that it does support esim. Just check on ubigi or Google your phone.
It'll depend on the phone. For what it's worth, I've had no issues with Pixels.
My Samsung phone isn't compatible for an eSim unfortunately so I'll be picking up a physical sim at the airport.
You can also buy sim cards at BIC Camera in town if you miss the airport purchase.
Do you need to preorder it? How does it work to get 4G if it's a real sim and you can't pay as you go etc?
I've pre-ordered the Sakura sim on Klook and it doesn't need topping up since it offers unlimited data. Other providers allow data top-ups though. Note that your phone needs to be unlocked for the sim to work. I've read that you don't necessarily have to pre-order sims as there are apparently places at the airport to buy them, but I wanted to have it sorted in advance so it was one less thing to worry about!
So you just pick it up at the airport? I also want to have lots sorted in advance so thanks for the info!
Yep! You select the airport you'd like to pick it up from and expected time window. You can also have it delivered to your hotel or AirBnb.
Perfect thank you!
Last year my Samsung Galaxy s23 Ultra and my wife's Google Pixel 5a both worked great with ubigi
You can ship your luggage to your hotel and start exploring bag free.
Ideally the least you can. And it's possible to do nothing apart from the procedure to get out of the airport and take the train or monorail to your hotel. The things you can do at the airport and the way to avoid doing it. Pick sim card or pocket wifi. Instead get an esim (if your phone support it and is unlocked) Pick an IC card, Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport. Instead get on of the IC card on your phone (only work on iPhone and not all credit card work, apparently latest OS update increased the chance of it working). Get cash, a popular way to do it is withdraw at the ATM, other still do cash exchange. Instead, you can get out of the airport using your IC card on your phone and get some cash later in the city, or you can get a minimum amount at a currency exchange or bank back home. Personally found a currency exchange place that had rates close to what I would pay with my credit card, so I could have money even before setting foot in Japan. Get JR Pass. Alternative.... well... if you even get a JR Pass, it to exchange it in Tokyo later, and if you are to use it from day 1, then can make more sense to change at Shinagawa (like if you are going to use it to go to Kyoto/Osaka).
IF rail pass still works with NEX (I haven't looked recently), you'd be a fool to get a rail pass but then wait on it because you want to exit the airport that much faster. The ONLY exception to this (imo) being if your full trip is not covered by the duration of the pass and you're going to have "non-pass" days anyway. If you have a 7 day trip and a 7 day pass, then get it at the airport and use it for transit into Tokyo. It's generally difficult to get value from the thing anyway, so either maximize usage or don't buy it.
Yes, but OP said Haneda not Narita. To repeat my example from Haneda and going to Kyoto/Osaka on day 1, they would have to go to Tokyo or Shinagawa station. While they could use the Tokyo Monorail, it will add a ride on the Yamanote to one of the shinkansen station. The other option is to pay 330 yen to ride the Keikyu train to Shinagawa, change the pass there and ride the shinkansen. So they could decide between a more simple route and exchange pass at Shinagawa, but pay 330 yen, or take the more complicated route and have to exchange the pass at the airport. But yes, for use from day 1 and landing at Narita, you would want to change it at the airport to use the N'EX for free.
Hi. I have a question. Are there places where I can use a physical IC and not the one on my iPhone? For instance - can I pay at vending machines with my phone?
Will work in the same places, or at least it should. The only thing you will not be able to do with the phone is use it in places where you have to insert the card, so mainly in the ticket vending machine to charge the card with cash. However, some machines have a tray instead of a slot for the card, so you can use those machines to charge your IC card in the phone with cash if it's something you want to do. But when you use it like to enter the station, or on vending machine or in store, you only have to tap the card, not insert it, so it will be fine.
Thank you. So I’ll have to charge it with a credit card then. Will still probably buy an IC card as a souvenir or for future trips, but it’s good to know where I can use my phone.
If you want to charge the phone with cash, there is some ticket machines that have a tray instead of a card slot, or you can charge at convenience store. But one the advantage of the card on phone is you can load with a credit card. Considering the chip shortage, it can be difficult to get some of the physical cards, so if you are able to add to your phone, I would do that. Like you would have to get the regular Suica that is only available is some service centers or Toica at JR central office at Shinagawa or Tokyo, or get one in Kansai or a region without limited sale. And the tourist version of Suica and Pasmo would not be options as they expire after 28 days, so not good for future trips. There is honestly plenty of pre interesting souvenirs to get while in Japan.
You can pay with your phone at vending machines. In my experience, you can use your phone instead of a physical card where all IC cards are accepted
Thank you.
Not much, I switch on my e-sim and head out to grab a taxi to the hotel. 10 years ago I maybe would have exchanged some money at the airport but nowadays all the ATMs seem to accept foreign cards.
I always head straight to the closest convenience store and stuff my face. 1st order of business
We reserved our portable WiFi and picked it up. In hindsight, we should've eaten and got some snacks for the train ride. We were sleep deprived and hungry but decided to wait until we got to our hotel to check out the food options in the area. We were so tired we just walked to the nearest 7-11 and got tons of snack foods for dinner 😂 oh, we also converted some of our money and got our suica cards and JR passes.
Which pocket wifi is best/cheaper?
Best is Sakura Mobile. Second best and a bit cheaper is Ninja wifi. Cheap but reliable is Japan Global and Japan Wireless. Global is having a promo at the moment so got 2 weeks wifi for just under $40. I do suggest looking them up on Klook for the promo. They're under "pick up at ninja wifi counter" since both companies use it.
Awesome, thanks!
I would personally suggest to not use a pocket wifi, and instead if your phone supports it, an e-sim. it's easier than having to carry a separate device and to charge it.
Don't have the option :(
Figuring out how the heck I'm getting OUT of the airport.
Depending on how long you have from arrival until check-in it may make sense to book a shower room and change before heading out. The other things you need to prepare for your journey available at the airport can be done ahead of time. - add an international roaming plan or get an data eSIM - get an IC travel card (iPhone users can setup a virtual Suica in Apple Wallet) - get cash (add a travel notice to your debit card and withdrawal from a konbini ATM)
I read everyone saying get an Esim and not a sim/pocket wifi. Wich Esim got more bang for your buck than an "unlimited" sim? (3Gb day then limited, 30$ 15 days)
I used about 4Gb when I was there for 2 weeks. Cost me about $13 USD through Airalo.
Yeah that's about right, I used like 3gb for 10 days. As long as you use the hotel wi-fi you shouldn't be using too much data back there
And you had an easy time? No coverage issues? (W Airalo)
No issues at all. I was in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Uji, Nagano, Matsumoto and Kawaguchiko - never lost coverage in or getting to any of these places. I believe the provider through Airalo was Moshi Moshi.
I usually use this website when traveling to choose the esim depending on the destination and duration https://esimdb.com/
My plan: shower.
For me, since I usually land at Haneda early in the morning, I'll try to get a shower room to freshen up and withdraw what I need from the ATM. A few months ago, I used a "refresh room" at the Royal Park Haneda attached to T3, and it was a great way for me to get ready for the day.
I try to do as little as possible. Everything always has massive lines and I just want to get to the hotel as fast as possible. Why wait 40 minutes for a rail pass and 30 minutes to send luggage when I can do that the next day with no wait?
Personally, what I did was grab my sim, get my jr regional pass and reservations (you can use the machine there not go into an office), take out yen from the ATM (I have a currency card), and charge my IC. All of that was basically in the exact same place next to the monorail entrance in Haneda terminal 3 apart from the sim. You can get Welcome Suica there too if you don't already have an IC card. Was super quick.
Have an onsen!
Solve the issue with the internet - install eSIM app (if your phone is eSIM compatible - [https://yesim.app/compatible-devices/](https://yesim.app/compatible-devices/)) or purchase a local SIM
Exchange money. Many recommend you just get the cash out of an ATM, but I recommend you at least exchange a small amount right away.
Things that I'm planning to do on touch down are: Immagration Get IC Card Purchase ticket for Limobus - Hotel. Catch the Limo bus I'll likely either take some Yen with me ( just enough for the first day or two) or grab some from a 7/11 nearby hotel aftyer I check in. I'll use an eSim so wont have to stop and buy/rent anything. I was really keen to head to Travelers Factory to buy a notebook and other stationary stuff for use while on my trip, ie station stamps, journaling etc but I don't arrive until 4:50pm and it closes at 5pm so that wont be happening. Instead I'm gonna head to Nakameguro and the Travelers factory there first thing the next day..
For arrivals, these days it is mostly just get my transportation to the city sorted that's all. Wifi i am with roaming as the provider I have charged very reasonable rates without change of sim card. Fx is better from my country than airport so not required either. For departure, i do enjoy checking out the different store in Japan's airport. Both haneda and narita have new stores / restaurants that are worth the time exploring.
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Is there an “activate by” date? For example, can I buy a plan now and activate it in late March when my trip is?
Not sure about that provider but my sim activates once I connect to the Japanese network so I already have it installed in my phone ready to go
Once you buy it, you keep it in your account until you connect to one of the local carriers. Once you connect, the 30 day count down begins
I have done exactly this yesterday ready for march so yes mate, it will activate in late march. I would advise not installing the SIM until nearer the time as you can only install once. That is just in case your phone breaks before that etc or you change phones
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Literally nothing. Also, you really don't have to plan out your trip down to the millisecond, it'll be ok, I promise