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Travellers can buy SIM cards at Narita Airport, with the option of pre-ordering and picking up at the airport or purchasing from vending machines, stores, and convenience stores. While Narita Airport offers a convenient way to get connected immediately, SIM cards at the airport tend to be more expensive than average market prices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy SIM cards at Narita Airport? | Yes |
| Where to buy | Dedicated SIM card counters, vending machines, electronics stores, and convenience stores |
| Pre-ordering | Possible through some providers, e.g. NINJA WiFi |
| Pick-up locations | Airport stores, airport post office, or designated counters after departure |
| SIM card types | Prepaid SIM cards, eSIMs, data-only SIMs, phone number packages |
| Payment methods | Cash or credit card |
| SIM card providers | Mobal, TravelSIM, Japan Travel SIM, SoftBank, AnyFone, Ninja WiFi, B-Mobile, Ubigi, Yodobashi, Docomo, AU |
| SIM card costs | Tend to be more expensive at the airport compared to the average market price |
| Data plans | Vary depending on the provider and plan selected |
| Activation | Some SIM cards come pre-activated, while others may require activation with an internet connection |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy SIM cards at Narita Airport
Yes, you can buy SIM cards at Narita Airport. There are a few options available for purchasing SIM cards at the airport. Firstly, you can find dedicated SIM card counters, usually located before departure passport control and the customs exit. These counters offer a range of prepaid SIM cards and eSIM options from various providers.
Additionally, Narita Airport has vending machines that dispense prepaid SIM cards. These vending machines are located inside both domestic and international arrival areas, as well as near the arrivals at Terminals 1 and 2. Major providers like Mobal, TravelSIM, and Japan Travel SIM have vending machines and desks located before the customs exit or in the main halls.
If you prefer to pick up your SIM card at a convenience store, 24-hour 7-Eleven stores are located within Terminals 1, 2, and 3, offering prepaid SIM cards from SoftBank, Docomo, and AU. For a wider selection, you can also visit electronics stores like Bic Camera, which has stores and vending machines located near the Terminal 2 arrivals hall and in Terminal 1 and 3 stations.
Finally, some travellers recommend pre-ordering your SIM card online and picking it up at designated counters after clearing departure procedures. This option offers convenience and a potentially wider selection, but it may come with limitations on availability and cancellation policies.
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Cost of SIM cards at Narita Airport
Narita Airport offers a variety of options for purchasing SIM cards, including vending machines, stores, and pre-ordering online for pickup. While the airport's website does not explicitly mention SIM card sales, there are several reliable options available to travellers.
Bic Camera, an electronics store located near the Terminal 2 arrivals hall, offers a good selection of prepaid data SIM cards from major carriers such as SoftBank, AU, and Docomo. Prices at Bic Camera start at around 2,000 yen for a week of coverage. There are Bic Camera stores located in Terminal 1 Station (1st floor), Terminal 2 Station level 1-1, and Terminal 3 Station (1st floor). In addition to the stores, there are also Bic Camera vending machines in Terminal 2 that sell prepaid SIM cards from the same major providers.
The 24-hour 7-Eleven convenience stores located within Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3 also offer prepaid SIM cards from SoftBank, Docomo, and AU. A 7-day SIM card typically costs around 3,000 yen, and a 7-day SIM card with 1-2GB of data can be purchased for $13-20 USD.
Another option for purchasing a SIM card is through the JR EAST Travel Service Centers at Narita Airport. They sell local SIM cards from Docomo, AU, and Softbank, with two locations in the airport: one in Terminal 1 and 3 Station, and the other in Terminal 2.
For those who prefer to pre-order their SIM card, NINJA WiFi offers the option to reserve a SIM card up to one day before arrival and pick it up at Narita Airport. eSIMs are also available and can be a more convenient alternative to traditional SIM cards, as they can be purchased and activated immediately. Ninja WiFi and AnyFone both have service counters at Narita Airport and offer eSIMs.
While Narita Airport offers a range of SIM card options, it is worth noting that the prices tend to be higher than the average market price due to the high costs of operating a store at the airport. Therefore, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a SIM card online before arriving in Japan and arrange to pick it up at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel.
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Pre-ordering SIM cards for Narita Airport
Pre-ordering a SIM card for Narita Airport can be a convenient way to ensure you stay connected during your travels in Japan. Here are some tips and options for pre-ordering a SIM card for pickup at Narita Airport:
NINJA WiFi
NINJA WiFi offers a convenient pre-order and pickup service at Narita Airport. You can reserve your SIM card up to one day before your arrival and collect it at the airport. They offer both physical prepaid SIM cards and eSIM options, allowing you to choose the one that suits your needs.
Online Retailers
Various online retailers offer "pre-order and pick-up" services at Narita Airport. You can select and purchase the SIM card online before your flight and then collect it at designated counters or pickup locations, such as the airport's post office, after clearing departure procedures. This option may offer a wider selection and duty-free benefits. However, consider the potential cons, such as limited availability, pickup restrictions, and cancellation complexities.
ESIMs
If your smartphone supports eSIMs, this can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional SIM cards. eSIMs can be purchased online and activated immediately upon arrival. While buying from airport counters provides in-person support, purchasing from online-only services can offer significant cost savings.
Pocket WiFi Devices
Another option is to reserve a Pocket WiFi device online and pick it up at the airport's post office. This option can provide unlimited data and reduce costs compared to purchasing a SIM card at airport stores.
Prepaid SIM Cards at Narita Airport
If you choose not to pre-order, you can purchase prepaid SIM cards at Narita Airport. These are available at dedicated SIM card counters, vending machines, electronics stores, and convenience stores. However, SIM cards sold at the airport tend to be more expensive than average market prices due to higher operating costs and limited competition.
In summary, pre-ordering a SIM card for Narita Airport can offer convenience and cost savings. Consider your specific needs and budget when deciding between options like NINJA WiFi, online retailers, eSIMs, Pocket WiFi devices, or purchasing prepaid SIM cards directly at the airport.
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eSIMs at Narita Airport
ESIMs are available for purchase at Narita Airport. Ninja WiFi and AnyFone both have service counters at the airport and offer eSIMs. Some traveller service counters at Narita Airport also have tablets where eSIMs are sold. However, buying an eSIM online is usually more cost-effective.
The biggest advantage of purchasing an eSIM at Narita Airport is that you can set up your communication environment immediately after arrival. Since you can buy it at an airport shop and complete the setup on the spot, you can quickly secure an internet connection. This is especially useful for travellers unfamiliar with their destination, as it guarantees a communication method upon arrival.
However, there are several drawbacks to buying an eSIM at Narita Airport. eSIMs purchased at the airport tend to be more expensive compared to those bought online in advance. eSIMs available at Narita Airport also have limitations on data capacity and usage period, with few plans suitable for longer stays or large data allowances. Additionally, you may waste time searching for a sales location and waiting in long lines to make a purchase.
If you purchase an eSIM online before departure, you can complete the setup before arriving at Narita Airport, allowing you to connect to the internet immediately. eSIM providers like GIGAGO offer prepaid Japan eSIMs with high-speed data over 30 days. After purchasing online, your eSIM plan is instantly downloadable to your phone via an app.
It is important to note that SIM cards and eSIMs sold for short-term stays in Japan are limited to data communication only. eSIMs that can be used for phone calls require personal identification at the time of purchase and cannot be bought from vending machines due to Japanese law.
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Other ways to stay connected in Japan
Yes, you can buy SIM cards at Narita Airport. Major Japanese airports, including Narita, offer a variety of prepaid SIM cards and eSIM options. These airports have dedicated SIM card counters, vending machines, electronics stores, and even select convenience stores selling prepaid SIM options for travellers.
- Ordering Online: Providers like NINJA WiFi offer delivery to hotels or pickup locations. You can also order a SIM card on Amazon JP and have it delivered to your hotel.
- Purchasing a SIM in the City: Electronics stores like Bic Camera and Yodobashi Camera sell prepaid SIMs. Some 7-Eleven and Lawson stores also carry them.
- Use Free WiFi: Many cafes, hotels, and train stations offer free WiFi, though connections are limited.
- Renting Pocket WiFi: Services like NINJA WiFi provide unlimited data and can be reserved online. You can also rent a portable Wi-Fi device from a rental provider like Ninja WiFi, which offers a 20% discount to its readers.
- ESIM: For travellers with eSIM-compatible devices, an eSIM offers a seamless and efficient way to access mobile data in Japan. eSIMs are compatible with devices that have a 32-digit EID.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy SIM cards at Narita Airport.
You can buy SIM cards at vending machines, electronics stores, convenience stores, and dedicated SIM card counters at the airport.
Ninja WiFi and AnyFone have service counters at Narita Airport and offer eSIMs. SoftBank Counters are in both Narita Airport terminals, but only Terminal 1 sells SIM cards. Bic Camera, an electronics store located near the Terminal 2 arrivals hall, offers a good selection of prepaid data SIM cards from major carriers such as SoftBank, AU, and Docomo.
Buying a SIM card at Narita Airport allows you to connect right away without having to search for one in the city later.
Yes, if you want to save money and don't need immediate phone access, you can consider buying a SIM card in the city. You can also pre-order SIM cards online and pick them up at the airport. Additionally, you can rent a Pocket WiFi device or use free WiFi in cafes, hotels, and train stations.
