Jazmin Li
If you're travelling to Japan, you may want to consider purchasing a SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) to get connected as soon as you arrive. The airport offers multiple options for purchasing prepaid SIM cards, including counters, vending machines, electronics stores, and convenience stores. While SIM cards are readily available at the airport, they tend to be more expensive than average market prices. To save money, it is recommended to buy a SIM card online before your trip and arrange to pick it up at the airport. Narita Airport has a post office where you can collect your SIM card, and some providers also offer `pre-order and pick-up` services at designated counters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| SIM Card Purchase Options | Pre-order online and pick up at the airport, purchase at vending machines, or buy at dedicated SIM card counters, electronics stores, or convenience stores |
| Recommended Stores | Narita Travel Service Center, 7-Eleven, SoftBank Counters, Bic Camera, Ninja WiFi, AnyFone, Mobal, TravelSIM, Japan Travel SIM, local SIM card companies, Yodobashi Camera, Lawson |
| Price Range | 10 USD to 33 USD for prepaid data SIMs; 8 USD and up for eSIMs |
| Payment Methods | Credit/debit card or cash (Yen) |
| Required Documents | Passport |
| Other Requirements | SIM card-compatible device (unlocked phone that supports frequencies used in Japan) |
| Other Tips | Compare plans and prices online before purchasing; pre-booking may be necessary during peak seasons |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Pre-order and pick-up services
Pre-ordering a SIM card and picking it up at Narita Airport is a convenient and cost-effective option. You can select and pay for your preferred SIM card online before your flight and collect it at a designated counter after clearing departure. This saves time and offers a potentially wider selection.
Major providers like Mobal, TravelSIM, and Japan Travel SIM offer pre-order and pick-up services, allowing you to avoid the hassle of searching for a SIM card in the city. You can also pre-order Pocket WiFi devices and pick them up at the airport's post office, which is a more affordable option than purchasing at airport stores.
If you have a device that supports eSIM, consider purchasing an eSIM online before your trip. eSIMs are simple to buy and can be instantly activated upon arrival. They eliminate the need for physical SIM cards and can be purchased from top providers like GIGAGO, offering high-speed data plans for your trip.
When pre-ordering a SIM card, keep in mind that there may be limited availability, pick-up restrictions, and potential complexities with cancellations or returns. Additionally, ensure that you have your passport and a valid form of payment, such as a credit card, ready for when you pick up your SIM card.
While vending machines at Narita Airport also sell SIM cards, they may occasionally run out of stock, so pre-ordering guarantees you'll have the SIM card you need upon arrival.
Jeddah Airport: Where to Get a SIM Card?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![[eSIM] Japan eSIM 30 Days Data Only SIM | 10GB High-Speed 4G LTE + Unlimited Data at Reduced Speed | No Roaming Needed for Faster, Safer Access | Hotspot tethering Supported | Docomo | Made in Japan](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81gBiPfHFOL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
SIM card kiosks and vending machines
There are SIM card kiosks and vending machines available at Narita Airport. These can be found in the domestic and international arrival areas of both terminals, as well as in the main halls.
The vending machines are a convenient option as they operate 24 hours a day, meaning that travellers arriving at any time can purchase a SIM card. They are also useful when stores are crowded or closed. However, vending machines may occasionally run out of stock, and there is a limited selection of plans available.
SIM cards from major providers such as SoftBank, Docomo, and AU can be purchased from the Bic Camera vending machines near the arrivals exits in Terminals 1 and 2. Basic SIM cards can also be purchased from 7-Eleven and Lawson outside the terminals, and standalone vending machines by the information desk offer options from the three major carriers.
Prepaid SIM cards from vending machines are very useful for travellers to Japan, but it is important to ensure that your smartphone is compatible. Your phone should not be SIM-locked by the carrier, and it should support the network frequencies used in Japan. SIM cards and eSIMs sold for short-term stays in Japan are limited to data communication only and cannot be purchased from vending machines; they require personal identification at the time of purchase.
Prices for SIM cards from vending machines are comparable to those in stores, and typically start at around 2,000 yen for a week of coverage, or 3,000 yen for 7-Eleven SIMs.
Global Entry Sign-Up: Airport Availability?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
eSIMs
If your smartphone is compatible with eSIM, it can be a good alternative to traditional SIM cards. eSIMs are simple to purchase and can be activated immediately. You can check if your smartphone supports eSIM for use in Japan in just 5 seconds. Ninja WiFi and AnyFone both have service counters at Narita Airport and also offer eSIMs. However, buying them online is usually more cost-effective.
If you are looking for an eSIM for reliable communication in Japan, you can select your data plan to enjoy 4G LTE by Local Price. There are also unlimited data plans available. eSIMs sold for short-term stays in Japan are limited to data communication only. SIM cards and eSIMs that can be used for phone calls require personal identification at the time of purchase and cannot be bought from vending machines. This is because of regulations set forth by Japanese law. Personal identification requires personal identification documents and a Japanese address.
Prices and plans vary depending on when products are exchanged. Prepaid SIM cards sold through vending machines at airports are very useful for travellers to Japan, but it's crucial to ensure that your smartphone is compatible. You only need to check two things to see if it can be used in Japan without problems. Ensure that the smartphone is not SIM-locked by the carrier. Please confirm that your device supports the network frequencies used in Japan.
If you didn't pre-order an eSIM, there are plenty of SIM card kiosks and vending machines inside both domestic and international arrival areas at Narita Airport. Major providers like Mobal, TravelSIM, and Japan Travel SIM have desks located before the customs exit or in the main halls.
Time Capsule: Router or Backup?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Prepaid SIM cards
If you want to purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, you can find them at dedicated SIM card counters, vending machines, electronics stores, and even select convenience stores. Here are some specific locations and providers within Narita Airport:
- SoftBank Counters in both terminals, but only Terminal 1 sells SIM cards. You can purchase prepaid data-only SIMs or phone number packages without ID, paying by credit card. Data SIMs start at around $10 for 1GB/month, and larger packages lasting 3-6 months are also available.
- Bic Camera stores in Terminal 1 (1st floor), Terminal 2 (level 1-1), and Terminal 3 (1st floor) sell prepaid data SIM cards from major providers such as SoftBank, Docomo, and AU. Prices typically start at around 2,000 yen for a week of coverage.
- 7-Eleven convenience stores in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 offer prepaid SIM cards from SoftBank, Docomo, and AU. A 7-day SIM card costs around 26 USD.
- Narita/JR EAST Travel Center in Terminals 1, 2, and 3 offers SIM cards along with travel assistance.
- J Walker SIM Vending Machine in Terminal 3 is an automatic self-service option for quick purchases.
- Ninja WiFi and AnyFone both have service counters at Narita Airport and also offer eSIMs.
When purchasing a prepaid SIM card at Narita Airport, make sure to have your passport, a SIM card-compatible device, and a valid form of payment, such as a credit/debit card or cash.
Sleeping at Newark Airport: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cost-saving tips
SIM cards for travellers sold at airports tend to be more expensive. If you want to purchase a SIM card at a lower price, it is advisable to buy one online before arriving in Japan and arrange to pick it up at Narita Airport. Many companies that do not have a store at the airport use the post office as a pickup location. In addition to SIM cards, many people reserve Pocket WiFi devices online and pick them up at the airport post office. Unlike picking up at an airport store, using the post office reduces costs for the companies providing SIM cards or WiFi devices, allowing them to offer these services at a lower price.
If your smartphone supports eSIM, it is recommended to purchase an eSIM online, as it can be significantly more cost-effective. eSIMs are simple to purchase and can be activated immediately. Ninja WiFi and AnyFone both have service counters at Narita Airport and also offer eSIMs.
If you didn't pre-order, there are plenty of SIM card kiosks and vending machines inside both domestic and international arrival areas at Narita Airport. Major providers like Mobal, TravelSIM, Japan Travel SIM, and many local SIM card companies have desks located before the customs exit or in the main halls. SoftBank Counters are in both Narita Airport terminals but only Terminal 1 sells SIM cards. Data SIMs start at around $10 for 1GB/month.
For a more budget-friendly option, 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. SIMs providing 7 days of data can be purchased for around 3,000 yen.
How to Book Lot C at Burbank Airport
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can buy a SIM card at the airport's dedicated SIM card outlets, such as the Narita Travel Service Center or 7-Eleven. You can also find SIM card vending machines and electronics stores like Bic Camera in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
Buying a SIM card at the airport allows you to get connected as soon as you arrive in Japan, without having to search for one in the city. The airport offers a range of SIM card options, including prepaid data SIMs and eSIMs, with various data plans to choose from.
SIM cards purchased at the airport tend to be more expensive than average market prices due to the high costs of operating a store there. Additionally, vending machines may run out of stock, and physical store hours vary, so availability may be limited during late-night or early-morning arrivals.
To save money, it is recommended to buy your SIM card online before arriving in Japan and arrange to pick it up at the airport. Online stores offer a wider variety of plans, and pre-ordering can save you time and money. You can also pick up reserved Pocket WiFi devices at the airport's post office, which is a more cost-effective option.
