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A Japan eSIM: worth choosing?

How to stay online for a few days in Japan: an eSIM, a physical SIM or a pocket Wi-Fi?

If you have an iPhone XS or later, or a Galaxy that supports eSIM, and want to keep your Korean number, an eSIM is the simplest choice. Install it before you fly and switch it on when you land.

• eSIM works on iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and later models.^[1]
• Samsung lists the Galaxy S series from the S20 and the Z Fold and Flip series as eSIM devices, but says support differs by country and, in some, starts only from a certain model. On a Galaxy, check first that your settings offer an option to add an eSIM.^[2]
• To use your home number and a Japanese data plan together, the iPhone must be carrier-unlocked. Check this in Settings first.^[3]
• An eSIM is installed from a QR code the seller sends. It is safer to do it on Wi-Fi before you leave.^[4]
• Before you book, check the data allowance, the number of days and whether tethering is allowed on the product page.

If your phone does not support eSIM or is carrier-locked, a SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi suits you better. If several people will share one connection, look at a pocket Wi-Fi first.

1. [1] Apple 지원: eSIM을 사용하는 듀얼 SIM
2. [2] 삼성전자 고객서비스 알림: 갤럭시 eSIM 지원 모델
3. [3] Apple Support: Dual SIM with an eSIM
4. [4] Apple 지원: iPhone에서 eSIM 설정하기