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公開2024.12.03更新2024.12.03

Which do you recommend for international travel, Wi-Fi rental or SIM card?

Smartphones are now indispensable for international travel. They help us in various situations, such as when walking in a strange city, translating a word we don't understand, or looking up how to get on a train for the first time. Therefore, we want to be able to quickly connect to the Internet and search anywhere. The question of how to connect your smartphone to the Internet can be a difficult one even in the preparation stage of your trip. There are several options, but the most popular are rental Wi-Fi and SIM cards. Which is more popular for connecting to the Internet when traveling abroad? This article details the advantages and disadvantages of each and discusses which is best suited for which type of traveler.

Table of Contents

Rental Wi-Fi or SIM CardsWhich is more popular?

Rental Wi-Fi and SIM cards are both popular options for accessing the Internet abroad. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and they are often chosen based on your needs, such as whether you will be traveling alone or with multiple people, what kind of situations you will use the Internet at your destination, and how many days you will be traveling.

Hotel Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi rentals" are the top Internet use when traveling abroad

item	レンタルWi-Fi	SIMカード
Price	高い	安い
convenience	接続設定が簡単、複数台接続可能	設定がやや面倒、SIMフリー端末が必要
baggage	かさばる	軽くてコンパクト
Supported models	ほとんどの機種に対応	SIMフリー端末またはSIMロック解除端末のみ対応
velocity	安定している	通信状況によって変動する
security	比較的安全	紛失リスクあり

Advantages of using rental WiFi

A single device can connect multiple communication devices to the Internet at the same time

If you are traveling with multiple people or have multiple devices such as smartphones and tablets, you can use one rental Wi-Fi to connect all of your devices to the Internet. For example, if you are working at a café on your trip, you can connect your smartphone, tablet, and PC to the WiFi and work on the Internet. If you are a little worried about using the free WiFi at a café or hotel, you don't have to worry if you have a rental WiFi.

Easy to set up

Just enter your Wi-Fi password and you are online instantly, with no complicated setup required. It is convenient for friends, couples, and families traveling together to rent one unit and share the password so that everyone can connect to the Internet.

No need to prepare a SIM-free device

Any smartphone or tablet can connect to the Internet as long as it has a Wi-Fi connection. You can use the same smartphone or tablet you normally use in Japan, so you can take photos and post them on SNS as usual, or send photos to friends from abroad as usual.

Disadvantages of using rental WiFi

High price

Rental fees can be expensive for longer periods of time.

More luggage

You need to carry the rental Wi-Fi device with you.

Time-consuming to sign up, pick up, and return the device

You need to pick up and return the device before your trip and after your return.

Cannot use the device when it runs out of charge.

If the battery in the rental Wi-Fi device runs out of power, you will not be able to connect to the Internet.

Advantages of using a SIM card

Low price

Depending on the data plan, it is often more cost-effective than rental Wi-Fi. Traveling abroad is expensive, and you don't want to spend as much money as possible on communication expenses. Inexpensive SIM cards are popular for both short-term and long-term trips, and are also popular among young people such as students traveling abroad.

No baggage

The SIM card is so small that it does not constitute additional baggage. The lack of bulk is a huge advantage, as there is no need for a cord to charge the battery. It is also ideal for those who prefer to travel with just a small bag. It is also recommended for people who do outdoor activities and sports, as it allows them to move around with their hands free without carrying large luggage.

Easy to sign up

It is often easy to sign up at the local airport or online. If you complete it online, there is no rush to move around before and after your trip, so you can leave calmly and relax after your trip and enjoy the aftermath of your trip back home.SIMカードを使うデメリット

Only SIM-free or SIM-unlocked handsets can be used.

To use a SIM card, a SIM-free or SIM-unlocked handset is required. This may be a significant disadvantage. Also, since you can only use the device with the card, you will not be able to connect your tablet to the Internet to do research because your smartphone is turned off, as you can do with rental WiFi.

Preparation and Setup

It may take some time and effort to set up the data connection. If you are not used to operating a smartphone, setting up connections, etc., it may take a little time if you are using it alone.

SIM card storage

Due to its small size, there is a risk that it can be easily lost. This is a point to keep in mind. I have heard of many cases where the SIM card fell into the space between the seats when trying to replace it on an airplane and could not be removed. When replacing the SIM card, be sure to do so in a calm environment, and when storing it, be careful not to lose it by putting it in a case or a zippered bag.

Who is recommended to rent WiFi?

1.People who have multiple devicesIf you have multiple devices such as a smartphone for work, a smartphone for private use, a tablet device, a camera with WiFi communication, and a PC, renting one WiFi rental is convenient for you to use the Internet on multiple devices at the same time.

2.People who prefer simple operationThe simple operation is a big attraction, as you only need to enter your password to connect, and there are no complicated settings to be completed.

3.Short-term users

The disadvantage of international WiFi rental is the high rental fee, which is a big expense for a long period of time. It is recommended for short-term travelers.

People for whom a SIM card is recommended

People who value cost

1.Compared to rental WiFi, SIM cards are less expensive. It is also popular among students on graduation trips, etc., as it is easy to use.

2.People who use only one device

SIM cards are recommended for those who use only one device, as only the device with the SIM card can connect to the Internet.

3.Long-term users

Rental WiFi is expensive if rented for a long period of time, but SIM cards are relatively inexpensive and can be used for long trips.

Other Options

How to use your phone when traveling abroad

1.Using eSIM

While physical SIM cards need to be replaced, eSIMs can be used simply by completing the online procedure and downloading an application, so there is no need to receive or even replace the SIM card.

2.Use of Free Wi-Fi

\This is a method of utilizing free WiFi available in cities, cafes, hotels, etc. abroad. Some have passwords, but others can be used by anyone without a password. However, for that reason, care should be taken when connecting devices that handle confidential or personal information.

3.Signing up for an overseas roaming plan

If you sign up for an overseas roaming plan with a cell phone company, you can use your phone as you would in Japan without having to replace the SIM card or rent WiFi.

If you don't need to make calls, eSIM is the way to go!

eSIM is a convenient way to use the Internet as soon as you arrive at your destination, as you don't need to rent a WiFi device, SIM card, or other physical equipment. You don't need to rent a WiFi device, SIM card, or any other physical equipment.

Points to note about eSIM

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible, you cannot use it.

Although eSIM is rapidly becoming popular both in Japan and overseas, some smartphones are not eSIM compatible, so be sure to check in advance whether your smartphone is eSIM compatible or not.

▼ eSIM-enabled iPhone handsets

・iPhoneXS, iPhoneXS Max, iPhoneXR
・iPhone11, iPhone11 Pro, iPhone11 Pro Max
・iPhone12 mini, iPhone12, iPhone12 Pro, iPhone12 Pro Max
・iPhone13 mini, iPhone13, iPhone13 Pro, iPhone13 Pro Max
・iPhone14, iPhone14 Pro, iPhone14 Pro Max,  iPhone14 Plus
・iPhone15, iPhone15 Pro, iPhone15 Pro Max,  iPhone15 Plus

・Google Pixel 4/4a/4 XL 以降 
・Xperia 10 III Lite 以降 
・HUAWEI P40 Pro 以降 
・Redmi Note 10T 以降

*Information as of February 1, 2024

How to check if a device is eSIM-enabled

Enter "*#06#" into a standard phone application, and if you see "device number", "EID number" and "barcode", the device is eSIM-enabled.

If this is your first time using an overseas eSIM, we recommend "trifa"!

Trifa is an eSIM application from Japan, and is the No. 1 app downloaded in Japan.

Its No. 1 attraction is the "ease of use" and "sense of security" of the app. After installing the app on your phone, all you have to do is follow the Japanese-language instructions. You can easily complete the overseas internet communication settings in as little as 3 minutes.

If you have any questions, Japanese chat support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so even those who are new to eSIM or unfamiliar with smartphone operation can use the service with peace of mind.

Furthermore, since the fees are "completely prepaid," you will never be charged more than you have paid before using the service. So, you don't have to worry about "I used too much overseas data, will I get a high bill later? You can enjoy your overseas trip comfortably and happily without such worries as "I might use too much data overseas and get a high bill later..."!

Thank you for reading this article to the end. We hope this article has answered some of your questions about eSIM.