Arriving at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) can be an overwhelming experience for travelers. With signs in Japanese everywhere, buying a local SIM card for your phone can seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting connected with a SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport.
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Yes, buying a SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport is a good option to consider for the ease and mobility it provides during your travels in Japan. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to buy a SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport:
So in summary – for ultimate convenience at a small premium, buying at the airport makes sense. But you can probably find slightly better deals if you don’t mind a small trip into town later. Major carriers are good options either way.
Whether you’re just passing through Japan or spending extended time in the country, getting a SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport allows you to connect right away without having to search in the city for one later.
You can purchase items online at various retailers offering “pre-order and pick-up” services at Narita Airport. You select and pay for products online before your flight, and then collect them at a designated counter after clearing departure procedures.
If you didn’t preorder, 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. Look for signs directing to mobile carrier counters. Purchase prepaid data-only SIMs or phone number packages without ID, paying by credit card. Data SIMs start at around $10 for 1GB/month. Larger packages lasting 3-6 months also available.
While SIM card purchases aren’t explicitly advertised on the Tokyo Narita Airport website, 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. Travelers can easily find and purchase a SIM card here upon arriving to have connectivity set up right away as they begin exploring around Tokyo.
Bic Camera stores located in Terminal 1 Station (1st floor), Terminal 2 Station level 1-1, and Terminal 3 Station (1st floor) sell prepaid data SIM cards from major providers such as SoftBank, Docomo, and AU. Prices typically start around 2,000 yen for a week of coverage, providing visitors with an easy option to set up mobile data upon arrival directly at the airports. These conveniently located Bic Camera shops offer travelers a one-stop spot to purchase SIM cards near their arrival terminals.
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. The ubiquitous 7-Eleven stores provide affordable SIM access on-site near each terminal.
Buying airside upon arrival means you can use the SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport right after exiting customs. No need to clear immigration, recheck luggage, and exit the airport first. Just decide how much data you need, pick up a card from the closest provider kiosk, and stay connected.
Near arrivals at Narita Airport terminals 1 and 2, Bic Camera vending machines sell prepaid SIM cards from SoftBank, AU, and Docomo. 7-Eleven and Lawson outside have basic SIM cards. Standalone vending machines by information offer options from the big 3 carriers. Other coin/bill machines are inside shopping areas. Vending machine prices match stores offering convenient self-service SIM purchases if stores have lines, but Japanese cash is needed.
To purchase any SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport, you will need:
In all, expect the SIM registration process to take 10-15 minutes if buying airside. If all goes smoothly, you’ll have working mobile data shortly after touchdown in Japan!
Here are the top recommended SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport for short-term tourists:
| SIM Card | Data Allotment | Validity Period | Price (USD) |
| B-Mobile International SIM | 5-7GB | 10-30 days | ~$15 |
| eConnect Tourist SIM | 5-10GB | 30 days | ~$32-$46 |
| Rakuten Mobile SIM | 3GB | 30 days | ~¥2980/$22 |
| Sakura Mobile | Unlimited | 8-90 days | ~$33-$178 |
| SoftBank | 5GB | 14 days | ~¥3480/$26 |
| Mineo | 5-20GB | Depends on package | ~$8-$13 |
In summary, the most common SIM card options for tourists arriving at Tokyo airports provide 1-3GB of data valid for 7 days, ranging in price from 1,500-3,000 yen. They run on the major networks of Docomo, au, and SoftBank to ensure reliable nationwide coverage during your stay in Japan. Purchasing is convenient at airports or tourist centers.
If you have an eSIM compatible phone like newer iPhone or Android models, there’s an emerging alternative to physical SIM cards for Japan travel connectivity. Japan eSIMs provide data plans delivered remotely over-the-air to your phone’s built-in eSIM chip. No SIM card pickup required.
Top providers like GIGAGO offer prepaid Japan eSIMs with high-speed data over 30 days. After online purchase, your eSIM plan is instantly downloadable to your phone via app.
Benefits of eSIM for Japan include:
Downsides are limited provider and device options for now. But as more carriers launch eSIM support, it’s a promising future alternative to physical SIMs cards when visiting Japan.
For most travelers today though, ditch roaming fees in Japan with Japan eSIM from GIGAGO. Get 1GB per day from just $7.50. Purchase online, receive the QR instantly – stay connected everywhere with no SIM swapping.
If you decide to shop for SIM cards in Tokyo city instead, here are some good options:
Major electronics retail chains like BIC and Yodobashi Camera have SIM counters located inside many Tokyo stores. You’ll find competitive Japan travel SIM packages from various mobile carriers.
Benefits include browsing many providers in one place and potentially better prices than the airport. Just remember to bring passport and inbound ticket for registration.
Shopping at SoftBank, AU, Rakuten Mobile or Docomo official stores lets you buy SIMs directly from Japan’s major phone networks. Though geared at residents, some have English assistance and short-term tourist SIMs too. Expect thorough service.
At the iconic 24-hour Don Quijote shops found across Tokyo, you can pick up local SIM cards along with everything from souvenirs to snacks. They stock major provider SIMs at low prices.
Wherever you choose to buy in the city, allocate at least 30 minutes for the registration process and be sure to activate your SIM before leaving the store. Then you can connect worry-free.
No duty-free SIM card shopping is available at Narita terminals. All providers are located past customs exit inside arrival halls, not airside shops. You must enter Japan before purchasing voice/data SIM service as a foreign tourist.
Prepaid mobile data SIM cards at Narita range from around 2,000 to over 5,000 JPY depending on data amounts and validity. With exchange rates, visitors can expect to spend $15 to $50 USD for airport pickup.
Most tourist SIM card providers at Narita Airport offer nano-SIMs compatible with iPhones and Android smartphones. Be sure your device is unlocked to use foreign SIMs. Some stands may also sell adapters to fit different SIM sizes if needed.
Major provider SIM cards purchased at Narita provide coverage throughout Tokyo and Japan. However, some budget picks may only work in eastern Japan around Tokyo. Ask the staff about network coverage if planning to travel far across Japan.
Yes – providers like Mobal and TravelSIM enable you to use data as soon as you finish SIM registration and activate it airside. No need to exit customs and re-enter the airport. Other picks may require exiting and coming landside to complete signup.
Getting a SIM card at Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) makes staying connected easy after landing. Trusted providers like Mobal, TravelSIM, and Japan Travel SIM offer airport SIM pickup with prepaid data plans. Look for their desks in the arrival halls, and bring your passport and ticket. Choose a data package and you’ll be set within 10-15 minutes. While rates may be slightly higher than in Tokyo, the convenience is worth it for short visits. Get mobile data on arrival rather than wasting time finding stores in the city. Review SIM options in advance for seamless connectivity to explore incredible Tokyo from the start.
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