You can now get both an eSIM with Data and Voice – A Real Japanese number for your trip to Japan

Are you still looking for the best eSIM for your trip to Japan but you need to make phone calls? Finally, you can get both an eSIM with data and a real Japanese number. The company offering this service is none other than Mobal.com.  I really like Mobal, because they are dedicated to foreigners traveling and working in Japan and they donate a large portion of their profits to charity. On example is they fund over 14,500 meals a day for school children in Malawi. 

With Mobal’s new offering, it may very well be the best Japan esim. They are now my first choice for eSim in Japan and we’ve also used their regular physical SIM with great success.  If you want to know more about our comparison of Mobal with other best eSIM providers in Japan, check out this review of the best eSIMs for Japan.

And now that they are offering the option to have a real Japanese number along with your eSIM, this is huge! Let’s go over the details and why you may need a Japanese number for your trip to Japan.

But first, make sure your phone is unlocked and that your phone must be compatible with eSIM. Otherwise, this isn’t going to work. If you aren’t sure, we have a separate video explaining how to check this.

( Affiliate link ❤️ )

Why do I need a Japanese number while traveling in Japan?

Emergencies

For some people having a local number, in this case a Japanese number is an extra level of security in the event of an emergency. Here’s an example, let’s hope this never happens, but during your trip, there is a large earthquake causing the loss of internet for several hours or even days. If you have a Japanese number then you will most likely still be able to make a phone call across Japan or even a better chance of sending a text message assuming that the telecommunications infrastructure is still operational.  Your family and friends back home can call you for free since incoming calls including international calls are free.

Need to receive calls from back home

As just mentioned you may have business back home and need to be able to receive calls. All incoming calls are free! But outgoing calls cost, more on that later.

Receiving Packages

This is the main reason for us. Since we are long-term travelers, we often have packages sent to us wherever we are in the world. A popular service in Japan is luggage delivery services such as Yamato Transport. In order to have your luggage shipped you need to have a local number. Now this could be a hotel number as well. But maybe you are staying in an Airbnb or other type of accommodation that doesn’t have a phone number. This is when it is crucial to have a local japanese number. Otherwise, you would not be able to receive your luggage.

Making Reservations

This is another reason we get a Japanese number. Often we make reservations to restaurants or specialty cafes or even amusement parks such as Ghibli Park or the Kirby Cafe. You need might need a Japanese number to make these reservations.

What’s Included with Mobal’s Data and Voice eSIM for Japan?

Real Japanese phone number by Docomo

You will have excellent coverage throughout Japan since you will be on a major Japanese cellular data Network, NTT Docomo. We’ve used Mobal and have never had connectivity issues as docomo covers 99% of Japan. Includes Free incoming calls and texts.

Fast Internet Data Plans

Internet in Japan is usually very fast. In our usage we have always received high-speed data on 4G or 4g LTE networks. I haven’t ran any speed tests but I’ve never experienced any noticeable lag or issues except when going through a tunnel on a train. Mobal offers several different data plan sizes to fit everyone’s needs.

Hotspot / Tethering

This is great if you need to connect multiple devices. Just be sure your device supports the ability to tether to other devices.

No minimum contract on eSIMs

Cancel your service at anytime, since there is no minimum contract. This is why even though it is listed under a monthly plan, tourists can also purchase and use it. So the minimum amount of time you must purchase your Japan esim is for one month.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the eSIM with voice is ¥2,970. This is a one time cost.

Then you need to choose a plan which will incur a monthly cost. They start as low as ¥1,650 for 1GB.

Free Incoming Calls & Texts

All incoming domestic & international calls and texts are free when using Mobal’s eSIM data plans with voice.

Outgoing calls to Japanese lines will cost ¥44/minute, same for voice mail.

Domestic texts, meaning to  Japan numbers will cost ¥33/line message of up to 160 characters.

Outgoing Calls / Texts

You can call with your Japanese number if you want. However, each call will incur a fee.

The cost depends on the country you are calling. But for the most popular countries the cost is ¥65/minute.  Other countries are ¥200/minute.

Also, making international calls require you to enter a prefix before the number. It’s a little odd but once you’ve done it a couple of times it becomes easy.

If you don’t want to pay, you can always use free apps such as Whatsapp or Skype.

How do I get an eSIM with Voice ( Japanese Number )?

First: When choosing your eSIM, you need to look under Long Term ( 90 days or more ). This may seem a little strange because you probably aren’t staying that long but that’s okay. You can still choose this option.

The most thing you need to remember is to cancel your subscription when you no longer need service. Since you are signing up for a Long Term plan, by default your service will renew at the beginning of each month. You cancel through your online account. You will not be charged any termination fees.

Second: You will see the Japan Voice + Data eSIM option. Click the buy now option.

Next, you choose your delivery option. You can have it sent to your home country for free. Or, for less hassle, I recommend you pick it up when you arrive in Japan. The easiest option is at the airport upon arrival.

If you choose home delivery you will be required to upload verification.

Here’s why according to Mobal:

“Japan has strict regulations about voice eSIM services, so we need to make sure you’re the real owner of the eSIM. That means we can’t just send you the eSIM by email – instead we have to mail you an eSIM Access Code to you. (Or you can pick it up yourself at one of our pick-up points in Japan – just show your ID when you get there.) It might sound weird, but these are the rules we have to follow.”

This is why we choose to just pick it up in person. Just show your ID to prove you are who you say you are and you get your code. If you were to pick up a physical SIM, the process is the same, but instead of picking up a code you would receive the actual SIM card.

Once you have your access code login to your portal, you will have this information from when you signed up. Then choose a plan. They start as low as ¥1,650 for 1GB/month and up to ¥4,378 ( about $31 USD ) for 30GB/month.  I personally would go for the 30 Gb plan as I think it’s a bargain for what you get.

Finally, install your eSIM and you may need to enter APN settings, depending on your phone and setup.

That’s it! You should be up and running!

I’ll leave my affiliate link in the description where you can buy a Mobal eSIM.

Are you going to get an eSIM with a Japanese number? Or do you just need a data eSIM?

If you don’t need an eSIM with a Japanese number then watch this video where I review the 3 best eSIMs for Japan.

Or if you need more information about choosing the right data plan for your Japan trip you can watch this other video.