eSIM for Chileans traveling to Japan — Data in the Land of the Sun

If you're traveling from Chile to Japan, you already know that your local carrier's roaming can be a very unpleasant surprise upon your return: bills of tens or even hundreds of dollars/euros for just a few days of data. There's a much smarter solution: a Japan-specific eSIM.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly how it works, how much you can save compared to your Chilean carrier's roaming, and how to activate your PuraSim eSIM before you board your flight.

With PuraSim, you get local data in Japan from the moment you land, at local prices, with no commitments and without changing your physical SIM card.

Roaming from Chile to Japan: what it really costs

Chilean carriers offer international roaming packages for Japan, but prices are rarely competitive. Depending on your carrier, a day of data in Japan can cost you between 15-25 USD/EUR per day.

Let's look at a real example: if your trip to Japan lasts 10 days and you use data moderately (maps, messages, social media), with traditional roaming, you could pay between 150 and 250 euros/dollars just for connectivity. With a PuraSim eSIM for Japan, that same usage would cost a fraction.

In addition to the cost, roaming has other limitations:

• Reduced speed often to 3G or even 2G
• Very low daily data cap before your speed is cut
• You need to activate the service before you leave (and pay for it even if you don't use it)

A PuraSim eSIM eliminates all these problems: you pay once for the GB you need, you get real 4G/5G speed, and you activate it only when you need it.

How an eSIM for Japan works

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lives inside your phone. There's no physical card to insert: you download the carrier profile using a QR code, and you're good to go. Your phone can have several eSIMs installed simultaneously and switch between them in seconds.

For travelers from Chile to Japan, the process is like this:

1. You purchase your data plan on purasim.com before you leave
2. You receive the QR code via email
3. You install the eSIM on your phone from home (in 5 minutes)
4. Upon landing in Japan, you activate the eSIM and you already have local data
5. Your Chilean SIM continues to work for receiving calls and SMS

No need to go to a store. No need to wait in line. No need to look for a phone store when you arrive at the airport in Japan. You arrive and you already have internet working.

How many GB do you need for Japan?

For a trip from Chile to Japan, our recommendation is 15-20 GB for 14 days. This is enough for most common uses: Google Maps all day, WhatsApp with family and friends from Chile, Instagram, occasional searches, and some occasional video calls.

Breakdown of typical daily consumption:

• Google Maps actively navigating: ~150 MB/day
• WhatsApp with messages and photos: ~100 MB/day
• Instagram and social media (no video): ~300 MB/day
• Searches and websites: ~100 MB/day
• Estimated total: 600-700 MB/day for moderate use

If you're going to work remotely, make frequent video calls, or upload content in real-time, consider a higher plan. PuraSim plans have top-up available if you run out, so you can always extend.

Tip: The LATAM Santiago-Tokyo flight goes through Los Angeles; activate your Japanese eSIM with Wi-Fi at LAX airport during your layover

How to activate the eSIM before your flight

The best thing about PuraSim eSIMs is that you can have it ready before you leave Chile. The installation process takes about 5 minutes and only requires Wi-Fi:

1. Check compatibility: make sure your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS or higher, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+ and many more).
2. Purchase your plan on purasim.com. Select Japan as the destination and the GB plan you need.
3. Install the eSIM: open the email with the QR code and go to your phone's Settings to scan the code and download the profile.
4. Configure the eSIM: give it a recognizable name (e.g., "PuraSim Japan") and make sure it's set up for data but NOT for calls or SMS (keep those on your Chilean SIM).
5. Activate upon arrival: on the plane, you can have the eSIM installed but inactive. Upon landing in Japan, go to Settings → Mobile Data and activate the PuraSim eSIM.

In less than 5 minutes after landing, you'll have full data in Japan without even leaving the airport.

Tips for travelers from Chile to Japan

Beyond connectivity, here are some specific tips for travelers from Chile:

• Download everything before you leave: offline maps of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka on Google Maps, Spotify playlists, Netflix episodes for the flight. In the first few hours of your flight, you won't have data.
• Notify your bank: many Chilean banks block transactions in Japan for security reasons. Inform them of your trip to avoid having your card blocked at the most inconvenient time.
• WhatsApp will work perfectly: with an active eSIM, you can call and talk to family and friends in Chile without additional international call costs.
• Save documents offline: scan your passport, travel insurance, and bookings and save them on your phone. If there's a moment without data, you'll still have access.

And remember: The LATAM Santiago-Tokyo flight goes through Los Angeles; activate your Japanese eSIM with Wi-Fi at LAX airport during your layover

With PuraSim connected, your trip from Chile to Japan starts smoothly from the very first moment.

Frequently asked questions

Escrito por Marc González Sáez Fundador de PuraSim y especialista en eSIM y conectividad para viajeros. Lleva años ayudando a viajar conectado por todo el mundo sin pagar de más por el roaming, y prueba personalmente las eSIM en cada destino antes de recomendarlas.