eSIM for Spaniards traveling to Japan — Internet in Asia from Spain

If you're traveling from Spain to Japan, you already know that roaming with your local operator can be a very unpleasant surprise when you return: bills of tens or even hundreds of dollars/euros for 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 roaming with your Spanish operator, and how to activate your PuraSim eSIM before boarding your flight.

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

Roaming from Spain to Japan: what it really costs

Spanish operators offer international roaming packages for Japan, but the prices are rarely competitive. Depending on your operator, 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 off
• You need to activate the service before leaving (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

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

For travelers from Spain to Japan, the flow is like this:

1. You buy your data plan at purasim.com before leaving
2. You receive the QR code by 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 Spanish SIM continues to work for receiving calls and SMS

No need to go to any store. No need to queue. No need to look for a phone shop upon arrival at the Japanese airport. You arrive and you already have internet working.

How many GB do you need for Japan?

For a trip from Spain 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 in Spain, 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 real-time content, consider a higher plan. PuraSim plans have top-up available if you run out, so you can always extend.

Tip: Iberia or Japan Airlines flights from Spain to Japan have a stopover in Doha or London; activate the Japanese eSIM at Barajas with WiFi before boarding.

How to activate the eSIM before your flight

The best thing about PuraSim eSIMs is that you can have it ready before leaving Spain. The installation process takes about 5 minutes and you only need WiFi:

1. Check compatibility: make sure your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS or later, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+ and many more).
2. Buy your plan at purasim.com. Select Japan as your 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 configured for data but NOT for calls or SMS (you'll keep those on your Spanish SIM).
5. Activate it 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 leaving the airport.

Tips for travelers from Spain to Japan

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

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

And remember: Iberia or Japan Airlines flights from Spain to Japan have a stopover in Doha or London; activate the Japanese eSIM at Barajas with WiFi before boarding.

With PuraSim connected, your trip from Spain to Japan begins 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.