eSIM Japan and South Korea

eSIM for Japan and South Korea: internet without roaming

If your trip combines Japan and South Korea, this eSIM gives you mobile data in both countries with a single plan. You connect as soon as you land in Tokyo or Seoul, without looking for a shop or changing cards when crossing from one country to another. The eSIM relies on the actual networks of each destination: in Japan it uses coverage from NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au (KDDI), and in South Korea from SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. These are the operators with the best 4G and 5G in both countries, so you'll have good signal both in city centers and on the bullet train or AREX.

Roaming in Japan and South Korea: why an eSIM is a good idea

Neither Japan nor South Korea are part of the European Union, so "roaming like at home" does not apply here. With your home tariff, roaming in these destinations usually costs between €10 and €15 per day, or is charged per megabyte at very high prices. On a two-week trip visiting both countries, that's more than €150 just for data. With an eSIM, you pay once, you know the price beforehand, and you can use Google Maps, the translator, messaging, and metro maps without watching the meter or getting a shock on your bill when you return.

How much does an eSIM for Japan and South Korea cost?

Plans start from €3.95, and the price increases depending on the GB and days you need. For a long weekend in Tokyo or Seoul, 1 to 3 GB is usually enough. For two weeks touring both countries, with maps, social media, and some video, a 10 to 20 GB plan is comfortable. If you're also going to share the connection with your partner's phone or stream, choose a generous plan or one with daily data. You can find all options and other destinations in all destinations.

eSIM or SIM card in Japan and South Korea

A physical SIM card for Japan or Korea involves buying it at the airport by queuing, changing the chip (and risking losing your Spanish one), and sometimes registering your passport. An eSIM is a digital profile: you install it before leaving home, and your usual number remains active to receive bank SMS messages or calls. Furthermore, a single profile works for both countries, without buying a different SIM when crossing from Japan to Korea.

Does the eSIM work in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Seoul, and Busan?

Yes. Coverage covers major cities and tourist areas in both countries. In Japan, you will have data in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, and Sapporo, relying on Docomo, SoftBank, and au. In South Korea, it works in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Jeju, and Gyeongju, with networks from SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. You're covered on both the Japanese Shinkansen and the Korean KTX, in the temples of Kyoto or in the neighborhoods of Gangnam and Myeongdong.

How do I activate the Japan and South Korea eSIM?

After purchase, you receive a QR code and instructions by email. You scan it from your mobile's settings (Settings, Mobile Data, Add eSIM) while still in Spain with WiFi, and leave the profile ready. Upon landing at Narita, Haneda, or Incheon, you just activate data and you're browsing. First, check that your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked. You can find the step-by-step guide with screenshots in our eSIM guide.