Your guide to the best e-sims when travelling to Japan from Canada

Canadian travelers often face high roaming fees when using their domestic mobile plans in Japan. These daily charges can quickly exceed the cost of a dedicated data plan. Opting for a local digital solution provides a more economical way to stay connected.

This guide explains how to select the right eSIM, configure your device settings, and maintain seamless mobile access while in Japan. We've also explained how Wise helps you avoid unnecessary currency conversion costs when purchasing your data plan or while you make any payments in Japan.

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Which eSIM is best for travelling from Canada to Japan?

Selecting the right plan depends on your data consumption and trip duration. Short-term tourists may find fixed-data packages sufficient for navigation and general browsing. Business travelers often require higher speed and stability for video calls.¹

Some providers offer options that include a Japanese phone number, which can be useful for local reservations or SMS verification.² Evaluate your specific usage habits before choosing, as heavy users may prefer unlimited data plans to avoid the need for manual top-ups.³

International eSIM options for Canadians travelling to Japan

If you’re travelling to multiple locations, an international eSIM gives you the flexibility to use your phone in Japan or elsewhere.

Airalo

Key features for standard packages:

• Coverage: up to 200+ locations
• Support offered in 53 languages
• Duration: 3-30 days for both, standard and unlimited mobile internet plans

Price for unlimited plans:

Here’s what Airalo’s unlimited data plans would cost you for a trip to Japan:

• Maximum data purchase: 20 GB for 15-30 days

• Lowest data top-up: 1 GB for 6 CAD (Valid for 3 days)

Ubigi

Key features for standard packages:

• Coverage: 200+ locations
• Duration: 3-30 days for both, standard and unlimited mobile internet plans

Price for unlimited plans:

Here’s what Ubigi’s unlimited data plans would cost you for a trip to Japan:

Holafly

Key features:

• Offers unlimited data plans
• Price is set by the number of days you need the internet for

Local eSIM options for Canadians travelling to Japan

Japan Wireless

Key features:

• Support is offered in English
• Payment can be made online in Canadian dollars
• Offers limited and unlimited data options
• 5G connectivity offered

Their limited data plans are priced as follows:

Their unlimited plan price varies with how many days you select when purchasing the eSIM. Here are some examples of how much this costs:

Mobal

Key features:

• Offers data and voice calling options
• Offers a Japanese phone number for eSIMs with voice call options
• Payment needs to be made in Japanese Yen
• Contract-free subscriptions for options with data and voice call.

Their most recommended eSIM (data-only) offers unlimited 5G connectivity, and is priced by how many days you wish to use it for:

Conversion from JPY to CAD as seen on May 15, 2026 at 10:42am ON

If you opt for data-only sims, you will receive instructions via email on how to proceed after your purchase.

While their options with voice calling have limited data, they also provide a Japanese phone number you can use while your eSIM stays valid. Charges apply for voice calls and SMS.

You will be mailed a physical copy of the access code required to complete the setup.

The price for these eSIMs is:

Conversion from JPY to CAD as seen on May 15, 2026 at 10:42am ON

How do you set up your eSIM before you travel to Japan?

First, purchase your chosen eSIM plan online. Selecting a provider that offers an instant digital delivery ensures you receive your QR code or activation instructions immediately.¹

Install the eSIM profile by scanning the provided QR code or entering the details manually in your device’s cellular settings. Configure your roaming settings to ensure your primary Canadian SIM is set to roaming-off to prevent accidental charges, then enable data on your new eSIM profile.⁴

Digital services are often priced in USD or local currency, which can lead to poor exchange rates or foreign transaction fees when using a Canadian bank card.

Choosing to pay in JPY when possible can reduce these hidden costs.²

Using a multi-currency account allows you to hold and pay in different currencies, helping you avoid the markup fees that banks often charge on international transactions. Being smart with your payment method is a practical way to keep your travel costs low.

People also ask

Do I need a Japanese phone number for travel?

Most travelers only require data for maps and web access. A Japanese phone number is primarily necessary if you need to receive local calls or handle SMS-based bookings for specific local services.²

How do I manage dual SIMs on an iPhone or Android?

You can toggle between SIMs in your phone’s cellular or mobile network menu. Ensure the primary Canadian line has data roaming disabled to avoid charges, and designate the Japan eSIM as the primary source for cellular data.⁴

What happens if I run out of data in Japan?

Most providers offer a simple digital dashboard where you can purchase additional data top-ups instantly. Your connection remains active until your current data allowance is exhausted or the plan expires.³

Conclusion

Managing your connectivity through an eSIM and optimizing your payments with a Wise multi-currency account ensures you spend less on fees and more on your trip. You can open a Wise account to hold, send, and spend money internationally at the mid-market exchange rate. This approach helps you avoid unnecessary bank markups when buying digital services or making daily purchases. Be smart, get Wise, and manage your travel funds with transparency.

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Sources

1. Japan eSIM, from $4.00 USD | World’s first eSIM store · Airalo
2. Holafly eSIM plans for Japan
3. eSIM Unlimited Plans and Data Plans - 2 days | Japan Wireless eSIM
4. eSIM Japan: Best eSIM with Japanese Phone Number | Mobal
5. Ubigi eSIM plans for Japan
   Sources verfiied on 08 June 2026