Does Verizon work in Japan? Fees, Phone Settings and Alternatives

This article was reviewed on 03 December 2025. Information may have changed since publication. Please verify with the relevant provider.

When traveling to Japan, you may be wondering about internet data and its charges. There are many options to choose from, such as Verizon’s international roaming plans, local SIMs, global eSIMs, and rental WiFi plans. Figure out their features and fees and select what is best for your trip.

Verizon plans and prices as well as step-by-step guides to set up your data roaming is explained. Discover alternative mobile data options you can use in Japan. Wise is also introduced as a payment option for your seamless travel to Japan.

Sign up for Wise 🚀

Table of contents
Does Verizon work in Japan? Types of Verizon International Plans that work in Japan Setting up your Verizon Roaming: Step-by-step guide Alternatives to Roaming Travel easily around Japan with Wise

Does Verizon work in Japan?

Verizon does work in Japan. Although all the price plans are not applicable, TravelPass and International Monthly Plan are available to use in Japan. Depending on your length of stay, there are also different price plans.

Quick Comparison

Here is a quick comparison of price plans depending on the length of stay.

Length of Stay	Recommended Plans	Total Price & Data allowance
7 days	TravelPass	$12 for 2GB per day¹
10 days	International monthly plan*	$100 for 20GB high-speed²
14 days	International monthly plan	$100 for 20GB high-speed²
30 days	International monthly plan	$100 for 20GB high-speed

*The international monthly plan allows you to use unlimited data. First you can use 20GB of high-speed, but once it exceeds, the speed is reduced to 3G for the rest of the month.

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Types of Verizon International Plans that work in Japan

TravelPass³

TravelPass offers add-ons settings on your phone and you can pay only on days of use. 24-hours sessions and unlimited data.

Best for	Short stays less than 9 days
Price	$12 per line
No. of Countries	140+ countries & destinations
Included:	Unlimited talk and texts, 5GB of High-speed data (afterwards 3GB)

Based on information found on 03 December 2025.

International Monthly Plan³

This plan offers a one-time bundle of call minutes, texts, and data. Ideal plan for those who travel for a long time across the world.

Best for	Long trips of 9 days or more
Price	$100 per month per line (overage: $0.25/min)
No. of Countries	210+ countries
Included:	250 min of call, Unlimited data and texts, first 20 GB of high-speed data (afterwards 3GB)

Based on information found on 03 December 2025.

Pay As You Go⁴

If your country is not included in either of the plans above, you can use Verizon’s service through Pay As You Go plan.

Best for	Infrequest smartphone users
Price	Talk: $1.79 per min Text (sent): $0.50 / message Text (receive): $0.05 / message
No. of Countries	100+ countries
Included:	pay-as-you-go system

Based on information found on 03 December 2025.

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Setting up your Verizon Roaming: Step-by-step guide

Setting up your roaming is a simple process. Below are the steps:

Step 1: Check Your Phone’s Compatibility

Check if your phone is compatible with Japan’s frequency bands. It needs to be compatible with 4G/5G. Also, you would need to unlock the SIM on your phone to be able to use Verizon.

How to check compatibility (here are some ways):

• Search for your phone model + specs + bands
• Use the IMEI number with online checker
• Visit the Apple’s website to check your iPhone model’s specification

*For the latest information, please check with your provider to ensure that your Japan trip will be a smooth one. *

Step 2: Adding the roaming plan to the Verizon app

Here is a step-by-step guide of how to add your plan through the app.

1. Access My Verizon Online of the My Verizon app.
2. Review the options for each line
3. Select “Add new plan”
4. Select either “Travel plan” or “Calling plan” and follow instructions

Step 3: Turn on Roaming on your phone

Data roaming must be enabled on your phone. If it’s not turned on, you will not be able to use Verizon’s mobile data.

Here is a step-by-step guide of how to turn on roaming for both iphones and android.

iPhone:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Mobile Service
3. Add your primary number
4. Scroll down and select the Data Roaming button

Android:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select Network and Internet / Connections
3. Select Mobile network
4. Turn the Data roaming on

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Alternatives to Roaming

eSIM

There are many eSIM options in Japan with an average cost of $4~5 per GB. In Japan, eSIMs might be slow during busy times like at train stations or tourist spots. Therefore, prepare to pay some extra charges in case you need speed upgrades.

Here are some popular eSIM options that work in Japan.

Types of eSIM	Price (Incl. tax)*
Airalo eSIM⁵	3GB: $8.60 for 7 days 5GB: $10.50 for 7 days 10GB: $18 for 7 days
ESIMJAPAN⁶	3GB: $9.32 for 7 days
Mobal eSIM⁷	25GB: ¥4730 ($30.30) for 8 days
Sakura Mobile⁸	4G Unlimited (high-speed 3GB/day): ¥4620 ($29.60) for 7 days 5G Unlimited: ¥5500 ($35.24) for 7 days

*Calculated based on the conversion rate on 03 December 2025

Local SIM card

Using Local SIM cards is another popular option while traveling to Japan. On average, they cost around $3.5 per GB and $3-4 per day. If you order online, you can have your SIM cards delivered to the airport, hotels, local post offices to pick up (best to check their website).

Here are some local SIM cards you can find in Japan.

Types of eSIM	Price (Incl. tax)*
Mobal SIM⁷	8 Days (25GB): ¥4730 ($30) 16 Days (50GB): ¥6490 ($41) 31 Days (50GB): ¥7920 ($50)
Sakura Mobile⁸	4 Days: ¥4,000 ($25.70) High-speed up to 3GB per day
IIJMio	Depends on the shop you purchase
B-mobile⁹	Docomo: ¥3,850 ($24.70) per month for 10GB B-mobile Biz 30GB: ¥47,300 ($302) per month VISITOR SIM (5GB) for 10 days: ¥1,980 ( $13) VISITOR SIM (7GB) for 21 days: ¥2,970 ($19)

*Calculated based on the conversion rate on 03 December 2025

WiFi

What are Japan’s popular WiFi options? Depending on the service, WiFi options and items included may vary. On average, it costs around $37 per month.

To pick up rental WiFi, you may be able to select your desired location or visit the shop counter, airport counter etc. (best to check their website).

WiFi Options	Price*
Mobal eSIM (Pocket WiFi)¹⁰	¥4,980 ($32) per month Pocket WiFi Stick Price: ¥6,980 ($45) one-time
Sakura Mobile¹¹	Pocket WiFi: ¥4,980 ($32) per month Home Internet: ¥6,480 ($41) per month
Ninja WiFi (Softbank)¹²	Infinite Unlimited Plan: ¥1,980 ($13) per day Unlimited Plan (10GB): ¥1,320 ($8) per day Unlimited Plan (5GB): ¥1,100 ($7) per day Unlimited Plan (3GB): ¥770 ($5) per day Unlimited Plan (1GB): ¥440 ($3) per day 5G Unlimited Plan: ¥2,200 ($14) per day

*Calculated based on the conversion rate on 03 December 2025

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Travel easily around Japan with Wise

Exchange to JPY at your desired rate before and during your trip

Add money to your Wise account from your bank, or using a card, and exchange to JPY in advance to lock in your exchange rate and fix your budget. Or simply let the card convert for you at the point of payment or withdrawal. In either case you get the mid-market exchange rate and the lowest possible Wise fee.

Withdraw cash from Japan ATMs at no additional fees

Order a Wise card to link to your account, and make some ATM withdrawals every month with the exchange rate you see on Google, low conversion fee, and no ATM fee. You’ll get a fixed free withdrawal allowance every month before the low Wise fees begin, making this a simple and cheap way to get cash when you need it.

Pay seamlessly with virtual and physical Wise cards

Tap and pay in person, make Chip and PIN payments, and add your card to a wallet like Apple Pay for easy spending in Japan and countries around the world. Easy.

Your trip to Japan will be a memorable experience whenever you decide to go. Use this guide to plan, and get Wise today to make your money go even further during your visit to Japan.

Sign up for Wise 🚀

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Key takeaways

• Verizon does work in Japan, but international plans might not be the option if you’re a heavy data user. Check out other SIMs and WiFi options.
• Keep in mind that eSIM’s unlimited plans may turn out to be slow depending on the location.
• SIM cards or pocket WiFi (rental WiFi) options are found at the airport or available online to purchase and deliver to your desired location.

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FAQ

Can I use my roaming for my study abroad in Japan?

Yes, but it is best to turn on data roaming only when needed to avoid background apps using data.

Can I use hotspot/tethering with TravelPass?

Yes. There is a mobile hotspot feature included in the TravelPass.

Is data roaming free in Japan?

Data roaming in Japan is not free. In fact, it may lead to high expenses charged from your home career’s service.

This article was reviewed on 03 December 2025. Information may have changed since publication. Please verify with the relevant provider.

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Sources:

1. TravelPass Countries | Verizon Wireless
2. International Monthly Plan
3. International Plans: TravelPass - Verizon
4. International Plans: Pay As You Go - Verizon
5. eSIM für Japan, ab 4.00 € | Der erste eSIM-Shop der Welt · Airalo
6. eSIMJAPAN.com | Product Category - Japan
7. Japan SIM Card – Data & Phone Number Plans + Free Delivery | Mobal
8. Sakura Mobile | Japan SIM Card
9. Best Pocket WiFi Japan – Fast, Reliable & Affordable | Mobal
10. Japan Monthly Mobile and Internet Plans
11. プリペイドSIM一覧｜b-mobile(bモバイル)
12. Pricing / Plans | NINJA WiFi | Pocket WiFi rental Japan