Blog

Do American Phones Work in Japan? Essential Travel Tips and Solutions

Women smiling while selecting her eSIM connectivity option on her smart phone

Photo Credit by Vecteezy

Posted on

Mar 23, 2025

3 min

read

Journey Japan

Do American phones work in Japan? Traveling Tips for Americans.

When it comes to international travel for Americans, Japan is on the top of most people's list. The main challenge that comes with traveling outside of the United States is, American phones and devices being able to work in the area you visit, especially Japan.

While Japan's networks have been ranked to have some of the best connections in the world, without access to this connection, you are helpless. No using apps, no receiving calls or texts, no communication, nothing.

So, what are the best ways to make sure you are connected in Japan at all times?
In this article, we will answer that question and others points like identifying difference in providers' services, information on locked and unlocked phones, and the best available options to stay connected in Japan. Let’s get into it!

Your Mobile Phone's Service Provider

Your mobile device or cell phone is important when it comes to daily life, as well as travel. Your phone is most likely your most personal item, always keeping it on your person in order to communicate with others in anyway imaginable-text messaging, video calls, voice calls, voice messaging, you name it. We are always looking to stay connected, and depending on your service provider, this, your data plan, and your costs can vary tremendously.

Most American providers such as T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon all provide different international or oversea data plans for users. However, if your phone is “locked”, then you will be paying a premium for all services you are accustomed to while abroad.

What do you mean by premium?

With these international roaming plans, companies will require you to pay additional premium pricing for you to access their service and data overseas. These prices come off as, "affordable" but are really a "scam" compared to other data options.

For example, if you are not careful, you can expect to pay up to $10-$25 a day, and that is just for a single device like an iPhone or Android! If you have multiple devices (i.e. computer, tablet, iPad, etc.) that’s multiple roaming fees for multiple plans, all adding up and burning a huge hole in your pocket.

Luckily, with other options that are actually affordable, you can find plans as low as $0.98/GB, offering 30-day data coverage ensuring you get the most out of your trip.

In short, whatever you do, make sure you are prepared before dealing with outrageous international roaming charges.

Know Your Cell Phone: Is it Unlocked?

American model phones are similar to most of the world's devices where Apple iPhones and Android devices hold most of the market share. However, if this isn’t you ( or even if it is), it is important to identify a few elements to ensure you smartphone will work without fail in Japan.

First, you need to figure out if your device is indeed "locked" or "unlocked".

A "locked" phone will not allow the user to connect or remove the physical SIM card in the device to use a different data service, regardless-of the country. Typically these restrictions are set by your carrier, and is recommended to address or contact about before travel.

An "unlocked" phone allows access to so many different and affordable options for data and internet connection. You are able to connect to a local provider, without a local sim, for way less, and experience normal services like unlimited calling and text, unlimited data, unlimited wifi connection and so much more.

Additionally, if your phone is locked, unfortunately you will be stuck paying the premiums as mentioned before. Usually, you can request your device to be unlocked, by pay off any remaining fees attached to your cellular plan. This can get expensive. But once unlocked, you are in business.

When it comes to devices you should refer to your phone settings and, check the model, the provider, and make sure you phone is unlocked for optimal and most affordable options.

How to Stay Connected: Pocket Wi Fi, SIM card, or eSIM?

Now that we have figured out the basics we need to see which option is best for your phone.

eSIM

eSIMs are an electronic sim that is allows a device to connect to internet instantly, effortlessly, and does not require any additional equipment. These usually will come with an activation or QR code that a user can input in their phone settings and connect instantly to a local Japanese network. These usually are the best option to save time and provide the best service for short term visitors in Japan. No need to wait in lines at the airport, you can easily order online and have the eSIM set right to your device. Your phone will need to be unlocked for this option, but you can expect to receive mobile data and connect to Japan’s fastest local network providers, like NTT docomo.

SIM card

A Physical SIM card, or a prepaid SIM card, are still options to connect to wi-fi, but can be a hassle. First, your phone must be unlocked by your provider or it won’t work at all. You will also need to wait in line at an airport kiosk while your original phone SIM is removed and the new, cheap SIM card is installed into your phone. Again, since it is a physical item, you will need to return before you leave Japan or you will be charged. Newer model devices like the latest iPhone models (iPhone 15, iPhone 16) can’t use this option due to being “simless”, so make sure you know your device can even use a local sim.

Pocket Wi Fi

Pocket wifi is a portable wifi device capable of connecting multiple devices to a slower, shared wi-fi connection. As a portable device, it requires a battery charge before use. This charge will last about 4-6 hours on average depending how many users are connected to the network. It is also a bit heavy and inconvenient to carry around, but it is sim free option. Similar to the physical sim, you will need to wait at the airport to pickup, and also drop off after your Japan trip, leaving you with another thing to worry about. Rental provider companies will also “throttle” daily data usage to only allow a certain amount to be used before completely stopping. This does allow connection for locked phones, but with all the other options you might be better off with a public space’s free wi-fi.

So, can American phones work in Japan?

The simple answer is, yes! There is no restriction for devices to be used in Japan. However, which service you choose, and at what cost you want to be paying for your service, will determine how well your American phone will function in Japan.

Ultimately, for the best service, if you unlock your phone and use an eSIM plan for your wi-fi, data, and internet connection, you will have the best opportunities for a stress-free trip. You should be able to avoid additional roaming charges, and experience the strongest data connections available on Japan’s local network.

If this is what you are looking for, and need to purchase an eSIM plan right away for your upcoming Japan trip, you can check out Journey Japan eSIM for the fastest, and most reliable, hassle-free internet connection. See their latest eSIM Plans here.