Guide to povo Phone Plans | Prices, Speeds, and How to Apply

Looking for a flexible, budget-friendly phone plan in Japan? 💵🤔 You might be interested in povo, au’s customizable mobile plan that is designed to let you pay only for what you need.

With no base monthly fee and an array of data toppings, povo is perfect for users who value freedom and affordability. But is it the right fit for you?

In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about povo—its features, advantages, drawbacks, and how it compares to other carriers.

Let’s dive in and see if povo is the phone plan you’ve been searching for! 🚀

Table of Contents

1. Povo Plans Overview

• Data Toppings

• What is povo Data Oasis?

2. Advantages of Using Povo
3. Disadvantages of Using Povo
4. Povo is Recommended for These Kinds of People!
5. Comparison with Other Carriers
6. How to Get Started with povo
7. If You Value English Support for Your Phone Service

TL;DR: povo offers a flexible, no-base-fee plan perfect for light data users comfortable with Japanese, but drawbacks include limited English support and slow base speeds without topping up data.

For a more user-friendly option with full English support and data rollover, consider Sakura Mobile—tailored for international residents in Japan. 🌸

1. povo Plans Overview

povo (also called “povo 2.0” to reflect its new plan) offers a base plan with a ¥0 monthly fee, allowing users to customize their services through various “toppings” based on individual needs.

Here are some key features of povo plans:

*Calls and SMS cannot be used with povo’s Data Only plan.

Data Toppings

The povo plan works on an à la carte system that allows users to tailor their mobile experience to match their specific usage patterns.

However, it can get a bit confusing because there are so many top-up options. There are limited-time discount offers and even “collaboration” topping-up campaigns with companies like Lawson!

It’s also important to note that the data toppings have a limited period in which you must use them (30 days, etc.), or else they expire; the unused data will not roll over.

We’ll break down the most common toppings below:

Popular Data Toppings

*Automatically purchases (charges) the same topping when the topping expires or when you run out of data.
You can turn auto-charge on or off after purchase.
**Cannot be used with “povo 2.0 data only” plan.

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What is povo Data Oasis?

povo has introduced “povo Data Oasis,” a service that allows users to receive free data by visiting Lawson convenience stores across Japan.

Key Features of povo Data Oasis:

• Receive 0.1GB (100MB) of data per visit, limited to once per day (the charged capacity is reset at midnight).
• Eligible for up to 10 visits per month, totaling 1GB of free data each month.

To learn how to use povo Data Oasis, click to enlarge the image below.

povo also offers limited campaigns, such as data toppings that come as a set with buying Lawson products. For example, “Buy one Karaage-kun🐔and get 0.3GB (24 hours) for 248 yen.”

This collaboration between povo and Lawson offers a convenient way to supplement your data needs simply by visiting a nearby Lawson store.

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2. Advantages of Using povo

So what are the pros to using povo? We summarize three of the main reasons why povo is popular below:

1) Flexible Plans

Users like that they can customize their plan with toppings as needed. This is useful if your data capacity needs change each month. However, some people find it inconvenient that they must purchase toppings every time they run out of data.

Another benefit of povo is that there is no contract commitment; users can cancel without penalties.*

*The only initial cost is purchasing a topping when signing up for a data-only plan.

2) Cost-Effective

With povo, there is no base fee, so you pay only for the services you use. Additionally, povo offers a variety of data toppings, so if you roughly know how much data you will use, you can easily save money without wasting data.

povo’s unlimited calling option is also one of the lowest among major carriers in Japan.

3) Reliable Network

povo is a low-cost plan provided by au, one of Japan’s major carriers. Users report that the communication quality is reliable since they have access to the same 4G/5G Network as au.

Regarding coverage, au’s network covers around 99% of Japan, so you shouldn’t have any issues (unless in rural areas or underground).

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3. Disadvantages of Using povo

Now, let’s discuss some of the reasons why povo might not be the right fit for you.

1) Base Plan is Slow and Top-Up Data Expires

Without purchasing data toppings, speed is limited to a maximum of 128Kbps, which is suitable only for basic tasks like messaging. 

At this speed, it takes a long time for websites to load, and using apps like Google Maps or streaming videos is nearly impossible. To regain average speeds, you’ll need to purchase additional data. 

As we mentioned before, data toppings for povo have an expiration date. For example, 1GB (390 yen) for 7 days or 3GB (990 yen) for 30 days. You might want a plan where you can carry over data so that you don’t waste any unused data.

Scenario: You purchase 3GB of data for 30 days, but end up using only 1GB. You travel to a location without Wi-Fi, only to realize your topping has expired.

Now you have to purchase more data (and find somewhere with free WiFi to do so!), which can be frustrating.

2) No Physical Stores

Service is managed entirely online, which may be challenging for those who prefer in-person assistance.

While povo does offer an online chat service (available from 9:00 to 21:00), this can be inconvenient in emergencies, such as if your SIM suddenly stops working outside of these hours.

3) Limited English Support

The application process and customer service are primarily in Japanese, which can be difficult for individuals from overseas who just arrived in Japan.

According to povo’s site, they may be able to guide you in English if you send screenshots to them via chat. However, the website’s interface/chat support is all in Japanese, so this can be difficult to navigate for those uncomfortable with Japanese.

4. povo is Recommended for These Kinds of People!

In general, we can recommend povo for the following types of users:

• Light Data Users

Ideal for individuals who use minimal data and prefer to pay only for what they need or residents in Japan who primarily rely on Wi-Fi and want to top up data as needed.

• Budget-Conscious Users

Ideal for individuals looking to minimize monthly expenses by customizing their mobile service with a no-base-fee plan and don’t mind topping up and managing their mobile service without in-person support.

• Users Confident in Japanese

Since the application process, website/app, and customer service are primarily in Japanese, povo is a better fit for those fluent in the language or comfortable navigating Japanese-language platforms.

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5. Comparison with Other Carriers

povo’s flexible, no-base-fee model contrasts with traditional carriers that offer fixed monthly plans. For example, other online-only plans like ahamo provide set data allowances at a fixed price, which may be more suitable for users with consistent data usage patterns.

Moreover, if you’re an international resident in Japan looking for service in English, Sakura Mobile provides unique advantages tailored to English-speaking users, including full English support and competitively priced plans.

Take a look at our table below to get a better idea of how povo compares.
(Scroll right for more →→)

While povo offers flexibility, Sakura Mobile excels in services for English-speaking customers, including:

If you value a hassle-free experience with full English support, Sakura Mobile might be a better fit for your needs than povo or other Japanese carriers.

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6. How to Get Started with povo

Although the application is only in Japanese, you can complete the procedures with only a residence card, credit card, and your current device.

Start Your Application

• Go to the povo website, download the povo2.0 app, and select your plan (Data Only or Voice + Data).
• For Data Only Plan: Only eSIM is available, and no ID is needed, but a phone number capable of receiving SMS is required for verification.

Provide Your Info

• • Register your email to create an account. You will receive a 6-digit authentication code.
  • Enter the code and your personal information, then upload your ID (required for voice + data plans).
  • Set up your payment method.

Choose Your SIM Type

• • Select a physical SIM or eSIM (for voice + data plans).
  • Data-only eSIM applications require purchasing a topping (starting at ¥330).

Submit Your Application

• • Review your details, agree to terms, and submit.

(NOTE: SIM-free or SIM-unlocked devices are required to use povo. eSIM is only available for supported devices, so make sure that your smartphone is compatible with eSIM before proceeding with the application.)

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7. If you Value English Support for Your Phone Service

povo primarily offers services in Japanese, which may pose challenges for non-Japanese speakers. If English support is a priority, consider alternative providers such as Sakura Mobile, which offers comprehensive English-language services and customer support.

Why Choose Sakura Mobile?🌸

Choose Sakura Mobile for a mobile experience that’s tailored to the needs of international residents, with the convenience and support you deserve.

See our plans below!🌸

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