If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to stay connected, you might be wondering if Verizon’s international plans are the right choice for you. Verizon offers three main international plans for Japan, but they’re known for being pricey. Here, we’ll break down Verizon’s options and introduce a more affordable and flexible solution: prepaid SIM cards from Sakura Mobile.
Does the Verizon International Plan work in Japan?
Verizon offers three types of international plans you can use in Japan:
- TravelPass
- International Monthly Plan
- Pay As You Go
Let’s look closer at each one and see how they stack up for data, convenience, and cost.
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| Plans | Price | Details | Best For |
| TravelPass | $10/day | Data: 0.5GB/day* Talk: Unlimited Text: Unlimited | Short stays of 10 days or less |
| International Monthly Plan | $100/month | Data: 5GB data** Talk: 250 minutes Text: 1,000 messages | Stays of 11 days or more |
| Pay as You Go | Varies | Data: $2.05/MB Talk: $1.79/min Text: $0.50/message | Automatically applies if no plan is selected (not recommended due to high costs) |
(Prices do not include tax.)
*Notes:
TravelPass: Speeds reduced after 0.5 GB; extra 0.5 GB costs $10
International Monthly Plan: Overages: $0.25/min, $0.05/message, $20/GB
For Verizon’s TravelPass plan, data speeds slow down after you use 0.5 GB from the start of each day. If you need more high-speed data, you can buy an extra 0.5 GB for $10. Other costs include $0.25 per minute for calls, $0.05 per message, and $20 per GB for data overages.
With all these details, Verizon’s fee structure can get a bit confusing. Don’t worry—we’ve created a table below that breaks down each plan based on your time in Japan. It outlines the daily data limits and gives you an idea of the total costs so you can easily see what to expect.
| Length of Stay | Recommended Plan | Total Price | Total Data Allowance | Average Data per Day |
| 8 days | TravelPass | $80 | 4 GB | 0.5 GB |
| 10 days | TravelPass | $100 | 5 GB | 0.5 GB |
| 15 days | International Monthly Plan | $100 | 5 GB | 0.3 GB |
| 30 days | International Monthly Plan | $100 | 5 GB | 0.16 GB |
(Prices do not include tax.)
Here is a little more explanation.
Is 0.5GB a Day Enough Data?
With Verizon’s TravelPass plan, you’re limited to 0.5 GB of high-speed data per day before speeds are reduced. Data on the International Monthly Plan is even tighter. This might be okay for light usage, like maps and messaging, but if you plan to share your trip on social media or stream videos, you’ll likely need more data:
- Google Maps & Texting: 500 ~ 800MB/day
- Browsing & Social Media: 800 ~ 1.5GB/day
- Watching Videos: 1 ~ 3GB/day
The TravelPass’s 0.5 GB limit could quickly feel restrictive, especially for travelers who rely on their phones to research destinations and stay connected on social media.
Are These Good Prices?
Verizon’s international plans come at a premium, often much higher than prepaid SIM card options in Japan. While Verizon allows you to keep your existing SIM card, the convenience comes with high daily fees that can quickly add up. For travelers who need more data, a prepaid SIM card is likely a better value.
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Who Should Consider Verizon’s International Plans?
Verizon’s international plans can be useful for certain travelers, but they’re not ideal for everyone. Here’s who might benefit:
If you’re okay with using limited data for basics like Google Maps and texting, Verizon’s plans might work for you.
・No SIM swaps:
These plans let you use your existing SIM card, so you can keep your phone number without switching cards.
・Budget flexibility:
If you don’t mind the higher cost, Verizon’s plans offer convenience at a price.
However, Verizon’s plans may not be the best fit if:
Verizon’s international plans are on the pricier side, so if cost is a concern, you’ll find better value with a prepaid SIM card.
・You plan to share your trip on social media:
Posting photos or videos consumes a lot of data, which can quickly lead to overage fees.
・You need more data for exploration:
If you want to research places on the go or stay connected with maps and travel apps, Verizon’s daily data limits can feel restrictive.
For travelers who want more data at a lower cost, a prepaid SIM card is a great alternative. Order online in advance and pick up your SIM card at the airport to start using it as soon as you arrive. Among the options available, we highly recommend Sakura Mobile for its reliability and flexibility.
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Why Choose Sakura Mobile? Affordable and Flexible Data Options
For those looking for a cost-effective and flexible way to stay connected in Japan, Sakura Mobile offers a great alternative with several benefits:
With no data caps, you can explore, post, and stream as much as you need.
・Reliable docomo 4G Network:
Sakura Mobile’s service covers 99% of populated areas in Japan, providing strong and stable connections.
・Convenient pickup and delivery options:
Order online, pick up your SIM at any international airport, or have it delivered directly to your hotel. There is no need to hunt down a store or worry about activating your card on the go.
・English-speaking customer support:
We offer reliable, year-round support so you can travel worry-free, knowing help is always available.
Choosing Sakura Mobile means you can skip the hassle of limited data and enjoy the flexibility of an unlimited plan, all at a lower cost.
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Maximize Your Data with These Tips
Traveling with limited data? Here are some simple ways to save data and make the most of your connection:
1. Download offline maps:
Apps like Google Maps let you download maps to use without data, which is perfect for navigating on the go.
2. Use public WiFi when possible:
Take advantage of free WiFi hotspots in restaurants and cafes for data-heavy activities like video calls or uploads.
3. Enable data-saving mode:
Many apps have settings to reduce data usage, and you can keep the app from running in the background while you’re not using it. This can help you stretch your plan further.
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Things to make sure of
Is Your Phone Compatible in Japan?
Before heading to Japan, it’s essential to check if your phone is compatible with the country’s frequency bands. This applies whether you plan to use Verizon’s service or a Sakura Mobile SIM card.
To ensure compatibility with Sakura Mobile, you can check your device against our compatibility list:
If your device isn’t listed, don’t worry! Our customer support team is here to help. Just reach out with your questions, and we’ll get back to you by the next day. We want to make sure you’re fully prepared to enjoy your trip to Japan with seamless connectivity.
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Ready to Stay Connected? Try Sakura Mobile’s Unlimited Data SIM
For a stress-free and affordable option, consider Sakura Mobile. You can order an unlimited data SIM card online, pick it up at the airport, or have it delivered straight to your hotel.
Despite not knowing any English, many people in Japan are kind and will try to help you if you need anything, but even accepting help is easier when you have a signal. Stay connected effortlessly, enjoy Japan to the fullest, and focus on making memories, not managing data. Enjoy your trip to Japan without worrying about data limits!
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