Pros & Cons of Pocket WiFi
One of the biggest benefits of a pocket WiFi in Japan is that it’s simple and easy to use. You simply turn the router on and your device can connect to it. Mobile WiFi routers are shipped ready to use straight out of the box and are guaranteed to work with all devices that are WiFi-capable. Mobile routers in Japan are also very fast. They connect to Japan’s LTE network and can access speeds up to 150MBPS, and they have a wide coverage area so you can be sure that you’ll have internet access all across Japan. However, you’ll need to watch the battery life and keep your pocket WiFi well charged, so that it doesn’t shut off unexpectedly. You may want to carry a portable power supply so you can recharge your pocket WiFi while on the go.
Pros & Cons of SIM cards
The most important thing you need to know about prepaid SIM cards in Japan is that they only work with compatible devices. First, your phone must be SIM-free or unlocked: many phone carriers SIM-lock their smartphones so that they only work with that particular carrier, and they won’t unlock them for you unless you finish your contract and/or pay an extra fee. In addition, to use a pre-paid SIM in Japan, your phone must be compatible with local network specifications—either a 3G or 4G device. Older Blackberry phones, as well as certain smartphones, may not be compatible so you’ll need to verify that your device will work.
If after checking your device’s SIM card capatability you find that renting a card is a viable option for your trip to Japan, you’ll be able use your smartphone or tablet just like you would back home without any roaming charges. Like a pocket WiFi, a pre-paid SIM card provides fast LTE data access and a wide coverage area. And unlike renting a Japanese phone, you don’t need to worry about contracts or activation fees.
