Hi. I'm going to Japan for 18 days and not sure whether to buy an add on from ID mobile, or to buy an esim in Japan. Any thoughts on coverage and best way forward? Just need data for messages and maps. Thanks
Solved
Roaming in Japan
Best answer by Gemma M
Hi
Japan is in iD Mobile’s Roam Beyond zone, which means your UK allowance won’t work there. It’s also important to note that the available add-ons are data-only.
While these are suitable for things like maps or browsing, they don’t include calls or texts. Any standard calls or SMS will be charged separately at out-of-plan rates.
How the Roam Beyond add-ons work:
- You can purchase a data-only bundle via the iD Mobile app or your online account.
- The add-on starts immediately upon purchase and lasts for a fixed duration.
- Once it expires, you’ll need to buy another add-on or you’ll be charged standard roaming rates (if your bill cap allows this).
- Your regular UK allowance (minutes and texts) is not included while in Japan.
How to check if you have a bill cap in place:
To view or change your bill cap, log in to the iD Mobile app or your online account, go to the Bills section, and select Manage bill cap.
You can adjust this using the slider or by entering an amount (between £0 and up to £75.00, depending on your account type).
Add-on options:
| Data | Duration | Price |
| 2 GB | 1 day | £5 |
| 10 GB | 5 days | £20 |
| 20 GB | 10 days | £35 |
Standard roaming charges (without an add-on):
The table below displays how much you’ll be charged for any minutes, texts or data that you use.
| Roaming | Pay monthly |
| Calls to UK* | £6.00 |
| Calls to Japan* | £6.00 |
| Calls received* | £1.50 |
| Texts to Japan** | £1.20 |
| Texts to UK** | £1.20 |
| Picture message (MMS) sent** | £0.60 |
| Internet and Data (per MB)*** | £9.60 |
* Price per minute
** Please note: MMS charges vary. For further information, refer to Terms & Conditions. If you joined or upgraded on or before 20th June 2023 the MMS cost is £0.30 per message for Roaming within EU Bands 1 and 2.
*** Data is charged or deducted in one kilobyte (KB) increments and any part KB used will be rounded up to the nearest KB
**** The charges below will apply to all Pay-as-you-go customers starting from 1st October 2024. Find out more about the current charges here.
Prices shown include VAT where applicable.
For more information, you can visit: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/international-and-roaming-charges.
Tip:
Depending on how long you’re staying, it may be more cost-effective to get a local SIM in Japan. Since the bundles last a maximum of 10 days, you may need to purchase multiple add-ons, which can become expensive.
If you have any further questions, feel free to pop us a message on live chat - https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat - we are more than happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Regards,
Gemma M
The iD Mobile Social Media Team
+8Hi
Japan is in iD Mobile’s Roam Beyond zone, which means your UK allowance won’t work there. It’s also important to note that the available add-ons are data-only.
While these are suitable for things like maps or browsing, they don’t include calls or texts. Any standard calls or SMS will be charged separately at out-of-plan rates.
How the Roam Beyond add-ons work:
- You can purchase a data-only bundle via the iD Mobile app or your online account.
- The add-on starts immediately upon purchase and lasts for a fixed duration.
- Once it expires, you’ll need to buy another add-on or you’ll be charged standard roaming rates (if your bill cap allows this).
- Your regular UK allowance (minutes and texts) is not included while in Japan.
How to check if you have a bill cap in place:
To view or change your bill cap, log in to the iD Mobile app or your online account, go to the Bills section, and select Manage bill cap.
You can adjust this using the slider or by entering an amount (between £0 and up to £75.00, depending on your account type).
Add-on options:
| Data | Duration | Price |
| 2 GB | 1 day | £5 |
| 10 GB | 5 days | £20 |
| 20 GB | 10 days | £35 |
Standard roaming charges (without an add-on):
The table below displays how much you’ll be charged for any minutes, texts or data that you use.
| Roaming | Pay monthly |
| Calls to UK* | £6.00 |
| Calls to Japan* | £6.00 |
| Calls received* | £1.50 |
| Texts to Japan** | £1.20 |
| Texts to UK** | £1.20 |
| Picture message (MMS) sent** | £0.60 |
| Internet and Data (per MB)*** | £9.60 |
* Price per minute
** Please note: MMS charges vary. For further information, refer to Terms & Conditions. If you joined or upgraded on or before 20th June 2023 the MMS cost is £0.30 per message for Roaming within EU Bands 1 and 2.
*** Data is charged or deducted in one kilobyte (KB) increments and any part KB used will be rounded up to the nearest KB
**** The charges below will apply to all Pay-as-you-go customers starting from 1st October 2024. Find out more about the current charges here.
Prices shown include VAT where applicable.
For more information, you can visit: https://www.idmobile.co.uk/help-and-advice/international-and-roaming-charges.
Tip:
Depending on how long you’re staying, it may be more cost-effective to get a local SIM in Japan. Since the bundles last a maximum of 10 days, you may need to purchase multiple add-ons, which can become expensive.
If you have any further questions, feel free to pop us a message on live chat - https://www.idmobile.co.uk/live-chat - we are more than happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Regards,
Gemma M
The iD Mobile Social Media Team
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