In this connected world, it is essential to remain connected while traveling. Whether you are a business traveller or an occasional vacationer, mobile connectivity is vital for communication, productivity, and navigation. Mobal eSIMs are a revolutionary innovation in mobile connectivity that eliminates the hassles of physical SIM cards. In this article, we will discuss the features, benefits, usage, and comparison of mobile SIMs with their counterparts.
What Is an eSIM?
Before we start discussing what Mobal is offering, it is important to understand eSIMs. eSIM or embedded SIM is integrated in the mobile’s hardware in a digital form. Unlike traditional SIMs, which need physical insertion of SIM cards in mobile phones, the eSIMs just require a profile, provided by the phone carrier, to be downloaded to the phone for activation.
eSIMs are supported by almost all modern mobile phones, tablets, and laptops and are the popular choice among international travellers since they are user-friendly and easily adaptable.
In Japan, mobile carriers have been strict and often require a lot of paperwork. Mobal eSIM offers real phone numbers, competitive data plans, and provides vast coverage due to its largest network in Japan.
About Mobal
Not only in Japan, but Mobal is a popular and trusted mobile operator in other countries. Mobal’s primary clients include foreign students, travelers, and professionals. Most of the eSIM providers in Japan offer temporary connectivity through international agreements, but Mobal has a direct partnership with Japan’s largest network, NTT Docomo, to provide vast coverage on high-speed trains and covers urban as well as rural areas.
Furthermore, Mobal has a strong social agenda too. A part of Mobal’s profit is used to provide food and shelter to the needy, especially in Malawi. So, by using Mobal eSIM, you are also contributing to the global cause.
Key Features of Mobal’s Japan eSIMs
Mobal offers three types of eSIM plans, each designed for different users. The plans include:
- Voice + Data plans
- Long-term monthly contracts
- Short-term data plans
Let us explore these plans.
1. Real Japanese Phone Number (Not Virtual)
One of the notable features of Mobal eSIM is that it provides real numbers starting with 070, 080, and 090, unlike other eSIM providers. Since many online services like banking, restaurants, and delivery apps require a domestic number for contact and verification, Mobal eSIM fits best in this system.
The other eSIM providers provide temporary or VOIP numbers, but Mobal offers a true voice-enabled Japanese number.
2. Plans Tailored to Every User
Whether you are on a short-term or a long-term visit, Mobal offers flexible plans for all types of travelers.
Data-only eSIM
As the name suggests, these eSIMs offer only internet connection, and you will not be able to call or send SMS.
- The plans are offered for 8, 16, and 31 days.
- There is no need for an ID or any contract for short-term plans
- This plan is ideal for travellers who are on a business or vacation trip to Japan.
Voice + Data eSIMs:
For travellers who plan to stay longer or need a local number for calling, this plan is the best.
- Available in 30, 60, and 90-day packs
- Each pack comes with voice and SMS facility along with a fast 7GB data per month.
- As per Japanese law, proof of identification is required for this plan.
Monthly eSIMs (Rolling Contracts):
This plan is suitable for overseas students, professional travellers, and long-term residents.
- You can choose from 1GB, 5GB, 10 GB, and 30 GB of data per month.
- If not interested in continuing, you have the option to cancel the plan after 1 month.
- Apart from the Japanese number, you will get Voice and SMS features.
- The plan comes with a one-time setup fee of ¥2,970.
- The monthly fee ranges from ¥1,650 (1GB) to ¥4,378 (30GB).
- Mobal just needs a passport and a visa to activate this plan for foreigners.
3. Broad Coverage in Japan
Mobal is powered by NTT Docomo’s network that covers 99% Japanese population. Mobal provides high-speed and reliable connectivity whether you are exploring the temple town of Kyoto, the snowy trails of Hokkaido, or bustling Tokyo streets.
Apart from major cities, the Mobal that runs on Docomo’s 4G technology offers seamless connectivity in remote and rural areas, unlike other e-SIM providers that run on slow networks.
4. Tethering support
All Mobal eSIMs allow you to use your phone as a hotspot. Tethering helps you to enjoy the internet, whether you are travelling with your family and friends, carrying multiple devices, or using a laptop while travelling.
5. No Hidden Fees
Unlike other Japanese carriers that overcharge their customers, Mobal offers a nominal and transparent pricing structure.
- No contracts are needed for any short-term or mid-term plans
- For voice/data and monthly plans, the one-time activation fee is ¥2,970.
- The incoming calls and SMS are always free.
- The price for domestic outgoing calls is ¥44/min.
- The price for domestic SMS (outgoing) is ¥33/message.
- The price for international calls and SMS is also reasonable (Check Website for latest prices).
- There are no roaming charges, cancellation fees, or any hidden charges.
6. Multi-lingual support
In Japan, foreign customers might face difficulty in resolving their mobile issues due to language barriers. But thanks to Mobal, which provides customer care services in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese. The customers have the option to either call or email their issues regarding network, plan modification, or installation of eSIM.
7. A Business Model Based on Social Impact
Although lesser known but Mobal’s charity initiative is noteworthy. Mobal is a member of the UK-based social organization, Krizevac Project, that donates a part of Mobal’s profits to humanitarian causes.
- Any Mobal-related purchases help in funding the following:
- Education programs in Africa.
- Jobs and infrastructure support for the underprivileged sections.
- Feeding orphaned children
By subscribing to Mobal plans, you are not only connected but also contribute to a bigger global cause.
How to Set Up Your Mobal eSIM in Japan
After receiving the access code, it takes only 5 minutes to complete the setup of Mobal eSIM.
Steps to follow for installation:
eSIM compatibility. The network of your smartphone needs to be unlocked, and make sure it is compatible with eSIMs. Generally, all iPhones above the XR and all Androids above the Galaxy S20 are compatible.
Choose the plan and buy. Visit the Mobal’s official website to explore various plans and buy the desired eSIM package.
Access Code. For data plans, you will receive the access code through email instantly, but as per Japanese law, for voice plans, the access code will be delivered to your residence or a hotel in Japan.
Easy Installation. You just need to open the eSIM settings on your phone, scan the QR code for activation.
Get Started. After activation, you will be able to use data and voice calls in a few minutes.
Potential Applications of Mobal eSIMS
Tourists. The 8-31 data plans are the perfect choice for short-term tourists as these plans do not require any paperwork and are quick to use.
Business travellers. For corporate connectivity and local coordination, the business professionals can go for voice+data plans.
International Students. The overseas students can opt for Mobal’s monthly plans. There is no need for long-term contracts, and no need to have an account in a Japanese bank.
Digital Nomads and Remote Workers. Work and travel can go side by side as you can use the tethering feature of Mobal’s eSIMs.
Final Verdict
I you are planning to visit Japan for business or leisure, Mobal’s eSIMs are the easy and practical solution for seamless connectivity across the whole Japan. From authentic Japanese numbers, transparent plans, and multi-language customer support, Mobal offers a perfect balance of functionality and flexibility.
So, whether you are in Japan for eight days or eight months, your journey starts with a Mobal’s digital SIM that is activated in minutes.
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