$16.50about $1.65 a day
Get UbigiHow to set up an eSIM on Android
On a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM and scan your QR code; on a Pixel, open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM. When you land, point Mobile data at the eSIM and turn roaming on for it. For Japan, Ubigi's 10 GB costs about $16.50.
If you buy through a button here, the provider pays me a commission. Your price stays the same.
No eSIM yet? The one to buy for your trip.
$31.00about $3.10 a day
Get Airalo EurolinkPrices checked Nov 9, 2026. Going somewhere else? The pick for every country is in all destinations.
Check that your Android phone takes an eSIM
Two things to check before you buy a plan, both in a minute.
An eSIM-capable phone
Every Pixel from the Pixel 3a on can hold an eSIM next to a SIM card (except a 3a bought with Verizon service or in Japan), and the Pixel 7 and later can run two eSIMs at once if your US carrier allows it. On a Galaxy, open Settings > About phone and look for an EID number (Samsung puts it under Status): a phone that shows one takes an eSIM. Other brands and older models are in which phones have eSIM.
A phone your carrier has unlocked
A phone bought from AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile on a payment plan may still be locked to them, and a locked phone refuses a travel eSIM. Ask your carrier about it the week you book, not the night before you fly: carriers don't always unlock on the spot.
Not sure how much data the trip needs? The data calculator gives you a plan size in a minute. Haven't picked a provider yet? Here are the international eSIM plans compared, trip by trip.
How to install an eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy
Do it at home on Wi-Fi, a day or two before you fly, with the QR code from your provider on another screen.
1At home
Open SIM manager
Go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager and tap Add eSIM. On some Galaxy phones and software versions, the menu is SIM card manager and the button reads Add mobile plan.
2At home
Scan the QR code
Tap Scan QR code and point the camera at the code your provider emailed you or shows in its app. The code has to be on a second screen, a laptop or a printout, since the phone's camera is the one scanning.
3At home
Restart the phone
Samsung's own steps end with a restart, which applies the new eSIM. After it, both lines show in SIM manager. Rename the new one "Travel" so you can tell them apart at the gate.
How to install an eSIM on a Google Pixel
The same idea on a Pixel, in fewer screens. Wi-Fi at home, QR code ready.
1At home
Open SIMs
Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs, tap Add SIM, then Set up an eSIM.
2At home
Scan and follow the screens
Scan the QR code and follow the prompts until the new line appears under SIMs. The Pixel adds it as a second line and keeps your US SIM as it was.
3At home
Leave the new line off data for now
If the Pixel asks which SIM to use for mobile data, keep your US SIM until you land. The plan's days usually begin when the eSIM first finds a network abroad, so there's no rush to switch it on at home.
How to activate the eSIM when you land
One switch before takeoff, two after landing, once Airplane mode is off. The eSIM takes the data, your US number keeps calls and texts.
1Before takeoff
Turn roaming off on your US line
On a Pixel, open your US SIM under Network & internet > SIMs and turn Roaming off. On a Galaxy, check that Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Data roaming is off for now. Keep the US SIM switched on in both cases, so a verification text from your bank still lands.
2After landing
Make the eSIM your mobile data SIM
Galaxy: SIM manager > Primary SIM > Mobile data, then pick the eSIM. Pixel: under "Your primary SIMs" in SIMs, tap Mobile data and pick the eSIM. Android only uses one SIM for data at a time. If your phone has an automatic data switching option on the SIM screens, turn it off, so it can't fall back on your US line.
3After landing
Turn roaming on for the eSIM
Galaxy: turn Data roaming on in Mobile networks. Pixel: open the eSIM under SIMs and turn Roaming on. A travel eSIM always counts as roaming, even on a local network.
On recent Galaxy phones, Data roaming may be one switch for both lines ((reported by users)). What keeps your US line off data there is Mobile data pointing at the eSIM, so check that setting first. On a Pixel 8 or earlier, data runs through the SIM you are calling from during a normal phone call: leave your US line's roaming off and call with WhatsApp instead.
Setting up an iPhone too? The iPhone eSIM guide draws each screen.
eSIM not working on Android? Try these in order
Match what your phone shows, and stop at the first fix that brings data back.
No signal on the eSIM line
Check that the eSIM line is switched on in SIM manager (Galaxy) or SIMs (Pixel), then restart the phone so it searches for a network from scratch. If the line still shows nothing, keep the eSIM installed and send the provider's support a screenshot of SIM manager or SIMs.
Signal bars, no internet
Mobile data is still on your US SIM, or roaming is off on the eSIM. Fix both in the activation steps above. Some providers also list an APN to type in by hand: it's in their app, next to the plan.
The QR code won't install
A travel eSIM QR code usually works once. If a first try failed halfway, the code may be spent: ask the provider's support for a new one rather than scanning it again and again.
Data works, but slowly
You may be on a weaker local network. In Mobile networks > Network operators (Galaxy) or on the eSIM's screen under SIMs (Pixel), turn off automatic network selection and pick the network your provider names in its plan.
Android eSIM questions
How do I activate eSIM on my Android phone?
Install it at home on Wi-Fi: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM on a Samsung Galaxy, Settings > Network & internet > SIMs > Add SIM > Set up an eSIM on a Pixel. When you land, set the eSIM as your mobile data SIM and turn roaming on for it.
How do I activate my eSIM manually?
If the camera won't read the QR code, open the eSIM app or email from your provider and copy the SM-DP+ address and the activation code. On a Galaxy, start from the same Add eSIM screen and choose to enter the details instead of scanning.
Why isn't my eSIM working on Android?
Most of the time, roaming is off on the eSIM line, or Mobile data still points at your US SIM. Check both under SIM manager (Galaxy) or Network & internet > SIMs (Pixel), then restart the phone.
Can I use eSIM on an Android phone?
Yes, on most recent Android phones that are unlocked. Every Pixel from the Pixel 3a on takes an eSIM (except a 3a bought with Verizon service or in Japan), and so do most recent Galaxy S and Z models. Your phone has one if Settings > About phone > Status on a Galaxy shows an EID number.
Ubigi for Japan10 GB, 30 days, $16.50
Get Ubigi