Moved to Japan this week and made the stupid mistake of thinking the s23 I bought beforehand would be supported. So far, I’ve tried with Ahamo, UQ, and Rakuten but no luck. Any carrier who provides eSIM for newer phones or do I need to just use one of the phones they provide?
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I know my phone is compatible with their networks (checked the bands) but it seems like companies are hesitant to offer service to a phone not on their list
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My phone’s not on any of the companies’ lists but works fine; spouse’s is the same. However, we are not using e-SIMs.
When you mentioned you tried, did you mean your phone could not work with a sim they provided?
If you know your phone will work with for example Ahamo, can’t you just apply for the sim and see what happens? (They have eSim too if that’s what you want).
IIRC I didn’t have to do much but pay to get an Ahamo sim back then, while my phone was a Canada-bought iPhone 8 Plus. I did however used UQMobile before making the switch, if that made it easier for me to get the Ahamo sim but I doubt it.
Something got lost in translation.
They are hesitant to offer you service on a phone that doesn’t have the 技適 mark. The S23 isn’t out in Japan, so unless it already has a 技適マーク in the settings, it’s technically illegal to use here.
Just order a SIM online like everyone else
Go to [Amazon.jp](https://Amazon.jp) and order a SIM from any company. LINE is good because its connected to the LINE-PAY. But get whatever you want. $10 – $30 a month is about right. Also some plans include Unlimited Free Youtube.
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Forget eSIM -you need multiple ID’s and need to go to a physical store. Also your phone is not sold at these stores so will create drama.
Just apply online on a sim/esim only plan. I was on Rakuten in the past (nanosim), and am now on ahamo (esim). My wife just moved to ahamo last Sunday as well. Never had any issues with them asking what phone I’m using.