I just got back from Japan for a trip (2023-09-19 – 2023-09-26). So, I wanted to compare the two systems that were the most popular. Both phones are Apple iPhone 14 Pro – PROVIDER UNLOCKED.
I chose Airalo and installed Ubigi on my wife’s. We were constantly together and typically did all usage side by side for the same thing.
Both were setup and installed prior to leaving for Japan.
Itinerary:
* Narita to Harumi
* Tokyo (Harumi, Tsukiji, Ueno)
* Ueno to Naganoharakusatusuguchi (Limited Express Kusatsu-Shima 1) Round Trip
* Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture
* Ueno to Joso Ibaraki
* Tsukuba Science City
* Joso Ibaraki to Mejiro
* Tokyo (Meijiro, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Harajuku)
* Mejiro to Narita
Airalo was a constant 4G. Ubigi was a mostly 5G and sometimes LTE.
I used the PERSONAL HOTSPOT from both providers, and also had no issues. I didn’t use it for watching videos on my iPad but I did use it for looking up information on the bigger screen and using the maps to get a better view of the train lines.
Both of the apps were easy enough to use. However, the beginning of the Ubigi started as soon as the eSIM was installed, and Airalo started as soon as you connect in Japan. So, there was that difference. We got the 30 day plans, so there was no worries for our trip.
I gotta say, I didn’t really have any issues with either systems, we did do the following as soon as we were in the air headed for Tokyo (again iOS):
1. Open the Celluar settings
2. Open the standard provider settings and turning it OFF. “Turn On This Line”
3. Then one by one go through all the applications installed on the phone and turn them OFF in the celluar settings.
4. We kept the standard Apple system and applications turned on (Mail, Messages, Maps…)
5. Obviously, the Airalo and Ubigi apps should also be on.
6. We turned off anything that could STREAM data (Apple Music, Spotify…)
7. The rest is up to you.
My wife with these settings having a 10GB/30 Day plan, only used 2 GB. We used maps, messages, and mail every day to map our destinations check our locations and keep in check. She has installed also LINE application for communication with her family in Japan.
I will say Messages in iOS was the biggest issue. Since, most of my contacts were using the phone number, those no longer worked. I had to create a connection to my wife using our iCloud email addresses. Once, we connected using email, then we had no issues. So, if you have favorites in Messages that you have been communicating with and they no longer seem to work, then we simply added their email address to the same conversation (creating a group) and then it communicated just fine.
Example – My Wife and I thread was: Wife Phone Number (555-5555) to My Phone Number (555-5556)
So, we just added “another person” to the thread Wife’s iCloud email ([wife@icloud.com](mailto:wife@icloud.com)) to my iCloud email ([husband@icloud.com](mailto:husband@icloud.com)).
Conclusion, while either system seemed to work great, no connection issues, I would chose UBIGI over Airalo in Japan. Only because I want to use the fastest speed available.
We would definitely choose eSIM over a WiFi device that you have to hold and charge everyday.
I hope this helps someone going over for the first time.
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5 comments
I used Ubigi in Japan last December, and Airalo this June. Both worked great. However, I seem to recall having more hassle getting messaging working using Airalo than Ubigi, but I can’t remember exactly why. Like you, I’d choose Ubigi next time, but it’s a fairly close-run thing. I also agree that eSIM is much better than a portable wifi hotspot. I’ve used one of those on previous trips, and while it was fine, it was certainly more hassle than the eSIM.
I am leaving soon for Japan and have installed Airalo.
Do you inactivate that esim until you land, then turn on the mobile data and roaming for it?
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Thanks for the report on this by the way
For future reference you can just leave your home SIM activated (disable roaming data) and it’ll use the Airalo/Ubigi data like you’re connected to WiFi (it’ll show VZW Wi-Fi or ATT Wi-Fi, for example). With that you wouldn’t have the iMessage issue.
I used airalo recently for two weeks. 20gb for $23 and it worked as soon as I landed. Only times i had trouble with signal was in hakone in more remote parts. Generally 4G and speed was not an issue that was noticeable in comparison to 5g in the states, in my opinion. Messaging is fine as long as you send from an email address. Since these are esims you dont get a phone number of course.
Just want to add that I used Ubigi also and it worked excellent for trip Tokyo, Kyoto, AND S. KOREA. Always LTE OR 5g. No issues. Also Ubigi customer service was great. I screwed up and installed the 30 day 10gig plan too early and messaged them and they extended my deadline efficiently with just the initial message. Also nice having the app to track usage. I used all 10 gigs on 2 week trip!