The No. 1 Japan Travel eSIM Recommendation Only You Don't Know About: MalTalk

I recently returned from a trip to Japan. These days, it seems more convenient to purchase an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card to freely use data overseas. Searching for eSIMs yields an overwhelming number of results, but today I’ll recommend one eSIM for your Japan trip.

Japan Travel eSIM Recommendation No.1: MalTalk

While preparing for my trip to Japan, the thing I researched the most was local SIM cards. However, I became concerned about the physical SIM requiring replacement in my phone and the risk of losing my main SIM during the trip.

That’s when I shifted my focus to eSIMs, which can be downloaded and used immediately. And while searching online for eSIMs, the one I’d recommend for Japan travel is MalTalk.

If you’re curious about purchasing and using an eSIM for overseas travel, I think referring to my previous post below will be a huge help in understanding.

Why I recommend MalTalk

Recently, I assumed internet would work well wherever I went overseas, so I didn’t think I needed to buy any specific eSIM product.

And since eSIM prices are cheap, I figured searching for a cheaper product would be a waste of time.

However, while searching for eSIM products for my Japan trip, I realized many eSIM products are tailored for short-term use (within 7 days). Or, products with fixed durations like 3 days, 5 days, or 7 days were very noticeable.

But since I planned to stay in Japan for about two weeks, I looked for a plan offering a slightly longer duration.

That’s when I found MalTalk’s eSIM plan, which provides coverage for up to 30 days. This makes MalTalk a good option for people like me who are planning a somewhat longer trip.

How to purchase an eSIM on MalTalk

There are two ways to purchase an eSIM on MalTalk: either through the MalTalk website or by installing the MalTalk Now app on your phone. At the

time, I didn’t know that installing the MalTalk Now app offered a 5% discount on product purchases. Installing the app is easy, and you can manage your data usage, so I recommend purchasing after installing the app.

You can search for the app yourself, or you can install it directly from the MalTalk website page below, depending on your phone model.

While planning this trip to Japan, I booked a cruise from Busan to Osaka. While waiting at the Busan International Ferry Terminal, I purchased the product directly on the MalTalk website. Afterward, I regretted not using the app instead.

To purchase an eSIM on MalTalk, simply select the product, enter your basic information, set the data allowance and duration, and complete the purchase. Since you’ll

receive a message via KakaoTalk, just make sure to enter your mobile phone number correctly when filling in your basic information.

I chose an eSIM with 1GB per day for a total of 13 days, which cost 11,900 won. Once you complete the purchase, you’ll receive a KakaoTalk message like the one below.

After arriving in Japan, you can immediately start using data by simply setting up the eSIM on your phone.

How to Use an eSIM for Travel in Japan

1) Select the method to add an eSIM

To add an eSIM, go to your phone’s [Settings] > [Connections or Network & Internet] > [SIM Manager]. While the above method is one option, scanning a QR code is the easiest way, so you can select QR code scanning.

2) Scan the QR code

Looking back now, I can’t quite remember whether I used the QR code I had screenshotted or manually entered the activation code I copied above.

Either way isn’t difficult, so just proceed according to your situation as you go. Once this step is complete, the eSIM addition will be finished.

3) Settings on your eSIM-enabled phone

Return to the SIM manager and activate the newly added eSIM. Then switch the mobile data setting to the eSIM.

I’m currently using both a physical SIM for New Zealand and one for Korea simultaneously. While adding the Japan eSIM this time, the New Zealand SIM automatically deactivated.

It seems that while you can add multiple eSIMs, only up to two can be active at any given time.

Japan Travel eSIM Usage Review and Wrap-Up

Today I talked about MalTalk as a recommended eSIM for Japan travel. I used data for two weeks without any issues whatsoever. Even with apps like Google Maps

, which I used constantly

during the trip, I didn’t significantly exceed my data allowance. I do wish I could have checked my data usage more easily through the app itself.

For those purchasing an eSIM via MalTalk and encountering difficulties adding or configuring it, referencing the activation method provided below by MalTalk should help with the installation process.