How to choose a SIM or eSIM for delivery work in Japan
Do not choose by price alone. Check that maps, delivery apps and calls work reliably in the places and at the times when you plan to deliver.
Five checks before you apply
- Accepted identity documents such as a residence card
- Available card or bank-account payment methods
- SIM or eSIM compatibility with your phone
- Coverage, data allowance and reduced-speed rules
- Contract term, cancellation, number transfer and support languages
Prepare for reliable delivery work
- Test your work areaTest maps, notifications and calls in the places and at the times when you expect to work.
- Check mobile-data useReview monthly data use in your phone settings and leave a reasonable margin.
- Prepare power and rain protectionUse a safe power bank, an undamaged cable and suitable water protection.
Prices, coverage, identity checks, payment methods and support languages can change. Check the carrier's official information on the day you apply.
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Should you change your SIM before your first delivery?
Start with the phone and plan you already have. Open the map, delivery app, notifications and calling function in the areas and at the hours you expect to work. Check your phone’s last three monthly data totals. A new contract only helps if it solves a real coverage, data or cost problem. If the current plan works well, keeping it may be the simpler choice.
Compare three options before applying
| Option | Best fit | Check before you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Keep your current plan | Your work area has reliable signal and your data allowance is sufficient. | Actual data use, total monthly bill and what happens when you reach your limit. |
| Physical SIM | Your phone takes a compatible card and you can wait for delivery or shop activation. | SIM size, unlocked or supported phone, identity and payment requirements, activation date. |
| eSIM | Your exact phone model and the carrier both support eSIM. | Compatible model, a working internet connection for setup, and the reissue process after changing phones. |
A second SIM is not automatically a backup: if it uses the same mobile network as your main line, a network problem may affect both. Check which network each plan uses and test it in your delivery area.
Compare the first-year cost, not just the monthly price
Then check any promotion, number transfer, cancellation terms and reduced-speed rules on the official application screen.
One current example: HIS Mobile Jiyu Jizai 3.0
On 16 October 2026, the official Japanese plan page showed voice plans at ¥770/month for 3 GB, ¥990 for 7 GB and ¥1,699 for 20 GB, tax included. It also showed a ¥3,300 initial contract fee per line. HIS Mobile uses the Docomo network and offers eSIM information. These are examples for comparing capacity and total cost, not a promise that any plan will work for every courier. Prices and eligibility can change.
| Monthly data | Official monthly price | Delivery-work question |
|---|---|---|
| 3 GB | ¥770 | Was your measured use comfortably below 3 GB? |
| 7 GB | ¥990 | Did you exceed 3 GB in busy months? |
| 20 GB | ¥1,699 | Do you use the same line heavily outside delivery work? |
Advertisement: Check HIS Mobile’s current prices and application conditions (the destination is in Japanese). Check your phone model, documents, payment method, coverage and total cost before applying.
Who should wait before switching?
If your work location is untested, your phone’s SIM status is unclear, or you cannot receive calls during activation, test and verify first. Do not cancel a working main line until your replacement is active and maps, notifications and calls work. If you need help in another language, check the carrier’s current support options before applying.
Official references: HIS Mobile plan details; Apple dual-SIM guidance; Google Pixel SIM guidance. Confirm the exact device and plan terms at the source.
Advertisement: Review HIS Mobile’s current offer. If it does not meet your coverage or language needs, keep comparing rather than applying because of price alone.