How to Set Up and Fix a Nomad eSIM for Japan (Without Losing Your Mind)

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eSIMs are fantastic. You get data abroad at decent prices without needing to faff around with your physical SIM card, risking missed calls or losing that tiny thing you “put somewhere safe” and immediately forgot. They are advertised as download, activate, and off you go. And in fairness, that is how it went for me. For Lucy, not so smooth. Turns out, a few hidden settings can block the whole thing. It certainly made out lives easier, when we were stuck in an airport, sleep deprived and desperately trying to book an uber.

But don’t panic. Where there’s a Phil, there’s a way. If you have ever tried setting up an eSIM while your kids are clinging to your legs after a sixteen hour flight and the airport Wi-Fi is barely hanging on, you will know the unique flavour of tech-related despair that can hit. Japan was our test run. After a healthy amount of swearing and toggling airplane mode about forty-seven times, we got there.

Here is the guide I wish I had at the time.

We used the Nomad 20GB eSIM for Japan. It worked across the whole country.

How Much Is a Nomad eSIM and How Much Data Do You Need

We paid $17 for 10 gigabytes and it lasted us the full month. That included tethering for the kids on YouTube and using Google Maps constantly.

To check how much data you typically use, go to Settings then Mobile Data and scroll down to see usage. You can reset this before you travel if you want to track it cleanly.

Nomad offers eSIMs for loads of countries, not just Japan. You can check availability here:
Check Nomad eSIM Coverage List Here

Warning!
Check your mobile has eSim compatibility before purchasing – Some older models do not have it.

Step-by-Step. How to Set Up a Nomad eSIM

1. Buy your plan
   Go to Nomad and choose your country and data amount.
   
2. Download the Nomad app
   This is where you will find your QR code and activation info.
   
3. Add the eSIM to your phone
   You will get a QR code or manual install code once you pay.
   Go to Settings then Mobile Data or Cellular
   Tap Add eSIM or Add Data Plan
   Scan the QR code or enter the activation code manually
   Insert screenshot of the Add eSIM screen.
   
4. Name it
   Call it something like Japan Data so it is easy to identify.
   
5. Turn off your main SIM and turn on the eSIM
   Go to SIM settings. On iPhone that is Settings then Mobile Data then SIMs.
   Turn your UK SIM off for data
   Turn your Nomad eSIM on
   Insert screenshot of the SIM toggle settings

Troubleshooting. What to Do When It Does Not Work

After setup it should connect within a minute or two. If it does not, work through this list.

• Restart your phone
  Power it off for fifteen seconds then turn it back on.
  
• Turn off 5G
  Settings – eSim settings
  Preferred network type
  Change from 5G to 4G (LTE)

• Turn off Automatic Network Selection
  Settings – eSim settings
  Toggle Automatically select network to off
  Wait for the list to load and pick a local provider

• If it fails to connect, deselect and try a different one.
  
• Check APN (Access Point Names) settings
  Sometimes it says connected but no data loads.
  Settings – eSim settings
  Input the APN from your Nomad confirmation email

• Toggle Airplane Mode
  Switch it on for fifteen seconds then off again. This forces a reset.
  
• Reinstall the Nomad app
  Do not delete the eSIM. If you remove it from your phone you will have to buy a new one.
  You can delete the Nomad app safely
  Reinstall from the App Store or Google Play and log back in.
  

Still Stuck?
Its time to open the Nomad app and contact them. They usually respond within a couple of hours.

Pre Travel Checklist

Before you leave the UK

Make sure your phone is unlocked
Install and activate your eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi
Screenshot the QR code
Save any backup codes in a notes app or offline folder
Turn off data roaming on your UK SIM
Double check your phone supports eSIMs

Our Experience Using Nomad in Japan

We used Nomad across Tokyo Osaka and Okinawa with no problems once it was live.
Tethering worked. Speeds were solid. No signal drops. It kept the kids entertained and helped us navigate without issue.

We also mention this setup in our Uber in Japan blog post. We used the eSIM to stream cartoons in taxis and find our way to hard to pronounce places.

Quick Fixes Recap

Want the Easy Option

Grab your Nomad Japan eSIM here