A pocket wifi is a small portable unit that contains a sim and which allows wifi connections to the unit, usually for up to 10 devices simultaneously. If you’re a solo traveler with a single iPhone, then a sim maybe an easier alternative; however, if you have more than one device or there’s more than one of you, than a pocket wifi is the way to go. It also has the advantage that you can leave your home sim in the phone so that people can reach you on that number if needs be.
There are various companies that rent them. You can arrange the rental before you leave home and pick it up at the airport in Japan (usually at a post office or convenience store) or have it delivered to your hotel etc. They come with a return envelope so you just drop it in the mail before you leave Japan. There are various companies - here’s one example -
iVideo. There are also rental shops at the airport but probably easier/quicker to arrange it before you leave home.
I realize there's another long thread on this. But this is a very useful primer for someone like me who doesn't know much about pocket wifi. Apparently it's a hassle to get my phone SIM unlocked (including a required 96hr notice or something), so I've never tried swapping out SIM's. We have data in Jpn, but it's extremely slow and erratic 3G and frustrating to deal with.
With regards to pocket wifi, I have some questions.
- You say to arrange for it in advance, but why not just get it at one of those outlets in NRT upon arrival? If it's a price thing, is the price difference that substantial?
- For a typical pocket wifi you pick up at NRT, do you charge the battery and how long does a fully-charged wifi last?
- If the pocket wifi is inside the suitcase sitting on the train's overhead rack and I'm sitting right below, will it work? Or do you always have to place it out in the open near the connected devices?