Originally Posted by paperwastage

Do you mind buying the sim from overseas?

Eg Amazon usa had a few options $15-$21 shipped to USA addresses. You might find something similar in your country/region

Also might also review eSim.me, makes your phone support esim. I don't like their new pricing model, and phone compatibility is ymmv... But that (25€+) allows you to use ubigi esim Japan $2.50 500MB 1 day plan)