Pocket WiFI vs SIM
Jul 7, 2018 | 5:11 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: UA Star Gold (lifetime)
Posts: 550
Pocket WiFI vs SIM
Newbie to Japan here and confused by the whole pocket WiFi thing. I bought a 1 month SIM2FLY Simcard. Should I also rent a pocket WiFi. I am a bit confused if it is really needed, and I if I get one should I keep my USA Iphone number and ditch the SIM2FLY.
Any clarity would be greatly appreciated. Although I have traveled extensively, I have never heard of the pocket WiFi.
Any clarity would be greatly appreciated. Although I have traveled extensively, I have never heard of the pocket WiFi.
Jul 7, 2018 | 7:13 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MEL
Posts: 2,441
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 youre a solo traveler with a single iPhone, then a sim maybe an easier alternative; however, if you have more than one device or theres 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 - heres one example - iVideo. There are also rental shops at the airport but probably easier/quicker to arrange it before you leave home.
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 - heres one example - iVideo. There are also rental shops at the airport but probably easier/quicker to arrange it before you leave home.
Jul 8, 2018 | 11:06 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hyatt Place
Programs: world hyatt national
Posts: 5,894
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 youre a solo traveler with a single iPhone, then a sim maybe an easier alternative; however, if you have more than one device or theres 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 - heres one example - iVideo. There are also rental shops at the airport but probably easier/quicker to arrange it before you leave home.
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 - heres one example - iVideo. There are also rental shops at the airport but probably easier/quicker to arrange it before you leave home.
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?
Jul 9, 2018 | 3:52 am
#5
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: HH Diamond, GHA Titanium
Posts: 2,030
Some countries are starting to rent pocket wifi's from departure airports, could be more convenient that way if your country is one of those, cos you have internet access the moment your plane touches the ground.
Examples: https://www.changirecommends.com/owifi.aspx? (SG) and http://www.wiyo.my/rental_fees (MY)
In my experience pocket wifi's last maybe 8 hours, so generally speaking you do need some sort of top-up during the day (whether via powerbank or car lighter socket/USB).
You can think of the device as a (weak) wifi router -- doesn't have to be in line of sight or anything, it'll work fine (within reasonable distances) if it's in a pocket, or a bag, or a backpack, etc.
Examples: https://www.changirecommends.com/owifi.aspx? (SG) and http://www.wiyo.my/rental_fees (MY)
- 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?
- 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?
You can think of the device as a (weak) wifi router -- doesn't have to be in line of sight or anything, it'll work fine (within reasonable distances) if it's in a pocket, or a bag, or a backpack, etc.
Last edited by shuigao; Jul 10, 2018 at 2:28 am
Jul 9, 2018 | 5:53 am
#6
Moderator: Hawaii-based airlines & Hawai'i forums
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Ka ʻĀpala Nui, Nuioka
Programs: NEXUS/Global Entry, Delta, United, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott, and Hertz
Posts: 18,724
Close proximity is fine; say a 10 foot radius in general.
Jul 9, 2018 | 10:43 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,676
This is very important to remember. If you're going to be at a site/attraction for a couple hours, turn it off during that time.
Jul 9, 2018 | 11:18 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: pleb
Posts: 563
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?
- 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?
2. My rentals usually lasts almost an entire day.
3. I'd have mine in one hotel room and can go next door/across hall to family members rooms and it'd be fine.
Jul 9, 2018 | 10:40 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hyatt Place
Programs: world hyatt national
Posts: 5,894
Thanks, guys!
I'm looking at the thread: MiFi Wifi Rental in Japan
Interesting that some of the suppliers (like ivideo) are not even in Jpn. Wouldn't the shipping fees to/from Jpn alone (both delivery and return) be cost-ineffective? And if there's a technical issue for which you need support during the trip, wouldn't it be problematic if the device is from another country like Taiwan?
Sorry, another dumb question, but I just want to be sure.
Mifi = pocket Wifi, correct?
I'm looking at the thread: MiFi Wifi Rental in Japan
Interesting that some of the suppliers (like ivideo) are not even in Jpn. Wouldn't the shipping fees to/from Jpn alone (both delivery and return) be cost-ineffective? And if there's a technical issue for which you need support during the trip, wouldn't it be problematic if the device is from another country like Taiwan?
Sorry, another dumb question, but I just want to be sure.
Mifi = pocket Wifi, correct?
Jul 10, 2018 | 10:21 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: pleb
Posts: 563
Thanks, guys!
I'm looking at the thread: MiFi Wifi Rental in Japan
Interesting that some of the suppliers (like ivideo) are not even in Jpn. Wouldn't the shipping fees to/from Jpn alone (both delivery and return) be cost-ineffective? And if there's a technical issue for which you need support during the trip, wouldn't it be problematic if the device is from another country like Taiwan?
Sorry, another dumb question, but I just want to be sure.
Mifi = pocket Wifi, correct?
I'm looking at the thread: MiFi Wifi Rental in Japan
Interesting that some of the suppliers (like ivideo) are not even in Jpn. Wouldn't the shipping fees to/from Jpn alone (both delivery and return) be cost-ineffective? And if there's a technical issue for which you need support during the trip, wouldn't it be problematic if the device is from another country like Taiwan?
Sorry, another dumb question, but I just want to be sure.
Mifi = pocket Wifi, correct?
Ivideo is about half the price of Japanese domestic suppliers, and shipping fee is only $8 usd. Why don't you just price it out yourself? If you're worried about support then just go with a Japanese company.
Jul 10, 2018 | 4:39 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: AMEX AC CX UA AA DL
Posts: 3,015
I use Sim2Fly. It's the best ever! Fast and cheap. All the Japanese local SIMs for tourists are very slow, and of course more expensive. I had been using tourist SIMs since ~2010.
SIM: cheaper than pocket wifi. Can be tricky to set up for iPhone. Some people simply couldn't get it to work. I never had a problem using models from 3GS to iphone X.
Pocket Wifi: unlimited (subject to fair usage), very high speed data. Most people do not need that kind of speed. Extra equipment to carry - the device itself and external battery pack. Everyone in the party must travel together to benefit from it. Coverage is not as good as SIM (which is NTT Docomo for Japanese SIMs, the best coverage). Sim2Fly is on Softbank. Some cheap pocket wifi typically provided by Airbnb hosts have dismal coverage in popular out-of-town destinations, or underground malls.
SIM: cheaper than pocket wifi. Can be tricky to set up for iPhone. Some people simply couldn't get it to work. I never had a problem using models from 3GS to iphone X.
Pocket Wifi: unlimited (subject to fair usage), very high speed data. Most people do not need that kind of speed. Extra equipment to carry - the device itself and external battery pack. Everyone in the party must travel together to benefit from it. Coverage is not as good as SIM (which is NTT Docomo for Japanese SIMs, the best coverage). Sim2Fly is on Softbank. Some cheap pocket wifi typically provided by Airbnb hosts have dismal coverage in popular out-of-town destinations, or underground malls.
Jul 10, 2018 | 10:54 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hyatt Place
Programs: world hyatt national
Posts: 5,894
Okay thanks again.
I've got an Iphone paid for by my company on some type of special plan that's also paid for. Perhaps that's the reason why the SIM card situation seems to be so complicated with my phone and therefore it's not an easy option.
I think I'm going to have to go with Jpn pocket wifi vendor when in Jpn just cuz of concerns of tech support if that becomes necessary. I will look at the other thread for some recs.
I'm leaving for Jpn in a couple days and will be in a remote part of the country for much for the trip this time around, so will probably just go with our extremely slow cellular data again. But will definitely look into it when I go back in fall.
I've got an Iphone paid for by my company on some type of special plan that's also paid for. Perhaps that's the reason why the SIM card situation seems to be so complicated with my phone and therefore it's not an easy option.
I think I'm going to have to go with Jpn pocket wifi vendor when in Jpn just cuz of concerns of tech support if that becomes necessary. I will look at the other thread for some recs.
I'm leaving for Jpn in a couple days and will be in a remote part of the country for much for the trip this time around, so will probably just go with our extremely slow cellular data again. But will definitely look into it when I go back in fall.
Jul 11, 2018 | 8:14 am
#14
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,676
Jul 11, 2018 | 10:00 am
#15
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Between Seas
Posts: 6,285
Pocket wifis that you order yourself will normally feature more reliable LTE connections with bigger allocations of fast data, on average at least 1GB/day. However, you are still subject to the risk and cost of equipment loss, so It appears to be another profit opportunity for suppliers.
Last edited by FlitBen; Jul 11, 2018 at 2:40 pm