Mobal Japan eSIM Review: Voice, Data, Pricing & Phone Number
Mobal is unusual among Japan travel eSIMs because you can choose simple tourist data or get a real Japanese mobile number with calls and SMS. This review looks closely at each Mobal eSIM service, current prices, useful features and the limits you should know before buying.
Get Mobal Voice + Data eSIM →
Japan Voice + DataJapanese number • Calls • SMS • 5G dataOur Mobal eSIM Verdict
Best for: travellers who need more than data, especially a real Japanese 070, 080 or 090 mobile number. Mobal is also useful for longer stays because its Voice + Data plans run monthly and can be changed. For a short holiday where you only need maps and messaging apps, its Data-Only eSIM is the simpler choice.
Is Mobal a good eSIM for Japan?
Yes, especially if you need a real Japanese phone number. Mobal's Voice + Data eSIM provides a standard 070, 080 or 090 number, voice calls, SMS and 5G data. Monthly data plans currently start at ¥1,650 for 1GB. Mobal also sells Data-Only tourist eSIMs and a Voice-Only plan.
See Mobal Voice + Data eSIM →Mobal Japan eSIM Services Explained (3 Types)
Choose between a complete Japanese mobile service, voice-only access or simple tourist data.
1. Mobal Voice + Data eSIM
This is Mobal's main option if you want your phone to work more like a local Japanese mobile service. You receive a real Japanese mobile number after activation. You can receive normal calls and SMS, make outgoing calls, send texts and use mobile data.
The regular monthly choices are 1GB, 5GB, 10GB, 15GB, 30GB and 50GB. Mobal also offers 100GB and 200GB upgrades after you have completed your first month on a lower plan. If you use all of your high-speed allowance, data continues at a reduced speed of around 200 Kbps rather than stopping completely. Unused allowance from the previous month can roll over.
The plan has no fixed contract. Mobal also prorates your first calendar month, so starting partway through a month means you pay only for the remaining days of that month.
Check Voice + Data Plans →2. Mobal Voice-Only eSIM
The Voice-Only eSIM is for someone who needs a real Japanese number but does not need Mobal mobile data. It currently costs ¥1,430 per calendar month after the eSIM purchase price. Calls and outgoing SMS are charged separately.
This can make sense if you already have internet from another SIM, pocket Wi-Fi or regular Wi-Fi but still need a local number for calls, messages, reservations or local contacts. It also includes a real Japanese number and can use the optional voice/SMS roaming feature.
See Mobal Japanese Number eSIMs →3. Mobal Data-Only eSIM
This is the easiest Mobal option for a normal holiday. There is no Japanese phone number, normal voice calling or SMS. Instead, you get mobile internet and can use apps such as WhatsApp, LINE, FaceTime or iMessage.
Unlike the voice products, Data-Only eSIMs can be delivered digitally by email and do not require the voice-service ID process. Current examples include 10GB for 16 days at ¥4,620, 50GB for 16 days at ¥5,170, 10GB for 31 days at ¥5,950 and 50GB for 31 days at ¥6,600. Mobal also advertises unlimited-data tourist options with durations from 3 to 31 days; the exact price changes with the selected duration.
See Mobal Data-Only eSIM →Mobal Voice + Data eSIM Pricing
Current monthly plan prices, plus the one-time eSIM purchase cost.
Mobal currently lists the Voice + Data eSIM itself at ¥4,455 under a 10% promotion, down from ¥4,950. You then choose a monthly data plan when activating. Prices shown below include tax.
| Monthly data | Current monthly price | Who it may suit |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | ¥1,650 | Very light data use |
| 5GB | ¥3,190 | Maps, messaging and light browsing |
| 10GB | ¥3,630 | Light-to-moderate traveller use |
| 15GB | ¥3,795 | Regular browsing and apps |
| 30GB | ¥4,378 | Frequent daily mobile use |
| 50GB | ¥5,280 | Heavy use or hotspot use |
| 100GB* | ¥6,490 | Very heavy use |
| 200GB* | ¥9,900 | High-volume users |
*100GB and 200GB are upgrade options after completing the first month on a lower-volume plan. Prices checked in September 2026 and can change.
The Japanese Phone Number: Mobal's Biggest Advantage
A normal Japanese mobile number rather than a data-only travel connection.
Mobal assigns its voice-capable eSIMs a standard Japanese mobile number beginning with 070, 080 or 090. This is different from a 050 internet-based number. Your number is assigned only after the service has been fully activated, so Mobal cannot give it to you in advance.
A real mobile number is useful when you want Japanese friends, hotels, workplaces or businesses to call you normally. It can also receive SMS. However, automated verification is controlled by the service sending the code, so Mobal does not guarantee that every app, website or bank will accept the number.
Call and SMS Rates
Incoming calls and SMS are free in Japan; outgoing use is charged separately.
| Usage in Japan | Rate |
|---|---|
| Incoming calls | Free |
| Calls to Japanese mobiles & landlines | ¥44/minute |
| Incoming SMS | Free |
| Domestic outgoing SMS | ¥33/message |
| International SMS | ¥140/message |
| Calls to listed major international destinations | ¥65/minute |
| Other international destinations | ¥200/minute |
Mobal recommends internet calling apps when practical because WhatsApp, LINE and similar apps use your data rather than the standard voice-call rate. Wi-Fi Calling is not supported by the Mobal voice service.
Data, 5G, Rollover and Hotspot
Useful mobile-data features for everyday travel and longer stays.
5G data
The latest Voice + Data eSIM supports 5G on compatible devices, with 4G/LTE support where appropriate.
Always-on data
After your high-speed monthly allowance is used, Mobal says data continues at around 200 Kbps rather than being cut off.
Data rollover
Unused allowance can roll into the next month. Mobal states that rollover applies to the previous month's unused allowance.
Hotspot & tethering
Mobal supports hotspot/tethering, although it cannot guarantee the feature on every device and operating system.
Mobal Add-Ons: Roaming and Voicemail
Optional features for travellers who need their Japanese line outside Japan or want missed-call messages.
Voice & SMS Roaming
The latest 5G Voice + Data eSIM can use voice and SMS outside Japan if roaming is enabled. The current activation fee is ¥5,995 each time. Incoming SMS are free, while calls and outgoing SMS have separate charges. Mobile data roaming is not included.
Voicemail
Voicemail currently costs ¥495 per month. Callers can leave a message when you cannot answer. Be careful when roaming: leaving voicemail enabled outside Japan can lead to incoming-call charges when someone leaves a message.
Coverage, Compatibility and Setup
Check your device before buying, especially if you plan to use the voice service.
Coverage across Japan
Mobal says its network covers more than 99% of Japan's population. Actual signal still depends on location, buildings, terrain, device and network conditions.
Phone requirements
Your phone needs to be unlocked and support eSIM, 5G or 4G/LTE Band 1 (2100 MHz), and VoLTE for calls. Mobal does not support physical-SIM adapters that try to simulate an eSIM.
On some Android phones, you may need to enter Mobal's APN settings manually before mobile data works. iPhone and Android setup can differ, so follow the setup guide for your exact Mobal product version.
Why a Voice eSIM Is Not Delivered Instantly by Email
The Japanese-number service has an identity-verification step that a normal tourist data eSIM does not.
Data-only service can be sent digitally. A Japanese voice number has identity requirements under Japanese rules.
For a voice eSIM, Mobal can send a unique access code to the address shown on your accepted ID, or you can collect the code in Japan. If you choose collection, you show your passport and order confirmation at the pickup point. If you choose delivery, Mobal asks you to upload the required ID and sends the access code to the address shown on that ID.
Mobal eSIM Pros and Cons
A quick look at the strongest benefits and the trade-offs to know before ordering.
✓ What we like
- Real 070/080/090 Japanese number
- Voice, SMS and data in one eSIM
- 1GB to 200GB monthly choices
- First-month proration
- No fixed monthly contract
- Data rollover
- Hotspot support
- English support
- Separate Data-Only tourist option
! What to know
- Voice eSIM needs ID verification/access code
- Not instant email delivery for voice plans
- Outgoing calls and SMS cost extra
- No Wi-Fi Calling
- No data roaming with roaming add-on
- Verification SMS is not guaranteed everywhere
- Number is lost when service ends
Which Mobal Plan Should You Choose?
Match the service to how you will actually use your phone in Japan.
Short tourist trip
Choose Data-Only if you mainly need maps, internet, social media and messaging apps.
Need a Japanese number
Choose Voice + Data for a local mobile number plus calls, SMS and internet.
Student or longer stay
Voice + Data is flexible because you can choose different monthly data sizes.
Already have data
Voice-Only can work if your main need is calls, SMS and a Japanese number.
How to Choose the Right Mobal eSIM
Five checks can help you avoid buying more — or less — service than you need.
Decide whether you need a Japanese number
If not, Data-Only is simpler. If yes, choose Voice + Data or Voice-Only.
Check your phone
Confirm that it is unlocked, eSIM-compatible and supports the required network features.
Choose your data level
Light users can start small. Hotspot users, remote workers and heavy video users may need more.
Plan for ID verification
This applies to voice-capable products. Choose delivery or a Japan pickup point.
Read the call rates
The monthly plan does not mean outgoing calls and texts are unlimited.
Mobal Japan eSIM FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about Mobal's Japan eSIM services.
Does Mobal give you a Japanese phone number?
Yes. Voice-capable Mobal eSIMs provide a standard 070, 080 or 090 Japanese mobile number after activation. Data-Only plans do not.
How much does Mobal Voice + Data cost?
The Voice + Data eSIM is currently listed at ¥4,455 during a 10% promotion, with monthly data plans starting at ¥1,650 for 1GB. Higher data plans cost more, and outgoing calls and SMS are charged separately.
Does Mobal support 5G?
Yes. The latest Mobal Voice + Data eSIM and current tourist data eSIM options support 5G on compatible devices, with network availability depending on location and device.
Can I use Mobal outside Japan?
The latest 5G Voice + Data eSIM supports optional voice and SMS roaming. It does not provide mobile data roaming. A separate activation fee applies each time roaming is enabled.
Can Mobal receive verification SMS?
A Mobal voice eSIM can receive SMS, but Mobal does not guarantee that every automated verification service will accept or deliver to the number.
Can I use Mobal as a hotspot?
Mobal supports hotspot and tethering, although compatibility can vary by device and operating system.
Is Mobal Data-Only or Voice + Data better?
Data-Only is simpler for tourists who only need internet. Voice + Data is better when you need a real Japanese number for normal calls and SMS as well as mobile data.
Our Mobal Japan eSIM Recommendation
Choose Voice + Data if the Japanese phone number is important to you. Choose Data-Only if you mainly need internet for a short trip. Mobal's strongest advantage is that it offers both types instead of forcing every traveller into the same plan.
See Mobal Voice + Data eSIM →Affiliate disclosure: VoIPCalling.com may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. This does not change the price you pay. This review is editorial content. Prices and features were checked in September 2026 and may change, so confirm the latest details before purchase.