When traveling in Japan with family, we use the internet in various situations, such as Google Maps, transit guides, translation apps, and hotel reservation confirmations.
Therefore, many people may wonder before departure whether "each family member should use an eSIM" or "it would be better to share a rental Wi-Fi device."
If the whole family is always together and you want to connect multiple devices at once, rental Wi-Fi is convenient.
On the other hand, if family members may act separately or want to communicate freely on their own smartphones, eSIMs may be easier to use.
In this article, we will compare the differences between eSIMs and rental Wi-Fi for family travel in terms of cost, number of people, data capacity, charging, portability, and separate activities.
Main Communication Methods for Family Travel
The main communication methods that are easy to use for family travel are as follows:
- Each family member uses an eSIM
- Share one rental Wi-Fi device among the family
- Share the representative's eSIM via tethering
- Use free Wi-Fi and international roaming in combination
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is necessary to choose based on the number of family members, devices used, and travel behavior patterns.
Differences Between eSIM and Rental Wi-Fi
| Comparison Item | eSIM | Rental Wi-Fi |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Method | Added to each smartphone | Connected to a dedicated router |
| Pickup | Purchased online | At the airport, store, delivery, etc. |
| Return | Not required | Required |
| Portability | Only smartphone | Wi-Fi router is needed |
| Charging | Only smartphone | Smartphone and router |
| Use by Multiple People | Generally requires one for each person | Can be shared by the family |
| Separate Activities | Each can communicate | Must be near the person with the router |
| Compatible Devices | Requires eSIM-compatible devices | Can be used with Wi-Fi compatible devices |
| Risk of Loss | No additional devices | Risk of losing or damaging the router |
Cases Where eSIM is Recommended for Family Travel
Family May Act Separately
If family members will be shopping, sightseeing, or dining separately during the trip, it is convenient for each to use an eSIM.
Since each person's smartphone can communicate, you can stay in touch via LINE or WhatsApp even from different locations.
With rental Wi-Fi, you may lose connectivity if you move away from the person holding the router.
Each Family Member Wants to Use Maps
During family travel, parents may check Google Maps while children use social media or videos, resulting in multiple communications happening simultaneously.
If each has an eSIM, they can communicate freely on their own smartphones without concentrating on one Wi-Fi router.
Do Not Want to Deal with Pickup or Return
eSIMs can be purchased online and set up using QR codes.
There is no need to pick up at the airport counter or return before returning home.
This is suitable for families traveling with small children or those who want to reduce airport procedures.
Do Not Want to Increase Luggage
With eSIMs, there is no need to carry additional items like Wi-Fi routers, charging cables, or mobile batteries.
You can communicate with just your smartphone, making it easier to reduce luggage.
Want to Maintain Primary Line Overseas
If you have a dual SIM-compatible device, you can keep your primary line overseas while using a Japanese eSIM for data communication.
You can receive SMS verification with your usual phone number while using the eSIM for internet access in Japan.
You can check the currently available plans from Japanese eSIM products and pricing plans.
Cases Where Rental Wi-Fi is Recommended for Family Travel
Family Members Always Act Together
If the family does not act separately during the trip and moves together in the same location, it is easier to share one rental Wi-Fi device.
Many Devices Need to Connect
If you need to connect multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles, rental Wi-Fi is convenient.
However, keep in mind that increasing the number of simultaneous connections may reduce communication speed.
Using Devices That Do Not Support eSIM
Even if family members' smartphones do not support eSIM, they can connect to rental Wi-Fi as long as they have Wi-Fi capability.
Find eSIM Setup Difficult
Using eSIM requires settings such as scanning QR codes, mobile data communication, and data roaming.
If you are unsure about the setup, rental Wi-Fi, which only requires entering the Wi-Fi name and password, may be easier to understand.
Want to Share Large Data Usage Among Family
If the whole family is watching videos or using tablets, a high-capacity rental Wi-Fi may be a good option.
However, be sure to check the daily high-speed data limit and speed restrictions.
Recommendations Change Based on Family Size for Travel
Traveling with Two Adults
If both are using eSIM-compatible smartphones, it is convenient for each to set up an eSIM.
You can stay in touch even if you act separately, and there is no need to manage a Wi-Fi router.
If you are always together and want to keep costs down, renting one Wi-Fi device is also an option.
Two Adults and One or Two Children
If the children do not have smartphones, adults can use eSIMs.
If children use tablets or gaming devices, they can tether from a parent's smartphone or use rental Wi-Fi.
Traveling with an Adult and Middle or High School Students
If each family member has a smartphone and uses social media or videos, it is easier to prepare an eSIM for each.
Especially during trips with free activities, it is reassuring for each to be able to communicate.
Three-Generation Family Travel
When traveling with multiple generations, such as grandparents, parents, and children, check the compatibility of devices.
You can set up eSIMs on compatible devices and use Wi-Fi or tethering on non-compatible devices.
Data Capacity Needed for Family Travel
The required data capacity varies based on the number of family members, travel days, video viewing, and social media usage.
| Usage Content | Daily Estimate per Person |
|---|---|
| Maps, transit guides, and messaging | About 300–500MB |
| SNS, photo posting, and searching | About 500MB–1GB |
| Using videos and video calls | 1–3GB or more |
| Tethering and using multiple devices | May require 2–5GB or more |
Three-Day Family Trip
If the focus is on maps, messaging, and reservation confirmations, a daily estimate of about 1–3GB per person is recommended.
If the whole family uses rental Wi-Fi, choose the capacity considering the number of users and video viewing.
Five to Seven-Day Family Trip
For general use, a daily estimate of about 3–5GB per person is recommended.
If you use social media and videos daily, consider 5–10GB or more per person.
Ten to Fourteen-Day Family Trip
If using maps, searching, and SNS, a daily estimate of about 5–10GB per person is recommended.
If you do not use hotel Wi-Fi much, it is safer to have 10–20GB or a high-capacity plan.
For detailed capacity estimates, please check data usage estimates.
You can check products by usage period and capacity from comparison of Japanese eSIM pricing and plans.
Is it Expensive to Purchase eSIMs for the Whole Family?
If you purchase eSIMs for the whole family, you will need to pay for each person.
Therefore, the total amount may be higher than renting one Wi-Fi device.
However, it is important to compare not only the cost but also the following points.
- The hassle of pickup and return
- Carrying the router
- Daily charging
- Communication during separate activities
- Compensation for lost or damaged routers
- Data usage for each family member
If the whole family always acts together, rental Wi-Fi may be easier to manage costs.
If there are many separate activities or free time, it may be worth purchasing eSIMs for each person.
How to Share a Representative's eSIM via Tethering
One family member can purchase an eSIM and share it with the family using the smartphone's tethering feature.
This is convenient for short-term use or connecting children's tablets.
Advantages
- Can purchase only one eSIM
- No need to rent a Wi-Fi router
- Can also connect tablets and computers
Disadvantages
- Cannot communicate if separated from the representative
- Increased battery consumption on the smartphone
- Data capacity may be consumed quickly
- Speed may decrease with increased number of connections
- Load is concentrated on the representative's smartphone
If you plan to use tethering for a long time, it is advisable to prepare a mobile battery and a high-capacity plan for peace of mind.
Points to Consider When Choosing eSIM for Family Travel
Check if Family Devices are eSIM-Compatible
Not all smartphones are compatible with eSIM.
Even with the same model name, compatibility may vary by country of sale and model.
You can check your family's devices from the list of eSIM-compatible devices.
Check for SIM Lock
If the device is SIM-locked, it may not be possible to add a Japanese eSIM.
Choose a Plan That Matches the Travel Duration
Select a validity period that includes all days from arrival in Japan to the return date.
If you anticipate flight changes or extended stays, a plan that is 1–2 days longer than planned is safer.
Check if Additional Charges are Possible
During family travel, children may use data faster than expected for video viewing.
Make sure to check how to add charges or purchase a new eSIM.
Check for Tethering Support
If you plan to connect family tablets or computers, choose a plan that supports tethering.
Check Support System
When setting up multiple eSIMs, there may be issues with settings or connection.
Check the inquiry method, support hours, and supported languages before purchasing.
For settings and communication, please refer to Japanese eSIM support.
Points to Note When Choosing Rental Wi-Fi
Check Battery Life
If you are out from morning to night, the Wi-Fi router's battery may run out midway.
Check the Number of Simultaneous Connections
Make sure you can connect all family smartphones and tablets.
Check High-Speed Data Capacity
Even if it is labeled unlimited, there may be daily high-speed data limits or speed restrictions.
Check Pickup and Return Locations
If the arrival and departure airports are different, you need to confirm the return method.
Check Costs for Loss or Damage
If you lose the router, charger, case, etc., additional fees may apply.
Is a Phone Number Necessary for Family Travel?
Most travel eSIMs are data-only products and may not include a Japanese phone number or SMS functionality.
If you communicate with family via LINE or WhatsApp, a data-only eSIM may be sufficient.
On the other hand, a Japanese phone number may be useful in the following situations:
- Making regular phone calls to hotels or restaurants
- Inquiring at hospitals or transportation
- Receiving SMS verification for Japanese services
- Receiving return calls from stores
If you need a Japanese phone number, please check eSIM with a phone number.
How to Use Overseas Primary Line and Japanese eSIM Simultaneously
If you have a dual SIM-compatible device, you can keep your overseas primary line while using a Japanese eSIM for data communication.
| Setting Item | Overseas Primary Line | Japanese eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Line | ON if SMS reception is needed | ON |
| Mobile Data Communication | Not used | Used |
| Data Roaming | OFF | Set according to product instructions |
| Automatic Data Switching | OFF | |
If the data roaming for the primary line is ON, unintended overseas communication charges may occur.
Select the Japanese eSIM for mobile data communication and turn off automatic switching.
When to Set Up Japanese eSIM?
If you are setting up eSIMs for the family, it is recommended to prepare them in a stable Wi-Fi environment before departure, rather than after arriving at the airport.
The general flow is as follows:
- Check if family devices are eSIM-compatible
- Purchase the required number of Japanese eSIMs
- Organize which QR code belongs to whom
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi
- Add eSIMs to each device
- Change the line names to "Dad - Japanese eSIM," "Mom - Japanese eSIM," etc.
- Keep the line OFF until arrival in Japan
- Turn ON the Japanese eSIM after arrival
- Select the Japanese eSIM for mobile data communication
- Turn OFF Wi-Fi and check the connection
Depending on the product, the usage period may start at the time of installation.
Please check the usage start conditions before setting up.
For detailed steps, please refer to eSIM setup guide.
If Japanese eSIM Does Not Connect After Arrival
If you activate the Japanese eSIM but cannot communicate, please check the following items:
- Is the Japanese eSIM line ON?
- Is the Japanese eSIM selected for mobile data communication?
- Is data roaming ON if necessary?
- Is the APN set correctly?
- Is it the usage start date?
- Is there remaining data capacity?
- Is the device's SIM lock released?
- Did you set the correct QR code?
After checking the settings, turn ON airplane mode and then turn it OFF, or restart your smartphone.
Even if you cannot communicate, do not delete the eSIM immediately on your own judgment.
You may not be able to reuse the QR code and reinstall the same eSIM.
For detailed troubleshooting methods, please refer to troubleshooting for when Japanese eSIM does not connect.
How to Save Data Usage During Family Travel
Use Hotel Wi-Fi
Perform video viewing, app updates, and photo backups while connected to hotel Wi-Fi.
Lower Video Quality for Children
You can reduce data consumption by lowering the quality of videos on YouTube or streaming services.
Turn Off Automatic Backup for Photos and Videos
During family travel, you may take many photos and videos, so automatic backup may use a lot of data.
Stop Automatic Playback of SNS Videos
Turning OFF automatic playback on Instagram or TikTok can save data usage.
Save Offline Maps
Downloading maps of the areas you plan to visit while connected to Wi-Fi can reduce data usage while moving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Travel
Which is cheaper for a family of four, eSIM or Wi-Fi?
If you prepare eSIMs for the whole family, you will need to pay for four people.
If you always act together, renting one Wi-Fi device may be cheaper. If you act separately, using eSIMs for each is more convenient.
Do children need eSIMs too?
If children have smartphones and will act separately or need to communicate, having an eSIM is convenient.
If they always act with parents and only use tablets, tethering or rental Wi-Fi can also work.
Can a family share one eSIM?
Typically, you cannot set the same eSIM on multiple smartphones simultaneously.
However, it is possible to set an eSIM on one smartphone and share it with the family via tethering.
What should we do if family members act separately?
It is recommended to set up eSIMs on each smartphone.
With rental Wi-Fi, you may lose connectivity if you move away from the person holding the router.
What happens if the rental Wi-Fi battery runs out?
If the Wi-Fi router powers off, all family members connected will lose communication.
Prepare a mobile battery and regularly check the remaining charge.
Can eSIM and rental Wi-Fi be used together?
Yes, they can be used together.
Adults can use eSIMs while connecting children's tablets or computers to rental Wi-Fi.
Do all family members need to choose the same plan?
They do not need to choose the same plan.
People using only maps can choose a small capacity, while those watching many videos can choose a large capacity, based on their usage.
Can we travel as a family using only free Wi-Fi?
You may be able to use it at hotels or airports, but you may not be able to connect while moving or at tourist spots.
It is advisable to prepare mobile communication for staying in touch with family and checking your current location.
Can I use hotel Wi-Fi while using eSIM?
Yes, you can.
Using Wi-Fi for video and photo backups can save eSIM data capacity.
What if I mix up the QR codes for family members?
Depending on the product, one QR code may only be set on one device.
Before setting up, manage QR codes and users clearly.
For other questions, please refer to frequently asked questions about eSIM.
Conclusion | eSIM for Families Who May Act Separately, Rental Wi-Fi for Those Always Together
For family travel, the recommended communication method changes based on the number of family members, number of devices, and whether they will act separately.
If each family member wants to use their smartphone freely or if there is a possibility of separate activities during the trip, eSIMs are recommended.
With eSIMs, each can use maps and messages without needing to pick up, return, charge, or carry a Wi-Fi router.
On the other hand, if the whole family always acts together and wants to connect multiple smartphones or tablets, rental Wi-Fi is convenient.
When choosing, please check the following items:
- Will the family act separately?
- How many eSIM-compatible devices do you have?
- How many smartphones or tablets do you want to connect?
- What is the total data capacity needed for the family?
- The hassle of pickup and return
- Charging and carrying the router
- Will you use tethering?
You do not have to decide on only one option; you can combine eSIMs for adults and Wi-Fi for children's tablets, for example.
You can check the currently available plans from Japanese eSIM products and pricing plans.
If you want to compare usage days and capacity, please refer to comparison of Japanese eSIM pricing and plans.
