Differences between eSIMs with a phone number and data-only eSIMs | Which one should you choose?

When choosing an eSIM for travel to Japan, temporary return home, business trips, or studying abroad, many people may wonder whether to choose a "phone number eSIM" or a "data-only eSIM."

A data-only eSIM is designed for internet communication, such as using Google Maps, social media, translation apps, and messaging apps like LINE and WhatsApp.

On the other hand, a phone number eSIM allows you to use a Japanese phone number, voice calls, and SMS sending and receiving, depending on the plan.

If you only need to use maps or messaging apps during your trip to Japan, a data-only eSIM may be sufficient.

If you want to make regular phone calls to hotels or stores, use a Japanese phone number as a contact, or utilize SMS authentication, you will need to consider a phone number eSIM.

However, just because it is labeled "phone number included" does not guarantee that it supports all voice calls and SMS.

In this article, we will compare the differences between phone number eSIMs and data-only eSIMs, explaining which one to choose based on your purpose, such as travel, business trips, studying abroad, or long-term stays.

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What is a Phone Number eSIM?

A phone number eSIM is an eSIM that allows you to use a phone number in addition to data communication.

Depending on the product, you can use the following features:

• Data communication within Japan
• Voice calls to Japan
• Receiving phone calls in Japan
• Receiving SMS
• Sending SMS
• Receiving SMS authentication codes

However, just because it has a phone number does not mean that all features are included.

For example, some products may support voice calls but not SMS, or may allow SMS reception but not sending.

Before purchasing, please check the support status for voice calls, SMS reception, and SMS sending individually.

For plans with a phone number, please check Phone Number eSIM.

What is a Data-Only eSIM?

A data-only eSIM is an eSIM that can only be used for internet communication.

This type of data-only eSIM is commonly used for general travel.

With a data-only eSIM, you can use services such as:

• Google Maps
• Transit navigation
• Translation apps
• Web searches
• Email
• Social media
• LINE
• WhatsApp
• Messenger
• Zoom
• Google Meet
• Hotel and flight reservation confirmations

While you can use internet calls through apps like LINE and WhatsApp, it does not support regular voice calls or SMS using a standard phone number.

You can check the currently available data communication plans from Japan eSIM products and pricing plans.

Differences Between Phone Number eSIM and Data-Only eSIM

The Biggest Difference is Phone Calls and SMS

The most significant difference between a phone number eSIM and a data-only eSIM is whether they support regular phone calls and SMS using a standard phone number.

With a data-only eSIM, you can use voice calls through LINE or WhatsApp as long as you are connected to the internet.

However, if you need to make regular phone calls to hotels, restaurants, hospitals, or transportation services, you will need a phone number eSIM that supports voice calls.

Additionally, if you want to receive SMS authentication codes for Japanese services, you will need to choose a phone number eSIM that supports SMS reception.

However, even if it supports SMS reception, it does not guarantee that you can authenticate with all services.

Can You Make Calls with a Data-Only eSIM?

With a data-only eSIM, you cannot make voice calls using a standard mobile phone line.

However, it does support internet calls.

Call Services Available with a Data-Only eSIM

• LINE Calls
• WhatsApp Calls
• Messenger Calls
• Skype
• Zoom
• Google Meet
• FaceTime

If your main communication is with family and friends who also use the same app, a data-only eSIM can be sufficient.

On the other hand, if you need to call stores or public institutions in Japan, you may need a regular phone number.

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Can You Use SMS Authentication with a Data-Only eSIM?

Data-only eSIMs typically do not come with a phone number or SMS functionality, so SMS authentication using a Japanese phone number is not possible.

However, if you maintain your primary line overseas, you may be able to receive SMS authentication on that phone number.

For dual SIM compatible devices, you can use the following method:

• Overseas primary line: For phone number and SMS reception
• Japanese data-only eSIM: For mobile data communication

If you use this method, please turn off data roaming for your overseas primary line.

If you make calls or send SMS using your primary line, you may incur overseas usage charges.

Can You Use SMS Authentication with a Phone Number eSIM?

If you have a phone number eSIM that supports SMS reception, you may be able to receive authentication codes.

However, you may not be able to use it for services such as:

• Banks and securities companies
• Credit cards
• Electronic payment services
• Government and public services
• Services requiring a phone number in the user's name
• Services that restrict short-term use numbers
• Services that do not accept IP phone numbers

If you want to confirm SMS authentication in detail, please check the product specifications of the phone number eSIM and the phone number registration conditions of the services you plan to use.

Advantages of Phone Number eSIM

Can Use a Japanese Phone Number

It becomes easier to contact hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and transportation services within Japan.

Can Make and Receive Regular Calls

If you have a plan that supports voice calls, you can use regular phone calls without using an app.

Can Receive SMS

With a plan that supports SMS reception, you may receive authentication codes and messages from stores.

Easy to Register as a Contact in Japan

For studying abroad, business trips, or long-term stays, you can provide a Japanese phone number to schools, workplaces, and accommodations.

Can Contact People Who Do Not Use Apps

You can contact people who do not use LINE or WhatsApp using regular phone calls.

Disadvantages of Phone Number eSIM

Can Be More Expensive

Since it includes voice call and SMS features, it may be more expensive than a data-only eSIM.

Identity Verification May Be Required

Plans that provide a Japanese phone number may require you to submit a passport or other identification documents.

Can Take Time to Activate

For products that require identity verification or screening, you may not be able to use it immediately after purchase.

Not All SMS Authentication is Supported

Even if you can receive SMS, you may not be able to register due to the conditions set by the authentication service.

Phone Number Has an Expiration Date

With short-term plans, when the eSIM expires, the phone number may also become unusable.

If you register that number with an important account, you may not be able to re-authenticate later.

Advantages of Data-Only eSIM

Can Keep Costs Low

Without call or SMS features, it may be available at a more affordable price than a phone number eSIM.

Easy Purchase Process

Many products allow you to select a plan online, receive a QR code after payment, and set it up easily.

Often No Identity Verification Required

If it is data communication only, you may be able to purchase it without submitting identification documents like a passport.

Easy to Choose Based on Travel Days and Data Capacity

You can choose plans that match your travel duration, such as 3, 5, 7, 15, or 30 days.

Can Use LINE and WhatsApp

If you have data communication, you can use messaging and app calls.

Suitable for Short Trips

For trips focused on maps, translation, social media, and reservation confirmations, a data-only eSIM is likely to be sufficient.

Disadvantages of Data-Only eSIM

No Japanese Phone Number

You cannot register a phone number as a contact within Japan.

Cannot Make Regular Calls

To make regular phone calls to hotels or stores, you will need another means of communication.

Cannot Receive SMS

It does not support SMS authentication or message reception using a Japanese phone number.

Need to Prepare Alternative Contact Methods

You need to confirm alternative contact methods such as LINE, WhatsApp, your overseas primary line, or hotel phones.

Recommended for Phone Number eSIM

• Those who want to make regular phone calls within Japan
• Those who want to receive calls from hotels or stores
• Those who want to register a Japanese phone number as a contact
• Those who need to receive SMS
• Those who want to use SMS authentication for certain services
• Those who will stay in Japan for a long time
• Those who need to contact schools or workplaces for study or business trips
• Those who want to call people who do not use LINE or WhatsApp

Recommended for Data-Only eSIM

• Those who want to use maps or transit navigation during their trip to Japan
• Those who can communicate via LINE or WhatsApp
• Those who do not need a Japanese phone number
• Those who are going on a short trip
• Those who want to keep costs low
• Those who want an easy purchase and setup process
• Those who can receive SMS on their overseas primary line
• Those whose main uses are SNS, videos, and web searches

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By Purpose of Use | Which eSIM to Choose?

Is a Data-Only eSIM Sufficient for Travel to Japan?

For general sightseeing trips, a data-only eSIM is often sufficient.

This is because the services you will primarily use during your trip to Japan are internet services such as:

• Google Maps
• Google Translate
• Train transit navigation
• Hotel and flight reservation confirmations
• LINE and WhatsApp
• Instagram and TikTok
• Web searches

You may also be able to contact hotels and restaurants through the messaging features of reservation sites or via email.

If you do not plan to make regular phone calls within Japan, a data-only eSIM is simpler.

Is a Phone Number eSIM Necessary for Business Trips to Japan?

On business trips to Japan, you may need to make regular phone calls to clients, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

Therefore, a phone number eSIM that supports voice calls may be convenient.

However, if you can communicate with your company using apps like Teams, Slack, Zoom, or LINE, a data-only eSIM may also suffice.

Before your trip, please check the following points:

• Whether you need to make calls within Japan
• The communication apps used by your company or clients
• Services that require SMS authentication
• Whether you will tether your computer
• Any scheduled online meetings

Which is Recommended for Studying Abroad or Long-Term Stays?

For short-term study abroad, you can use a data-only eSIM while also utilizing the Wi-Fi at your school or dormitory.

On the other hand, for long-term study abroad, you may need a Japanese phone number in situations such as:

• Registering a contact number with your school
• Applying for part-time jobs
• Opening a bank account
• Receiving packages
• Communicating with real estate or student dormitories
• SMS authentication for Japanese services

If you plan to stay for more than six months, consider comparing both phone number eSIMs and Japanese monthly SIMs.

Checklist Before Purchasing a Phone Number eSIM

• Will a Japanese phone number be assigned?
• Does it support making voice calls?
• Does it support receiving voice calls?
• Does it support receiving SMS?
• Does it support sending SMS?
• Does it support short numbers or international SMS?
• Is identity verification required?
• What is the expiration date of the phone number?
• Can the same number be extended?
• What are the call and SMS sending charges?

Do not judge solely by the label "phone number included"; please confirm whether the desired features are included.

Checklist Before Purchasing a Data-Only eSIM

• Is the device compatible with eSIM?
• Is the SIM lock removed?
• Is the validity period suitable for the travel duration?
• Is there enough data capacity?
• Does it support tethering?
• Can you add additional charges?
• When does the usage period start?
• What are the supported areas and carriers?
• What are the support methods and hours?

For compatible devices, please check the list of eSIM compatible devices.

Estimated Data Capacity Needed

Regardless of whether you choose a phone number eSIM or a data-only eSIM, it is necessary to check the data capacity.

For detailed communication volume, please refer to Estimated Data Usage.

You can check products by usage period and capacity from Japan eSIM pricing and plan comparison.

How to Use Overseas Primary Line and Japan eSIM Together

If you have a dual SIM compatible device, you may be able to use your overseas primary line and Japan eSIM simultaneously.

This method allows you to maintain your usual phone number and SMS on your overseas primary line while using the Japan eSIM for data communication.

If you turn ON data roaming for your overseas primary line, you may incur high communication charges.

Please select the Japan eSIM for mobile data communication and also turn OFF automatic data switching.

Flow from Purchase to Setup of eSIM

1. Determine if a phone number is needed
2. Check if voice calls or SMS are needed
3. Confirm if the device is eSIM compatible
4. Check the SIM lock status
5. Select travel duration and data capacity
6. Check product specifications and usage start conditions
7. Purchase online
8. Check the purchase completion email and QR code
9. Add eSIM in a stable Wi-Fi environment
10. Activate the line after arriving in Japan

For detailed setup instructions, please refer to eSIM Setup Guide.

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Settings After Arriving in Japan

After arriving in Japan, please check the following settings.

1. Turn ON the Japan eSIM line
2. Select Japan eSIM for mobile data communication
3. Set data roaming according to product instructions
4. Turn OFF data roaming for the overseas primary line
5. Turn OFF automatic data switching
6. Turn OFF Wi-Fi and check communication

For phone number eSIMs, please check not only data communication but also the ability to make and receive calls and receive SMS.

If Japan eSIM Does Not Connect

If you cannot communicate after setup, please check the following items.

• Is the Japan eSIM line ON?
• Is Japan 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 removed?
• Is network selection set to automatic?

After checking the settings, try turning airplane mode ON and then OFF, or restart your smartphone.

Even if you cannot communicate, do not delete the eSIM immediately.

You may not be able to reuse the QR code and reconfigure the same eSIM.

For detailed troubleshooting methods, please refer to Troubleshooting Japan eSIM Connectivity Issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phone Number eSIM and Data-Only eSIM

Which is recommended for travel to Japan?

If your focus is on maps, transit navigation, SNS, and LINE or WhatsApp, a data-only eSIM is recommended.

If you need to make regular phone calls within Japan, consider a phone number eSIM.

Can I use LINE with a data-only eSIM?

If you can connect to the internet, you can use LINE for messaging, voice calls, and video calls.

Can I use WhatsApp with a data-only eSIM?

Yes, you can use it.

If you have an already registered account, you can use the data communication of the Japan eSIM for messaging and calls.

Can I definitely use SMS with a phone number eSIM?

It is not guaranteed that you can use it.

Please check the product specifications to see if it supports SMS reception and sending.

Can I use SMS authentication with a phone number eSIM?

If it is a plan that supports SMS reception, it may be possible.

However, it may not be usable depending on the conditions set by the service you are authenticating with.

Can a data-only eSIM display a phone number?

Even if information that looks like a number is displayed in the device settings, it does not guarantee that it can be used for regular calls or SMS.

Is the communication speed faster with a phone number eSIM?

Communication speed is not determined solely by the presence of a phone number.

It varies depending on the carrier you connect to, the area you are in, the plan conditions, and congestion.

Can I tether with a data-only eSIM?

If the product and device are compatible, you can use it.

Please check the tethering conditions before purchasing.

Is identity verification required for a phone number eSIM?

For plans that provide a Japanese phone number or voice calls, identity verification may be required.

Is a phone number eSIM necessary just for SMS authentication on a short trip?

If you can receive SMS on your overseas primary line, you may not need a Japanese phone number eSIM.

Please confirm whether a Japanese number is necessary for authentication.

Can I continue to use the phone number after the trip?

With short-term plans, the phone number may become unusable once the expiration date is reached.

If I delete the eSIM, can I reconfigure it?

It varies by product, but you may not be able to reuse the same QR code.

Please confirm with support before deleting.

If you have any questions about purchasing or setting up, please refer to Japan eSIM Support.

For other inquiries, please check Frequently Asked Questions about eSIM.

Summary | If You Need Phone and SMS, Choose Phone Number eSIM; If Focused on Communication, Choose Data-Only eSIM

The main difference between phone number eSIMs and data-only eSIMs is whether they can use regular voice calls and SMS.

With a data-only eSIM, you can still use Google Maps, SNS, translation apps, LINE, and WhatsApp.

If your focus is on internet communication during a short trip to Japan, a data-only eSIM is convenient as it is relatively inexpensive and easy to purchase.

On the other hand, if you want to make regular phone calls to hotels or stores, use a Japanese phone number as a contact, or receive SMS, consider a phone number eSIM.

When choosing, please check the following items:

• Do you need a Japanese phone number?
• Will you use regular voice calls?
• Do you need to receive or send SMS?
• Will you use SMS authentication?
• Can you communicate only via LINE or WhatsApp?
• Can you handle identity verification?
• Do you need to maintain the phone number for a long time?
• What is the travel duration and required data capacity?

Even if it says "phone number included," the support for voice calls and SMS varies by product.

Before purchasing, please check the ability to make and receive calls, receive and send SMS, and the expiration date of the phone number.

For plans with a phone number, please refer to Phone Number eSIM.

For those focusing on data communication, please check Japan eSIM products and pricing plans.

For those who want to choose based on usage period and capacity, please refer to Japan eSIM pricing and plan comparison.