About eSIM

What is an eSIM?

A digital SIM built into your phone — no plastic card, no swapping. Buy online and connect by scanning one QR code.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM already built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download a mobile plan by scanning a QR code. It works just like a normal SIM — but there's nothing to ship, insert or lose. Most recent iPhone and Android phones support eSIM.

Main features of an eSIM

No physical card

The eSIM is built into your phone — nothing to insert, swap or lose.

Install in seconds

Scan one QR code over Wi-Fi and the plan downloads to your phone instantly.

Keep your home line

Add a travel eSIM alongside your main SIM and switch between them anytime.

Bought online, paperless

Buy online, receive it by email, and activate when you arrive — no store visit.

How to use an eSIM

Choose a plan and pay securely with PayPal. Your eSIM QR code arrives by email instantly. Install it before you fly, then switch it on after you land. See the step-by-step setup guide for details.

minpaku eSIM

minpaku eSIM is a Japan travel eSIM on the KDDI au 5G network, with nationwide coverage and tethering included. Plans start from ¥1,450. Questions? Visit our FAQ or contact us.

Why a genuine carrier eSIM is faster

Think of a network's frequency bands like lanes on a highway — the more lanes a SIM can use, the smoother the traffic, even when it's busy. minpaku eSIM runs on the full KDDI au network, while many discount eSIMs are limited to a narrow slice of it.

minpaku eSIM
Genuine carrier eSIMUses the full network (all 3 lanes)
Smooth arrival
Uses all 3 lanes, overtaking slower traffic from the side. Never grinds to a halt, even when busy.
Discount eSIM
Limited network accessOnly 1 lane available → traffic jam
Stop-and-go
Unavailable band
Unavailable band
Only one lane to work with, so cars bunch up and crawl forward in stop-and-go traffic.
Genuine carrier eSIMs like minpaku eSIM can use every available frequency band, so you stay connected even when the network is busy. Discount eSIMs are often restricted to a narrow slice of spectrum, making congestion far more noticeable.