FNB International eSIMs

Spaj

Spaj

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Does anyone have any recommendations re FNBs international eSIMs? Looking to visit Japan early next year and an eSIM look to be the way to go for data.
 
I used a Cell-C eSIM and used wi-fi calling all the time in Japan
Got a portable LTE router and a power bank to keep it going
Worked very well wherever we were
 
SauRoNZA said:
You get a SIM when you are over there at the airport.

Why would you want to do it from here? And pay more for roaming etc etc.
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Think you may have misread the question. These are International eSIMs much like Holafly, Saily etc. No roaming involved. Service is provided by local ISP. eSIM obviates airport SIM pricing with service activation at touchdown.
 
Spaj said:
Think you may have misread the question. These are International eSIMs much like Holafly, Saily etc. No roaming involved. Service is provided by local ISP. eSIM obviates airport SIM pricing with service activation at touchdown.
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Weird I looked in the FNB app and don’t find any mention of it anywhere.

Got a link?
 
EADC said:
Found it under connect
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Oh I see now it’s right there on the main page but bloody hell it’s so hidden in plain sight if I didn’t actively go looking would never have spotted it.

Definitely an interesting option, will remember it next time I travel and give it a go.

Pricing seems high but not outrageous looking at Japan, but if I was travelling there would of course research deeper what directly local compares to.

The fact I had it error out twice just browsing never fills one with confidence though.
 
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Spaj said:
Does anyone have any recommendations re FNBs international eSIMs? Looking to visit Japan early next year and an eSIM look to be the way to go for data.
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I spend time in Japan. I always use Airalo eSim. Works perfectly and is cheap. Something that really annoys me is FNB blocking apple pay from putting funds onto Suica card. Make sure you call FNB and have them allow Suica transactions before you leave - else you'll be calling them from Japan doing this.
 
Spaj said:
Does anyone have any recommendations re FNBs international eSIMs? Looking to visit Japan early next year and an eSIM look to be the way to go for data.
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Haven't used it for Japan, but have used it successfully for Europe
 
Another vote for goodness.

My uncle recently came back from Japan actually & his go to is always Airalo.

I've used it personally in NA & it was flawless.

IMG_0384.jpeg
 
SauRoNZA said:
Oh I see now it’s right there on the main page but bloody hell it’s so hidden in plain sight if I didn’t actively go looking would never have spotted it.

Definitely an interesting option, will remember it next time I travel and give it a go.

Pricing seems high but not outrageous looking at Japan, but if I was travelling there would of course research deeper what directly local compares to.

The fact I had it error out twice just browsing never fills one with confidence though.
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One Issue with these Sims is latency as some are hosted outside the destination seen this on a Vodacom Travel Bundle in Dubai., sim got a local SA IP and routed all traffic back to SA and back to Dubai
 
Spaj said:
Does anyone have any recommendations re FNBs international eSIMs? Looking to visit Japan early next year and an eSIM look to be the way to go for data.
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One thing I have noticed with the FNB eSim is the fact it uses KDDI (au) and the Unlimited Plans also use KDDI but limited to 4G, heard the coverage isn't the best on this network especially if you are out of the main areas (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto)
 
I had no latency using CellC on wi-fi. My wife used her MTN phone, also on wi-fi. As good as being in SA. No extra charges

I paid for the SIM for the LTE router from Sakura mobile. For a one month unlimited data it was R1350,00. It was delivered to the hotel on the day we arrived
 
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I have always used Airalo. Happy with them.

Recently i used some weird e-Sim provider who had a cheap SIM and my IP kept putting me in Russia or China lol. Not using that again ever. I kept Nord permanently connected.

I think there's a lot of good options out there, FNB's one probably included. its just a case of shopping around for a good price.
 
For Japan, I'd also recommend Ubigi as it is owned by NTT Docomo so speeds should be very good

Also for those who watch Chris Broad (Abroad in Japan) also has his own E-sim company jjesim
 
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The Darkness said:
I spend time in Japan. I always use Airalo eSim. Works perfectly and is cheap. Something that really annoys me is FNB blocking apple pay from putting funds onto Suica card. Make sure you call FNB and have them allow Suica transactions before you leave - else you'll be calling them from Japan doing this.
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Interesting that they block Suica, thought telling them I am travelling was enough
 
William1102 said:
Also, if one is going in April 2026, when would be the best time to apply for a Visa
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I would suppose as soon as supporting documentation can be supplied.

Taken from Japanese eVisa site:

The time required from visa application to visa issuance is 5 working days from the day following the date of receipt of the application, provided that there is no particular problem with the content of application

If there is any problem with the content of the application, the Embassy/Consulate General transmits the application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo for further examination. In such cases issuance of a visa may take more than a month. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visa, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.
 
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