eSIM or physical SIM · Japan number
SoftBank
A Japanese carrier whose lines receive texts abroad for free. Its flat-rate data starts at ¥980 per 24 hours, and the US has America Hōdai.
- Checked October 10, 2026
Where it works
Only the markets where the carrier's own pages say the SIM receives texts or uses data are listed. A market that is missing is one the carrier does not say it works in.
| Market | Receiving texts | Mobile data |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland China | Through roaming | Paid for on top |
| Hong Kong & Macau | Through roaming | Paid for on top |
| United States | Through roaming | Included in the plan |
| Taiwan | Through roaming | Paid for on top |
| Japan | On its own network | On its own network |
How to keep it working
Receiving a text abroad on a SoftBank line is free, while sending one costs ¥100. Overseas Anshin Teigaku (海外あんしん定額) is a data flat rate of ¥980 per 24 hours in the L countries, among them Taiwan, China and Hong Kong. It covers data only, not voice calls, SMS or international SMS, and it needs a World-compatible phone (世界対応ケータイ) and a start-up on SoftBank's dedicated site. In the US mainland, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, eligible plans use America Hōdai (アメリカ放題) with no application: calls, SMS, MMS and data cost nothing extra, except that calls from the US to countries other than Japan and the US cost ¥210 a minute. Eligible data plans also get free overseas data for 3 days, 5 days or a month in 200+ countries, depending on the plan.
Where this comes from
Compiled from the carrier's own public pages. Open them to check a fact before you rely on it.
- The rule Open the page (www.softbank.jp) (checked October 10, 2026)
Compiled from each carrier's public pages and checked on the date shown. Rules and prices change without notice, and the carrier's current terms always prevail. General information only, not advice.
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