Do You Need Pocket WiFi?

How pocket WiFi works in Japan, who it helps, and when a SIM card is the better choice.

Pocket WiFi is a portable router with its own SIM built in. It can connect multiple devices at the same time.

It makes sense if

• You are arriving with family or several people
• You need to connect laptops or tablets often
• Your phone does not support eSIM and you want a simple shared connection

Downsides

• It needs charging
• Rentals have to be returned
• For one person using one smartphone, a regular SIM is often cheaper and simpler

For home internet, many people later choose either a fixed fiber line or a no-installation home router.