2degrees roaming in Japan: costs, data, and how to save
A plain-English guide to the 2degrees Daily Roaming, what you'll pay, and a cheaper alternative if you want one.
How 2degrees roaming works in Japan
A plain-English explainer of 2degrees's 2degrees Daily Roaming — so you know exactly what you're paying for before you fly.
When you take your 2degrees SIM to Japan, data roaming auto-activates and you start paying their daily Roaming Travel Pack rate. The pack is billed per day on any calendar day you use mobile data, calls, or texts overseas — even if you only use a few megabytes.
| Cost for ~1GB of data per day | $8.00 NZD per day in Japan — based on 2degrees's published rates |
|---|---|
| Daily data allowance | 1GB per day at full 4G/5G speed. |
| Calls & texts | Unlimited calls and texts to NZ and local numbers while in the covered Travel Zone. |
| Hotspot / tethering | Included — your daily allowance can be tethered. |
| What happens after the daily allowance | After 1GB per day at max speed, data is throttled to 128 Kbps for the rest of the day. You will not be charged extra for going over. |
| Countries covered alongside Japan | Japan is in 2degrees’ Asia-Pacific Roaming Travel Zone. Other regions can attract higher rates or PAYG charges. |
| How to activate or deactivate | The pack activates automatically the first time your phone uses data, calls, or texts in Japan. To avoid charges before you fly, switch off "Data roaming" on your 2degrees SIM in your phone's mobile settings, or disable roaming in the 2degrees app. |
You could save big by using a KiwiSim eSIM when roaming in Japan, compared to using your 2degrees SIM.
KiwiSim vs 2degrees — cost over a trip
Cumulative NZD cost in Japan from day 1 to day 30, based on getting around 1GB of data per day from each provider at their published rates. Prices accurate as at 18 May 2026.
Daily Unlimited Plan
1GB of full-speed data every day, then unlimited data at standard speed. Resets every 24 hours.
- 1GB at top 5G speed daily, then unlimited at standard speed
- Hotspot & tethering enabled — share with any device
- Connects to KDDI/au, SoftBank, etc.
- Activate when you land — no rush
How long is your trip?
Fixed Data Plans
Get a fixed amount of data that can be used across your entire trip as you need it.
KiwiSim vs 2degrees — feature comparison
A side-by-side look at how KiwiSim and 2degrees stack up for travel to Japan.
| KiwiSim | 2degrees |
|---|---|
| How data is sold | |
| Unlimited daily plan — pay by the number of days you need | Daily pack — $8/day, charged on any day you use mobile data, calls, or texts |
| When the allowance runs out | |
| Continues at reduced speed for the rest of the day — still browsable. Resets every 24h. | After 1GB at max speed, throttled to 128 Kbps for the rest of the day |
| Hotspot / tethering | |
| Networks used in Japan | |
| KDDI/au & NTT docomo 5G/4G | SoftBank partner network |
| Activation method | |
| Scan QR code, install in 2 minutes | Auto-activates on first use of data, calls, or texts overseas |
| Keeps your NZ number for calls/texts | |
| Yes — runs alongside your NZ SIM | Yes — it is your NZ SIM |
| Customer support | |
| 24/7 chat & email | NZ business hours phone + app |
| If you cross into another country | |
| Install a new eSIM for that country | Continues working — billed at that country's rate |
| Feature | KiwiSim | 2degrees |
|---|---|---|
| How data is sold | Unlimited daily plan — pay by the number of days you need | Daily pack — $8/day, charged on any day you use mobile data, calls, or texts |
| When the allowance runs out | Continues at reduced speed for the rest of the day — still browsable. Resets every 24h. | After 1GB at max speed, throttled to 128 Kbps for the rest of the day |
| Hotspot / tethering | ||
| Networks used in Japan | KDDI/au & NTT docomo 5G/4G | SoftBank partner network |
| Activation method | Scan QR code, install in 2 minutes | Auto-activates on first use of data, calls, or texts overseas |
| Keeps your NZ number for calls/texts | Yes — runs alongside your NZ SIM | Yes — it is your NZ SIM |
| Customer support | 24/7 chat & email | NZ business hours phone + app |
| If you cross into another country | Install a new eSIM for that country | Continues working — billed at that country's rate |
If you want the simplest possible setup — one SIM, no install, your NZ number for calls and texts — 2degrees roaming is genuinely convenient. KiwiSim takes a few extra minutes to set up, but you keep your NZ SIM active for calls and texts while paying a fraction of the data cost.
Why KiwiSim?
Built by Kiwis, for Kiwis travelling the world.
Locally Owned & Operated
Know you're in good hands with our kiwi team
Global 5G/4G Network
Enjoy fast and reliable coverage in over 200 locations worldwide
Simple to Setup
Get globally connected in a matter of minutes, all online
Hotspot/Tethering Enabled
Share your data connection with phone, tablet, or friends - all included
Keep your NZ Number
Our data-only SIMs give you the full flexibility of still receiving calls to your NZ number
Compatible with most phones
Majority of modern phones are compatible with eSIMs - use our device checker to double-check
Regional Plans
Tripping around? Have a look at some regional plans that include Japan for better value.
2degrees roaming in Japan — FAQ
The questions Kiwis ask before they travel — answered honestly.
Other roaming comparisons for Japan
Compare your other NZ carrier options for travel to Japan.
