Naki ch. (Location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Takuya Matsunaga), which operates "Kaigai eSIM no Kyokasho," a web media providing information on communication services useful for overseas travel and business trips, conducted a "Survey on Communication Methods for Overseas Travelers" (146 valid responses/single response) targeting those who traveled overseas in 2025 and beyond, and a "Survey on Overseas eSIM Usage" (126 valid responses) targeting eSIM users.

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<Survey Summary>

For those who traveled overseas in 2025 and beyond, the most used communication method locally in the past year was "Overseas eSIM," accounting for over 40% (43.8%). This indicates a growing adoption of eSIM, surpassing carrier overseas roaming and pocket Wi-Fi.

The primary factors considered when choosing a communication method for overseas travel are "low price" and "ease and clarity of use." A balance between cost and usability is sought.

Among eSIM users, "unlimited plans" were the most chosen at over 60% (61.1%). This usage style, without worrying about data remaining, is becoming more prevalent for data communication overseas.

Over 80% (85.7%) of eSIM users responded that they "want to use the same eSIM again." This suggests a high level of satisfaction, as users tend to repeat their choice once they experience it.

* "Unlimited plan" refers to plans that respondents selected as "unlimited" or "all-you-can-use" at the time of purchase.

<Survey Overview>

Survey Period: May 9 - May 31, 2026

Target Audience: Men and women aged 20s to 60+ who traveled overseas in 2025 and beyond.

Number of Respondents: 146 for the "Survey on Communication Methods for Overseas Travelers" / 126 for the "Survey on Overseas eSIM Usage."

Survey Method: Internet survey conducted via "Lancers."

Main Communication Method for Overseas Travelers is "eSIM"

Naki ch. asked 146 individuals who traveled overseas in 2025 and beyond about their "primary internet environment used locally on their most recent overseas trip." The most common response was "Overseas eSIM" at 43.8% (64 people), with over 40% of respondents choosing this option.

Second place was "Carrier Overseas Roaming" at 24.7% (36 people), followed by "Pocket WiFi (Rental)" at 19.9% (29 people). Other responses included "Local SIM Card" at 6.2% and "Free WiFi Only" at 2.7%.

This indicates that eSIM is becoming established as the main communication method for overseas travel, surpassing traditionally popular roaming and rental Wi-Fi services.

The background to this trend includes not only the ease of setup but also the "time performance" and "stress-free experience" that modern travelers seek. Since everything can be done on a smartphone, there is no time lost picking up or returning Wi-Fi routers, and no risk of losing tiny physical SIM cards.

This "lightness" and "peace of mind" are thought to be why it is supported by many travelers.

Over 60% of eSIM Users Chose "Unlimited Plans" - Communication Without Worrying About Data Limits is Spreading

When 126 individuals who traveled overseas in 2025 and beyond and used an overseas eSIM were asked about the "data capacity of the plan purchased," over 60% (61.1%) chose "unlimited (all-you-can-use)," making it the most common choice.

On the other hand, users of plans with a daily data limit (0.5GB to over 2GB/day) were dispersed, with only 4.8% choosing the lowest capacity option of "0.5GB/day or less." The results show that a majority of people prefer plans that allow them to use data without worrying about remaining capacity, rather than meticulously saving data.

This is due to changes in the role of smartphones during overseas travel. In addition to navigation and translation tools in unfamiliar areas, there has been an increase in "gathering local information through videos on social media" in recent years.

It is believed that unlimited plans are in high demand as a "premium for peace of mind, to avoid the risk of communication restrictions at crucial moments."

Users Seek a Balance of "Affordability" and "Unlimited Use" - Price is Most Important, Yet 60% Chose Unlimited

When 126 individuals who traveled overseas in 2025 and beyond and used an overseas eSIM were asked about "points they will prioritize when choosing an eSIM next time," the top three items were closely contested: 1st place was "Price/Cost Performance" (25.4%), 2nd place was "Communication Quality/Connectivity" (23.0%), and 3rd place was "Ease of Setup/Procedure" (22.2%).

This shows that modern travelers are rigorously seeking an overall balance that includes not only "affordability" but also "quality" and "convenience."

Particularly noteworthy is that among those who prioritize "Price/Cost Performance" (32 people), 71.9% chose an "unlimited plan," significantly exceeding the overall average of 61.1%.

While it is generally assumed that "people reduce capacity to save money," the reality is different.

Those who are more price-sensitive tend to avoid the "risk of expensive data top-ups" by running out of data at their destination.

In other words, unlimited plans, which allow for stress-free use at a fixed rate without worrying about remaining data, are recognized as "the most cost-effective" in the end.

Conclusion

The results of this survey reveal the reality of a new travel style, where eSIM is the most chosen communication method for overseas travelers, and over 60% of its users select "unlimited plans."

Although users' top priority for communication methods is "price/cost performance," the plans actually chosen are unlimited plans. This indicates not just a desire for cheapness, but a modern cost-performance mindset of "wanting to use it stress-free without worrying about remaining data at a reasonable price."

Data communication overseas may be shifting from "something special used while conserving capacity" to "infrastructure for constant, uninhibited connection."

Kaigai eSIM no Kyokasho

A web media providing information on internet environments for overseas travel and business trips. It publishes comparisons of communication services, usage guides, and communication quality tests, focusing on eSIM, to support travelers in choosing the communication method that best suits them.

Inquiries regarding this survey: Naki ch. Representative Takuya Matsunaga

6F, remix Nihonbashi, 2-16-4 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027

Company URL: https://eml.conohawing.com/

Contact: https://eml.conohawing.com/contact/

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey