Soracom Mobile customer support
Soracom Mobile offers customer support through an online form on their website. Their team is available during business hours, which are weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00 JST (GMT+09:00). They also have an FAQ section that covers a lot of common questions, so it’s worth checking out if you need quick answers.
That said, there’s no 24/7 support or live chat, which can be a bit of a letdown if you run into an issue that needs urgent attention. While the available options are helpful, not having round-the-clock support might be a drawback, especially for travelers who need immediate assistance while on the go.
User reviews of Soracom Mobile
I wasn’t able to find a large number of reviews for Soracom Mobile, but the feedback available, mainly from app store reviews, gives us a glimpse into users’ experiences. Here’s a summary of what people liked and didn’t like:
What users liked
- Ease of use. Many users appreciated how simple it was to set up Soracom Mobile. The ability to get started without swapping SIM cards or registering a credit card was a big plus, especially for travelers looking for a hassle-free option.
- Reliable performance in certain regions. Positive feedback highlighted good performance in destinations like France and Singapore. Once set up, users found the service to provide stable connections for tasks like navigation, browsing, and social media.
What users didn’t like
- Inconsistent functionality in some locations. Users traveling to Ho Chi Minh City reported poor performance, such as slow loading speeds for Google Maps and complete inability to use apps like Grab or Safari. These issues left users disappointed, particularly when reliable connectivity was crucial.
- Customer support challenges. While the FAQ section was helpful to some extent, users noted that the absence of 24/7 support or live chat was a downside. Delays in responses, particularly over weekends, were a recurring complaint.
How to use Soracom Mobile
Setting up Soracom Mobile is simple and straightforward, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind — it’s currently only available for iOS users, and the app itself is only available for download in the United Kingdom and Japan. If you meet those criteria, here’s how you can get started with Soracom Mobile on iPhone:
- Head to the App Store and download the Soracom Mobile app.
- Open the app and browse the in-app store to find the region and data plan that best fits your travel or connectivity needs.
- Once you’ve selected your plan, go to the Store tab and make your payment using Apple Pay or a credit card.
- After payment, the app will automatically install your eSIM profile. No need to worry about scanning QR codes, registering with new providers, or dealing with physical SIM cards.
- Go to your phone’s “Settings” > “Mobile Data,” tap “Cellular Data,” and select the Soracom Mobile eSIM. If it doesn’t appear, make sure to enable “Turn On This Line” in the SIM section.
That’s all there is to it! Your iPhone will automatically switch to the Soracom Mobile prepaid data plan in your chosen destination. No extra configuration needed.
Why should you use an eSIM while traveling?
I’m not exaggerating when I say an eSIM is a game-changer for travelers. It offers a practical and convenient way to stay connected while traveling. There’s no need to search for a local SIM card or risk misplacing your regular one. Once you choose a plan and buy it, it’s ready to use — no physical card is required. Also, eSIMs are often more cost-effective than traditional data roaming or local SIM cards, and they’re easy to set up, as most providers allow you to activate your plan in just a few steps.
Soracom Mobile review: final thoughts
Overall, Soracom Mobile eSIM can work well if you’re looking for a straightforward way to stay connected while traveling. It’s easy to set up, offers coverage in key regions, and removes the hassle of dealing with physical SIM cards. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind — the app is only available for download for iPhone users in the UK and Japan, there’s no 5G support, the plans aren’t the most flexible, and 24/7 customer support is missing. Before deciding, take a moment to think about your travel needs and whether Soracom’s coverage and features align with them.
