When using a Voice+Data SIM / eSIM to send an outbound SMS text message, it is important that you use the correct dialing procedure.
*If you have purchased a Data-Only SIM / eSIM, you will not be assigned a phone number or be able to send / receive standard SMS text messages. If you need access to a Japanese phone number or the SMS messaging feature, you would require a Voice+Data SIM / eSIM instead.
The dialing instructions vary when sending an SMS text message to a local phone number (i.e. to another Japanese phone number) or to an international phone number and so please refer to the relevant guides below –
Local Texts:
(Texts to Japanese Phone Numbers)
Click here for additional instructions
You have been assigned a Japanese phone number and so when you are sending an SMS text message to another Japanese phone number, simply enter the standard phone number (including the leading zero and the area code).
For instructions on how to view the usage rates for any outbound calls or texts, please visit the following link: Usage Rates
International Texts:
(Texts to International Phone Numbers)
Click here for additional instructions
To send an SMS text message to an international phone number, you will be required to enter a plus symbol (+) followed by the Country Code (of the country the phone number is linked to) and then you would enter the Area Code and Phone Number (with the leading zero removed if there is one).
Plus Symbol (+) > Country Code > Area Code (with leading zero removed) > Phone Number
We provide a list of country codes at the following link: Country Codes
For instructions on how to view the usage rates for any outbound calls or texts, please visit the following link: Usage Rates
We also provide instructions on how to place outbound calls at the following link: Call Guide