Moshi Moshi or Asialink? Airalo's two Japan packages compared
Moshi Moshi vs Asialink: Which Airalo Japan eSIM Should You Buy?
If you're choosing a Japan eSIM through Airalo, you'll find two packages competing for your attention: Moshi Moshi and Asialink. Both cover the same country and sell at similar price points, which makes the choice confusing—but the differences are real, and one is consistently cheaper.
The Short Answer
Moshi Moshi is the better value. It undercuts Asialink on every allowance above 1 GB, saving you between $1.50 and $4.00 depending on how much data and how many days you need. Unless you have a specific reason to prefer Asialink—such as network compatibility or recommendation from another traveller—Moshi Moshi should be your starting point.
Price Comparison: Where Moshi Moshi Wins
Both packages cost $4.00 for the smallest option (1 GB, 3 days), but diverge immediately after that.
For short trips (3 days): The 3 GB allowance costs $7.50 with Moshi Moshi versus $9.00 with Asialink—a $1.50 gap. If you're visiting for a long weekend and expect moderate use, Moshi Moshi saves you money here.
For week-long travel (7 days): A 3 GB allocation runs $8.00 (Moshi Moshi) or $9.50 (Asialink). At the higher end, 5 GB costs $10.00 with Moshi Moshi but $14.00 with Asialink—a significant $4.00 difference. For a standard week-long visit with regular browsing, messaging, and social media, Moshi Moshi is noticeably cheaper.
For longer stays (30 days): Moshi Moshi's 5 GB / 30-day plan is $11.00; Asialink's equivalent is $15.00. That's a $4.00 saving over a month.
Unlimited data option: Both packages offer an identical unlimited tier at $11.50 for 3 days, with the same throttling terms (3 GB per day at full speed, then 1 Mbps afterwards). This is a tie, so the choice doesn't matter if you opt for unlimited.
When Plan Size Matters More Than Brand
The real decision isn't which package to buy in the abstract—it's which data allowance and duration fit your actual trip. A traveller who needs 5 GB over seven days will save $4.00 by choosing Moshi Moshi over Asialink. But if you're confident you'll use more than 3 GB per day and spend under 3 days in Japan, the unlimited option at $11.50 becomes a competitor worth considering even though it costs more than small allowances.
Think through your travel style: Are you mostly using WiFi at your hotel and only checking messages on the go? A 1 GB plan is enough. Will you be navigating, streaming, and video-calling throughout the day? Jump to 3 or 5 GB. Planning to work remotely for a month? The 30-day tier makes sense.
Why Asialink Exists, and Why You Might Skip It
Airalo sells both packages in Japan, and both work. The question of why Asialink exists at higher prices is unanswered by the available information—it may use a different carrier, offer different coverage in remote areas, or appeal to users with past experience on that network. But based on pricing alone, Moshi Moshi is the rational choice for almost every traveller.
If you've used Asialink before and had reliable service, sticking with it is reasonable; switching networks mid-trip can introduce uncertainty. But for a first-time buyer with no network preference, Moshi Moshi's consistent savings make it the default pick.
Pricing data gathered 1 August 2026. Airalo adjusts prices regularly and by region, so confirm current rates before purchasing.