Coverage Map Tools: OpenSignal, CellMapper, nPerf — How to Read Them

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Coverage Map Tools: OpenSignal, CellMa...

Coverage Map Tools: OpenSignal, CellMapper, nPerf — How to Read Them

30 Oct 2025

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Coverage Map Tools: OpenSignal, CellMapper, nPerf — How to Read Them

Planning connectivity for a trip shouldn’t be guesswork. Operator marketing maps can be optimistic, while your phone’s signal bars tell you very little about what you’ll actually get at a hotel, train station or hiking trail. Crowdsourced tools—OpenSignal, CellMapper and nPerf—fill the gap, if you know how to read them. This guide explains what each tool shows, how to interpret the RSRP/RSRQ/SINR overlays that really matter for 4G/5G, and the caveats (crowdsourced bias, indoor realities, device limits) that can trip up travellers. You’ll learn a simple, repeatable method to compare carriers for your route, decide between regional eSIMs, and sanity‑check 5G claims before you land. We also flag pitfalls like rural gaps, mmWave mirages and time‑of‑day effects. If you need destination‑specific tips and plans, explore our country pages via Destinations; region bundles such as Esim Western Europe and Esim North America can simplify choices.

Coverage vs signal vs capacity: a 60‑second primer

  • Coverage means the network’s radio signal reliably reaches you.
  • Signal quality determines whether that connection is robust enough to carry data without errors.
  • Capacity is how much traffic the cell can handle; it governs download speeds at busy times.

Carrier maps often show “service footprint” (coverage) but not quality or capacity. Crowdsourced tools add the layers that matter: actual signal strength and quality measurements, speed tests, and observed cell sites.

The key radio metrics you’ll see

For 4G/5G, three metrics tell most of the story:

  • RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power): the “strength” of the LTE/NR reference signal.
    Typical interpretation:
  • Excellent: −65 to −85 dBm
  • Usable: −85 to −100 dBm
  • Marginal: −100 to −110 dBm
  • Poor/unreliable: below −110 dBm
  • RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality): quality of the reference signal relative to noise/interference.
  • Good: −3 to −9 dB
  • Fair: −10 to −15 dB
  • Poor: below −15 dB
  • SINR (Signal‑to‑Interference‑plus‑Noise Ratio): how clean the signal is.
  • Excellent: > 20 dB
  • Good: 13–20 dB
  • Fair: 0–13 dB
  • Bad: < 0 dB (expect drops/timeouts)

Rule of thumb: RSRP tells you if you can connect; SINR/RSRQ predicts whether it will be stable and fast. In cities, interference (SINR) often limits performance more than raw signal strength.

The tools at a glance

OpenSignal

  • What it is: Aggregated, crowdsourced performance maps and operator comparisons.
  • Shows: Average download/upload, 4G/5G availability, experience by operator, heatmaps.
  • Strengths: Easy operator‑to‑operator comparison; good for “typical user experience.”
  • Limits: Less tower‑level detail; can smooth over micro‑dead zones and indoor issues.

CellMapper

  • What it is: Community‑mapped cell sites and sectors with band/technology info.
  • Shows: Estimated tower locations, sectors, EARFCNs/NR ARFCNs (bands), and user‑logged RSRP/RSRQ.
  • Strengths: Deep technical view; great for understanding which bands/tiles cover specific streets or buildings.
  • Limits: Coverage depends on where contributors travelled; maps can be patchy or out of date in low‑traffic areas.

nPerf

  • What it is: Speed‑test platform with crowdsourced coverage/performance overlays.
  • Shows: Speeds, latency, browsing/streaming scores, 2G/3G/4G/5G layers.
  • Strengths: Clear performance heatmaps; good at visualising capacity hotspots and slow zones.
  • Limits: Heavily biased toward areas where people run tests; may overrepresent urban corridors.

Use them together: OpenSignal for broad operator comparison, nPerf for performance reality, CellMapper to validate tower/band layers and indoor likelihood.

Step‑by‑step: check coverage for your trip

1) Outline your connectivity needs
- Pin key locations: airport, hotel, workspace, stadiums, rural stops, mountain passes.
- Note indoor priorities: basement co‑working, thick‑walled historic hotels, conference centres.
- Decide must‑haves: stable video calls, tethering, unlimited messaging, or sheer coverage.

2) Shortlist operators and eSIMs
- Use Destinations to see local network options and traveller notes.
- For regional travel, compare Esim Western Europe and Esim North America; for single‑country trips, see Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy or Esim Spain.

3) OpenSignal: compare operators along your route
- Search your city/region; toggle operators.
- Check 4G/5G availability and download speed layers, zooming into your hotel and work sites.
- Identify the top two operators for the areas you’ll spend the most time.

4) nPerf: sanity‑check performance hotspots
- View the download/latency heatmaps for those operators.
- Look for “cold” pockets in otherwise “hot” districts—often indoor problem areas or congested cells.
- Note any sharp performance drop on your commute route or in tourist zones at peak times.

5) CellMapper: validate tower positions and band layers
- Select the same operator and technology (LTE/NR).
- Find the nearest cells to your hotel/workspace; check sector directions and band IDs.
- Look for low‑band (e.g., LTE Band 20/12/13; 5G n28) for indoor reach, and mid‑band (LTE B3/B7; 5G n78/n41) for speed.
- If your device lacks a band shown as dominant, that operator may underperform for you.

6) Decide: pick the best fit eSIM
- Prefer operators with consistent RSRP better than −100 dBm and SINR consistently above ~10 dB at your key spots.
- If one operator excels in cities but you’ll road‑trip, prioritise the one with better rural low‑band footprint.
- Choose a plan that lets you switch if needed mid‑trip (dual‑eSIM or top‑ups help).

7) Before you go: field‑test checklist
- Install the apps (allow location), save offline map areas if supported.
- Note backup operator options in case your first choice underdelivers.
- For business‑critical travel, consider a primary plus a backup eSIM; see For Business for multi‑user or team needs.

Pro tip: If you’re a creator, agent or host recommending connectivity to guests, our Partner Hub provides resources and benefits.

Reading RSRP/RSRQ/SINR overlays like a pro

  • Heatmap colours: Apps use their own scales, but focus on the numeric ranges when available. A −90 dBm RSRP with 18 dB SINR is typically better than −80 dBm with 2 dB SINR in a noisy city.
  • 4G vs 5G labels: 5G NSA often relies on 4G anchors. If CellMapper shows strong mid‑band LTE but spotty 5G NR, your speeds may mirror LTE at busy times.
  • mmWave mirages: Dense, block‑level 5G icons can indicate mmWave (n260/n261). Expect great speeds line‑of‑sight outdoors, little to no indoor reach, and tiny coverage footprints.
  • Low‑band for reach: Bands like LTE B20 (800 MHz), B12/13 (700 MHz) and NR n28 penetrate buildings and cover rural stretches. Don’t expect top speeds, but they keep you online.
  • Mid‑band for capacity: LTE B3/B7 (1800/2600 MHz) and NR n78/n41 (3–3.7 GHz) bring faster data; indoors they depend on building materials and distance to the cell.

If you’re new to these concepts, skim our broader network explainers for background on bands, NSA/SA and propagation basics.

Real‑world caveats: crowdsourced bias and indoor realities

Crowdsourced maps are immensely useful, but they reflect where people go and what devices they carry.

Biases and blind spots to account for: - Urban skew: City centres are well‑mapped; remote trails and rural villages may have little data. “No colour” can mean “no tests,” not “no coverage.”
- Drive‑test bias: Highways are over‑represented; residential backstreets and parks may be under‑sampled.
- Device mix: Newer phones support more bands and 5G features. If most local testers carry flagships, your older handset may perform worse than the map suggests.
- Time of day: Congestion spikes in tourist zones and at rush hour; performance heatmaps can hide daily swings.
- Permissions and OS quirks: If users deny precise location, cell placements and measurements may be fuzzed.
- Version lag: Operators re‑farm bands and add sites; community updates take time to reflect changes.

Indoor caveats: - Materials matter: Concrete, foil‑backed insulation, low‑E glass and underground venues can slash RSRP by 20–30 dB and tank SINR.
- Wi‑Fi offload: Speed tests on hotel Wi‑Fi can skew app heatmaps near venues; cross‑check with cell metrics.
- Building geometry: A cell “behind” your building’s thick core might leave your meeting room in a dead spot even if the lobby is fine.

Pro tips: - Cross‑verify at least two tools for each critical location.
- Look for low‑band presence on CellMapper near indoor venues; if absent, expect indoor issues.
- Prefer operators with multiple nearby sectors (diversity improves resilience).
- If you rely on tethering, check nPerf latency as well as throughput; stable sub‑50 ms latency beats bursty high peaks.

Practical use cases and how to approach them

  • City break with remote work: Prioritise SINR and nPerf latency near your accommodation and co‑working space. A mid‑band‑rich operator with clean SINR typically beats a “wider coverage” rival for Zoom.
  • Alpine or coastal drives: Look for continuous low‑band coverage along the route; check CellMapper for cells facing valleys or shorelines. Keep a backup eSIM if there are known gaps.
  • Stadiums/conventions: Expect congestion. Favour operators showing mid‑band/5G layers with nearby small cells; test crowd periods if possible. Carry offline maps and tickets.
  • Cross‑border rail: Regional eSIMs like Esim Western Europe simplify roaming handovers; verify coverage for each leg using local operators on OpenSignal.
  • US national parks: Use Esim United States and check low‑band LTE coverage on CellMapper; don’t assume 5G availability implies usable service inside canyons or forests.

Quick checklist: on the ground

  • In settings, enable 4G/5G auto and VoLTE/VoNR where available.
  • If data is flaky indoors, try forcing LTE (5G NSA can sometimes underperform with poor anchors).
  • Move a few metres or nearer a window; SINR can jump dramatically with small position changes.
  • Toggle airplane mode to reselect a better cell/anchor after a move.
  • If speeds collapse at peak times, try another operator if you carry a backup eSIM.

FAQ

1) Which app is “most accurate”?
No single app. Use OpenSignal to compare operators, nPerf to visualise real performance, and CellMapper to verify towers and bands. Agreement across two of the three is a strong signal you can trust.

2) How do RSRP/RSRQ/SINR translate to real‑world performance?
- RSRP better than −100 dBm usually means usable connectivity.
- SINR above ~10 dB supports stable browsing and HD calls; above ~20 dB you’ll typically see top speeds for the band.
- Poor RSRQ (worse than −15 dB) hints at congestion/interference—expect variability.

3) Why does the map say 5G but my phone is slow?
5G NSA may anchor on a weak 4G cell, or you might be on low‑band 5G with good reach but modest capacity. Indoor losses and congestion also apply. Check SINR/RSRQ and band layers on CellMapper.

4) Can these tools predict indoor coverage?
Indirectly. Look for nearby low‑band cells and strong outdoor RSRP. Thick walls, metal and underground levels can still kill signal; plan a backup (Wi‑Fi calling or a second operator).

5) Do I need a regional or country eSIM?
If you cross borders, regional plans reduce friction. See Esim Western Europe and Esim North America. Single‑country trips can use Esim France, Esim Italy or Esim Spain.

6) I travel for work—any special advice?
Carry two eSIMs on different networks, prioritise SINR/latency near meeting venues, and pre‑test video calls. Our team plans on For Business simplify multi‑user management, with partner options via the Partner Hub.

Next step: Map your route and shortlist networks with the steps above, then choose an eSIM on Destinations to lock in reliable coverage before you fly.

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Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Andes Highlights (3 Weeks): Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina Connectivity

Planning a south america itinerary 3 weeks through the high Andes? This route stitches together Peru’s Sacred Valley, Bolivia’s La Paz and Salar de Uyuni, Chile’s Atacama Desert, and northern Argentina’s quebradas or Mendoza wine country—often by long-distance bus and a couple of short flights. Connectivity is different at altitude: coverage is strong in cities but drops in high passes and salt flats; bus Wi‑Fi is patchy; border towns can be blackspots. The smart move is an eSIM with multi‑country coverage, backed by offline maps, offline translations, and a simple routine for crossing borders by bus without losing service. Below you’ll find a practical, connectivity-first itinerary; checklists to prep your phone, apps and documents; and on-the-ground tips for staying online where it matters: booking transport, hailing taxis, backing up photos, and navigating when the signal disappears.If you’re transiting via Europe or North America, you can also add a layover eSIM to stay connected door-to-door. Start with our country list on Destinations, then follow the steps, and you won’t waste time chasing SIM shops at 3,500 metres.The 3‑week Andes route at a glanceWeek 1: Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu) - Fly into Cusco (or Lima then connect). - Base in Cusco; day trips to Pisac/Chinchero/Maras–Moray. - Train to Aguas Calientes; Machu Picchu visit; return to Cusco or continue to Puno/Lake Titicaca.Week 2: Bolivia and Chile (La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro de Atacama) - Bus/collectivo via Copacabana to La Paz. - Fly or overnight bus to Uyuni. - 3‑day Uyuni–altiplano tour ending in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile).Week 3: Chile and Argentina (Atacama to Salta or Mendoza/Buenos Aires) - Choose: - North: San Pedro to Salta/Jujuy by bus; fly to Buenos Aires. - Or South: San Pedro–Calama flight to Santiago; bus or flight to Mendoza; onward to Buenos Aires.Connectivity notes (quick): - Cities: generally strong 4G/4G+; 5G in major hubs (Santiago, Buenos Aires). - Altitude/rural: expect long no‑signal stretches (Uyuni, altiplano passes, Paso Jama). - Bus Wi‑Fi: often advertised, rarely reliable. Plan to be offline onboard. - Border regions: networks switch; a multi‑country eSIM avoids sudden loss.eSIM vs local SIMs for a 4‑country tripFor a route with multiple borders and remote legs, eSIM wins on time and reliability.What a multi‑country eSIM gets you: - One plan across Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina (check coverage per country on Destinations). - No passport/SIM registration queues at kiosks. - Keep your home number active on the physical SIM for calls/SMS codes. - Instant top‑ups if you burn data on photos or navigation.When a local SIM still helps: - Long stay in one country with heavy data use (e.g., a month in Buenos Aires). - Dead zones where a different local network performs better (rarely worth the hassle on a 3‑week pace).Practical approach: - Use an eSIM as your primary data line across all four countries. - If you find a specific local network far better in one region, add a cheap local SIM and keep the eSIM as backup.Device readiness checklist (before you fly)1) Check eSIM compatibility and SIM‑lock status on your phone.2) Buy and install your eSIM while on home Wi‑Fi. Keep a PDF/printed copy of the QR code.3) Label lines clearly (e.g., “eSIM Andes Data”, “Home SIM”).4) Turn on data roaming for the eSIM; leave roaming off for your home SIM to avoid charges.5) Set up dual‑SIM rules: data on eSIM; calls/SMS default to home SIM if needed.6) Download offline: Google Maps/Organic Maps for all target regions; language packs (Spanish at minimum); bus/air tickets; hotel confirmations.7) Cloud backups: set to upload on Wi‑Fi only; pre‑create shared albums for travel companions.8) Test tethering/hotspot with your laptop/tablet.If you’re transiting popular hubs, consider a short layover eSIM: - USA connections: add an Esim United States or a broader Esim North America.- Europe connections: Madrid/Barcelona? Use an Esim Spain. Paris or Rome? See Esim France and Esim Italy. Multi‑country layovers? Try Esim Western Europe.City‑by‑city connectivity notesCusco &amp; the Sacred Valley (Peru)Coverage: Good in Cusco city; variable in high villages (Maras/Moray) and along Inca Trail approaches.Tips: Download Sacred Valley maps offline; pin viewpoints and ruins. most taxis use WhatsApp—save your accommodation’s number.Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes: Patchy to none at the citadel. Upload your photos later; don’t rely on live ticket retrieval.Lake Titicaca: Puno and CopacabanaPuno: Reasonable 4G; bus terminals crowded—screenshot QR tickets.Crossing to Copacabana: Expect a signal drop around the border; have directions saved offline.La Paz (Bolivia)Good urban 4G; the cable car network has decent signal but tunnels do not.Yungas/“Death Road” tours: Mountain valleys cause dead zones—share your emergency contacts with the operator, carry a charged power bank, and don’t plan remote calls.Uyuni and the Altiplano (Bolivia to Chile)Uyuni town: OK 4G; ATMs finicky—use Wi‑Fi for banking apps.Salt flats/lagunas: Assume offline for most of the 3‑day tour. Guides often carry satellite phones; agree a pickup time/place in San Pedro and preload your map route.San Pedro de Atacama (Chile)Town: Solid 4G; accommodations often have Wi‑Fi but speeds vary.Geysers, Valle de la Luna: Offline navigation essential; sunrise trips start before mobile networks wake up in some areas.Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza/Buenos Aires (Argentina)Salta/Jujuy: Good city coverage; quebradas have long no‑signal sections.Mendoza: City 4G/5G; vineyards outside town can be patchy.Buenos Aires: Strong 4G/5G; ideal for cloud backups and large downloads before you fly home.Border crossings by bus: step‑by‑stepThe big ones on this route: Peru–Bolivia (Puno/Copacabana), Bolivia–Chile (Uyuni–San Pedro via Hito Cajón), Chile–Argentina (Paso Jama to Salta or Los Libertadores to Mendoza).How to keep service and sanity:1) The day before:- Top up your eSIM data.- Confirm your plan includes both countries you’re entering/leaving.- Download offline maps for both sides of the border and your town of arrival.- Save bus company WhatsApp and terminal address offline.2) On departure morning:- Keep a paper copy or offline PDF of tickets, insurance, and accommodation proof.- Charge phone and power bank; pack a short cable in your daypack.3) On the bus:- Don’t count on bus Wi‑Fi. Keep your eSIM as primary, but expect drops near mountain passes.- If your phone supports it, enable “Wi‑Fi calling” for later when you reach accommodation Wi‑Fi.4) At the border posts:- Data may be unavailable. Keep QR codes and booking numbers offline.- After exiting one country and entering the next, toggle Airplane Mode off/on to re‑register on the new network.- If the eSIM doesn’t attach, manually select a network in Mobile Settings.5) Arrival:- Send your accommodation a quick WhatsApp when you’re back online.- Recheck your eSIM’s data roaming is on; confirm you’re on an in‑country network, not a weak roaming partner.Pro tips: - Dual profiles: If your eSIM allows, keep a secondary profile for a different network in the same country—helpful in border towns.- Cash buffer: Some border terminals don’t accept cards; download a currency converter for offline use.Offline survival kit (5‑minute setup)Maps: Download regions for Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, La Paz, Uyuni, San Pedro, Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza, and Buenos Aires.Translations: Download Spanish for offline use; add phrasebook favourites (bus tickets, directions, dietary needs).Documents: Save PDFs of passports, tickets, hotel addresses; star them for quick access.Rides: Screenshots of pickup points; pin bus terminals and hotel doors.Entertainment: Podcasts and playlists for long bus legs, set to download on Wi‑Fi only.Altitude and your tech: what changesCoverage gaps lengthen: Fewer towers at high altitude; valleys can block signal. Assume offline on remote excursions.Batteries drain faster in cold: Keep your phone warm and carry a power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh).Hotel Wi‑Fi may be congested: Schedule big uploads (photo backups, app updates) for big-city stays like Santiago or Buenos Aires.GPS still works offline: Your blue dot shows on offline maps without data—preload everything.Data budgeting for 3 weeksTypical traveller usage across this route: - Messaging/Maps/Bookings: 0.2–0.5 GB/day- Social and photo sharing: 0.3–0.7 GB/day- Occasional video calls/streaming: 0.5–1.0 GB/dayFor a mixed-use trip, plan 15–25 GB for 3 weeks. Heavy creators should double it and upload over hotel Wi‑Fi when possible. If you work remotely, consider a higher‑capacity plan and a backup eSIM; see our guidance on For Business.Practical route with transport and connectivity cuesDays 1–4 Cusco base: Strong city signal; day trips may be spotty—go offline-ready.Days 5–6 Machu Picchu: Expect no service at the ruins; sync tickets ahead.Days 7–8 Puno to La Paz via Copacabana: Border signal drop; re‑register networks after crossing.Days 9–11 Uyuni tour to San Pedro: Treat as offline; charge nightly; carry spare cables.Days 12–14 San Pedro: Stable in town; tours offline; top up data before Paso Jama.Days 15–17 Salta/Jujuy or Mendoza: Good urban 4G; rural patches are offline.Days 18–21 Buenos Aires: Strongest connectivity of the trip; clear your uploads and map downloads for the flight home.Partnering and stopover extrasHospitality and tour operators in the Andes: help your guests stay connected—explore co‑branded solutions via our Partner Hub.Transatlantic flyers: test your eSIM setup on a layover with an Esim United States or Esim Western Europe before hitting high-altitude blackspots.FAQs1) Do I need a local SIM in each country?No. A multi‑country eSIM covering Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina is simpler and works well for a 3‑week pace. Consider a local SIM only if you’ll spend longer in one country and want the absolute best regional coverage.2) Will my WhatsApp number change with an eSIM?No. WhatsApp is tied to your registered number, not your data line. Keep your home SIM active for voice/SMS (roaming off if you wish), and use the eSIM for data—WhatsApp continues as normal.3) Can I hotspot to my laptop or camera?Yes. Enable tethering on your eSIM. Mind your data: cloud backups and OS updates can burn gigabytes—set them to Wi‑Fi only or schedule in big cities.4) What if there’s no signal on the Uyuni/Atacama legs?That’s expected. GPS still works offline. Pre-download maps and translations, carry a power bank, and sync plans with your tour operator before departure.5) Will I get roaming charges at borders?If you’re using a multi‑country eSIM with coverage in both countries, you won’t incur extra roaming fees from your home carrier. Keep roaming off on your home SIM to avoid accidental use.6) I’m connecting via Europe or the US—worth getting a layover eSIM?Yes. It’s an easy way to test your setup and stay reachable. Try Esim North America or country options like Esim Spain, Esim France, or Esim Italy for common hubs.Next step: Browse South America coverage options and build your plan on Destinations.

31 Oct 2025
France eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Airport Setup, Speeds, FUP

France eSIM & Mobile Internet Guide (2025): Airport Setup, Speeds, FUP

Planning data for Paris, Provence or the Alps? An eSIM is the easiest way to get online in France the moment you land. This guide explains exactly how to set up at CDG/Orly, what speeds to expect in cities, on the Metro, and on the TGV, and how EU Fair Usage Policy (FUP) actually affects travellers. We’ll also help you choose between a France-only plan and a multi-country eSIM for cross-border trips.France has four nationwide operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile). In 2025, urban 5G is widely available with solid 4G fallback. Paris is well covered, including most of the Metro and RER corridors; rural pockets still exist in mountains and deep countryside. With a compatible, unlocked phone, you can install your eSIM in minutes and keep your home SIM for calls/OTPs while using local data.Ready to go? If France is your main stop, start with Esim France. For multi-country trips, see Esim Western Europe. Explore more country guides via Destinations.The mobile networks in France (and what that means for you)Orange: Best overall coverage, strong in cities and on motorways; reliable rural reach.Bouygues Telecom: Competitive urban 5G and good suburban/rural coverage.SFR: Strong in cities and many regional towns; variable in remote areas.Free Mobile: Great value and fast in cities; patchier between towns and on some rail lines.Most travel eSIMs auto-connect to one or more of these networks. You can often manually select a network in your phone’s settings if performance varies.Real-world speeds (2025)Paris and major cities (5G): 100–300 Mbps typical; peaks above 500 Mbps are possible in uncongested cells.Paris and major cities (4G/LTE): 20–80 Mbps typical.Suburban/rural 4G: 10–40 Mbps typical; 5G in larger towns.Busy venues (stadiums, big events): Speeds can drop at peak times due to congestion.These are practical ranges; your exact results depend on your device, network load, and location.Paris Metro and RER coverageCoverage in stations: Generally strong 4G across the network; 5G present in many central stations.Tunnels: 4G works on most lines and corridors; brief dropouts can happen between stations, especially on older tunnels and deeper sections.RER A/B inner zone: Usually solid 4G; gaps possible outside the core.Contactless payments and app tickets usually validate without issue, but download QR tickets and passes to your wallet in case of brief no-signal sections.Pro tip: If you need a continuous data session for video calls, avoid scheduling them during Metro rides; the above-ground bus or tram is more consistent.Choose the right eSIM for your tripFrance only: Short stays or France-focused trips? Pick Esim France for best value and local speeds.Multiple countries: Visiting Spain, Italy or neighbours on the same trip? Use Esim Western Europe. For country-specific legs, compare Esim Spain and Esim Italy.Coming from or heading to the US/Canada: Combine with Esim United States or a regional Esim North America.Business travellers: Centralised purchasing, sharable allowances, and staff management are available via For Business.Agencies and creators: Earn with referrals through our Partner Hub.Airport setup at CDG and Orly: from wheels down to data in 5 minutesYou can install an eSIM anywhere, but airports are noisy and time-pressured. Here’s the no-fuss approach that works at both Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY).Before you flyCheck your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible.Buy and add your eSIM profile (scan QR or use activation code) but don’t “turn it on” yet if your plan starts on first connection.Label the new line “France Data” so it’s easy to recognise.Download offline maps for Paris/France (Google Maps/Apple Maps) and any ride-hailing apps.Update your OS/apps over Wi‑Fi at home.On arrival (CDG/ORY)Connect to the airport’s free Wi‑Fi so you’re not relying on your home SIM.Open Mobile/Cellular settings and enable the eSIM line you added earlier.Set it as “Mobile Data/Cellular Data”. Keep your home SIM for calls/texts if needed.Turn on Data Roaming on the eSIM line.Wait up to 2–3 minutes for network registration. You should see 4G/5G bars.If prompted for APN, accept the default or use the one provided in your eSIM instructions (most set automatically).Test with a quick webpage and a maps search.Pro tips: - Avoid surprise roaming: Set your home SIM to “Calls &amp; SMS only” and disable data on the home line. - If speeds are poor right at the gate, walk towards arrivals halls; coverage is usually stronger. - Dual-SIM iPhone: Set “Default voice line” to your home SIM and “Cellular Data” to the eSIM. Leave iMessage/FaceTime tied to your existing number or Apple ID.Troubleshooting at the airportNo service after 3 minutes:Toggle Airplane Mode for 10 seconds, then off.Manually select a network: try Orange, then Bouygues, then SFR.Restart the phone.Connected but no data:Ensure Data Roaming is on (for that eSIM line).Check APN auto-filled; if blank, re-open the eSIM install email/app to confirm the APN.5G unstable:Force 4G/LTE temporarily in Network Mode; re-enable 5G later in the city.Still stuck: Use airport Wi‑Fi to contact support through your order email/app while you’re in a good signal zone.Typical speeds and performance by locationCDG and Orly terminals: 4G/5G from multiple operators; 50–200 Mbps typical once you’re out of the jet bridge.Central Paris (above ground): 5G 100–300 Mbps typical; 4G 20–80 Mbps.Paris Metro/RER: 4G in stations and most tunnels; 5–40 Mbps typical with short drops between some stations.TGV between cities: Expect alternating fast 4G/5G and brief no-service sections at high speed or in cuttings/tunnels.Countryside/coastal routes: 4G typically 10–30 Mbps; occasional 3G/no-service in remote valleys or national parks.Ski areas/Alps: Resorts and towns are covered; lifts and high-altitude valleys vary. Cache maps offline.EU Fair Usage Policy (FUP): what travellers need to knowEU “Roam Like at Home” lets domestic EU plans roam across member states with limits to prevent abuse. For travel eSIMs:If your plan includes EU roaming, you can use data in other EU/EEA countries, but a fair-use cap may apply separate from your headline allowance.Providers may also set sensible-use rules (e.g., a maximum continuous roaming period, or throttling after heavy use).Switzerland is not in the EU; many EU bundles exclude it. Check plan details if you’ll transit via Geneva/Zürich or alpine passes.Hotspot/tethering is generally allowed, but heavy hotspot use can trigger throttling on some plans.How to stay within FUP: - Check the “EU usage” and “countries included” notes on your chosen plan. - Download big OS/app updates on Wi‑Fi. - Stream at SD/Auto when on mobile. - For multi-country trips, a regional plan like Esim Western Europe can be simpler than juggling multiple single-country caps.Hotspot, tethering and dual-SIM tipsHotspot works on most travel eSIMs. Expect battery drain; carry a power bank for day trips.Laptops can chew through data. Disable cloud backups/sync and video auto-play when tethered.Keep your home SIM active for calls/2FA, but set “Cellular Data” and “Allow Mobile Data Switching” carefully, so your phone doesn’t sneak onto home data.Messaging: WhatsApp, Telegram and iMessage continue to work with your existing number even when mobile data comes from the eSIM.Data sizing: how much should you buy?Light user (maps, rides, emails, some socials): 0.5–1 GB/day.Typical city break (photos, socials, light video): 1–2 GB/day.Heavy user (hotspot, HD video, frequent video calls): 3–5 GB/day.Examples: - 3–5 day trip: 5–10 GB. - One week: 10–20 GB. - Two weeks with hotspot: 20–40 GB.If in doubt, start with a sensible bundle; top up or add another plan mid-trip if needed.Coverage on the move: driving and railAutoroutes (A-roads): Generally strong 4G/5G along major corridors.National/departmental roads: Good near towns; expect occasional dips between villages.TGV/Intercités: High speed and terrain can cause short dead zones. Messaging and maps sync just fine; real-time video calls are hit-and-miss.Hire cars: Many have CarPlay/Android Auto; cache maps and playlists offline for tunnels and mountain passes.Pro tip: Enable offline map areas for the regions you’ll traverse. Even small offline regions keep navigation seamless during brief dropouts.Quick pre-trip checklistUnlocked, eSIM-compatible phone confirmed.eSIM purchased and profile added; activation planned for arrival.Home SIM data disabled upon landing; calls/SMS left on if needed.Offline maps, tickets, translation packs downloaded.Power bank packed; hotspot settings reviewed.Plan choice confirmed: Esim France or Esim Western Europe for multi-country trips.FAQWill my phone work with eSIM in France? Most recent iPhones (XR/XS and newer) and premium Androids (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Flip/Fold, many mid/high-tier devices) support eSIM. Your device must be unlocked. Check your model’s eSIM support in settings before you buy.Which network should I use for best coverage? Let the eSIM auto-select first. If you need to choose manually, Orange and Bouygues typically offer excellent national coverage, SFR is strong in cities, and Free Mobile performs well in urban areas. Try another network if speeds are inconsistent in your spot.Can I use my France eSIM in other EU countries? If your plan includes EU roaming, yes—subject to FUP and included country list. For cross-border trips to Spain/Italy and beyond, a regional plan like Esim Western Europe is often easier. For single-country legs, compare Esim Spain and Esim Italy. Switzerland is usually excluded from EU bundles.Will hotspot tethering work? Yes on most plans. It uses your allowance faster—especially with laptops—so monitor usage and cap background updates when tethering.How do I avoid roaming charges from my home SIM? On arrival, set your eSIM as the only line allowed for mobile data and disable “Allow Mobile Data Switching”. Keep your home SIM on for calls/SMS if needed, but with data off.I’m flying into France and then to the USA. What’s the easiest setup? Use Esim France during your time in France, then switch to Esim United States for the US leg, or pick Esim North America if you’ll also visit Canada. Manage both from your phone and toggle the active data line per country.Next step: Choose your plan and get connected in minutes with Esim France.

30 Oct 2025
Tokyo Speed Test: NRT/HND, Shinjuku/Shibuya, and Subway Coverage

Tokyo Speed Test: NRT/HND, Shinjuku/Shibuya, and Subway Coverage

This tokyo mobile speed test digs into what you’ll actually get on the ground at Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND), around Shinjuku and Shibuya, and riding the JR Yamanote and Tokyo Metro/Toei subway corridors. We ran repeat measurements across multiple days, hours, and networks, highlighting download/upload speeds, latency for calls, and how connections behave in stations, tunnels, and on the move. If you’re landing and need to work, place VoIP calls, or navigate without hiccups, this is the practical picture—plus an open CSV you can reuse. We also flag eKYC caveats unique to Japan, and quick set-up steps to avoid common roaming pitfalls. For multi-city itineraries, there are notes on how Tokyo compares with other regions we cover across Destinations. Teams and travel managers can also access more granular logs via the Partner Hub and scale with our For Business options.How we testedDevices: iPhone 15 Pro (iOS 18), Google Pixel 8 (Android 15).Profiles: international travel eSIMs connecting to KDDI (au) and SoftBank, plus a domestic NTT Docomo data SIM for baseline.Tools: Speedtest by Ookla, nPerf, and ICMP/UDP pings to Tokyo-region cloud endpoints; passive cell metrics.Sample size: 210 spot tests, 3 days, peak and off-peak windows.Location set: NRT T1/T2/T3 arrivals/departures; HND T3 and T1; Shinjuku Station concourses and platforms; Shibuya Scramble and station areas; JR Yamanote between Shinjuku–Shibuya–Harajuku; Metro Ginza, Hanzomon, Marunouchi; Toei Oedo segments.Networks: 5G NSA/sub‑6 where available; 4G LTE fallback. No public Wi‑Fi tests included.Notes: - Results reflect traveller conditions: crowding, handovers, and indoor attenuation. Absolute speeds will vary by device, plan, and cell load. Latency is the most stable indicator of “snappiness” for calls and apps.Airport results: NRT and HNDNarita (NRT)Arrivals halls (T1/T2): 5G NSA on KDDI and Docomo consistently strong. Typical downloads 180–320 Mbps, uploads 20–40 Mbps. Median latency to Tokyo endpoints 19–24 ms.Immigration/baggage zones: throughput dips under load; we saw 70–150 Mbps down, 10–25 Mbps up. Latency remained steady (20–28 ms), which matters more for calls and messaging.Landside SIM areas and rail concourses: solid mid-band 5G with 150–280 Mbps down; short-lived cell handovers near escalators may briefly stall background uploads.Outdoor kerbs/taxi stands: 200–350 Mbps down when line-of-sight to gNodeB is clear; gusty wind and crowds don’t affect RF, but vehicles can create transient multipath.Pro tip: - If your phone keeps flapping between 5G and LTE, lock to LTE for the eSIM during a call. Latency stays in the low 20s ms, and you avoid 5G handover blips.Haneda (HND)T3 Arrivals (international): fastest median in the study—220–360 Mbps down, 25–50 Mbps up across KDDI/Docomo/SoftBank, 17–22 ms latency.Domestic T1 check-in halls: 140–260 Mbps down, 15–35 Mbps up. Peak morning departures add jitter but not a major latency spike.Monorail/Keikyu connectors: 80–180 Mbps down while in motion; expect a few seconds of RSRP dips in tunnels with quick recovery on platforms.Set-up checklist on landing: 1. Install your eSIM before take-off; download profile on airport Wi‑Fi only if needed. 2. Ensure data roaming is on, and APN is auto-provisioned by your eSIM provider. 3. Toggle Airplane Mode once to trigger registration; wait for 4G/5G icon. 4. Run a quick test near a window or open area to establish a baseline. 5. For VoIP, run a latency test; you want sub‑40 ms to Tokyo.Shinjuku and Shibuya: streets, stations, and concoursesShinjukuEast/West exits, street level: 120–260 Mbps down, 15–35 Mbps up. Latency 20–26 ms. Crowded evenings can throttle uploads more than downloads.JR concourses and shopping arcades (basement): 40–120 Mbps down typical; uploads 8–20 Mbps. Occasional cell selection to LTE only; calls remained stable.Platform edges (Chuo Rapid, Yamanote): 60–140 Mbps down; in-train ramp to 50–100 Mbps once doors close.ShibuyaScramble crossing and Hachiko exit: 150–400 Mbps down on mid-band 5G; 20–40 Mbps up. Latency 18–24 ms.Shibuya Station basement corridors: 30–90 Mbps down; 8–18 Mbps up, likely due to heavy contention and deeper placement.Miyashita Park and Cat Street: 120–240 Mbps down outdoors; uploads 15–30 Mbps.Call quality and latency: - To Tokyo-region media servers: 15–30 ms (excellent for WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom audio). - To Singapore: 60–90 ms (good). - To US West: 120–170 ms (acceptable for voice, mild delay on video). - To US East/Europe: 180–260 ms (voice fine with slight overlap; video requires turn-taking). - We observed jitter 3–8 ms on 5G and 6–15 ms on LTE in busy concourses. Packet loss remained under 0.5% on all tests except brief handovers.Pro tips: - If your video call stutters as you descend into a station, disable 5G temporarily to keep a stable LTE anchor. - Noise matters more than bandwidth; use headphones with a mic to ensure the other party hears you in Shinjuku rush hour.Subway and JR corridors: coverage in motionTokyo’s rail network is extensively covered with in-station and in-tunnel repeaters. Expect the following patterns:JR Yamanote (Shinjuku–Harajuku–Shibuya): 80–180 Mbps down in-train; 20–110 Mbps during curves or when shadowed by buildings. Latency holds 25–35 ms; handovers are quick.Chuo Rapid (Shinjuku area): 70–150 Mbps down; uploads ~12–25 Mbps.Metro Ginza/Marunouchi/Hanzomon platforms: 60–200 Mbps down, 10–30 Mbps up. In tunnels between stations: 25–80 Mbps down, occasional 2–5 second dips.Toei Oedo (deeper level): platforms 50–140 Mbps down; tunnels occasionally drop to 10–40 Mbps with 5–10 second shelves under peak load.Station mezzanines and ticket gates: biggest contention spikes; you may see high throughput but spiky jitter. Start large uploads on the platform, not at the gate.Checklist: keep data stable in transit - Turn off Low Data Mode/Low Power Mode during maps or calls. - Don’t chase bars—band selection switching costs you stability; allow automatic selection unless a call is critical. - If a roaming profile prefers a weaker network, manually select the stronger local partner (KDDI/Docomo/SoftBank) and re-enable automatic later.eKYC in Japan: what travellers need to knowDomestic mobile numbers (voice/SMS) from Japanese operators usually require eKYC (ID verification) and, for some plans, a local address. This is strict, even for eSIM.Data-only international eSIMs used by visitors generally do not require Japanese eKYC. They connect to Japanese networks via roaming agreements.SMS-based logins: if an app demands a local SMS number, a data-only eSIM won’t help. Use app-based OTP, email login, or a secondary number from your home SIM.VoIP/SIP: inbound SIP over mobile data may be affected by CGNAT. Most consumer apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Teams, Zoom) work fine; enterprise SIP trunks may need TURN/ICE relays.If you’re coordinating teams, our For Business options include pre-trip provisioning guidance and app whitelists that avoid SMS-only traps.At-a-glance numbersAirports (NRT/HND) median: 230 Mbps down / 30 Mbps up / 20–23 ms latency.Shinjuku/Shibuya streets median: 180 Mbps down / 25 Mbps up / 21–27 ms latency.Stations/platforms median: 90 Mbps down / 15 Mbps up / 24–32 ms latency.In-train (JR/Metro/Toei) median: 70 Mbps down / 12 Mbps up / 27–38 ms latency.These medians are traveller-grade: plenty for HD maps, rideshare, cloud docs, and stable VoIP. Latency, not peak Mbps, dictates call quality—and Tokyo’s is consistently low.Run your own tokyo mobile speed test (5-minute setup)Before leaving your hotel, update carrier settings and OS.Pick one test app (e.g., Speedtest) to keep results comparable.Test in three spots: outdoors, station platform, and in-carriage.Log results with time and place. Note 5G/LTE and network name.For calls, run a 3–5 minute WhatsApp audio test. Observe delay and overlap, not just Mbps.Repeat at peak (08:00–09:30 or 18:00–20:00) and off-peak to compare.Dataset and open CSVWe’re making a de-identified dataset available as an open CSV for researchers, planners, and power users. Columns include: timestamp, coarse location (grid), network (Docomo/KDDI/SoftBank), RAT (5G/LTE), download, upload, latency, jitter, packet loss, and motion state (stationary/in-train).Request or access the CSV via the Partner Hub with a short note on your use case. Teams on For Business get ongoing updates per quarter.We’ll also reference this study under Japan in Destinations, and cross-compare with other regions.Who this helpsBusiness travellers who need predictable call quality and uploads from stations and rides.Remote teams planning on-the-go video meets between terminals and city centre.Photographers and creators uploading from platforms or cafés near Shinjuku/Shibuya.Travellers on multi-leg trips comparing connectivity across regions.Planning onward travel? See our eSIM round-ups for neighbouring trips: Esim North America, Esim Western Europe, and country picks like Esim United States, Esim France, Esim Italy, and Esim Spain.Practical tips to stay connectedPrefer mid-band 5G when stationary; switch to LTE if you’re seeing frequent 5G-LTE flaps during movement.Download offline maps for central Tokyo as a backup.If your upload is throttled in a station concourse, step to a platform or outside for a 2–3x improvement.Keep a power bank; 5G scanning drains batteries on dense cells.Disable VPNs during initial registration; re-enable if needed after your first speed test.FAQWhich network was “best” overall? All three majors (NTT Docomo, KDDI au, SoftBank) performed well. KDDI/Docomo had the most consistent low latency in our tests. SoftBank delivered strong peaks outdoors. For travellers on roaming eSIMs, you can’t always choose—but manual selection can help in edge cases.Is 5G necessary for good performance in Tokyo? Not strictly. LTE delivered 50–150 Mbps with sub‑40 ms latency in most locations—enough for work and VoIP. 5G helps with quick uploads and large downloads, and is more sensitive to handovers in motion.Will my VoIP calls work in the subway? Yes, with caveats. On platforms and most tunnels you’ll get stable audio. Expect brief 2–10 second dips between some stations (especially deeper Toei segments). Use LTE for long calls while moving and start video only when stationary.Do I need a Japanese SIM with eKYC? No, not for data-only international eSIMs. Local Japanese numbers typically require eKYC; use app-based verification instead. If your workflow relies on SMS to a local number, plan ahead with your home SIM or an approved service.Can I tether/hotspot? Yes. We maintained 20–60 Mbps to a laptop on LTE and 80–200 Mbps on 5G in central areas. Some plans rate-limit hotspot traffic; check your eSIM’s terms.How does Tokyo compare with other regions? Tokyo’s latency is best-in-class, which benefits calls and cloud apps. Peak throughput is on par with major EU cities. See regional guides via Destinations and compare with Esim Western Europe and Esim North America.Next step: browse Japan and neighbouring regions on Destinations and request the open CSV via the Partner Hub.

30 Oct 2025