Traveling abroad makes real-time "checking in" a necessity & portable Wi-Fi hotspots are all the rage

Reported & photographed by reporter Yu Ru / Japan

With the opening of air routes between Taiwan and Japan, several low-cost airlines have entered the Taiwanese market, making travel to Japan more convenient and affordable. At the same time, with the widespread use of smartphones and the social trend of "checking in," sharing updates has become an essential part of many people’s overseas trips. Some businesses have tapped into this travel connectivity opportunity by launching portable "mobile Wi-Fi hotspots," primarily available for use in Japan, turning them into essential travel gear for many.

Promoted with the slogan "Check in anytime, anywhere while abroad," the "Super Energy Smart Travel Service" has introduced the latest mobile Wi-Fi hotspots from Japan’s top three telecom companies—DOCOMO, AU, and SOFTBANK. Priced at just 299 yen per day per device, each unit can be shared among up to 10 users, and can last up to 8 to 10 hours without needing a recharge. Even if you stay in a Japanese hot spring inn or mountain lodge with no Wi-Fi, the signal is almost always available, allowing you to go online anytime.

To test whether the "mobile Wi-Fi hotspot" truly meets the needs of Taiwanese travelers who want to check in and stay connected with family and friends while abroad, our reporter traveled to Japan to test the device firsthand and compiled a list of benefits for travelers to consider.

%The device even works well abroad.


1. Long battery life – enough for up to 10 hours
Taking the 4G model AU HWD11 Black Diamond as an example, it can share connectivity with up to 10 devices simultaneously. During the reporter’s 10-day trip covering Shizuoka, Tohoku’s Chiba, and Sendai regions in Japan, the device was used by 5–6 smartphones and laptops. With usage from 9 AM to 9 PM daily, the battery still showed three bars of power, demonstrating that the mobile Wi-Fi hotspot has fairly strong battery performance.

2. No location restrictions – internet access wherever there’s signal
In addition to long battery life, the AU HWD11 Black Diamond also offers coverage across all regions of Japan. As long as there’s a signal, you can easily get online. The reporter tested the device in the mountainous area near Shuzenji Onsen in Shizuoka and aboard the Suruga Bay ferry, where the network signal was nearly full strength. Uploading a single photo to Facebook took only about 5–10 seconds.

3. Easy to operate – even tech novices can use it
The AU HWD11 Black Diamond is very user-friendly. Once turned on, it displays signal strength, battery level, and the number of connected devices. The original packaging also includes an instruction manual. During use, the reporter experienced a few instances of sudden disconnection, but simply restarting the device restored normal functionality.

4. Easy pickup and return
Three to five days before your trip, you can reserve a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot online. Delivery options include in-store pickup, home delivery, and convenience store collection—all free of charge. The reporter opted for home delivery and convenience store return. The device arrived one day before departure, and was due to be returned the day after coming back. “Super Energy Smart Travel Service” includes a prepaid return envelope with each device. Simply place the unit and all accessories back into the package, print out the return label using an Ibon machine, and hand it to the convenience store clerk to complete the return process.


▲The included accessories and instruction manual are also very clear.

As overseas travel becomes more common among Taiwanese, staying connected online has become a necessity for many. In fact, besides “Super Energy Smart Travel Service,” other providers in Taiwan also offer mobile Wi-Fi hotspots usable in multiple countries. Additionally, major telecom operators such as Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone provide daily unlimited data plans for 299–399 yen per day. Going forward, staying online during international trips will no longer be an issue—allowing travelers to search for local information and share their experiences with friends and family, adding even more joy to the journey.