The Best eSIM for Asia: Complete Guide (2024)
It's no secret that roaming is expensive, full stop. Sure, you can opt for purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival in Asia, but the convenience often comes with a hefty price tag – especially when buying at airports and tourist hotspots.
Take it from my experience when landing in Bali, I was seeking to buy a local SIM card and I asked my driver on the way to my hotel to take me to a phone shop. He took me to a street stall to buy a physical SIM card, only to find the connection stopped working after a few days… and I had to buy another SIM.
Enter eSIMs: the game-changing alternative that will give you instant connectivity without all this hassle. When you buy an eSIM for Asia online, not only do you skip the inflated costs and potential inconveniences, but you also gain dedicated support should anything go awry.
Pros and Cons of Getting an eSIM for Asia
As a seasoned traveler, I've come to love eSIMs wholeheartedly – they're my go-to solution for staying connected when flying to a new country.
In this article, I'll explore the benefits and considerations of using eSIMs in Asia, shedding light on why a few extra dollars upfront can vastly outweigh the drawbacks. So let's take a closer look!
Pros for eSIMs:
eSIMs are incredibly easy to set up and install – no physical SIM card hassle!
They're often more budget-friendly than international data packages from your home provider.
Instant connectivity upon landing in a new country, perfect for short trips or layovers where you still want to be connected without having to rely on airport Wi-Fi.
No need to compare the best provider for the country, or figure out currencies, or language barriers.
Options for region-specific (Asia) or even global plans mean you don't need to worry when traveling to multiple countries.
No lock-in contracts – usually you'll buy a prepaid eSIM data plan and stay connected on your terms.
Some devices have dual SIM capabilities, allowing you to use both your physical SIM from back home and an eSIM while traveling simultaneously.
Lastly, eSIMs reduce the need for plastic SIM cards, contributing to environmental sustainability, which I am personally a big advocate for!
Cons for eSIMs:
Most newer phones support eSIM functionality, but not all devices are compatible. And your phone needs to be unlocked to use an eSIM. On iPhone you can check this under Settings > General > About and look at “Service Provider Lock”.
Local physical SIM cards may be cheaper. And it's always good to compare eSIM plans too – from my experience, some providers might be cheaper in one country and more expensive in another so pricing can vary.
Some regions or countries may not fully support eSIMs, leading to potential connectivity issues.
Like any technology, eSIMs can face glitches or compatibility problems, which may require troubleshooting; choose an eSIM provider known for good support.
The Best eSIM Providers for Asia
Below I'll explore the top eSIM providers that cater specifically to the unique needs of navigating Asia's bustling cities and remote sceneries.
Most Affordable: AirHub
Airhub is a newer eSIM provider for globetrotters. Based in San Francisco, Airhub's reach spans across 170+ countries, offering extensive mobile data packages to stay connected. Some of the eSIM cards also include voice minutes.
Their data packages include local, regional, and worldwide plans which are easy to activate online or through the app with a QR code, you're ready to go in just five minutes, bypassing the time-consuming process of obtaining multiple physical SIM cards.
Airhub offers a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as country-specific numbers for eSIM products to ensure you're never caught out while on the move.
Cost example to get an eSIM for Asia: 30 days 10 GB at US$11
Unlimited data plans: Available, but can also choose a data plan with various GB options
User-friendliness: Buy, manage and top up through the Airhub App
Support: Support team is available, but not instant
Coverage: 170+ countries, uses well-known local providers/networks
Best Long-Term Options: Airalo
Established in 2019, Airalo has quickly become a well-known name in the eSIM industry, with its headquarters based in Singapore.
As the world's first eSIM store, Airalo offers access to over 200 eSIMs globally. This comprehensive range of digital SIM cards provides users with affordable alternatives to traditional roaming plans, effectively eliminating the pain of high roaming bills.
Airalo has some great long-term options, making it an excellent choice for travelers looking for reliable and cost-effective mobile connectivity across various destinations without the hassle of constantly changing physical SIM cards.
Cost example to get an eSIM for Asia: 30 days 10 GB at US$37
Unlimited data plans: Available in some countries, e.g. Thailand
User-friendliness: All managed through the Airalo App
Support: 24/7 support team, but not as fast as expected
Coverage: 200+ countries worldwide, covers 18 Asian countries when buying regional eSIM
Best for Unlimited Data: Holafly
Holafly is another standout eSIM provider for worldwide coverage. I especially like their website which is both user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Headquartered in Ireland, Holafly offers reliable connectivity across various destinations. While primarily providing 5G speeds, it's worth noting that users may occasionally experience LTE/4G speeds, depending on network availability. While all Holafly eSIM options come with “unlimited data”, the support team kindly clarified that local operators may implement fair usage policies and reduce your speed temporarily if you're overusing/streaming a lot. These policies ensure that network performance remains stable for all users.
Overall, Holafly's commitment to clarity and user experience makes it a top choice for travelers looking for an efficient and dependable eSIM solution in Asia and beyond.
Cost example to get an eSIM for Asia: 30 days of unlimited data at US$79
Unlimited data plans: Yes, in all countries – you simply choose the length of days required
User-friendliness: Easy website + everything can be done through the Holafly App
Support: Support chat 24/7, fast to respond, also on Whatsapp
Coverage: 190+ destinations worldwide
Best for Data Only Plans: Nomad
Nomad eSim offers flexible data packages for regional, country-specific, or global coverage.
It's essential to note that their short-term plans offer pretty limited data at around 1GB, which is kinda useless. Another consideration is that Nomad eSIM cards do not include calls and SMS, and they also do not provide a local number.
Despite these limitations, one great feature of Nomad eSim cards is their ability to allow data sharing with other devices, which can be convenient if you want to connect multiple devices while on the go.
Cost example to get the eSIM for Asia: 30 days 10 GB at US$31
Unlimited data plans: Not offered
User-friendliness: Clean website + mobile app available (not all countries!)
Support: Through submitting tickets, not instant
Coverage: 170+ countries worldwide
The Best eSIM for Asia – Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use a physical SIM or eSIM for Asia?
Using an eSIM for Asia offers several advantages over a physical SIM, such as quick activation, flexibility with plans, and the ability to avoid the hassle of changing SIM cards. However, it ultimately depends on your needs and device compatibility. It's worth exploring both options to determine which one suits your travel style and requirements best.
Are there any disadvantages to using an eSIM for Asia?
Drawbacks of eSIMs to consider are limited device compatibility and potential connectivity issues in certain regions or countries with limited eSim support. Additionally, pricing and plan options can vary greatly between eSIM providers, so it's essential to compare before buying.
When should I buy an eSIM before take-off?
It's best to buy an eSIM before you take off. You would typically install your eSIM without activating it immediately. Then upon arrival, you're ready to stay connected as soon as you land.
The Best eSIM for Asia – Final Words
If you're sick of unexpected roaming charges or hunting down multiple tiny SIM cards while traveling Asia, an eSIM is undoubtedly the way to go!
Its convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness make it a fantastic choice for any traveler. Whether you're a digital nomad hopping between countries or a frequent traveler seeking seamless connectivity, an eSIM simplifies all that without any stress.
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