Planning a trip to Asia in 2024? One of the most important things to figure out is how you’ll stay connected while traveling abroad. Dealing with physical SIM cards, expensive roaming charges, or hunting for WiFi everywhere you go can put a real damper on your adventures. The good news is that eSIMs make it easier than ever to get mobile data while traveling in Asia.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using eSIMs in Asia and share our top recommendations for the best eSIM providers to use on your trip.
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What is an eSIM?
First, let’s cover the basics – what exactly is an eSIM? An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a mobile data plan from your network provider without having to use a physical SIM card. eSIMs are built into many newer smartphones, including iPhones XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, and some Samsung Galaxy models.
The beauty of an eSIM is that it makes it super easy to sign up for a local data plan abroad right from your phone, without having to swap out your physical SIM or visit a store. You can store multiple eSIM profiles on your phone and switch between them as needed. So you could use your regular cell plan from home, and then when you land in Thailand or Japan, you simply activate a local eSIM data plan to start using cheap data abroad.
Benefits of using an eSIM while traveling in Asia
So why bother with an eSIM for your Asia trip? There are a few key benefits:
- Convenience – no need to find a store and buy a physical SIM card abroad. You can set up an eSIM from your phone in a few taps.
- Affordable data – signing up for a local eSIM plan is almost always cheaper than paying for international roaming with your home cell carrier.
- Dual SIM functionality – you can use an eSIM for data while keeping your regular SIM active for calls and texts. Great for staying reachable on your normal number.
- Easy to top up – adding more data to an eSIM is simple and can be done any time from your phone. No need to go to the store for a top-up.
- Wide coverage – eSIMs tap into local mobile networks, so you can get service even in more remote areas in Asia as long as there is a cell signal.
The downsides? Not all phones support eSIM technology yet, although most new phones do. And some very remote areas may not have eSIM coverage. But for most travelers, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to using an eSIM in Asia.
How to set up and use an eSIM in Asia?
Okay, so you’re sold on the benefits of an eSIM for your Asia trip. But how do you actually go about setting one up? Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Make sure your phone supports eSIM. Check your phone settings or look up your model online to confirm eSIM compatibility.
- Choose an eSIM data plan. We’ll share some top provider recommendations below. Consider how much data you’ll need and the countries you’re visiting.
- Purchase the eSIM plan. Complete the checkout process on the provider’s website or app. You’ll receive a QR code for activating your eSIM.
- Scan the eSIM QR code. Go to your phone’s cellular settings and look for the “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM” option. Scan the QR code to install the eSIM profile.
- Complete eSIM setup. Give your new plan a label (like “Thailand Data”) and make sure it’s selected for cellular data in your settings.
- You’re all set! Your eSIM plan will activate based on the start date you selected. You can switch between your eSIM data and your regular SIM easily in your settings.
The exact setup steps can vary somewhat depending on your phone model, but generally it’s a very quick and painless process. Most eSIM providers also offer step-by-step guides or support for setting up your eSIM.
Top eSIM providers for Asia travel in 2024
With the basics out of the way, let’s get into our recommendations for the best eSIM providers for traveling in Asia in 2024:
1. Airalo
Airalo is one of the most popular and reliable eSIM providers for international travel. They offer eSIMs for over 190 countries, with a wide range of regional and country-specific plans for Asia.
Some of the key benefits of Airalo’s Asia eSIMs:
- Regional plans covering multiple Asian countries, so you can hop between destinations without needing separate eSIMs
- Plans ranging from 1 GB to 10 GB and 7 days to 30 days, depending on your trip length and data needs
- Reasonable prices, with Asia plans starting from $9.50 USD for 1 GB
- Easy eSIM installation from the Airalo app
- 24/7 customer support
To get started, just download the Airalo app and create an account. Then choose your Asia eSIM plan, complete the purchase, and scan the QR code in the app to activate it on your phone. The Airalo app makes it super simple to top up data and manage your plan as you travel.
Some of Airalo’s popular regional eSIMs for Asia include:
- Asia Plus: 14 countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and more
- Southeast Asia: 10 countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines and more
- Far East Asia: 7 countries including Japan, Korea, Taiwan and more
They also offer eSIMs for specific countries if your trip is focused on one place. Overall, Airalo is a great pick if you want flexibility, good coverage, and an easy user experience.
2. Nomad
Nomad is another excellent eSIM provider that’s popular with frequent travelers. They have eSIM plans for over 100 countries, with a solid selection of Asia coverage.
Some standout features of Nomad’s Asia eSIMs:
- Regional plans for 9 Asian countries including Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam
- Country-specific plans with generous data for longer stays
- Moderately priced plans ranging from 1 GB to 10 GB, starting at $9
- 24/7 support and an easy-to-use app for eSIM setup and management
- Bonus features like data sharing and auto-renew options
Getting started with Nomad is simple. Install the Nomad app, create an account, choose your plan and complete the purchase. You’ll get a QR code in the app to scan for activating the eSIM on your phone.
Nomad’s Asia-specific eSIMs cover several popular travel destinations:
- Japan eSIM – 3 GB to 10 GB plans, starting at ~$12. Works on NTT Docomo, KDDI and SoftBank networks
- Thailand eSIM – 6 GB to 15 GB plans, starting at ~$16. Works on AIS, DTAC and TrueMove networks
- Vietnam eSIM – 3 GB to 10 GB plans, starting at ~$9. Works on Vinaphone and Viettel networks
While the country selection isn’t as broad as Airalo, Nomad offers great value and generous data on the plans they do have. If you’re visiting one of the 9 Asian countries they cover and want plenty of data to use, Nomad is worth checking out.
3. Holafly
Holafly is a newer eSIM store that has quickly become a favorite for international travelers. They currently offer eSIMs for around 160 countries, with a solid range of Asia coverage.
Some of the highlights of Holafly’s Asia eSIMs:
- Country-specific eSIMs for 18 Asian destinations including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and more
- Plans ranging from 3 GB to 12 GB of data, with 5 days to 90 days of validity
- Affordable rates starting at under $10 for shorter-term, lower data plans
- Easy eSIM activation via QR code, no app needed
- Responsive 24/7 customer support
To purchase a Holafly eSIM, visit their website and select your destination country in Asia. Choose the data amount and validity period that fits your trip, complete the purchase, and you’ll receive an email with a QR code for eSIM activation. Simply scan this code in your phone settings to set up the eSIM.
Holafly has eSIMs for many popular spots in Asia:
- Japan – 3 GB to 12 GB from 5 to 90 days, from ~$14
- Singapore – 3 GB to 12 GB from 5 to 90 days, from ~$10
- Maldives – 3 GB to 12 GB from 5 to 90 days, from ~$15
- Cambodia – 3 GB to 12 GB from 5 to 90 days, from ~$10
- Sri Lanka – 3 GB to 12 GB from 5 to 90 days, from ~$10
The prices are very reasonable, especially for shorter plans. Just keep in mind that Holafly focuses on country-specific eSIMs – so you’ll need to set up a new one every time you change countries.
4. eSIM.net
eSIM.net specializes in international eSIMs for over 150 countries worldwide. Their eSIM store offers a small but mighty selection for traveling in Asia.
Key features of eSIM.net’s Asia eSIMs:
- Regional eSIMs for Southeast Asia and East Asia, covering 12 and 5 countries respectively
- Country-specific eSIMs for Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and others
- Budget-friendly data packages starting at under $10 for 1 GB and 7 days
- Extensive coverage on leading local networks like AIS, Singtel, SK Telecom and more
- Easy online eSIM purchase and setup – no app required
To buy an eSIM from eSIM.net, head to their website, choose your region or country in Asia, and select a data plan. Checkout and you’ll get a QR code via email to activate the eSIM on your phone.
A couple examples of eSIM.net’s Asia offerings:
- Southeast Asia eSIM – covers Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam. Plans from 1 GB for ~$10
- Taiwan eSIM – data from 1 GB to 10 GB for 7 to 30 days, starting at ~$15
While eSIM.net doesn’t have the largest plan variety, their regional eSIMs offer good value for ticking off several countries in one trip.
5. GigSky
GigSky is a well-established eSIM provider that offers pay-as-you-go international data in over 190 countries. Their coverage in Asia is extensive.
Noteworthy perks of GigSky’s Asia eSIMs:
- Regional Asia-Pacific eSIM covering 24 countries with affordable pay-as-you-go rates
- eSIMs for 25 individual Asian countries, from Bangladesh to Vietnam
- Reasonable pay-as-you-go pricing based on location, like $0.10/MB in Taiwan and $0.25/MB in Japan
- Useful app for buying data, tracking usage and topping up on the go
- Reliable service on major local networks across Asia
To use GigSky, first download their app and create an account. Add a payment method, then choose your location in Asia to see pricing. Purchase data through the app and activate the eSIM, then top up any time you need more data. It’s a slightly different model than buying a set package, but offers a lot of flexibility.
GigSky is a great option if you’re hopping between several Asian countries and only need data sometimes. Their coverage is broad and the pay-as-you-go setup means you only pay for what you use.
How much data do I need for my Asia trip?
Now that you know some of the best eSIM options out there, you might be wondering how much data you should buy for your Asia travels.
The amount you need really depends on your travel style and internet usage. Will you only use data for basic things like messaging, mapping and looking up info on the go? Or are you a heavy user who likes to post lots of trip pics and videos on social media?
As a general estimate, 1 GB of data could last you anywhere from 2 days to a couple weeks in Asia. Most eSIM providers offer a range of plans from 1 GB up to 10 GB or more.
For a 2 week trip, we’d recommend budgeting around 3-5 GB if you’re a light data user. For a month long backpacking trip across several countries, you may want 5-10 GB to be safe. And if you’re studying or working remotely in Asia, going with 10+ GB is smart.
The nice thing is, you can always top up your eSIM data if you need more. So it’s usually better to start with a moderate amount and add more later vs. buying way too much upfront.
eSIM setup tips and troubleshooting
By now, you should be feeling prepared and excited to use an eSIM on your Asia adventure! To wrap up, here are a few final tips for setting up your eSIM and troubleshooting any potential issues:
- Before purchasing an eSIM, double check that your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible. Contact your carrier at home if you’re not sure about unlocking.
- When installing your eSIM, make sure you’re connected to WiFi or have your regular cell data turned on. The eSIM activation requires internet.
- If your eSIM doesn’t seem to be working once activated, try toggling your cellular data off and on, and/or restarting your phone.
- Be sure to set your eSIM as the default line for cellular data in your network settings after activation.
- Keep an eye on your data usage in your phone settings or eSIM app. If you’re worried about using too much data, you can turn off auto-synching in certain apps or monitor your activity more carefully.
- If you’re having any major issues getting your eSIM to work, don’t hesitate to contact the eSIM provider support. They’re usually very responsive and can help troubleshoot.
With the power of eSIM technology, you can ditch traditional SIM cards and stay effortlessly connected on your Asia travels. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Tokyo, trekking through the mountains of Vietnam, or island hopping in Indonesia – your eSIM will keep you online wherever your adventures take you.
We hope this guide has given you the knowledge and confidence to choose the best Asia eSIM for your needs. Bookmark it for later and share with your travel buddies. Wishing you an amazing, connected trip through Asia!