Imagine landing in Asia and skipping the SIM card hassle at the airport…

No aggressive sales pitches. No passport copies. No wondering if you just got hustled.

Just simple internet connectivity!

Sound too good to be true?

We’ve been traveling to Asia on and off since 2018. And throughout that time we’ve been using eSIMs!

eSIMs have changed our entire Asia travel experience. And the best bit – you can buy them before you even leave your home country and use them as soon as you land.

It doesn’t get much easier than that!

The best eSIM for Asia is Airalo. They have a huge range of plans to suit any budget and trip length.

But before you go off to buy an eSIM for your next trip to Asia, there are a couple of things you need to consider first.

Below we’ve put together a list of the best eSIM providers in Asia based on our own tests and experience.

Top 5 Best eSIM Providers For Asia

The 5 best eSIM providers for Asia are:

1. Airalo – Best For Asia Overall
2. Holafly – Best For Unlimited Data
3. Nomad – Best For Most Asian Countries
4. Ubigi – Best For Low Data Needs
5. Gigago – Best For Specific Asian Countries

The right eSIM for Asia depends on your own travel needs and where you are going.

That’s why we put together a summary table that compares each of the eSIM brands so you can see which is right for you:

	Airalo	Holafly	Nomad	Ubigi	Gigago
Countries Included	14 Countries	11 Countries	21 Countries	15 to 25 Countries	8 Countries
eSIM Prices (USD)	$5 to $185	$27 to $79	$7 to $48	$3 to $78	$5 to $89.50
Plan Durations	7 to 180 Days	5 to 30 Days	7 to 45 Days	1 to 365 Days	7 to 45 Days
Data	1GB to 100GB	Unlimited	1GB to 20GB	500MB to 24GB	3GB to 60GB
Data Sharing	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Phone App	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
24/7 Live Support	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Our Rating	4.8/5	4.7/5	4.5/5	4.3/5	4.2/5

The best eSIM for Asia overall is Airalo. They are cost-effective, have a good range of plans, and provide great service across Asia.

But if you need unlimited data, then Holafly is the eSIM to choose. While you will pay more, you will have no limits, only your data usage.

Let’s take a deeper look at all of the eSIM providers in Asia so you can get a better look at the countries where they offer coverage and how much it will cost you.

1. Airalo – Best Overall eSIM For Asia

Airalo is the best eSIM provider for Asia (and our go-to) pretty much all over the world.

And they definitely have the best eSIM data plans for Asia!

We’ve used the Airalo Asia eSIMs in Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and India. Overall we were super happy with the performance of the data network.

Even in remote areas of northern Bali and on the Thai islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, the speeds and network connectivity were very good. We did video calls, streamed online and browsed social media without any issues.

Airalo eSIM data sharing also worked great, which means we could get work done on our laptops basically anywhere!

The thing we love most about Airalo is their phone app.

You can buy new eSIMs, install them, manage your plan and even contact the customer support team all from the one application.

They even have an awesome widget I use all the time that shows your data usage on the home page of your phone.

Cool, right?

Airalo also has the best eSIM installation process.

Once you buy the eSIM, you can install it on your phone directly from the app in 1-click. This is a great feature that streamlines what would be an annoying process.

We tested Airalo eSIM speeds in 8 different countries. Check out the full results in our Airalo review.

Airalo Asialink eSIM Plans

Airalo offers 6 different pre-paid eSIM data plans in Asia:

Data Included	Days Valid	Price (USD)
1GB	7 Days	$5.00
3GB	30 Days	$13.00
5GB	30 Days	$20.00
10GB	30 Days	$37.00
50GB	90 Days	$100.00
180GB	180 Days	$185.00

Airalo’s Asialink eSIM works in 14 countries across Asia: Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Airalo offers really good coverage across Asia and will suit most international travelers.

And they’re really affordable, starting at just $5 for 1GB, valid for 7 days.

The downside for Airalo is that they don’t offer a 20GB eSIM like many other providers. I find that we tend to use more than 10GB but wouldn’t get anywhere near 50GB of usage.

Airalo Pros & Cons

2. Holafly – Best For Unlimited Data

Want unlimited data while in Asia?

Holafly is the way to go! They are the only Unlimited eSIM provider that we can recommend.

Here’s what we like about Holafly:

The unlimited data plans are actually very good value for money. You can make one payment and then not have to think about managing your data while traveling.

Nice, right?

Holafly’s Unlimited Asia eSIM also includes a wide variety of days, even offering a 30-day eSIM for people traveling to multiple Asian countries over an extended period of time.

The other reason we recommend Holafly so often is their 24/7 live customer support.

We’ve contacted them a few times and the support team replied in less than 2 minutes each time!

But there is one big downside to Holafly…

NO data sharing or tethering.

You won’t be able to share data with your friends or connect your laptop to the internet by tethering (hot-spotting) from your phone. Keep that in mind!

Want to learn more about Holafly? Check out our complete Holafly eSIM review.

Holafly Asia eSIM Plans

Data Included	Days Valid	Price (USD)
Unlimited	5 Days	$27.00
Unlimited	7 Days	$34.00
Unlimited	10 Days	$37.00
Unlimited	15 Days	$47.00
Unlimited	20 Days	$54.00
Unlimited	30 Days	$79.00

Holafly’s Asia Unlimited eSIM works in 11 countries: South Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Laos.

If you need unlimited data, you won’t be disappointed with Holafly.

While the eSIM plans are more expensive than other eSIM providers, they are still very affordable. The only real downside is that their maximum eSIM is just 30 days. 

But if you don’t need more than that – You’re golden!

Holafly Pros & Cons

3. Nomad – Best For eSIM Flexibility

Nomad is a popular eSIM choice for Asia because of the huge number of countries they cover.

We used Nomad in heaps of Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India and South Korea.

To say we’ve put them to the test is an understatement!

So how’s the eSIM performance in Asia?

For the most part, we found Nomad to be very reliable. In Singapore and South Korea, we had super-fast data speeds of above 100mbps – All on the 5G network.

But in places like Sri Lanka and India, the eSIM speeds were less than 10mbps.

The truth is that it does come down to the local service provider and mobile infrastructure. But overall we were really happy with the performance of the Nomad Asia eSIM.

Another great feature of Nomad is its mobile application.

It has one of the nicest designed apps of any eSIM provider we’ve tested. It will make managing your data as you travel across Asia a breeze!

The only downside with Nomad is that they don’t offer live customer support. But in saying that, they do respond quite fast.

We needed to contact them once at the Airport in Singapore because we couldn’t install the eSIM. Within 15 minutes they replied with the solution we needed to get back on track!

Nomad Asia eSIM Plans

Data Included	Days Valid	Price (USD)
1GB	7 Days	$7.00
3GB	30 Days	$14.00
5GB	30 Days	$19.00
10GB	30 Days	$31.00
15GB	30 Days	$37.00
20GB	45 Days	$48.00

Nomads Asia eSIM works in a massive 21 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

That’s a lot, right?

The truth is that the Nomad Asia eSIM really covers the entire APAC (Asia-Pacific) region.

So if you are dipping down as far as Australia and New Zealand on your Asia trip – Nomad is a great option.

Nomad Pros & Cons

4. Ubigi – Best For Low Data Needs

Ubigi is known for offering unique and interesting eSIM plans.

They look for gaps in the eSIM market and fill them, which is why we often recommend them in specific cases.

Let me explain:

Ubigi has the smallest eSIM data plan you will find in Asia. It’s just 500MB, is valid for just 1 day and only costs $3.

See what I mean by unique?

All jokes aside – Ubigi is a great eSIM provider and has a reputation for delivering reliable performance around the world.

They have three different eSIM plan options available in Asia:

1. One-Off – Pay for a specific amount of data once
2. Monthly – Recurring eSIM plan billed monthly (minimum 3 months)
3. Annual – Pay upfront for 12 months’ worth of data 

While they don’t offer an extensive range of eSIM data plans in Asia, they are flexible to different traveler’s needs.

When you buy an eSIM from Ubigi, you’ll immediately get a QR code via email. Scan the QR code and install the eSIM on your phone.

It works very much the same as other eSIM providers and offers seamless connectivity in Asia very quickly.

Ubigi also has a decent mobile application that allows you to buy, manage and install eSIMs on the go. 

Ubigi Asia eSIM Plans

Plan Name	Data Included	Days Valid	Price (USD)
Asia	500MB	1 Day	$7.00
Asia	1GB	30 Days	$14.00
Asia	5GB/month	Monthly	$19.00
Best Asia	3GB	30 Days	$31.00
Best Asia	10GB	30 Days	$37.00
Best Asia	24GB	365 Days	$48.00
Best Asia	5GB/month	Monthly

Ubigi has two different eSIMs for Asia:

• Asia – Covers 23 countries but includes less mobile data
• Best Asia – Covers 15 countries but includes more mobile data  

While Ubigi won’t be for everyone, they have some interesting eSIM plans that will suit different circumstances better.

Ubigi Pros & Cons

5. Gigago – Best For Specific Asian Countries

I really like Gigago because they offer great value for money.

We used Gigago for our eSIM in Vietnam and we were really happy with the performance that the eSIM offered.

The data speeds were great and the eSIM was easy to activate at the airport. It was nice to be connected to the internet as we took a Grab car to our Airbnb.

What’s unique about Gigago is that you can customize your travel eSIM completely.

Just choose the days you need and then the data you want. 

All other eSIM providers have set plans. Gigago is the only Asia eSIM provider that allows you to customize your plan. You can also choose to have a specific amount of GB per day instead of over a set number of days.

That means you won’t overpay for data or days you don’t need!

Speaking of price, the Gigago Asia eSIM starts from just $5 which would include 3GB for 5 days.

Gigago also offers great 24/7 live support through a chat widget on their website. You can also contact them by WhatsApp or email.

This makes them super dependable and contactable no matter where you are.

Gigago Asia eSIM Plans

Data Included	Days Valid	Price (USD)
1GB/day	5, 7, 15, 30	$7.50 to $37.50
2GB/day	5, 7, 15, 30	$12 to $65.50
3GB/day	5, 7, 15, 30	$16 to $89.50
3GB	5, 7, 15, 30	$5 to $6.90
5GB	5, 7, 15, 30	$8 to $10
10GB	5, 7, 15, 30	$14.50 to $17.90
20GB	5, 7, 15, 30	$27.50 to 33.50
50GB	5, 7, 15, 30	$67.50 to $77.50

The only downside of the Gigago Asia eSIM plans is that they are limited to 8 Asian countries: Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam.

But if you’re just traveling to a few places in Southeast Asia – then the value for money is actually very good.

Because your Gigago Asia eSIM is customized, what you end up getting and paying for is completely up to you.

Check prices here.

Gigago Pros & Cons

Benefits Of Having An eSIM In Asia

The primary benefit of having an eSIM in Asia is that you have access to the internet when you need it and immediately once you land in the country.

You no longer have to rely on data roaming and suffer from that massive bill at the end. You also don’t have the hassle of hunting for a local physical SIM card just to connect to the internet.

Here are some more benefits we’ve enjoyed of having an eSIM in Asia:

1. Convenience: No need to physically swap out SIM cards when crossing borders between countries
2. Cost Savings: Avoid roaming charges by subscribing to local plans, which are often cheaper
3. Buy Before Leave: Purchase the eSIM before you arrive in Asia so you have it ready to go
4. Instant Connectivity: Activate plans as soon as you arrive at the destination airport
5. Manage On The Go: You can manage your Asia eSIM plan from the provider’s app or website while you travel – no need to visit a physical store
6. Multiple Plans: Hold multiple eSIM data plans on one device (perfect for digital nomads)
7. Security: Reduces the risk of losing or damaging your physical SIM card
8. Environmentally Friendly: No plastic waste from physical SIM cards anymore

Need I say more?

Since Ashley and I switched to eSIMs, we haven’t looked back. Even while using an eSIM for Europe we found them to be just as reliable as your usual SIM card, but way more convenient!

Ashley even went as far as to buy the latest iPhone Pro Max in the United States which no longer comes with a physical SIM card slot.

It’s worth noting that eSIMs are also a great alternative to pocket wifi – especially if you can share data with other devices.

Your phone becomes the pocket wifi device and the eSIM card offers seamless internet access across Asia!

What We Look For When Buying An eSIM For Asia

Ready to get your eSIM for Asia?

Here are some questions to consider to make sure you buy the right eSIM for your trip.

Number Of Countries

Each Asia eSIM is valid in different countries. Map out your itinerary and make sure the Asia eSIM you buy includes the countries you want to travel to.

We’ve found that Airalo has the most popular Asian countries to visit but Nomad actually has the most.

Amount Of Data

Do you use a lot of data when you travel?

With some Asia eSIM data plans available you can choose exactly how much data you need for your trip. If you need unlimited data for your trip then Holafly is the best option.

Days Valid

Whether you are traveling in Asia for a week or for 1+ months – each eSIM plan comes with a different number of days. Make sure you choose an eSIM that includes the number of days you need.

Keep in mind that some eSIM providers like Airalo allow you to top up your data if you extend your trip.

That means you don’t need to install a completely new eSIM every time!

Data Sharing/Hotspot

As digital nomads – data sharing is important to us.

Sometimes we want (or need) to connect our laptops to our eSIM data to get some work done.

But – not all eSIM providers in Asia allow for data sharing. Make sure you double-check if this is a feature you will use.

eSIM Pricing

Compare prices between providers for the best value. Depending on what countries in Asia you are visiting and how much data you need – prices can vary significantly.

Shop around and make sure you get the best deal.

Be aware of any hidden fees they might charge.

Most international eSIM providers are upfront and transparent with what you pay. But we also opted to go with a provider that offers pre-paid eSIMs rather than post-paid.

Customer Support

The last thing you want is to be stuck without data and have no one there to help you!

Because eSIMs are digital, choose an eSIM provider that has a reputation for excellent customer service. The best eSIM providers like Holafly and Airalo have live 24/7 customer support.

Check If Your Phone Is eSIM Compatible

There are two things you need to know before buying an eSIM.

1. Is your phone eSIM compatible?
2. Is your phone unlocked?

Here is a complete list of eSIM compatible phones. Double-check to make sure yours is there.

If it’s on the list, you should be good to go!

How Do I Know If My iPhone Is Unlocked?

Here’s how to see if your iPhone is unlocked:

• Click on Settings > General > About
• Now scroll down until you see the “Carrier lock” section
• If it says “NO SIM restrictions” your phone should be unlocked

Remember to contact your current phone service provider or device manufacturer to confirm if your phone is unlocked.

How Do I Know If My Android Phone Is Unlocked?

Follow these steps to check if your Android phone is unlocked:

• Open Settings, tap Connections (or network and internet) then click SIM Manager (or Mobile network)
• If you see “add eSIM” or “download SIM” or something similar, then your Android phone is likely unlocked.

Keep in mind while the process to check if your Android phone is unlocked will be similar, the labels in the settings might be different. Reach out to your local provider if you need help.

Wrapping It Up

Airalo is the best eSIM for Asia.

If you are looking for a reliable provider that is affordable and covers most countries in Asia – you won’t find any better!

Need unlimited data?

Holafly has the best unlimited Asia eSIM. They also have a reputation for providing great service and we have never had a problem while using them.

Remember:

Think about where in Asia you are traveling, how long you’ll be going and how much data you need. This will help you choose the right eSIM for your Asian travels!