Best eSIM Providers to Keep You Connected Across Asia

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The Reality of Staying Connected While Travelling

Staying connected while traversing the diverse landscapes of Asia has always been a priority for me. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beaches of Bali, having reliable internet access not only helps in navigating new cities but also in sharing experiences with loved ones back home.

There’s nothing worse than landing in a new country and realising you have no internet when you actually need it. I learned this the hard way during one of my cruise ship contracts. Upon sign-on, I needed to send a document to personnel ASAP. I had WiFi or a SIM card, but neither was cooperating. Slow connection, endless loading, and frustration ensued. If I had set up an eSIM beforehand, that moment would’ve been stress-free.

eSIMs eliminate that hassle – you arrive, switch on your phone, and you're online. But picking the right one is important, and that’s what this guide will help you with.

What to Look for in an eSIM for Asia

There’s something oddly satisfying about landing in a new country, switching on your phone, and having instant access to maps, messages, and all the little comforts of connectivity – without frantically searching for airport WiFi or a dodgy SIM card kiosk. eSIMs make this possible, but not all are created equal. Before you pick one, here are a few things to consider:

• Coverage that actually works – Some eSIM providers promise global or regional coverage, but in reality, you might find yourself stuck on sluggish 3G in rural Vietnam or struggling with patchy connections in certain parts of Japan. Look for an eSIM that partners with reliable local networks.

• Data plans that make sense – Are you a light data user who just needs Google Maps and the occasional WhatsApp check-in, or are you the type who burns through gigabytes streaming travel vlogs and uploading reels? Some eSIMs offer pay-as-you-go plans, while others focus on unlimited (but sometimes throttled) data.

• Ease of activation – Ideally, your eSIM should be up and running before your plane even touches the tarmac. Some providers make activation seamless, while others require a maze of QR codes, app downloads, and unnecessary steps. The simpler, the better.

• Single-country vs. multi-country plans – If you’re hopping across borders, a regional plan covering multiple Asian countries can save time and money. But if you’re planning an extended stay in one place, a single-country eSIM might offer better value.

• Speed and reliability – 5G is great, but not if it drops to 2G every time you leave a major city. Check whether your eSIM provider consistently delivers decent speeds in the places you’ll be travelling.

• Device compatibility – Not all phones support eSIM. Double-check that your device does before making a purchase – otherwise, you might end up with a digital SIM you can’t even use.

Best eSIM Providers for Travellers in Asia

Choosing the right eSIM is a bit like choosing a travel companion – you want one that’s reliable, won’t disappear on you at the worst possible moment, and ideally, doesn’t cost you a fortune.

I’ve personally used Airalo for my travels, and setting it up was easy – well, once I figured it out. The first time I installed it in Taiwan, I thought I had messed something up. I spent 30 minutes (maybe even an hour) troubleshooting, with no WiFi to Google a solution. The next day, I still couldn’t get it to work. Turns out, I just needed to restart my phone. That was it. After that small hiccup, it worked like a charm, especially when I travelled across multiple Asian countries using the regional plan.

Whether you’re bouncing between bustling cities or taking the scenic route through less-connected landscapes, these eSIM providers offer some of the best coverage, pricing, and ease of use across Asia.

Note: The pricing comparisons below are based on regional eSIM plans that cover multiple Asian countries, rather than single-country plans. Prices may vary depending on the destination, data package, and validity period.

1. Airalo – The Budget-Friendly Go-To

If you’ve done even a little research on eSIMs, you’ve probably come across Airalo. It’s one of the most well-known budget-friendly providers, offering regional and country-specific plans at some of the lowest prices. Their Asialink eSIM covers 18 countries, and you can get 1GB for as little as $5, which is perfect if you’re a light data user.

Pros: Affordable, easy to set up, widely available.
Cons: Speeds can be inconsistent in rural areas.

2. Saily – Secure & Reliable

Created by the same people behind NordVPN, Saily is designed with privacy-conscious travellers in mind. It covers 19 countries in Asia and starts at $4.99 for 1GB, making it a solid competitor to Airalo. If security is a priority and you’re already a NordVPN fan, this might be your best bet.

Pros: Secure and reliable, competitive pricing.
Cons: Less well-known, so fewer reviews to gauge real-world performance.

3. Holafly – Unlimited Data, Higher Price

Holafly is the go-to for travellers who burn through data like it’s their job. If you need unlimited connectivity without worrying about running out, this is one of the few eSIM providers offering true unlimited data plans in 16 Asian countries. That convenience comes at a cost – $36.90 for 7 days or $89.90 for 30 days – so it’s best for those who need constant access to high-bandwidth apps.

Pros: Unlimited data, great for digital nomads and remote workers.
Cons: Expensive compared to pay-per-GB options, and speeds may be throttled after excessive use.

4. Nomad – Flexible Plans with 5G Access

If you like options, Nomad is a solid pick. They support 5G in over 190 countries, including most of Asia, and offer flexible regional plans that let you hop between up to 21 countries. Prices start at $4 for 1GB, and you can customise your plan based on how much data you actually need.

Pros: Reliable for multi-country travel, 5G availability.
Cons: Some plans are region-specific, so check coverage carefully.

5. Jetpac – The Ultra-Budget Choice

For travellers who just need occasional internet access (think: Google Maps, quick emails, and checking train schedules), Jetpac’s Asia-Pacific eSIM is one of the cheapest options out there. You can get 1GB for just $1 (valid for 4 days), making it a lifesaver for short trips or budget-conscious backpackers.

Pros: Extremely cheap, perfect for short-term or backup data.
Cons: Limited validity on some plans, may not be ideal for long-term stays.

Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on your travel style. If you’re visiting multiple countries, opting for a regional eSIM can save you both money and hassle – no need to buy a new plan every time you cross a border.

• For multi-country travel: Nomad or Airalo are great choices.

• For unlimited data: Holafly is your best bet.

• For the cheapest way to stay online: Jetpac wins on price.

Comparison Table: Best eSIM Providers for Asia

With so many options, it helps to see the key differences at a glance. Below is a quick breakdown of how these eSIM providers compare in terms of coverage, pricing, and who they’re best suited for.

Provider	Coverage	Plan Types	Starting Price	Best For
Airalo	18 countries	Pay-per-GB	$5 for 1GB (7 days)	Budget travellers, light data users
Saily	19 countries	Pay-per-GB	$4.99 for 1GB (7 days)	Privacy-conscious travellers
Holafly	16 countries	Unlimited data	$36.90 for 7 days	Heavy data users, digital nomads
Nomad	21 countries	Pay-per-GB & regional plans	$4 for 1GB (varies)	Multi-country travellers
Jetpac	16 countries	Pay-per-GB	$1 for 1GB (4 days)	Short-term users, extreme budget travellers

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Prices fluctuate depending on the destination, data package, and duration, so always check the latest rates before purchasing.

• Speed and network quality depend on the local carrier each eSIM provider partners with, so performance can vary between cities and rural areas.

• Some providers, like Holafly, offer unlimited data but may throttle speeds after excessive use, so it’s not always truly "unlimited."

If you’re still unsure which one to go for, think about how much data you actually use, whether you’ll stay in one country or hop between several, and whether you need high-speed data for work or just enough for navigation and messaging.

Tips for Using an eSIM in Asia

So, you've picked your eSIM, installed it, and are ready to hit the road. But before you start speed-testing your connection in every café, here are a few practical tips to make sure you get the best experience while travelling.

1. Install and Activate Before You Fly

eSIMs are meant to be quick and easy, but the reality? Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Set up your eSIM while you still have a stable WiFi connection, ideally before you leave home. That way, you won’t be stuck in an airport with no data and no way to troubleshoot.

Once my eSIM is set up, my first instinct when I land is simple: text my family to let them know I arrived. Whether it's a quick check-in or updating a friend about security delays, having instant connectivity matters.

2. Check Your Data Balance Regularly

If you're on a pay-per-GB plan, don’t assume 3GB will last you a week unless you’re strict about it. Streaming, uploading, and even background app refreshes can eat through your data faster than you think. Many eSIM providers have an app or website where you can track usage – use it.

3. Save a Copy of Your eSIM Details

Most eSIMs can’t be reinstalled once deleted, so don’t remove yours unless you’re absolutely sure you won’t need it again. Take a screenshot of the QR code, activation details, and customer support contact info – just in case you run into issues later.

4. Adjust Your Phone’s Network Settings for Better Performance

Some eSIMs work better when you manually select the strongest local network. If your connection seems sluggish, go to your phone’s settings and switch between available networks to see which one works best. Also, make sure data roaming is enabled – it sounds counterintuitive, but many eSIMs rely on roaming agreements to function.

5. Have a Backup Plan for Remote Areas

Most eSIMs work great in major cities, but if you're heading somewhere off-grid, service might be spotty. Consider carrying a secondary SIM card, a local SIM for backup, or a portable WiFi device if staying connected is critical.

6. Turn Off Data-Hungry Apps

Not all apps are kind to your data plan. Social media, cloud backups, and automatic app updates can drain your eSIM data in the background. Before you go, tweak your settings:

• Disable auto-updates for apps and cloud backups.

• Set streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix to low-quality mode.

• Download maps, music, and essential travel docs before you leave WiFi zones.

7. If Something Goes Wrong, Contact Support ASAP

Sometimes, eSIMs just don’t work right away. If your eSIM isn't connecting, restart your phone first (yes, I learnt this the hard way). If that doesn’t help, check your provider’s website for troubleshooting steps. And if you’re still stuck? Reach out to customer support ASAP – most providers offer 24/7 chat or email support.

Staying Connected the Smart Way

As much as I love the convenience of staying connected, I also enjoy unplugging when I don’t need to be online. There’s something freeing about not constantly checking notifications – but when I do need to be connected, I want it to work instantly. That’s why eSIMs are such a game-changer. No running around for a local SIM, no struggling with spotty airport WiFi. Just a quick activation and instant access when I need it.

Still unsure which eSIM is best for you? I built a simple, no-fuss eSIM quiz on Travel Mobile – just answer a few quick questions to get a personalized recommendation based on your destination and data needs.

But before purchasing, always double-check coverage, supported networks, and plan details directly with the provider. Even the best eSIM won’t be much use if it doesn’t work where you need it.

If you like packing light and travelling efficiently, you might enjoy reading The Ultimate Minimalist Travel Packing Guide for Any Trip.