The Asian continent has so much to offer that it can be difficult to choose just one country when planning your trip. As such, many travelers tend to include several stops when traveling to the Orient. You may already know that eSIM cards are the best option for staying online while traveling, but what many people don't know is that eSIM cards are also sold in several Asian countries. , meaning that you can cross borders without creating a card. Purchase a new eSIM or reinstall it. This article describes the best eSIM for Asia.
There are different brands today with different features such as speeds, data limits, tech support, pricing, plan lengths, etc. That's why we compare leading brands such as Holafly, Airalo and SimOptions and tell you what they offer. Pros and cons to help you make decisions. Holafly eSIM cards are one of our favorite brands for their ease of use and efficient customer service, There is no additional charge, and you can rest assured that you can receive 24-hour support.
eSIM Comparison for Traveling in Asia
When comparing different eSIM brands, you should consider all the features that determine if a card fits your travel needs. That's why we've created this overview table with all the important information about Holafly, Airalo, Maya Mobile, Simoptions and Ubigi to help you make your choice. We'll cover each eSIM brand in more detail later, so don't miss any information.
| brand | planning period | data sharing | unlimited data | app | GB per plan | support | price | trust pilot | Score |
| hola fly | 15th, 30th | yes | – | + | 6GB and 10GB | Direct Chat and WhatsApp in Spanish | 47-59 euros | 4.6 | 4.1 |
| Airaro | 7, 15, 30 days | yes | – | + | 1GB、3GB、5GB、10GB、50GB、100GB | English, via bot | €8-185 | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| field | 1, 30 days, or 12 months | yes | – | + | 500MB、1GB、5GB | in English by email and app | $3-29 | 4.2 | 4 |
| Shim option | 10th and 12th | no | – | – | 6GB | chat in english | €17.9-19 | 3.5 | 3 |
| maya mobile | 30 days | yes | + | – | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, Unlimited | email in english | 5 to 55 euros | 4.5 | 3.2 |
Compare eSIM card brands for internet access in Asia
1. Holafly, eSIM for Asia with the best customer support in English
| advantage | We offer data packages per continent and per country.
Holafly's eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install via QR code or manually. I have an eSIM card for 160 destinations. 24/7 technical support in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Japanese. Very flexible pricing. You can pay in Euros, Dollars and Mexican Pesos. There is an app that allows you to check your usage and number of days left on your contract. |
| Cons | eSIM cards do not include calls or SMS.
It's one of the most expensive options on the market, but it offers more gigabytes than other options, so it's worth it. Holafly eSIM cards for Australia do not allow data sharing. It cannot be installed from the app. Australian eSIMs do not have unlimited data capacity. |
Holafly eSIM Card Advantages and Disadvantages
With Holafly, Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos.
Holafly's eSIM data plans for Asia
At Holafly you can find two data plans, one with 6 GB for 15 days and one with 10 GB for 30 days. The prices are 47 and 59 euros. A great option for long or medium term stays as well as digital nomads and students abroad.
With Holafly, you can travel worry-free with 24/7 customer service in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian and Japanese, with a chat or WhatsApp response within a minute. The company currently has the highest customer ratings. It scored 4.6 on Trustpilot.
| data plan | EUR | dollar | Peso |
| 15 days – 6GB | 47 euros | $44 | $899 |
| 30 days – 10GB | 59 euros | $54 | $1199 |
Pay for eSIMs for Asia in Euros, Dollars or Mexican Pesos with Holafly
There are two options for installing the Holafly eSIM. One is by scanning the QR code that you will receive in your email after completing your purchase. The other is a manual installation that can be done without a computer by simply entering a code in your phone's settings. This code will be sent to your email and can also be viewed in the Holafly app. This is very useful for controlling the duration of your data plan.
Here we rate all the features of the Holafly eSIM card for Asia on a scale of 1 to 5 based on our experience.
In this post, you can read about Holafly eSIM card experience and user reviews. Our opinion about Holafly eSIM.
| data | interval | support | price | app | speed | in total | currency | total |
| 5 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.8 | 0 | 4.5 | 4.1 |
Evaluating Holafly's eSIM capabilities
Buy ESIM and get 5% discount with Code Passport
2. Airalo, the cheapest eSIM brand for travel to Asia
| advantage | We offer regional, national or global data packages.
Airalo eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. The cheapest brand on the market. Various eSIM cards with different terms, prices and gigabytes. I have an eSIM card for 190 countries. An eSIM card allows you to share data with other devices. Charge your eSIM. There is an app from which you can purchase and install an eSIM. |
| Cons | Gigabytes are limited to 20GB or less, and there are no cards with unlimited data capacity.
The short term plan has a very limited number of gigabytes. ESIM card does not include calls and SMS. Data plan durations are limited to 7, 15, and 30 days. Service and technical support are in English only and are slow to respond. |
Advantages and disadvantages of Airalo's eSIM card
Along with Holafly, Airalo is one of the world's most famous brands for buying eSIMs for international travel. The company was founded in Singapore in 2019 by Turkish entrepreneurs Abraham Burak and Ahmet Bahadir Ozdemir and was one of the first to offer these services, making the country the first to offer eSIM cards. Wide coverage.
Airalo eSIM data plans for Asia
Airalo's Asian eSIM card data plans come in 7, 30, 90, and 180-day terms and range in price from $5 to $185. Airalo is characterized as one of the cheapest brands on the market, but their technical service leaves a lot to be desired and takes a long time to respond. Plus, with very limited gigabytes on your data plan, you're more likely to run out of data in the middle of your trip and have to recharge. This means that the cost will eventually go up, and the cheap ones will cost more.
| data plan | price in dollars |
| 1GB – 7 days | $5 |
| 3GB – 30 days | $13 |
| 5GB – 30 days | $20 |
| 10GB - 30 days | $37 |
| 50GB - 90 days | $100 |
| 100GB – 180 days | $185 |
Pay in dollars for eSIM for Asia with Airalo
Airalo offers a variety of eSIM cards that are cheap and allow you to manage your spending through an app, but it's really not one of the best options due to what I just said about tech services. User reviews and ratings Trustpilot. Airalo has one of the lowest scores at 3.7. Here's a ranking of each aspect of Airalo, and you can also read our opinion on the brand in this post. Our opinion on Airalo: Is it worth it?
| data | interval | support | price | app | speed | data sharing | currency | total |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 3 | 3.8 |
Evaluating Airalo eSIM Features
3. Maya Mobile, as many GB data packs as you need
| advantage | We offer data packages per continent and per country.
Maya Mobile eSIM cards can be easily purchased and installed via QR code or manually. I have an eSIM card for 194 destinations. Data plans are limited to 1GB, 3GB, 5GB and 10GB and can be exhausted quickly. Flexible pricing. Unlimited data plans are also available. To recharge, you can set automatic recharge after 30 days. Allows data sharing with other devices. |
| Cons | eSIM cards do not include calls or SMS.
No apps. Unlimited data plans are capped at 5Mbps Tech support is via bot in English only. 30 days data plan only. |
Maya Mobile's eSIM Card Pros and Cons
The company offers 30-day eSIM cards in Asia, including 12 countries: Australia, Macau, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and New Zealand. Data package pricing varies by gigabytes. In total there are 5 packages of 1, 3, 5 and 10 gigabytes and one with unlimited data. Maya Mobile's unlimited data is relative, and your browsing speed will drop from 5 Mbps to 1 Mbps after using the first 30 GB of the plan. Prices range from €5 to €55.
Maya Mobile eSIM data plans for Asia
Like Holafly, Maya Mobile features a quick and easy subscription and installation process, also via a QR code delivered via email. Additionally, we have a 100% refund policy for purchases in case the data doesn't work. This is unusual as we have at least two data providers in each country we serve.
| data plan | price in dollars |
| 1GB – 30 days | $5 |
| 3GB – 30 days | $11 |
| 5GB – 30 days | $17 |
| 10GB - 30 days | $26 |
| Unlimited - 30 days | $55 |
Pay for Asia eSIM in USD with Maya Mobile
In the case of Maya Mobile, we found eSIM cards to have certain drawbacks, such as very low plan flexibility and only a 30-day expiration date. Here are the scores for each feature of the eSIM card in the table.
| data | interval | support | price | app | speed | data sharing | currency | total |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 3.2 |
Evaluating Maya Mobile's eSIM Features
4. SimOptions, eSIM Marketplace
| advantage | We offer regional, national or global data packages.
Sim Options eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. Various eSIM cards with different terms, prices and gigabytes. I have an eSIM card for 160 countries. Some plans include calls and SMS. |
| Cons | Gigabytes are limited to 20 GB or less and there are no unlimited data cards.
The short term plan has a very limited number of gigabytes. Even eSIMs from the same country have different functions depending on the contracted brand. Data plan durations are limited to 14 and 30 days. Not all eSIM cards allow data charges. Technical support is dependent on each brand and excellent customer service cannot be guaranteed. The speed depends on each brand of eSIM card. No app monitors data consumption. |
Pros and Cons of SimOptions eSIM Cards
SimOptions is an eSIM card marketplace where local carriers in each country sell eSIM cards. With offices in Paris, Thailand and Hong Kong, the brand offers eSIM card data plans in over 160 countries, with regional and global plans.
For Asia, there are 10-day and 12-day data plans with a data limit of 6 GB, priced at €17.9 and €19.9. These two options do not include calls or SMS. Also no option to refill.
Sim Options eSIM Data Plans for Asia
The main downside of Simoptions is that the website is a bit confusing and the data plans are very different from brand to brand, with features such as technical support, rechargeability, data as well as price, speed and duration. It's a big difference. to share. This forces you to look closely at each brand and makes it difficult to make decisions.
| data plan | price in dollars |
| 10 days – 6GB | $17.9 |
| 12 days – 6 GB | $19.9 |
Pay in dollars for eSIM for Asia with SimOptions
In our personal experience, with the SimOptions card, a lot of time is wasted comparing one to the other. Plus, it's expensive, you can only pay in dollars, and there's no guarantee of good technical support. I'll leave this ranking here where I rate the SimOptions eSIM cards from 1 to 5. You can read what our and other customers are saying about the brand in this post. Our Opinion on SimOptions: Is It Worth It?
| data | interval | support | price | app | speed | data sharing | currency | total |
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.5 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Evaluate SimOptions eSIM Features
5. Ubigi and its smart car eSIM card
| advantage | We offer regional, national or global data packages.
Ubigi eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install via the web or app. Ubigi eSIM is installed for free from the app. Various eSIM cards with different terms, prices and gigabytes. I have an eSIM card for 190 destinations. 24/7 real-time technical support. They offer eSIM cards for smart cars. Their eSIM card allows data sharing. eSIM can be recharged from the app. |
| Cons | Gigabytes are limited to 3 GB or less and there are no unlimited data plans.
The short-term plan has a very limited amount of giga. eSIM does not include calls or SMS. Plan duration is limited to 30 days. Support services are provided in English only. |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Ubigi eSIM card
Ubigi is an eSIM card provider that is a bit different than other data plan companies for international travel. While other brands require you to select and purchase a plan and then proceed to install an eSIM, Ubigi does the opposite. You can install the eSIM for free first and then add credits according to the gigabytes you use. You can pay in dollars, euros, pounds and yen.
Ubigi eSIM data plans for Asia
The website and apps have 3 data plans ranging from 500MB to 5GB with 1-day, 30-day and unlimited durations. These eSIMs are designed for people who travel frequently and for long periods of time. The downside is that all plans have data limits and you may run out of internet mid-trip. The unlimited time plan is billed monthly and has 5GB per month.
| data plan | dollar | EUR | lb | circle |
| 1 day – 500MB | 3 dollars | 3 euros | £3 | 500 yen |
| 30 days – 1 GB | $12 | 12 euros | £10 | 17000 yen |
| 30 days – 3 GB | $29 | 29 euros | £25 | 4100 yen |
Use Ubigi to pay for eSIMs for Asia in dollars, euros, pounds and yen
Luckily their app works really well and in addition to buying an eSIM from there you can install it and recharge when needed. Ubigi's eSIM also enables data sharing with other devices
The interesting thing about the Ubigi eSIM card is that it works even in cars with internet. Some Jaguar, Fiat, Land Rover, Alfa Romeo and Jeep models already have this technology.
In this table you can see how we rate each feature of Ubigi's eSIM cards. Check out this post if you want to know our opinion on the Ubigi eSIM. Our Ubigi Opinion: Is It Worth It?
| data | interval | support | price | app | speed | data sharing | currency | total |
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4 |
Evaluating Ubigi eSIM Functionality
Conclusion on which eSIM is the best for Asia
In this post, we explained that there are many important factors to consider when comparing eSIM cards, as each type of travel has different connectivity needs. That's why we've prepared this section to explain which eSIM card is best for each type of travel in Asia, based on our experience.
When you travel, you don't want to run out of data in the middle of your vacation, so an eSIM card with unlimited data is the best option If you want to travel worry-free. The problem is that there are no brands offering virtually unlimited data plans in Asia. Note that the Maya Mobile website has an unlimited data plan, but it is capped at 30 GB and browsing speed is capped at 5 Mbps. The brands that provide the most data for contract duration are Holafly and Sim Options. Some companies like Ubigi and Airalo let you top up an already installed eSIM via their website or app, but the best part is you don't have to pay again if you run out of data. .
If you end up choosing a data-limited eSIM, leave this table to help you estimate the gigabytes you need based on your typical consumption.
| platform | Gigabyte consumption per hour |
| 0.12GB～0.18GB | |
| 0.12GB～0.18GB | |
| 0.06GB | |
| tick tock | 0.18GB～0.8GB |
| Netflix | 0.3GB～7GB |
| Youtube | 0.14GB～1.7GB |
| amazon prime | 0.8GB～6GB |
Internet spending on video platforms and social media
The eSIM card installation process has always been simple and quick, but there are some companies that make it even easier. First, check if your phone is compatible with the brand's eSIM. This information can be found on each provider's website. For Ubigi, download the app to find out if your phone is compatible.
Buying an eSIM for Asia can be done through the web for some brands such as Holafly and Sim Options, or through an app like Ubigi. Holafly's website is very intuitive and easy to use, but Sim Options is very complicated to understand and requires a lot of reading.
Airalo and Ubigi are the only brands that can be installed from the app. For Holafly, you can get a code to manually install an eSIM without using a computer from the app. You can also scan the QR code that will be emailed to you as soon as your Holafly, Airalo, Sim Options, or Nomad purchase is completed.
eSIM card installation instructions
On the other hand, it is very important to consider technical services who can assist you in the installation process and resolve any questions or issues. Chat bots from most brands such as Maya Mobile and Airalo are slow to respond and only respond in English. For Simoptions, technical support depends on the brand of eSIM card you choose. Holafly's technical support is top notch in this regard, responding within a minute in Spanish, English, German, French and Japanese via web chat or WhatsApp.
Buy internet for travel to Asia from anywhere in the world
When traveling, we often want to share our data with other devices, but only some providers like Holafly, Airalo, Ubigi and some Sim Options brands allow it. However, if you share data, it will be used up quickly, so be careful.
But one of the most important aspects is the price. The cheapest brands are Airalo and Maya Mobile, but they have very limited data plans, so you might run out of data and have to recharge and pay. So, in some cases, you won't have to pay a little more and recharge an eSIM card with more data like the Holafly without worrying about it again.
Overall, the Holafly eSIM card is perfect for traveling to Asia as it has efficient multilingual technical support that responds within a minute. With Holafly, you can travel worry-free knowing everything will go smoothly.
Other options for internet access in Asia
Given all the benefits and conveniences eSIM cards offer, as summarized in this table, they are undoubtedly the best option for surfing the internet in Asia. It also discusses other options for using the internet while traveling.
| comfortable | It will be shipped and activated immediately after purchase.
Please pre-purchase before your trip. Easy installation; unlike SIM cards, no need to remove the original card. No need to search for a store first as you can connect as soon as you arrive. You can find a tailor-made plan according to your travel period and needs. No need to rely on batteries like Pocket Wi-Fi. No need to carry additional devices like Pocket Wifi while traveling. |
| calmness | Unlike SIM and Pocket Wifi, we offer 24/7 technical support in English.
Never worry about forgetting or losing your non-mobile device. |
| Safety | Don't use public Wi-Fi networks that are at risk of being hacked.
Avoid endlessly entering personal data to use Wi-Fi. No need to open or operate your phone like an eSIM card. |
Benefits of an eSIM card for traveling in Asia
1.SIM card
SIM cards are one of the most popular choices today, but it doesn't mean they're the best choice, as they have quite a few drawbacks, as shown below.
| advantage | Choose from a variety of brands and data plans.
Installation is quick. Available online or in physical stores. You can make calls and send messages using local numbers. |
| Cons | It can be lost or damaged as it has to be replaced with a regular SIM card.
You will need to open and handle your phone during the installation process. When your Travel SIM contract expires, you'll need to replace it with another SIM. You can't keep your regular phone number. You have to travel to make the purchase or wait for the card to arrive at your home. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of SIM Cards to Connect to the Internet in Asia
Carriers that offer SIM cards for various Asian countries include Trumove, Ais and China Unicom 4G. These operators have stores in airports and city shopping districts. We also have an online store.
SIM card prices vary greatly depending on the brand, number of gigabytes available, and length of contract. Ais's 6GB 10-day SIM costs €19.90, the same as Trumove's. China Unicom 4G is valid for 4GB for 12 days and costs €22.9. Comparing with eSIM cards, we can see that the price, duration and GB are almost the same, but the difference is that SIM cards are at risk of being lost or damaged.
2. Rent a Pocket WiFi
Another way to connect to the internet in Asia is to rent a Pocket WiFi, a portable router that allows you to access the internet anywhere.
| advantage | Can be used on multiple devices simultaneously.
Choose the Gigabyte package that's right for you. No need to install anything on your phone. |
| Cons | This is one of the most expensive options.
There are few brands to choose from. Long-term contracts are the norm. On top of your data plan, you'll have to pay for rent, insurance, and shipping. Battery lasts up to 6 hours. If you use it with other people, you must be in the same room. Since you have to carry it with you wherever you go, you run the risk of losing it. |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pocket Wi-Fi for Internet Travel in Asia
Pocket Wi-Fi can be rented not only at the departure country but also at the destination. Some will ship it to your home, while others will require you to pick it up at an approved location. It is usually recommended to rent these routers for long trips or business trips as they are not worth renting for short trips.
At Travelers Wifi, you can buy a pan-Asia pocket wifi for €5.90 per day, which is more expensive than alternatives such as eSIM cards. The device's battery lasts 13 hours and the data plan includes 15 countries in Asia.
3. Find free WiFi networks in Asia
As you can imagine, this is the cheapest option. However, as you may already know, this is also the most frustrating option most of the time. A permanent format that has a slow connection, is time limited, or promises WIFI after providing all data.
| advantage | It's free.
No need to install anything on your phone. |
| Cons | Finding a free Wi-Fi network can be difficult.
Public Wi-Fi networks are often slow or have connection issues. In many cases, you will be required to complete a form and provide personal information. Some free Wi-Fi networks have time limits. You should always connect close to your router. Vulnerable to hacking. |
Pros and Cons of Using Free Wi-Fi Networks in Asia
This is an option that should be used with caution for security reasons. Public WiFi hotspots are highly vulnerable to hacks and cyberattacks that access your personal data. Therefore, we recommend that you spend as little time as possible on the connection, use it for specific queries and do not expose your personal data.
In case you need one while traveling in Asia, here are some places where WiFi is available: airports, museums, subways, parks, cafes, restaurants, hotels, etc. Apps that tell you where to find WiFi hotspots and Facebook also offer this service.
4. Enable roaming for Asia
One option that is becoming less and less popular due to its high cost is roaming, also known as data roaming. It's the easiest option to receive calls and connect to the internet without having to install anything or change your phone number, but it's very expensive.
In Spain there are several companies that offer international roaming services. Examples include Movistar, Vodafone and Orange. It's a good idea to ask your usual company about roaming charges before you set off on your trip to compare them with other services such as eSIM cards. If you travel to multiple countries, be aware that GB prices change each time you cross a border. A GB costs around 27 euros.
If you go with another option, remember to turn off cellular data roaming or change your primary line in case you use an eSIM.
| advantage | We don't install it on our phones.
There are no additional services you need to sign up for. You can receive calls, send messages, and instantly connect to the Internet. |
| Cons | The most expensive option.
Sometimes it will activate without you even realizing it. Not all phone companies offer this service. |
Advantages and disadvantages of roaming to Asia
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Use in Asia
How do eSIM cards work?
An eSIM card allows you to use the internet on your mobile phone when traveling abroad without having to remove your regular SIM card as you would with a SIM card. This is possible thanks to the chips built into the latest generation mobile phones.
Purchasing an eSIM data plan can be done through the website or some branded apps. Choose your destination, duration of your data plan, number of gigabytes and pay securely.
How is the eSIM card installed?
Installing and activating the eSIM is a very simple procedure and takes only a few minutes.
After confirming that your phone is compatible with the product and choosing the data plan that best suits your needs, go to your phone's mobile data settings and select Add data plan. The camera will open so you can scan the QR code you received by email after purchase. Card installation and activation will begin.
This process must be done with an internet connection, so it's best to do it before you leave for your trip or as soon as you arrive at your hotel.
How can I check if my mobile phone is SIM or eSIM compatible?
Most models from popular brands such as Apple, Samsung, Motorola, Huawei, and Google are compatible with the latest models. Some iPads are also compatible. However, we recommend that you visit each provider's website for all compatible models.
What is the delivery time for the physical SIM card?
SIM cards can be purchased in-store or online, with delivery time of 48-72 hours. Some companies offer same-day express delivery.
Do you have unlimited internet options in Asia?
No company in South America offers virtually unlimited data.
When should I activate my eSIM card?
It is best to activate just before travel as it requires an internet connection.
How long is the data package in Asia?
Most plans have a duration of 7, 12, or 30 days.
Is Holafly's eSIM for Asia reliable?
Holafly is a trusted Spanish company founded in 2018, tested by over 400,000 customers, travel bloggers and Youtubers. Holafly has been selling eSIMs since 2019.
How good is Holafly?
Holafly has over 10,000 positive experiences published on Trustpilot, earning an "Excellent" rating and an average score of 4.6.
Is SIM Options' eSIM for Asia reliable?
SIM Options has both positive and negative reviews, with an average rating of 3.8 on Trustpilot, lower than Holafly. SIM Option is a company based in Hong Kong.
Does Maya Mobile offer unlimited data in Asia?
No, Maya actually limits unlimited plan speeds to 5mbps. After 30GB is consumed, Maya further limits the speed to 1mbps.
Is Maya Mobile's eSIM a reliable option for Asia?
Maya is owned by Maya Virtual Inc., a US company. Maya has positive reviews on Trustpilot, with an average rating of 4.5.
How much does an eSIM card cost?
Pricing varies by provider, number of gigabytes, and length of contract. Prices range from €5 to €185.
Is Airalo eSIM a reliable option for Asia?
Airalo has positive reviews on Trustpilot, with an average score of 3.9.