Best eSIM for Asia – Where to buy it

Traveling to Asia? Let’s make your journey easier with the best eSIM for smooth connectivity. Say goodbye to changing SIM cards and hello to instant access. In this guide, discover top eSIM providers, why eSIMs are perfect for tourists, and how easy it is to activate one. Stay connected effortlessly on your Asian adventure!

I. What are the top eSIM providers for Asia travel?

The best eSIM for Asia offer wide coverage, budget-friendly plans, and 24/7 customer support. The four recommended eSIM providers below are carefully considered before launching to you. Hope that my analyst will help you pick the best one. 

#1 GIGAGO

Gigago is an international eSIM provider based in Hong Kong. It covers seven Asian countries: Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Plans and Pricing:

• Offers Asia eSIM packages with validity ranging from 5 to 30 days
• Data allowances vary from 500MB/day to 2GB/day
• Prices range from $6.90 to $72.00, depending on the duration and data allowance
• Prepaid plans with no additional roaming charges

Key Features:

• 24/7 multilingual customer support (English, Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish)
• eSIM activation through QR code scanning
• Supports major payment methods, including credit/debit cards and PayPal
• Instant delivery of eSIM profile via email (within 5 minutes of purchase)
• Hotspot/tethering allowed
• Automatic activation when connected to a supported cellular network

Pros:

• Easy to use with a quick setup process
• Covers multiple countries in Asia with a single eSIM
• Flexible plan options for different travel durations and data needs
• No need to remove the physical SIM card

Cons:

• Some Asian eSIM packages might be out of stock sometimes.

#2 Holafly

Holafly is a popular eSIM provider that covers 200 destinations worldwide, including many Asian countries. Their eSIM for Asia plan covers 11 countries, especially South Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc.

Plans and Pricing:

• Asia regional plan starts at €6 for 1 day and goes up to €219 for 90 days
• All plans include unlimited data
• Flexible duration options from 1 to 90 days
• 500 MB daily data sharing allowance

Key Features:

• Unlimited data with all plans
• Easy-to-use apps for iOS and Android
• 24/7 customer support in multiple languages
• Quick purchase and activation process via QR code

Pros:

• Unlimited data on all plans
• Extensive coverage in Asia
• Flexible refund policy

Cons:

• May be pricier for short trips compared to some competitors
• No option for limited data plans for budget-conscious travelers

#3 MTalk

MTalk offers eSIM plans for travelers visiting Asia. Their eSIM for Asia covers 14 regional countries, including popular destinations like Singapore, Thailand, and South Korea.

Plans and Pricing:

• Data ranges from 1GB to 50GB.
• Plan durations vary from 7 to 30 days.
• Prices start at $7 for a 7-day, 1GB plan and go up to $172 for a 30-day, 50GB plan. 

Key Features:

• Easy installation by scanning a QR code
• No eKYC required
• Option to activate later
• Top-up available
• Compatible with all eSIM-enabled smartphones

Pros:

• Wide coverage across 13 Asian countries
• Flexible plans for different travel durations and data needs
• 100% roaming-free in supported countries

Cons:

• Data-only plans (no calls or SMS)
• No mention of specific language support
• Relatively higher prices for larger data packages compared to some competitors

#4 Mogo

Mogo offers an Asia-Pacific regional plan covering 16 countries. Includes major destinations like China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Australia.

Plans and Pricing:

• No unlimited data options are available.
• 6 limited data plans ranging from 300 MB to 30 GB.
• Duration from 3 to 30 days.
• Prices start at $2 for the smallest plan and up to $59.90 for the largest plan.

Key Features:

• “Travel Assistant” app for managing eSIMs.
• 24/7 customer support via live chat or email.
• Coverage in 16 Asia-Pacific countries.
• Multiple plan options to suit different needs.

Pros:

• Wide coverage across the Asia-Pacific region.
• 24/7 customer support.
• Affordable plans for light data users.

Cons:

• No unlimited data plans.
• The app can be confusing if only used for eSIM.
• No refunds on eSIM purchases.

Besides the famous providers mentioned above, many other providers offer data for Asia travel such as eSIMkr.com. Visit their homepage to explore more detailed plans.

So, which is the best eSIM for Asia?

Choosing the best eSIM for Asia depends on your travel needs and preferences. For me, Gigago stands out among the rest.

Although it doesn’t cover as many countries as other providers, my favorite is the 24/7 multilingual customer support. This is especially important when traveling in a region where language barriers can be challenging.

II. Why is eSIM the best choice for tourists visiting Asia?

If you haven’t known, eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without needing a physical SIM card. It’s built into your device, making switching between carriers and plans easy.

Convenience and Flexibility

With eSIM for Asia, you can purchase and activate your plan from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This means no more searching for local SIM cards or dealing with multiple SIMs for different countries. You can manage your plans directly from your device.

Cost-Effectiveness

eSIMs are often cheaper than traditional connectivity options. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	eSIM	Traditional SIM	Data Roaming	Pocket WiFi
Price	Generally cheaper	Varies by country	Often very expensive	Rental fees add up
Convenience	Activate from anywhere	Need to buy locally	Use existing SIM	Carry extra device
Multi-country	One eSIM for multiple countries	One SIM per country	Limited to home carrier	Limited coverage
Setup	Easy, no physical card needed	Requires physical SIM	Automatic, but costly	Requires rental

Advanced Features of eSIM for Asia

• Multiple Profiles: Store multiple profiles on one device, making it easy to switch between carriers and plans.
• Instant Activation: Activate your plan instantly without visiting a store.
• Environmentally Friendly: Reduces the need for plastic SIM cards.

Compatibility

Many modern devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops, support eSIM technology. Check if your device is eSIM-compatible before traveling.

Security

eSIMs are more secure than traditional SIM cards. They are embedded in your device, reducing the risk of loss or theft.

Are the above valid reasons enough for you to feel secure owning an eSIM? For me, it’s more than enough.

III. How to activate an eSIM for use in Asia?

The process of activating eSIM for Asia is not as hard as you think:

• Step 1: Ensure your device supports eSIM technology (most crucial).
• Step 2: Select an eSIM provider that covers your travel destinations in Asia.
• Step 3: Buy the eSIM plan online from the provider’s website.
• Step 4: You will get a QR code via email after purchase.
• Step 5: Use your device’s camera to scan the QR code to activate the eSIM.
• Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.
• Step 7: Once activated, your device should automatically connect to the local network.

IV. Conclusion

So, there is no best eSIM for Asia but you have to choose the one that meets your requirements. Gigago provides nice customer service and a stable signal, while Holafly, MTalk, and Mogo have their unique perks. eSIM enables you to get a smooth connection without having to worry about SIM cards at all. Choose the right eSIM and make your trip a lot easier and more enjoyable.