Written by Patrick Balfe
eSIMs have become about as synonymous with international travel as your passport. But unlike your passport, the variety of travel eSIMs available is almost endless — and that’s no different if you’re exploring Asia.
So, what should you look for when choosing an eSIM for a multi-stop Asia trip? Perhaps you’re starting off with a twirl around China, before jetting across Japan, and then chilling in Bali. Let’s break down the basics of selecting the best eSIM for your travels, and get some #protips for saving money and getting the most out of your package.
Note: This is specifically about choosing the right eSIM for travel around Asia, to keep you connected on a multi-destination trip. If you’re after an eSIM for Japan, Sim Local’s unlimited data plans offer 10GB of data per day. Use the code CHEAPO10 for 10% off at checkout.
Compatibility
The first thing you should confirm before buying an eSIM for Asia is whether or not your device is compatible with eSIM technology. While most recent iPhones and Android devices are generally compatible, a quick way to confirm this is via Sim Local’s compatibility checker.
Another thing to confirm is whether your device is unlocked. If you purchased your phone outright, it shouldn’t be locked to a local service provider. On the other hand, if you’re on a phone contract with a local provider, then there’s a chance your phone will be locked to that company. Check with your local provider, or follow these steps to see if your phone is locked. If it is locked, ask your provider if it’s possible to unlock your phone.
Coverage and speed
Next, you’ll want to make sure that you’re going to get decent internet access in all of the places you’re planning to visit. Not all eSIM providers partner with the major local networks, so if you’re planning to head to less urban areas to ski, surf, or explore, you’ll want to make sure you’ll get decent coverage.
Your download and upload speeds will also depend on the local provider your eSIM company is partnered with, and you’ll want 4G/5G speeds. If you’re heading to Japan, look for an eSIM company that uses a major local network operator like AU, SoftBank, or Docomo — like Sim Local. They also offer convenient global plans that will cover many of your stops in Asia in one eSIM, such as China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and more.
Data allowance
Now that you know you’ll be able to get online, it’s time to think about how much data you’ll need for your trip. This will largely depend on the length of your stay, but that’s not the only thing to consider. Back home, chances are you’re connected to Wi-Fi a lot of the time, so you’re probably not eating into your data allowance all that much. Overseas, though, casual social media browsing, navigation, and streaming can chew up more data than you might expect. And, if you’re using data for work or sharing your data across multiple devices, those numbers can add up even quicker.
Around 800MB per day is generally enough for low- to medium-level data users overseas, but if you want to check what plan suits your data habits best, Sim Local has this handy calculator. To check how much data you might need for a standard week-long trip in Japan, check out our example itinerary here.
If you’re a heavy data user, planning to share data across devices, or just want peace of mind, most companies offer unlimited data packages. Just know that unlimited plans usually come with a daily data limit. For a generous daily data cap on an unlimited plan, Sim Local offers 10GB of high-speed data per day.
Price
The brass tacks — how much should an eSIM cost for a trip around Asia? With so many players in the eSIM market at the moment, prices vary wildly, and the most expensive doesn’t mean the best. A good starting point is to compare the price per gigabyte and typically, the price per gigabyte will be more economical the more gigabytes you purchase. For instance, a 20GB plan works out cheaper per gigabyte than a 10GB plan, and, if you’re using lots of data, an unlimited plan will get you even more bang for your buck.
If you’re heading to multiple countries in Asia, you may also save money by purchasing an eSIM that covers your whole trip, or most of it, anyway. Packages like Sim Local’s Global 10 GB plan will cover a 14-day trip in most parts of Asia for one price-tag.
Flexibility, convenience, and extra features
This is one point that many eSIM newcomers overlook. What happens if you run out of data? Or what if your plans change? With many of the more rigid providers, you’ll be stuck needing to buy a whole new eSIM. If you know where to look, though (hello), you’ll find a supplier that will allow you to top up your data allowance or trip duration on the go.
Planning to share your data via personal hotspot or tethering? Not all companies allow data sharing, so it’s worth checking this if you’re traveling with a group or using multiple devices. For those who like to have everything in one place, Sim Local allows you to track your plan and buy top-ups within their app. If your trip is canceled or you change your mind, they’ll also refund your money.
Validity period
It might seem straightforward, but this part is a bit trickier than you’d think. Depending on the local network, the validity period of your eSIM may either start upon installation or when you first connect to a local network. This means that if you download and install your eSIM a couple of days before your trip, you could find yourself eating into your plan unnecessarily. Be sure to check the fine print on this before installing. We recommend downloading and installing your eSIM just before your flight — when you can access the internet. This way, you’ll be connected when you land and not waste too much validity.
If you’re hyper-organized, you may also want to check for an expiration date between purchasing your eSIM and installing it. Some providers may impose a 20- to 30-day cut-off. Aside from that, find a duration that best suits your trip length, but weigh up your options. If you don’t need a ton of data, a longer-duration, low-data plan might work out cheaper than a shorter-duration, high-data plan.
Ease of activation and customer support
This one will depend on your individual tech-savviness or patience with technology in general. If it’s your first time installing an eSIM, you’ll probably want to choose a provider that makes things as easy as possible. This means clear, concise step-by-step guides in your native language, fast QR code delivery, and easy in-app installation.
If you’ve spent any time researching eSIMs online (and we know you have), you’ll know that reviews regarding customer service aren’t always glowing. Whether it’s help with installation, support while overseas, or cancellation if your plans change, there are lots of points when reliable customer support could help save your trip. Be sure to check online reviews and recommendations and make sure that your provider has reliable 24/7 customer support.
Asia travel eSIM FAQs
Let us answer some of your lingering questions.
Can I buy an eSIM for multiple countries?
Yes, Sim Local offers global plans that cover most of Asia, including destinations as diverse as China, Japan, and Bali. However, in some cases, it may be better to buy country-specific eSIMs for the areas you’re visiting, in order to get connected to the best local providers and choose from larger data packages.
Can I use more than one eSIM?
Yes, it’s possible to keep multiple eSIMs (as well as your physical SIM card) on your phone at the same time. So, if you’re traveling to multiple countries and planning to switch data eSIMs or want to use your physical SIM card for calls and texts, it’s possible. Just consider whether buying a global or regional eSIM works out cheaper than buying multiple eSIMs. It often does.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
