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We tested 5 top eSIM providers for Asia – Ohayu is best overall thanks to 5G connections and partnerships with multiple local networks. Airalo has the biggest worldwide presence, and Maya Mobile features both fixed and unlimited plans.
Modern solutions offering eSIM with global coverage remove a major headache for tourists – finding local communication kiosks. Instead of buying separate cards at each airport, you activate a single profile that works in both the Southeast and Central regions and generally in most Asian countries.
In this review, we will analyze in detail the coverage, speed, and cost of services from leading global providers so you can choose the optimal option for your trip.
Mobile Speed and Coverage in Asia
The quality of mobile internet in Asia is not the same, even with a single global data plan – it varies depending on the region. Developed nations like Singapore and Japan have almost ubiquitous 5G coverage, which is available even in subways and high-speed trains. Instead, connectivity is often at a maximum of 4G/LTE in remote areas of Vietnam, the Philippines, or Indonesia, and in rural areas, it can be unstable.
For a comfortable trip, it’s best to choose a provider that partners with popular local operators. Popular means the widest coverage and high speed (for example, SK Telecom in Korea or KDDI in Japan).
Below is a ranking of internet speed in popular Asian destinations (Speedtest results):
| Rank | Country | Mobile speed in Mbps |
| 6 | South Korea | 230.84 |
| 10 | Singapore | 186.07 |
| 15 | Vietnam | 160 |
| 16 | China | 159.38 |
| 23 | Malaysia | 139.41 |
| 27 | Thailand | 135.17 |
| 30 | India | 131.47 |
| 64 | Japan | 63.17 |
| 71 | Philippines | 58.12 |
| 79 | Indonesia | 49.3 |
Note: The numbers are averages. The actual speed depends on network congestion and your specific location, as well as your phone’s ability to receive a specific signal.
Top International eSIM Providers for Asian Trips
The market is overflowing with offers, but not all of them are equally reliable. We’ve selected the top five leaders that offer an eSIM for Asia with the best price-quality ratio.
Ohayu
Ohayu has established itself as a multi-network leader in reliable communication. It can connect to multiple operators (for example, in Japan, to both SoftBank and NTT Docomo), automatically selecting the strongest signal. It’s convenient for trips outside the capital cities. There is also the hotspot feature and no throttling. Ohayu’s rates are transparent, with no hidden fees, and 5G is standard on most plans.
Maya Mobile
A U.S. provider known for its flexible tariffs. Maya offers both limited and unlimited options for up to 180 days. Their strengths are the auto-renewal feature and the ability to share internet (hotspot) on most plans.
Roamless
Roamless is an interesting player that operates on a “pay-as-you-go” model (payment based on data usage). You top up a single balance that is spent depending on the tariff in the specific country. This is suitable for visiting many destinations in transit, although it might be more expensive for large data volumes.
Kolet
A European service focused on simplicity and accessibility. Kolet offers regional packages for Asia, covering 23 destinations. Their advantage is the long validity periods of the global bundles (from 30 to 365 days), which is convenient for long vacations.
Airalo
One of the most well-known pioneers in the digital SIM market. It has a huge user base and a convenient app. Asialink packages are designed for 7-180 days, although they are sometimes more expensive than competitors when calculated per gigabyte.
Comparing the Best International eSIM for Asia
| Data amount | Validity (days) | Price | Countries | Features | |
| Ohayu | 15 GB | 30 | $39.99 | 112+ | 5G multinetworks, gigabyte rollover, auto-renewal, best eSIM apps for Asia (iOS, Android) |
| Maya Mobile | 10 GB | 30 | $35.99 | 119 | Unlimited data, hotspot |
| Roamless | 10 GB | 30 | $56.95 | 119 | Pay-as-you-go, single balance |
| Kolet | 10 GB | 30 | $36.00 | 132 | Wide coverage, easy activation |
| Airalo | 5 GB | 60 | $35.00 | 137 | 365 days for activation |
Country Plans Comparison
Now let’s look at offers from each of these providers: which networks they support, the price, and their features.
Best eSIM for Japan
Japan is one of the most popular but also technically specific countries. It is highly recommended to have access to Docomo or KDDI/Au for stable coverage in the mountains and subway. Most public Wi-Fi spots require a complex registration process, so having your own Japan eSIM is a necessity. 5G connectivity is excellent in Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and Kyoto.
| Supported networks | 10 GB / 30 days price | Price per 1 GB | Features | |
| Ohayu | Docomo, KDDI, Softbank | $18.99 | $1.89 | Support for all leading operators, 5G |
| Maya | KDDI, Rakuten | $18.99 | $1.89 | Manual activation date selection, auto recharge |
| Roamless | KDDI | $14.95 | $1.50 | Payment from the general balance, 5G |
| Kolet | Softbank, Docomo | $21.99 | $2.20 | 5G support |
| Airalo | Softbank, KDDI | $18.00 | $1.80 | IP routing, 5G |
Best eSIM for China
In China, the main connectivity challenge is the “Great Firewall,” which blocks Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other services. Using an eSIM usually allows you to bypass these restrictions without installing additional VPNs, as the traffic is routed through overseas servers. The strongest networks are China Mobile and Unicom.
| Supported networks | 10 GB / 30 days price | Price per 1 GB | Features | |
| Ohayu | China Mobile, Unicom, China Telecom | $28.79 | $2.88 | Great coverage, 4G/5G |
| Maya | Unicom | $18.99 | $1.90 | Auto refill, activation date selection |
| Roamless | Unicom | $24.95 | $2.50 | Payment from the general balance, 4G/5G |
| Kolet | Unicom, China Mobile | $32.99 | $3.30 | 5G support |
| Airalo | Unicom | $26.50 | $2.70 | 5G, IP routing |
Best eSIM for South Korea
The Asian country with the fastest cellular internet. Here, you’ll almost always be in a 5G zone. Local operators (SK Telecom, KT, LG U+) offer very high-quality service. For tourists, it’s important to have an unlimited or large data package because content consumption here is very fast.
| Supported networks | 10 GB / 30 days price | Price per 1 GB | Features | |
| Ohayu | SK Telecom, LG U+ | $20.99 | $2.10 | Multi-network coverage, 5G |
| Maya | KT | $18.99 | $1.90 | Manual selection of activation date, auto refill |
| Roamless | SK Telecom, KT | $19.95 | $2.00 | Payment from the general balance, 4G/5G |
| Kolet | SK Telecom, KT | $21.99 | $2.20 | 5G connectivity |
| Airalo | KT | $20.00 | $2.00 | LTE, IP routing |
Global vs. Local eSIM for Asia
The choice between a global and a local plan depends on your route. If you’re planning a region-specific “tour” (e.g., South East: Thailand – Vietnam – Cambodia), the best eSIM for Southeast Asia will be a global or regional package (like Ohayu Global or Airalo Asialink). It’s more cost-effective and convenient: you set it up once and simply cross borders.
However, for one destination (for example, Japan for two weeks), local plans often offer a slightly better price and more stable ping because they are optimized for specific local partners. Plus, some local tariffs may prioritize network access during peak hours.
How to Install and Activate an Asian eSIM
Before purchasing, make sure your smartphone is eSIM-compatible. The easiest way is to dial the combination *#06# (it’s not a paid call – only device info check). If you see an EID field, your phone is compatible. Read more in the article about phone eSIM compatibility.
- Purchase: Choose a tariff on the provider’s website. After payment, you will receive a QR code in your email.
- Settings:
iPhone: Settings -> Mobile Service / Cellular -> Add eSIM -> Use QR code -> Scan QR code (for iOS 17.4+, tap and hold QR in an email app/browser -> Add eSIM).
Android: Settings -> Network and Internet -> SIMs -> Add SIM -> Set up eSIM -> Scan QR code.
- Activation: After arriving in Asia, enable “Roaming” for your installed profile. Make sure it’s selected as the primary device for data transfer.
Summing up: Best eSIM for Asia Travel
To summarize, Ohayu seems like the most balanced choice due to its multi-network support and stable 5G, which is critical for navigation in megacities. Airalo offers many packages with unlimited gigabytes. For those looking for the cheapest options for short trips, it’s worth considering Maya. However, if you’re a digital nomad who doesn’t want to be tied to package durations, Roamless pay-as-you-go might be an interesting alternative. Remember that the best eSIM for Asia travel always depends on your specific route and internet needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I check eSIM coverage for Asia?
Most providers list the supported carriers in the plan details. You can compare them with nPerf or OpenSignal coverage maps.
Why is multi-network support important for an Asian eSIM?
Operator service may have “blind spots.” Supporting multiple operators allows your phone to automatically switch to a different tower if a carrier’s signal disappears.
Which plan is better – a global or country eSIM?
For a journey to one destination, a local package is usually cheaper. A global or regional bundle is ideal if you are exploring two or more locations in one trip.
Can I use WhatsApp and Instagram in China with an eSIM?
Yes, tourist digital SIMs use international roaming, which allows you to bypass China’s internet censorship without installing a VPN.
Can I share the internet via hotspot in Asia?
Yes, all providers listed here allow you to use a hotspot to connect a laptop or tablet, but always check the terms of a specific mobile plan before purchasing.
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