During our travels around Asia, there are a few things we think about in advance. And one of them is: the internet. Not just so we can show you the coolest spots during our travels, but mainly for practical things like Google Maps, Grab, WhatsApp, translation, finding accommodation, banking and keeping in touch with home. Especially after a long flight, we like to be online straight away and not have to go looking for a SIM card counter first.
Still, the question remains: which type of SIM card should you choose for Asia? A local SIM card for each country, or should you go for an eSIM? Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends mainly on your travel style, your destination and how much data you expect to use. In some countries, a local SIM card is dirt cheap and incredibly easy to sort out, whilst in others an eSIM is actually a much smarter option as it saves you the hassle of registration or internet restrictions. In this blog, we’ll clearly explain the difference between an eSIM and a local SIM card, when an eSIM is worth the extra cost, and what the smartest choice is for each popular destination in Asia.
What is the difference between an eSIM and a local SIM card?
A local SIM card is the traditional physical SIM card that you buy at your destination. You remove your own SIM card from your phone, insert the local SIM card, and then use that country’s mobile network. This often comes with a local phone number, local call minutes and a data bundle. In many Asian countries, you can buy a SIM card like this at the airport, in a mobile phone shop or even in a supermarket.
An eSIM works differently. It’s a digital SIM card, so you don’t need to swap a physical card. You buy a data bundle online, install it using a QR code or an app, and activate the eSIM as soon as you arrive at your destination. Please note: not every phone supports eSIMs. Newer iPhones, Samsung models and Google Pixels in particular often do, but always check this before you buy an eSIM.
The main advantage of an eSIM is that you can simply leave your own SIM card in your phone. This means your own number remains reachable. Bear in mind, however, that many travel eSIMs are data-only, which means you usually cannot make regular calls or send text messages with them, but you can still use the internet and make calls via apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime or Messenger.
eSIM vs local SIM card: the key differences
| Property | eSIM | Local SIM card |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Often a bit more expensive | Often cheaper |
| Convenience | Sort everything out in advance | Buy in-store |
| Installation | Immediately online on arrival | Find a shop first |
| Number portability | Yes | Usually not |
| Data | Often more limited | Often large bundles |
| Flexibility | Ideal for several countries | Particularly useful on a country-by-country basis |
What are the advantages of an eSIM?
The biggest advantage of an eSIM is definitely the convenience, if you ask us. You can sort everything out at home, even before you board the plane. As soon as you land, you activate your eSIM and you’re online. We find that absolutely brilliant, especially after a long flight. You don’t have to queue at a SIM card counter, hand over your passport or compare local data plans when all you really want to do is get to your hotel.
An eSIM is also ideal if you arrive late. In many countries, SIM card counters at the airport are open late, but not always. With an eSIM, you don’t have to take any chances. You can book a taxi or Grab straight away, text your accommodation provider and navigate to your first hotel. Another major advantage is that you keep your own number. You don’t need to remove your SIM card from your phone and you’ll remain reachable on your usual number.
An eSIM is also handy if you’re visiting several countries. Via a eSIM for your trip You often arrange internet access for several destinations in Asia before you set off. This is particularly handy if, for example, you Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia combines.
What are the disadvantages of an eSIM?
However, an eSIM isn’t always the best choice. The main drawback is that you often end up paying a bit more for less data. Local SIM cards are incredibly cheap in many Asian countries and often offer large data bundles or even unlimited data. If you’re travelling for a long time, upload lots of videos, work online or use a lot of hotspot, a local SIM card may work out cheaper.
In addition, many eSIMs are data-only. This means you won’t be given a local phone number. For most travellers, this isn’t a problem, as you’ll mainly be using WhatsApp and the internet anyway. However, a local number can sometimes be useful, for example when booking restaurants, contacting drivers or signing up to local apps.
Not every phone supports eSIM either. Always check this carefully before you buy one. Nothing is more annoying than thinking you’ve sorted everything out, only to find out at the airport that your phone doesn’t support eSIM.
When is it better to get a local SIM card?
That brings us straight to the next question. When is it actually a better idea to buy a local SIM card? A local SIM card is particularly a good idea if you’re staying in one destination for a longer period, use a lot of data, or want to go online as cheaply as possible. In countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Sri Lanka Local SIM cards are often very affordable and easy to get hold of.
Even if you work on the move a lot, upload videos or regularly use a hotspot for your laptop, a local SIM card is often more practical. You usually get more data for less money. In some countries, you can also top up easily in shops or via apps.
The only downside is that you have to sort it out when you get there. Sometimes it’s done in a flash, but sometimes you end up queuing, having to show your passport or figuring out which provider has the best coverage. Especially if you’ve just landed, are tired and still have to get to your hotel, that can be a bit too much of a faff.
Is an eSIM worth the extra cost?
Yes, absolutely. We find an eSIM particularly ideal for when you arrive. You step off the plane, switch on your mobile data and you’re online straight away. OK… to be honest, it took a bit of figuring out the first time, but after that it was a piece of cake. However, for longer trips, we wouldn’t always rely solely on an eSIM. Are you travelling through a single country for more than three weeks and using a lot of data? Then it might be wise to buy a local SIM card after you arrive. The combination often works best: a small eSIM for the first few days and then, if you’re staying longer, a local SIM card.
For us, that’s actually the ideal compromise. You don’t have to worry when you arrive, but you can still choose the cheapest data bundle at your destination later on.
When should you choose an eSIM?
An eSIM is particularly useful if you:
- want to be online straight away on arrival
- is going on a short trip
- combines several countries
- if you want to keep your own number active
- don’t fancy shopping, passport registration or queues
- travels to countries where it is more difficult to get hold of local SIM cards, such as Japan or China
- are travelling to Indonesia and want to avoid the hassle of registration
For us, an eSIM is, above all, a source of peace of mind. You might pay a little more, but you get convenience in return.
When should you opt for a local SIM card?
A local SIM card is particularly a good idea if you:
- stays in one country for longer
- uses a lot of data
- want to have an online presence as cheaply as possible
- you need a local number
- would like large or unlimited data bundles
- travelling in countries where local SIM cards are really easy to get hold of, such as Thailand or Malaysia
For longer trips, a local SIM card is often still the best value option. Especially if you spend a lot of time online, upload route videos or use hotspot on your laptop.
By destination: what’s the best choice in Asia?
Asia is a vast continent, and the best option varies considerably from country to country. In some countries, a local SIM card is the best choice, whilst in others an eSIM is actually much more convenient. Below, we share our advice for each popular destination.
1. Thailand: local SIM card or eSIM?
Thailand is one of the easiest countries in Asia in which to buy a local SIM card. At the airports in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai, you’ll find plenty of counters run by mobile network operators, and you can often buy SIM cards or top-ups at 7-Eleven shops too. The networks are good, data bundles are affordable and it’s usually a quick and easy process.
For Thailand, therefore, we would say: for example, why not buy a eSIM in Thailand for the first day, so you’re connected straight away as soon as you land. After that, you might want to get a local SIM card if you’re staying longer. A local SIM card is often better value, especially if you use a lot of data or are travelling around Thailand for several weeks. You can find more practical information in our blog: Everything about SIM cards in Thailand.
2. Vietnam: a local SIM card is often the best option
In Vietnam, too, local SIM cards are usually cheap and easy to get hold of. You’ll find plenty of providers at airports and in towns. Data bundles are often generous and prices are low. Especially for backpackers travelling through Vietnam for an extended period, a local SIM card is usually the smartest choice. Nevertheless, an eSIM remains handy before arrival. Especially if you’re landing late or need to arrange transport to your accommodation straight away, it’s nice not to have to go to a SIM card counter first.
Personally, if we were in Vietnam, we’d go for a combination: an eSIM on arrival and then, if you’re staying longer, perhaps a local SIM card.
3. Sri Lanka: both options are good
Sri Lanka is a country where both options work well. A local SIM card is often cheap and you can buy one at Colombo airport, for example. Dialog is a popular provider amongst travellers, and SLT-Mobitel is also widely used. Local SIM cards are a good option if you’re staying for a longer period and want plenty of data.
That said, an eSIM is also very handy in Sri Lanka. Especially if you want to book a taxi straight after arriving, message your accommodation or start planning a tuk-tuk route, having immediate internet access is really handy. Our preference? For short trips or convenience: eSIM. For longer trips or if you need a lot of data: a local SIM card. We’ve also written a separate blog post about this: Everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Sri Lanka
4. Malaysia: a local SIM card is often good value for money
Malaysia is another country where a local SIM card is usually a very attractive option. Prices are low, the network is good and you can easily buy SIM cards at the airport, in shopping centres or at mobile phone shops. Especially if you’re staying in Malaysia for a longer period or are also travelling to Borneo, a local SIM card can be a great choice.
An eSIM is particularly useful if you’re in Malaysia for a short time, have a connecting flight or are travelling with Singapore combines. If you’re travelling through several countries in South-East Asia, a regional eSIM might also be worth considering. You can find more tips in our blog: Buying a SIM card in Malaysia.
5. Indonesia: be careful with registration
Indonesia is a destination where you need to be a bit more careful. For local SIM cards, your phone must be registered correctly, as Indonesia uses IMEI registration. If you buy a SIM card from a street vendor or if the registration isn’t done properly, you may encounter problems with your connection later on.
It’s often a bit more expensive at the airport, but usually better organised. Still, we fully understand that you won’t feel like dealing with this after a long flight. That’s why we find an eSIM particularly appealing in Indonesia. You avoid the hassle of physical SIM cards and registration and are online straight away. Our advice for Indonesia: choose an eSIM if you want convenience and can’t be bothered with the registration hassle. If you’re staying for a long time and want to use a lot of data, buy a local SIM card from an official provider’s shop or a reputable counter.
6. Japan: eSIM is often the preferred choice
Japan is a different story. Local SIM cards here are often data-only, and sorting them out can sometimes feel a bit more fiddly than in South-East Asia. As many eSIMs work well in Japan and are easy to install in advance, the eSIM is often the most convenient choice here. For Japan, therefore, we would be more inclined to choose an eSIM rather than a local SIM card. An eSIM is ideal, particularly if you’re only travelling for two or three weeks and mainly use Google Maps, translation apps, train routes and WhatsApp.
7. China: an eSIM is often the best option
China warrants a separate explanation. With a local Chinese SIM card, you may encounter the Great Firewall, which means that apps and websites such as Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and some other services either do not work at all or are difficult to use without a VPN. Many travel eSIMs route their internet traffic via other regions, which means that, in practice, apps such as WhatsApp and Google often continue to work as normal. This makes using an eSIM in China a lot easier for many travellers.
If you’re going to China, we’d advise you to do your research carefully beforehand to decide which eSIM to buy. Don’t just go for the cheapest one; check specifically whether Google, WhatsApp and other apps are supported. A good eSIM can really make all the difference here.
What choices do we make ourselves whilst on a tour of Asia?
Our personal preference depends on the trip. For short trips, we’re increasingly opting for an eSIM. It’s just so convenient when you arrive. No hassle, no queues and internet access straight away as soon as you land.
For longer 1TP60 trips, we often opt for a combination. We get a small eSIM for the first few days and then, if we’re staying in one country for longer, we might buy a local SIM card. That gives us the best of both worlds: convenience on arrival and affordable internet for the rest of the trip.
Are you travelling through several countries in Asia? If so, a regional eSIM might be worth considering. That way, you won’t have to buy a new SIM card in every country. This is particularly handy if you’re on the move a lot, making short stops, or don’t fancy comparing mobile providers time and time again.
Read also: What to do in Singapore? Itinerary, tips & highlights for 2–3 days
Read also: The ultimate Cambodia travel itinerary + handy tips
Frequently asked questions about SIM cards for Asia
1. Which SIM card is best for travelling in Asia?
For a tour across several countries in Asia, an eSIM is often the best choice. You’ll be online straight away on arrival and won’t need to buy a new SIM card every time you cross a border. If you’re staying in one country for a longer period, such as Thailand, Sri Lanka or Malaysia, a local SIM card is usually cheaper and often gives you more data for your money.
2. Is an eSIM better than a local SIM card?
That depends on what’s important to you. An eSIM is mainly about convenience. You can install it before you set off and be online straight away as soon as you land. A local SIM card is usually cheaper and often offers larger data bundles. If you’re travelling through a single country for a few weeks, a local SIM card is often the best value option. If you’re travelling through several countries, an eSIM is usually more convenient.
3. Is an eSIM worth the extra cost?
As far as we’re concerned, yes – especially for the first few days of your trip. After a long flight, you won’t have to hunt for a mobile phone shop, fill in any forms or queue at the airport. You’ll have immediate internet access to book a taxi, open Google Maps or get in touch with your accommodation.
4. Will my Dutch mobile phone work with an Asian SIM card?
Yes, virtually all modern smartphones work without any problems with Asian SIM cards and eSIMs. Before you set off, do check that your phone is SIM-unlocked. Do you want to use an eSIM? If so, make sure your phone supports eSIMs. Most recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models and Google Pixel phones have this feature.
5. Can I keep my Dutch number with an eSIM?
Yes. With most phones, you can keep your Dutch SIM card active whilst using the internet via an eSIM. This means you’ll remain reachable for SMS verifications, WhatsApp and any phone calls to your own number. This is one of the biggest advantages of an eSIM when travelling.
6. How much data will I need on a tour of Asia?
For normal use such as Google Maps, WhatsApp, email, social media and searching for restaurants, 10 to 20 GB per month is often sufficient. If you stream a lot of videos, regularly upload content to Instagram or work online whilst on the move, a larger data bundle or unlimited data might be a better choice.
7. Which is cheaper: an eSIM or a local SIM card?
In most Asian countries, a local SIM card is cheaper than an eSIM. In countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Sri Lanka in particular, data bundles are often surprisingly affordable. On the other hand, an eSIM offers greater convenience because you can sort everything out in advance and be online straight away upon arrival.
8. Where can I buy a SIM card for Asia?
Local SIM cards are usually available at airports, in mobile phone shops and in supermarkets. In popular backpack destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia, you’ll find them almost everywhere. If you want internet access as soon as you land, you can purchase and activate an eSIM in advance.
9. What is the best option for a tour covering several countries in Asia?
For a trip where you’ll be visiting several countries, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia, we usually recommend a regional eSIM. That way, you won’t need to buy a new SIM card in every country and you’ll be online straight away wherever you are. This saves time, avoids hassle and makes travelling a lot easier.
10. Can I arrange a SIM card or eSIM before I set off?
Yes. An eSIM, in particular, is easy to set up whilst you’re still in the Netherlands. As soon as your plane lands, your phone will automatically connect to the local network and you’ll be able to use mobile internet straight away. This is ideal if you want to book a taxi, find your way to your hotel or get in touch with your accommodation.
Our conclusion: eSIM or a local SIM card in Asia?
There isn’t one perfect choice for everyone. The best option depends on your destination, the length of your trip and how much convenience you want. That said, we’d summarise it as follows: an eSIM is ideal for convenience, on arrival and for short trips. A local SIM card is often better for longer trips and heavy data usage.
Our favourite approach when travelling round Asia? Start with a small eSIM for the first few days. That way, you’ll be online straight away when you land and won’t have to sort anything out when you’re tired from your flight. If you’re staying in one country for longer after that, you can always buy a local SIM card. That way, you can travel stress-free, stay flexible and avoid being left without internet just when you need it most. And believe us: on a tour of Asia, that’s sometimes more valuable than you might think. If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message via Instagram!
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