The best eSIM for Asia—my top recommendation as a travel writer who hops from country to country regularly

As a professional travel writer who needs a flawless internet connection, crystal-clear calls, and the ability to hop online at any given moment, eSIMs have fast become my travel essential when packing for a long trip. Don’t get me wrong, though, it hasn’t always been like this. From my low-budget travel days, backpacking through Thailand, discovering India’s most beautiful temples, and adventuring through Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, I was always off grid, I didn’t even travel with a smartphone, preferring to be uncontactable and get by with local knowledge and an old-school travel guidebook. But these days, I make a living through travel writing; I’m also older, wiser, and often travelling alone, so a strong connection is not only imperative, but also about safety, too. That’s where a reliable eSIM comes in. Having been based in Asia for a while now, and having lived or travelled across 60+ countries, I’ve tested a fair few eSIMs, many of which latch onto weak networks, but the brand I keep returning to is Sim Local for its ease, reliable connections and affordability.

Utilising one of the best eSIMs for Asia during my time in Sri Lanka 

What’s the best eSIM for Asia?

If, like me, you’re about to spend time in Asia, it’s worth checking out Sim Local since they partner with the host country’s strongest internet providers, and cover most Asian countries. There are a few reasons I like the brand; the first is that it’s super user-friendly, so all I need to do when I travel is go to the website, opt for the country I’m visiting, along with the data package or length needed, and simply click buy now. Secondly, I like that the emailed receipt provides easy instructions for setup, and there’s always a helpful follow-up email with a checklist and how-to videos for anyone who’s not too tech-savvy.

Getting online with Sim Local

Thirdly, Sim Local’s global packages are a dream for anyone on a multi-country adventure. Since I move a lot, I always opt for the eSIM Global option, as it includes deals for up to 153 countries, including Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Pakistan—a country I’m desperate to visit next year. The idea is that you buy the eSIM before you travel and activate it as soon as you’re about to take off to your first destination. It not only means you can escape crazy roaming charges so you won’t be left with a huge bill at the end of your travels, but it also utilises the strongest internet providers throughout each country.

How much does an eSIM cost?

Unlike other eSIM providers, Sim Local has extremely competitive pricing with many plans working out at around $1 (80p) per 1GB. They also allow hotspot and tethering, meaning if you need to head to one of the best cafes in Tbilisi to work, or watch Netflix in bed, you absolutely can. But one element that I think sets them apart is that they’re so sure users will be happy with the speed and coverage they offer, they have a 100 per cent refund policy, something other brands don’t shout about. Global plans start from just $6.75 (just over £5), while the longer 30-day global plans begin at $13.50 (£10.30)—this is what I opt for when I’m on a multi-country research trip. Or you can opt for the country-specific plans, such as the one I’m currently using in Sri Lanka.

Is an eSIM worth it for international travel?

If you’d have asked me five years ago, I would have said no. At that point in my life, I travelled to switch off, but since becoming a full-time travel writer, it’s my job to be online. I’m always on the move, constantly filing articles or having digital meetings with editors around the globe, so I actually couldn’t be without an eSIM these days.

Remote working in Asia

Since I often travel to off-grid areas where WiFi can go down without warning or power outages are common, my eSIM provides the backup I need to be able to work efficiently and effectively.

Is there any reason not to get an eSIM?

Unless you have an older phone, which might not be compatible with an eSIM, there are really no downsides. Negating the need to find a local, physical SIM card when you touch down in a new country, eSIMs make it incredibly convenient to get online fast and cheaply. Another thing to bear in mind is that you need a reliable internet connection to activate the eSIM, so I’d always recommend activating it at home before hopping on your flight, train or boat to whichever exciting destination you’re heading to next.

Getting connected with Sim Local

My verdict when looking for the best eSIM for Asia

If you want a stress-free way to stay connected while travelling across Asia—with zero fear of running out of data, fast connections, and reliable local network coverage wherever you land—I can’t recommend Sim Local enough. Their plans aren’t just more affordable than other unlimited options; they make my entire travel experience effortless. Even on days when monsoonal rains hammered down or local power outages wiped out the Wi-Fi, my connection was seamless. I sailed through deadlines, uploaded everything I needed, and stayed plugged in without a single moment of panic.

Travelling soon? Sim Local is offering readers of Lydia Travels an exclusive discount. Click through to grab your next eSIM from as little as $3.56 (£2.71).