Last updated: October 30, 2026. Airalo and Saily prices were checked on their websites on October 30, 2026. Thai tourist SIM and US carrier prices are the 2026 rates published by the carriers. eSIM prices change often, so confirm before you buy.
Short answer: for most trips to Asia, a regional eSIM is the cheapest and easiest option: about $13–20 buys 5 GB for 30 days across most of Asia. If you stay in one country for a week or more, a local tourist SIM (for example about $15 for 8 days of unlimited data in Thailand) is often better value. US carrier day passes are the most expensive way to stay online: $12 a day adds up to $84 for a week.
Prices compared
| Option | Coverage | Example plans |
|---|---|---|
| Saily Asia & Oceania eSIM | 22 countries incl. Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia | 1 GB / 7 days $4.99; 5 GB / 30 days $19.49; 10 GB / 30 days $35.99; 25 GB / 60 days $48.99 |
| Airalo Asia eSIM | 18 countries | 5 GB / 30 days €14 (about $16); 10 GB / 30 days €23; unlimited 7 days $26, 15 days $49 |
| Local tourist SIM, Thailand (AIS or True) | Thailand only | Unlimited 8 days ฿499 (about $15); 15 days ฿699; 30 days ฿1,199 |
| AT&T International Day Pass | 210+ destinations | $12 per day ($84 for 7 days), uses your US plan |
Sources: saily.com and airalo.com, checked October 30, 2026 (Airalo fixed-data plans were shown in euros when we checked); AIS and True tourist SIM prices as published for 2026; AT&T International Day Pass rate. Data-only plans unless stated; tourist SIMs require your passport.
Which option is best for your trip?
Several countries in one trip: regional eSIM
If you are combining, say, Japan, South Korea and Thailand, or Singapore and Malaysia, a regional eSIM is the simplest choice. You install it once at home and it switches networks as you cross borders. For a two- to three-week trip with maps, messaging and some social media, 5–10 GB is usually enough. In our check, Saily’s 5 GB plan cost $19.49 and Airalo’s about $16. Always check that every country on your route is included; the lists differ between providers.
One country for a week or more: local SIM or country eSIM
Local carriers are hard to beat on price. In Thailand, AIS and True sell tourist SIMs with unlimited data from about $15 for 8 days, at airport counters and in town (passport required). Many countries have similar tourist SIMs. Single-country eSIMs from Airalo or Saily are another option and are often cheaper than regional plans.
Heavy users: unlimited plans
If you stream, make video calls or use your phone as a hotspot, an unlimited plan avoids running out. Airalo’s Asia unlimited cost $26 for 7 days and $49 for 15 days in our check. Unlimited plans usually have a fair-use limit, after which speed is reduced, and often restrict hotspot use. Read the terms.
Short trip, need your US number: carrier pass
A US carrier pass keeps your normal number and plan, which is convenient for calls and banking texts. But at $12 a day with AT&T, a one-week trip costs $84, several times more than an eSIM. T-Mobile includes some free roaming on many plans, but data is slow unless you buy a pass. You can also keep your US SIM active for texts and use an eSIM for data.
Before you buy
- Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Most iPhones from the XS onward and recent Samsung and Google phones do. Phones bought on a carrier contract may be locked.
- Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi. Turn it on when you land. Most plans start counting days only when they first connect to a network abroad.
- Turn off data roaming on your US line so you are not charged by your carrier by mistake.
- Expect data only. Most travel eSIMs have no local phone number. Use WhatsApp, LINE or similar apps for calls.
- China: many Western apps and websites are blocked in mainland China. Some eSIMs route data abroad and work around this; check the provider’s notes before you go.
Common mistakes
- Buying a plan for the wrong region, for example an Asia plan that does not include one of your countries.
- Deleting the eSIM from your phone before the trip is over. On most phones it cannot be reinstalled.
- Buying a SIM from street sellers instead of official carrier shops or airport counters.
- Paying in US dollars at the shop counter. Pay in local currency to avoid a 3–7% conversion markup; see our guide to tourist traps and scams.
Planning the rest of your trip? See what a trip to Singapore or Malaysia really costs.
FAQs
What is the best eSIM for Asia?
For multi-country trips, a regional plan from Saily or Airalo is a good choice. In our October 30, 2026 check, 5 GB for 30 days cost $19.49 with Saily (22 countries) and about $16 (€14) with Airalo (18 countries). Choose the one that covers all the countries on your route.
Is an eSIM cheaper than a local SIM?
Not always. For a week or more in one country, local tourist SIMs are often cheaper, for example about $15 for 8 days of unlimited data in Thailand. eSIMs win on convenience and for trips across several countries.
How much data do I need for two weeks in Asia?
For maps, messaging, ride-hailing apps and some social media, about 5–10 GB. Choose more, or unlimited, if you stream or use video calls.
Can I keep my US number with an eSIM?
Yes, on phones that support two lines. Keep your US SIM on for calls and texts (with data roaming off) and use the travel eSIM for data. Incoming calls and texts may still be charged by your carrier.
Is it worth using my US carrier’s international pass?
Only for very short trips or if you need your number for calls. At $12 per day, AT&T’s pass costs $84 for a week, far more than a travel eSIM.
