Southeast Asia · 11 countries
Southeast Asia Country-by-Country Rates: 11 Destinations Priced
HelloRoam is the top pick for Southeast Asia: it sells 9 of the 11 Southeast Asia destinations on this page, and its 7-day unlimited plan has a median price of $22.85 across the 9 where it sells one, from $21.50 in Singapore, against $84 for a week on AT&T's $12-a-day pass, a $61 gap at the median, and Holafly ranks second on this site's rubric. HelloRoam's support replies in your own language over live chat, WhatsApp and email. Airalo covers 200+ destinations to HelloRoam's 185. HelloRoam's price is from its catalogue of 29 Oct 2026, rivals' from the 30 Oct 2026 price check; AT&T's rate was checked June 2026.
HelloRoam's lowest 7-day unlimited prices here are $21.50 in Singapore, $21.50 in Indonesia and $21.50 in Malaysia, from its catalogue of 29 Oct 2026. HelloRoam also sells fixed-data plans in 9 of the 11 destinations on this page, from $2.87 for 1 GB over 7 days in the Philippines. For a route across several countries, HelloRoam's Southeast Asia plan starts at $3.99 for 1 GB over 7 days, and its unlimited version costs $22.18 for 7 days at full speed for the first 2 GB a day; the plan covers its own country list. HelloRoam does not sell Myanmar or Timor-Leste, so a route through them needs another provider for that leg.
The best Southeast Asia gap is $92 over 9 days in Thailand: AT&T totals $108, the lowest 20GB catalog plan $15.99. Rates checked June 2026. HelloRoam, an eSIM platform, sells 9 of the 11 Southeast Asia destinations on this page as single-country plans. Airalo covers 200+ destinations to HelloRoam's 185.
Southeast Asia pricing here is quoted in dollars throughout. HelloRoam accepts 31 checkout currencies, and a bank takes 2 to 4 percent to convert a dollar charge that is not paid in one.
The gap, country by country
Southeast Asia destinations ranked by the dollar gap against the AT&T day pass
| Destination | Trip | Data need | Lowest catalog plan | AT&T total | Gap vs AT&T | T-Mobile total | Gap vs T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 9 days | 16.2GB | 20GB at $15.99 | $108 | $92 | $50 | $34 |
| Philippines | 8 days | 8GB | 10GB at $15.55 | $96 | $80 | $50 | $34 |
| Vietnam | 8 days | 9.6GB | 10GB at $19.31 | $96 | $76 | $50 | $30 |
| Indonesia | 8 days | 10.4GB | 20GB at $31.49 | $96 | $64 | $50 | $18 |
| Malaysia | 6 days | 9GB | 10GB at $17.99 | $72 | $54 | $50 | $32 |
| Singapore | 4 days | 8GB | 10GB at $13.99 | $48 | $34 | $40 | $26 |
Thailand leads at $92: 9 days at the AT&T day rate total $108, and the 20GB catalog plan that covers 16.2GB costs $15.99. HelloRoam lists 4 operators in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, True Move and TrueMove H. HelloRoam sells each destination in this table as its own plan, so the table prices them one by one. Rates checked June 2026.
No trip length or daily data figure is recorded for Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Brunei, so this table prints no gap for them.
The lowest 1-day unlimited catalog price in Southeast Asia is $3.49, listed for Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Rates checked June 2026.
Savings summary
Average savings across Southeast Asia: 86-94%
A 7-day trip in Southeast Asia costs $84 in AT&T International Day Pass ($12/day x 7 days). A travel eSIM covering the same week costs $5-$12 based on the regional average price of $1.73/GB. That is a difference of $72-$79 on a single week-long trip.
| Option | 7-day cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T International Day Pass | $84 | baseline |
| Verizon TravelPass | $84 | baseline |
| Travel eSIM (3GB plan) | $5 | Save $79 (94%) |
| Travel eSIM (7GB plan) | $12 | Save $72 (86%) |
eSIM cost calculated from the Southeast Asia average of $1.73/GB across 11 countries. Rates checked June 2026. Actual eSIM cost varies by country and plan size.
Network coverage
Southeast Asia mobile network overview
Southeast Asia is the cheapest region in the world for travel eSIM plans. Heavy tourist traffic in Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam drives competition and pushes prices down.
The region splits into two connectivity tiers. Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia have strong 4G LTE with growing 5G coverage in urban areas. Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar have coverage gaps outside major cities, and 3G remains the dominant technology in rural areas. Island destinations like Bali and Phuket have reliable coverage in tourist zones but signal drops on remote beaches and mountain interiors.
US carrier roaming costs are identical across all Southeast Asian countries: AT&T at $12/day, Verizon at $12/day, and T-Mobile with 5GB or 15GB of high-speed data on its Experience plans, then up to 256Kbps. A 10-day backpacking trip through Thailand and Vietnam costs $120 in carrier roaming at $12/day. The same trip with a regional eSIM bundle costs $8-15. Airport SIM card counters at Bangkok BKK and Bali DPS charge $5-15 for a local card, but eSIM activation takes two minutes on your phone versus 20-45 minutes in a queue.
Multi-country itineraries are common in Southeast Asia. Backpackers hop between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia on a single trip. Regional eSIM bundles from Airalo (Asialink) cover all these countries on one plan, avoiding the cost and hassle of buying separate SIMs at each border crossing.
Data usage in Southeast Asia runs higher than travelers expect. Navigation through Bangkok's traffic, translating Thai or Vietnamese menus, uploading photos to social media, and streaming music add up fast. Budget 1-2 GB per day for active travel use. A 10GB plan covers a 7-10 day trip for most travelers.
Thailand has the most competitive eSIM market in Southeast Asia. Three major carrier networks — TRUE, AIS, and DTAC — operate in the country, and eSIM providers hold partnerships with multiple carriers. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pai all have strong 4G LTE. The mountains of northern Thailand and remote southern islands have coverage gaps.
Singapore occupies the premium tier of Southeast Asian mobile infrastructure with blanket 5G from Singtel and StarHub.
The practical savings comparison for the full backpacking route: a 14-day trip through Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia costs $120 in AT&T International Day Pass at $12/day.
Regional overview
eSIM and roaming in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia is the global sweet spot for budget travel eSIM plans. Airport SIM card counters at Bangkok BKK, Bali DPS, and Ho Chi Minh City SGN sell local SIM cards for $5-15, but a travel eSIM offers the same connectivity without queuing, passport registration, or language barriers. The average eSIM price across 11 Southeast Asian countries is $1.73/GB, the lowest of any region. Network quality varies: Singapore and Thailand have strong 4G LTE and growing 5G coverage, while Myanmar and Laos have coverage gaps outside major cities. Carriers like TRUE (Thailand), Telkomsel (Indonesia), and Globe (Philippines) power most eSIM providers in the region. For multi-country backpacking trips, regional eSIM bundles covering all of Southeast Asia on a single plan deliver the best per-GB value.
Top destinations
Top 5 eSIM destinations in Southeast Asia
The most popular countries for travel eSIM plans in Southeast Asia, ranked by plan availability and pricing.
TRUE and AIS networks cover Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Telkomsel covers Bali, Jakarta, and Yogyakarta. Remote islands have coverage gaps.
Viettel covers Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Globe and Smart cover Manila and Cebu. Island-hopping coverage varies by destination.
Singtel and StarHub provide blanket 5G coverage across the city-state.
Our analysis
Best eSIM provider for Southeast Asia: Nomad
Nomad offers the cheapest per-GB pricing in Southeast Asia's most popular destinations. For backpackers watching every dollar, Nomad's pricing undercuts Airalo and Holafly in most Southeast Asian countries. The app is simpler than competitors, focused on price rather than features. Nomad's coverage in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines matches the same carrier networks that premium providers use. The tradeoff is narrower country coverage: Nomad covers fewer destinations than Airalo and does not offer unlimited daily plans. For budget-conscious travelers hitting the main Southeast Asian backpacking route (Bangkok, Bali, Hanoi, Siem Reap), Nomad delivers the lowest cost per gigabyte.
Rates checked June 2026. Provider ranking comes from the published rubric: trip cost, refund window, destination coverage, support languages, and support channels.
Recommended
eSIM providers for Southeast Asia
These providers offer the strongest coverage, pricing, and support across Southeast Asia destinations.
Fixed and unlimited plans in one app
Asialink bundle covers all Southeast Asian countries on one eSIM for multi-country trips
Unlimited daily plans suit heavy data users exploring multiple countries
Carrier costs
Carrier roaming rates in Southeast Asia
What AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and UK carriers charge for roaming in Southeast Asia. Rates checked June 2026.
| Carrier | Daily rate | 7-day cost |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | $12/day | $84 |
| Verizon | $12/day | $84 |
| T-Mobile | Included, then 256Kbps | Varies |
| Vodafone UK | £2.00/day EU, £6.85/day worldwide | Varies |
| Travel eSIM (avg) | $1.73/GB | $9-$17 |
AT&T roaming in Southeast Asia
International Day Pass charges $12/day in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Singapore, and every other Southeast Asian country. A 10-day trip costs $120. The same rate applies whether you use 10 MB or 10 GB.
Verizon roaming in Southeast Asia
TravelPass at $12/day across Southeast Asia. A 14-day backpacking trip through three countries costs $168. Verizon connects to TRUE (Thailand), Telkomsel (Indonesia), and Globe (Philippines).
T-Mobile roaming in Southeast Asia
T-Mobile's Experience plans include 5GB or 15GB of high-speed data abroad, then up to 256Kbps, across Southeast Asia too. Loading a restaurant menu in Thai or navigating motorbike traffic in Bali requires faster data. The International Pass adds full-speed data at $10 a day.
Vodafone UK roaming in Southeast Asia
Vodafone UK charges 2.00 pounds/day inside the EU and 6.85 pounds/day outside it, and Southeast Asia takes the worldwide line. A 10-day trip costs 68.50 pounds. EE charges 2.72 pounds a day inside the EU and sells a 6-pound 24-hour Zone 1 Pass (EE roaming checker, October 2026), and Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country in EE's Zone 1.
Data tips
Staying connected in Southeast Asia
Practical advice for managing data and connectivity across Southeast Asia.
Coverage varies between mainland cities and islands. Download offline maps before island-hopping in Indonesia, Philippines, or Thailand.
Airport SIM counters at Bangkok BKK and Bali DPS charge $5-15 for a local card. eSIM activation takes 2 minutes versus 20-45 minutes in a queue, and you can install before landing.
Thailand and Singapore have the strongest public WiFi in the region. Cafes in Bangkok and Singapore offer free WiFi that is fast enough for video calls.
Indonesia's IMEI registration only affects foreign devices staying over 90 days. Short-term travelers using eSIMs are exempt.
WiFi quality
WiFi and connectivity in Southeast Asia
WiFi quality in Southeast Asia is strong in tourist zones and unreliable in rural or island areas.
- Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur have strong cafe and hotel WiFi. Most accommodations include free WiFi.
- Island destinations (Bali beaches, Thai islands, Philippine islands) have slower WiFi. Resorts offer better connections than budget guesthouses.
- Co-working spaces in Bali (Canggu), Chiang Mai, and Ho Chi Minh City attract digital nomads with dedicated high-speed connections.
- Airport WiFi at Bangkok BKK, Singapore Changi, and Kuala Lumpur KLIA is fast and free. Use it for large downloads before heading to your destination.
Compare providers
eSIM provider matchups for Southeast Asia
See how the top eSIM providers stack up for Southeast Asia travel.
Learn more
Related guides for Southeast Asia travelers
How roaming works and why it costs so much
Step-by-step guide for iPhone and Android
5 providers ranked and compared
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Vodafone, EE side by side
Prevent surprise charges before your trip
Travel tips
Southeast Asia roaming tips
Practical advice for staying connected across Southeast Asia without overpaying.
Skip the airport SIM card counter. eSIM activation takes 2 minutes on your phone versus 20-45 minutes queuing at airport SIM kiosks in Bangkok or Bali.
Indonesia requires IMEI registration for foreign devices staying longer than 90 days. Short-term travelers using eSIMs are not affected by this rule.
Vietnam filters some VoIP services. If you need WhatsApp calls or FaceTime, test connectivity after activating your eSIM and switch providers if needed.
Thailand has the best eSIM value in the region.
Island destinations (Bali, Phuket, Langkawi) have strong coverage in tourist areas but drops off in remote inland and mountain regions.
Southeast Asia destinations
All 11 countries in Southeast Asia
Sorted by cheapest eSIM price. Click any country to see the full carrier-by-carrier breakdown.
Common questions
Southeast Asia eSIM FAQ
How much does an eSIM cost in Southeast Asia?
The average eSIM price across 11 countries in Southeast Asia is $1.73/GB. Prices vary by country and provider. Regional bundles covering multiple Southeast Asia countries on a single eSIM offer the best per-GB value for multi-country trips.
Which eSIM provider has the best coverage in Southeast Asia?
Airalo and Holafly each list 200+ destinations worldwide. Holafly sells unlimited daily plans. Saily sells plans with built-in VPN protection. The best provider depends on your priorities: Airalo for breadth, Holafly for unlimited data, Saily for privacy, and Nomad for budget destinations. Check individual country pages for carrier-level coverage details.
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming in Southeast Asia?
Yes. AT&T International Day Pass charges $12/day and Verizon TravelPass charges $12/day for roaming in Southeast Asia. T-Mobile's Experience plans include 5GB or 15GB of high-speed data abroad, then up to 256Kbps, while eSIMs deliver full 4G/5G speeds.
Should I buy a SIM card at the airport or use an eSIM in Southeast Asia?
eSIM is faster and often cheaper. Airport SIM counters at Bangkok BKK charge $5-15 for a local card, but you wait 20-45 minutes in line and need your passport for registration. eSIM activation takes 2 minutes on your phone. You can install the eSIM before your flight lands. Prices are comparable, and you avoid the language barrier at the counter.
Does eSIM coverage work on islands in Southeast Asia?
Coverage on main tourist islands (Bali, Phuket, Langkawi, Boracay) is strong with 4G from local carriers. Remote islands, smaller Indonesian islands, and Philippine islands outside Cebu and Boracay have weaker or no coverage. Download offline maps before island-hopping. Test your eSIM signal strength when you arrive at each island.
Which carrier networks do eSIMs use in Thailand?
Most eSIM providers in Thailand connect to TRUE (TrueMove H), AIS, or DTAC networks. TRUE has the widest 4G coverage, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Koh Samui. AIS has strong coverage in northern Thailand. Check your eSIM provider's documentation to see which carrier they use. All three carriers run 4G across urban areas.
Is WhatsApp calling blocked in Vietnam?
Vietnam filters some VoIP services intermittently. WhatsApp messaging works. WhatsApp voice and video calls may be unreliable depending on the network and time. If VoIP calling is important for your trip, test it after activating your eSIM. Saily's built-in VPN can help if calls are blocked on your connection.
How much does an eSIM save versus roaming for a Southeast Asia backpacking trip?
A 14-day trip through Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia costs $168 in Verizon TravelPass ($12 x 14 days, no cap stated) and $120 in AT&T International Day Pass, which bills at most 10 daily fees a bill cycle. For budget backpackers, the eSIM saving covers 5-7 nights of accommodation in the region.
Does Bali have reliable eSIM coverage?
Yes, in tourist areas. Telkomsel's 4G network covers Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, and Nusa Dua. More remote areas of Bali — inland mountain villages, the northwest coast, and Nusa Penida's interior — have weaker signal or 3G only. The beach areas of Kuta and Seminyak have strong 4G. Download offline maps before exploring rice terrace trails and rural temple routes where signal drops.
What is the best eSIM for Thailand?
AT&T and Verizon both charge $12 a day for Thailand, so a week on either pass costs $84 before you load a map.
Explore more
Other regions
Compare roaming costs and eSIM prices across every region.
Content coverage
Southeast Asia topic coverage
This site covers 34 roaming and eSIM topics with a combined monthly search volume of 2,021,766. The Southeast Asia market accounts for 12 topics totaling 960,676 monthly searches.
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How we checked these rates
Carrier roaming rates were read from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Vodafone UK, and EE official rate cards and websites in June 2026. Destination plan prices come from HelloRoam's catalogue, read 29 Oct 2026, and destinations outside it keep their earlier record. Per-GB averages are calculated from the cheapest available plan per country. The 1-day unlimited price is the 1-day tier in that catalogue. All prices are in USD unless stated otherwise. Rates checked June 2026.
Is eSIM cheaper than international roaming?
Yes, a travel eSIM is 70-90% cheaper than carrier roaming for international trips. AT&T and Verizon charge $12/day for international data, totaling $84-168 for a 7-14 day trip. A travel eSIM on the same local network costs $5-25 for the same period. Both connect to the same cell towers in the destination country. The eSIM removes the carrier markup. Rates verified June 2026.
How do I avoid roaming charges abroad?
Five steps to avoid roaming charges: 1) Install a travel eSIM before departure (costs $5-25 for a week). 2) Turn off data roaming for your carrier SIM in phone settings. 3) Set your eSIM as the primary data line. 4) Keep your carrier SIM active for incoming calls via dual-SIM. 5) Download offline maps and translation packs before the flight. This setup saves 70-90% vs carrier roaming on the same network.
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