Best eSIM for Asia Travel 2026: Complete Saily Review
Last Updated: February 26, 2026 | Coverage: 190+ Countries
This mistake could cost you up to $500 in Thailand alone—but there's a solution smart travelers are already using. After researching every major eSIM provider and digging into what actually works across Asian countries, one eSIM stands out: Saily.
Here's why traditional roaming and local SIM cards are costing you hundreds of dollars, and how Saily's multi-network access solves the connectivity puzzle for Asia travel.
Best eSIM for Asia: Quick Comparison
Saily eSIM
By Nord Security • 190+ countries
Perfect For:
- Multi-country Asia trips
- Digital nomads in Asia
- Travelers wanting seamless connectivity
Key Benefits:
- ✓ Multiple networks per country
- ✓ Seamless border crossing
- ✓ Built-in ad blocker (saves 28% data)
- ✓ VPN-like virtual location
- ✓ Web protection included
- ✓ 5G in major Asian cities
- ✓ Setup in under 2 minutes
Save up to $500 vs traditional roaming
Carrier Roaming
$280-420 for 2-week trip
Major Issues:
- Extremely high daily rates
- Surprise charges common
- Limited data caps
Costs:
- ✗ $10-15 per day adds up fast
- ✗ Potential $420 for 2 weeks
- ✗ Extra charges for data overages
- ✗ No built-in security
- ✗ Limited coverage in rural areas
- ✗ Slow speeds often throttled
- ✗ Complex activation process
Not recommended for Asia travel
Local SIM Cards
Per country, multiple purchases
Major Hassles:
- Find carrier in each country
- Deal with language barriers
- Repeat at every border
Issues:
- ✗ $30-50 per country adds up
- ✗ Time-consuming to purchase
- ✗ Language barrier complications
- ✗ Network changes at borders
- ✗ Rural coverage varies widely
- ✗ Configuration hassles
- ✗ Risk of scams/overcharges
Better than roaming, but inconvenient
The Hidden Cost of Traveling in Asia
What Nobody Warns You About Asia Travel
Your regular carrier's international roaming could hit you with $10 to $15 per day charges. That's potentially $420 for a 2-week trip.
The Local SIM Card Trap
Maybe you think you'll just buy local SIM cards in each country. But picture this:
- You're jet-lagged in Bangkok
- Dealing with language barriers
- Trying to figure out which carrier to choose
- Paying $30 to $50 each time you cross a border
The Real Problem Gets Worse
The networks change completely between countries. Rural coverage varies widely. And most eSIM providers simply don't have the infrastructure to handle the complexity.
You could end up with zero bars right when you need them the most.
Watch our complete video guide to choosing the Best eSIM for Asia Travel in 2026
Why Saily is Different: Multi-Network Access
The Game Changer: Backed by Nord Security
Saily is the provider backed by Nord Security—the same company behind NordVPN. After digging through the numbers and trying to figure out the best catch-all solution, they've solved the Asian connectivity puzzle with something no other provider offers:
Multi-network access in every country.
How Saily's Multi-Network System Works
What This Actually Means for Your Trip:
- In Thailand: Access to AIS, True, and DTAC networks automatically
- When one network is congested in rural Thailand, you automatically switch to another
- When you cross from Singapore to Malaysia: There's no interruption at all
- It's like having a local SIM card in every single country—but without any of the hassle
Why Smart Travelers Choose Saily for Asia
Digital nomad communities consistently rank Saily #1 for Asia. Here's why:
1. Multi-Network ConnectivityExclusive Feature
In Thailand alone, you get access to AIS, True, and DTAC networks automatically. If one's congested, you switch to another without even knowing it.
Real-World Example:
You're exploring rural temples in northern Thailand. The primary network has weak signal. Instead of struggling with poor connectivity, Saily automatically switches to a stronger network—seamlessly and instantly.
2. Built for Border Crossings
Users report seamless transitions whether you're doing:
- The classic Bangkok to Siem Reap route
- Island hopping from Singapore to Indonesia
- Train travel from Thailand to Malaysia
- Flying between Japan, Korea, and Taiwan
It works in over 190 countries—so even outside Asia, you're covered.
3. Full Speed 5G in Major Cities
Get blazing-fast 5G speeds in major Asian cities like:
- Seoul, South Korea
- Tokyo and Osaka, Japan
- Singapore
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
With reliable fallback networks for when you're exploring more remote temples or rural areas.
4. Built-In Ad Blocker Saves DataSave 28%
One underrated feature in Saily is the built-in ad blocker.
Why This Matters:
- Makes browsing cleaner and faster
- Saves up to 28% of your mobile data
- Stops unnecessary ads from loading in the background
- That's data you would be wasting on stuff you didn't even ask to see
The Real Cost Breakdown: Saily vs Alternatives
| Option | 2-Week Asia Trip | Per Country | Hassle Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saily eSIM | $XX-XX (varies by plan) | One plan covers all | Minimal (2-min setup) |
| Traditional Roaming | $280-$420 | $10-15/day | High (surprise charges) |
| Local SIM Cards | $150-$250+ | $30-50 each | Very High (repeat purchase) |
The Saily Advantage
Unlike other eSIM providers that charge separately for each country, one Saily plan covers your entire Asian adventure.
You could save hundreds compared to traditional roaming, and eliminate all the hassle of buying and configuring local SIM cards.
How to Set Up Saily: Ridiculously Simple
3-Step Setup Process (Under 2 Minutes)
- Download the Saily app from App Store or Google Play
- Select your Asia plan based on your data needs
- Purchase and install the eSIM—you're ready for an entire continent
💡 Pro Tip:
Install the eSIM before you leave home. Airport WiFi can be unreliable, and you want to be connected the minute you land.
Built-In Security Features
Here's what really sets Saily apart: built-in security features that other eSIM providers don't offer.
Every Saily Plan Includes:
- Ad blocking that can save up to 28% of your data
- Web protection against malicious sites and trackers
- Virtual location feature that works like a built-in VPN
Why Security Matters While Traveling
This isn't just about connectivity—it's about staying safe while you travel.
When you're connected to public WiFi in Bangkok or Shanghai, these features are actually protecting your personal information.
Honest Limitations You Should Know
What to Be Aware Of:
- Your phone must support eSIM - Unless you're using something very old, you're probably fine. But check Saily's compatibility checker.
- Coverage can get spotty in extremely remote areas - But that's true for any provider. We're talking about areas where infrastructure simply doesn't exist.
It doesn't fill the globe to completion, but it covers virtually everywhere tourists and digital nomads actually go.
Real-World Travel Scenario
Picture This Perfect Asia Trip:
You land in Tokyo. Turn off airplane mode and instantly have full-speed connection. No hunting for SIM cards, no activation calls, no surprise charges.
You navigate to your hotel effortlessly, share your arrival on social media, and video call family back home—all within minutes of landing.
Then you take the train to Kyoto, fly to Bangkok, and cross into Cambodia.
Your connection never drops. Your data doesn't expire unexpectedly. You're not buying new SIM cards or dealing with carrier stores in languages you don't speak.
This works in over 200 destinations, so even outside Asia, this is a great pick.
Who Should Choose Saily?
✓ Saily is Perfect For:
- Multi-country Asia trips
- Digital nomads working across Asia
- First-time travelers to Asia
- Anyone visiting rural and urban areas
- Travelers who value security
- Those wanting seamless connectivity
- People who hate dealing with SIM card hassles
- Budget-conscious travelers avoiding roaming fees
✗ Consider Alternatives If:
- Your phone doesn't support eSIM
- You're only visiting one country for a short time
- You need unlimited calling (data-focused)
- You'll be in areas with zero infrastructure
Exclusive Discount for Our Readers
Special Offer Available
I've arranged an exclusive discount for my readers. This brings Saily's Asia plans down even further, making it an even better deal than the already competitive regular prices.
Companies don't usually offer this much off. I can't guarantee this discount will stick around forever, so before prices go up industry-wide, you might want to grab this while it's available.
Common Questions About Saily
Which phones support eSIM?
Most recent smartphones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and many other models. Use Saily's compatibility checker to verify your specific device.
How much data do I need for a 2-week trip?
For typical use (maps, messaging, social media, occasional video calls), 3-5GB should suffice. Heavy users (constant streaming, video calls) might want 10-15GB. With Saily's ad blocker saving 28% of data, your plan goes further.
Can I use Saily for calls and texts?
Saily is data-focused. You can make calls via WhatsApp, FaceTime, Line, WeChat, or other internet-based apps. Traditional phone numbers work through data-based calling apps.
What happens when I cross borders?
Nothing! Your connection seamlessly switches to local networks in the new country. No configuration needed, no interruption in service.
Can I keep my regular number?
Yes. Saily is data-only, so your primary phone number remains active. You can receive calls and texts on your regular number while using Saily for data.
How fast is the setup really?
Genuinely under 2 minutes if you do it before your trip. Download app, select plan, purchase, install eSIM profile. That's it.
What if I run out of data?
You can top up instantly through the Saily app. No need to hunt for stores or deal with language barriers.
Final Verdict: Why Saily is the Best eSIM for Asia
The Bottom Line
After researching every major eSIM provider, Saily is the clear choice for Asia travel because:
- ✓ Multi-network access prevents connectivity issues
- ✓ Seamless border crossing across all Asian countries
- ✓ Saves hundreds vs traditional roaming
- ✓ Eliminates local SIM card hassles
- ✓ Built-in security and ad blocking
- ✓ Setup takes under 2 minutes
- ✓ Backed by Nord Security's reputation
Don't let connectivity issues ruin your dream trip to Asia.
Join smart travelers who've already made the switch
Save up to $500 vs traditional roaming