Here comes a wonderful time in your life where you’re going to Asia. Your itinerary is packed with visits to cities big and small, tranquil temples, and beautiful beaches. You booked your flights, packed your bags, and even picked some local phrases.
But there’s a common travelers’ headache–staying connected. Luckily, there is eSIM, your new and best friend for safe and secure communication while exploring Asia.
eSIM is so widely accepted that by 2030, 82% of smartphones will be eSIM capable. This also goes for 92% of connected cars and all smartwatches and drones. So why not join the eSIM world and make your Asian adventure more secure.
What is eSIM and why should you care?
Short for embedded SIM, an eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a mobile plan without having to use a physical SIM card. You can call it an invisible yet incredibly efficient cousin of the traditional SIM card. You don’t need to fumble around with tiny pieces of plastic, you can just switch networks with a few taps on your smartphone. This is extremely handy if you’re planning to hop between countries and regions.
Convenience isn’t the only feature you’re going to like. With eSIM you also have enhanced security. Just think about it: traditional cards can be stolen, lost, or even cloned. But with eSIM, your information is securely stored within your device, thus reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Plus, when you have an option to switch carriers easily means that you can choose a network that gives you the best security features for your location.
How to start with eSIM in Asia?
If you’ve never set up an eSIM (and you probably didn’t) it may sound irksome, but it’s actually a breeze. Most modern smartphones already support eSIM, unless you’re unlucky enough to have a smartphone older than 2018 (the birth year of eSIM). You’re probably safe if you have something younger than that, including the latest models from Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and Google. But, just in case, check if your device is compatible. If yes, you’re halfway there.
Next, you’ll need an eSIM plan. Many major carriers and mobile service providers offer eSIM options. There are also eSIM providers that specialize in travel plans. For instance, if you want to go to Vietnam, getting Vietnam eSIM might be the perfect choice for you. If you want to go to South Korea and Japan after that, you can choose eSIMs for those countries–or simply take eSIM for Asia (yes, that’s an option too). It all depends on your wishes and traveling capabilities.
Some of these plans have competitive rates and really good coverage across multiple countries. Once you’ve chosen your plan, the provider will usually send you a QR code. Simply scan this code with your phone, follow a few prompts, and voila! You’re all set.
Why is eSIM perfect for Asia?
Asia is home to many different countries, each with cheap tasty street food, beautiful lands, unique cultures–how can you resist not to visit them all? Unfortunately, each country has its own mobile carriers, but with an eSIM you should be able to switch between them easily. You no longer need to get a physical SIM card every time you cross the border, or to deal with different plans, rates, and coverage areas.
Also, when it comes to cyberthreats, eSIM technology adds an extra layer of safety by keeping your SIM profile digital and encrypted. Since there’s no physical card to steal or clone, your information is safe even if your phone, God forbid, is stolen or lost. Many eSIM providers will burden you with features like two-factor authentication or encrypted communication, but it’s a glorious burden so you can accept it.
The flexibility of an eSIM is another great feature you’re gonna adore. Just imagine you’re in Bangkok and you hear about your favorite K-pop band fan meeting in Japan. Of course you’ll go, and with no trouble at all since you can switch between carriers with a couple of taps on your phone. You’ll have great coverage the moment you land. The days of searching and switching SIM cards at the airport while you juggle your bags and struggle with language barriers are long gone.
How can eSIM help you explore the wonders of Asia?
Now that you’re all set up, let’s see how eSIM can help you stay safe and explore Asia at the same time.
Let’s say that you’re going to Japan first. You’ll surely want to see Tokyo. That’s an ultramodern city with deep-rooted traditions. You can see the neon lights of Shibuya Crossing or the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace. Why is it important to stay connected in Tokyo? So that you can navigate its extensive and somewhat complicated public transportation system and discover off-the-beaten-path attractions. You eSIM can connect to local carriers like NTT DOcomo or SoftBank, and you’ll have fast and reliable internet to access maps, translation apps, or share your adventure in real-time.
Bali in Indonesia is a paradise on Earth with its glorious beaches, lush rice terraces, and rich culture. You can surf in Kuta, meditate in Ubud, or explore the temples in Uluwatu. You eSIM can connect to local networks like Telkomsel or XL Axiata. They have access even to remote areas, so you can call from any part of the country.
Siem Reap in Cambodia is a great place to visit if you’re interested in ancient temples like the ones at Angkor. They are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive archeological wonders in the world. You can explore ANgkor Wat, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm for days. Some of the local providers for this country are Smart Axiata and Metfone. Connect your eSIM there and you can have untroubled access to maps, GPS, guides, and any other important information. Plus, how can you resist not sharing photos of beautiful temples right away?
Seoul in South Korea is a new Meka for K-pop lovers. You can go to a K-pop concert in Gangnam, or see JYP’s empire (probably from afar, but that’s OK too). There are other places to visit too, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, or calm Cheonggyecheon Stream where you can relax. Why should you stay connected in Seoul? With eSIM, you can go through language barriers, navigate maps, listen to your favorite K-pop artists’ songs, and ask for help if needed. Local carriers you can connect to are SK Telecom, KT, LG U+, and some others. Additionally, telecom capital expenditure is a crucial factor in ensuring that these networks are well-maintained and continue to provide excellent service. This investment helps keep the infrastructure up to date, so you can enjoy seamless connectivity throughout your travels.
How to be safe and secure
Convenience, flexibility, and security are three holy items of traveling. Let’s see what you can do to enhance your security while using eSIM.
Choose reputable eSIM providers, check their reviews (should be positive), and make sure they have strong security measures. Prioritize providers with data security, encrypted connections, and two-factor authentication.
Your smartphone’s operating system and apps should be up to date. Some of the software updates include important security patches that can protect your device from vulnerabilities.
Public Wi-Fi networks are great hotspots–for tourists and cyber criminals alike. If you must use them, make sure to have a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that will encrypt your internet traffic. But you should really use your mobile data connection whenever possible, just to be on the safe side.
Last but not least, and something that a lot of people forget about, keep an eye on your data usage to avoid unexpected charges. Make sure that you have enough data for essential communication. Most eSIM providers offer user-friendly apps that let you monitor your usage in real time.
The future of travel communication
eSIM technology brought a revolution in a way we stay connected while traveling. There is connectivity, enhanced security, and unmatched convenience that make it the perfect companion for modern travelers exploring Asia. More and more devices will become compatible with eSIM and more carriers will adapt this technology, so traveling in the future is going to be easier than ever. In the coming years, we can expect more carriers across Asia to offer eSIM plans with improved coverage and competitive pricing. As the 5G network expands, eSIM will have an important role in delivering high-speed connectivity to even the most remote corners of the continent.
Imagine a world where you can focus on the joy of travel, without worrying if you’ll find a good connection or free Wi-Fi. You deserve to know that you can have reliable communication and that your personal information is safe. You can have all that with eSIM.
So pack your bags (and your eSIM-enabled device), and get ready to experience an unforgettable adventure across Asia and its marvelous countries. Safe travels and happy exploring!
