Light user, short trip
A small fixed plan from Saily or Nomad: around $4 for 1 GB in Japan.
An independent, research-based guide to travel eSIMs. We read providers' official pages, restate the facts in plain English, show our sources and dates, and tell you where the catches are.
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China trip? Apps to set upVisa-free entry and 240-hour transit
Four common situations, and the plan type that usually fits. Each links to the prices and sources behind it.
A small fixed plan from Saily or Nomad: around $4 for 1 GB in Japan.
Unlimited-day packages from Airalo or Holafly are within a dollar or two of each other for Japan.
A regional plan, once you've checked every country is on its list.
Nomad's free 1 GB trial is the lowest-risk way to learn the process.
Published prices compared by trip length, the networks used, and the fine print that matters more than a couple of dollars.
Dense networks, near-identical plans. Start with how much data you use.
The catch isn’t the plan, it’s the maps: Naver Map or KakaoMap, plus a T-money card.
Where routing matters as much as price: what each provider says about Google and WhatsApp.
A separate destination from the mainland for mobile plans. Decide on border trips first.
Three networks to choose from. Saily is the only provider here that lists all three.
Some of the lowest prices in Asia, and regional plans for multi-country trips.
Low prices for fixed plans. Check whether your passport needs an e-visa first.
Many trips add Malaysia. Submit the free SG Arrival Card before you fly.
A clear price leader, and a free digital arrival card (MDAC) to submit before you fly.
Online arrival forms and the Bali levy come first. Only Nomad names Telkomsel.
Register on eTravel before you fly. Only Nomad names Globe; Ubigi lists DITO and Smart.
A huge country: compare Optus and Telstra coverage, and check older phones for 4G calling.
One plan, many borders, if every country is on the list.
A France plan or a Europe plan? It depends on whether you cross a border.
Low fixed-data prices, plus the Deutschlandticket for regional trains and city transit.
Country plans from $12 for 10 GB. EES biometrics are now in use at the border.
Not in the EU, so check a Europe plan lists it. Get your ETA before you fly.
Several providers’ sites and apps don’t work inside Turkey, so buy before you go.
A big country: the network behind the plan matters, and so does fair use.
Pricier than most, so compare 10 GB plans. Check whether you need an eTA to fly in.
Airalo and Ubigi lead on price. EES biometrics now apply at Schengen borders.
Three networks to choose from: MEO, NOS and Vodafone. Fixed data is cheap.
Island hopping? Check coverage on the network your plan uses.
Not in the EU, so EU roaming rules don’t apply. Ubigi lists 10 GB for $9.
Telcel, AT&T or Movistar. Plus airport e-gates and the Quintana Roo visitor tax.
Buy before you fly, and know which calling apps work on e& and du.
New phone-import fees don’t apply to tourists’ phones on a foreign SIM. Check the e-visa before you fly.
Prices vary widely here. Compare Nomad, Ubigi and Yesim before buying.
Hutchison closes on 1 December 2026. Pick a plan on CTM.
Unlimited is pricey here, so compare fixed plans. Install before you fly and file the e-Arrival card.
Some of the cheapest fixed data we cover. Get your ETA first: free for 40 nationalities.
Spark or 2degrees, plus the NZeTA and strict biosecurity rules.
Cheap data for a Ring Road trip. Schengen rules and EES apply.
Unlimited is pricey here, so compare fixed plans. Connecting in Lima? Check the new TUUA fee.
Vivo or TIM. US, Canadian and Australian visitors need an e-Visa first.
Movistar or Tigo. Fixed data beats unlimited; bring an onward ticket.
Big price gaps between providers. Ubigi and Nomad are far cheaper than Airalo here.
Cheap data on A1 or Telemach. Day trips to Bosnia or Montenegro leave the EU.
Some of the cheapest data in Europe: Ubigi unlimited beats the global plans.
| Japan plan | Airalo | Holafly | Saily | Nomad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days unlimited | $26.50 (lowest listed) | $27.50 | Priced per day | Not captured |
| 30 days unlimited | $69.00 (lowest listed) | $73.90 | $71.99 | Not captured |
| 1 GB / 7 days | Unlimited only | — | $3.99 (lowest listed) | $4 |
Lowest listed price in the row Full tables, fixed-data plans and fine print in the Japan guide.
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