You’re going to need a reliable eSIM when you’re visiting Asian countries, like India or China. That’s because these countries have a lot to offer, and it’d be a shame for you to be worrying about roaming when you’re there.
An eSIM is a blessing in situations like this. You get a reliable mobile connection plus the benefits to make your Asia trip a memorable one. And you can also avoid those super-expensive local SIM cards sold at the airport. You also don’t have to show your passport or any type of identification to get one.
With so many cool benefits, it’s only fair that you pick up one of the best eSIMs for Asia travel. eSIMs aren’t mainstream (yet!). So, it’s only natural that you have a lot of questions related to them.
This article is here to clear that. It answers 10 questions that those who are planning to travel to Asian countries, like China and India, may have regarding eSIMs. We’re confident that any query you have about eSIMs for Asia will be answered here. Continue reading.
Should I get an eSIM for Asia Travel?
Absolutely! Here are the reasons why you should get an eSIM for Asia travel:
- eSIMs are the perfect counter to roaming charges. With an eSIM for Asia travel, you can forget about paying sky-high roaming charges for something as minor as checking your mail.
- eSIMs are 100% digital. You don’t have to swap out your primary SIM card to use an eSIM. Just pick a provider and scan a QR code to download an eSIM profile and start using it.
- You don’t have to wait in those long queues outside airport convenience stores that sell SIM cards at high prices.
- Some eSIMs, like the Lyca Mobile eSIM for China, allow you to land in the country with an active mobile connection. This means that you can start using data the moment you land at the airport without any additional steps.
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And then there is a special case for Asian countries like China. Buying an eSIM from outside the country allows you to bypass the Great Firewall, giving you unrestricted access to the internet.Â
Which is the Best eSIM for Asia Travel?
There are plenty of travel eSIMs you can choose from. However, if you’re visiting China or India, we’d recommend Lyca Mobile.
Lyca Mobile, one of the biggest MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) in the world, has pocket-friendly PAYG deals for your travels to Asia.
Lyca Mobile has three international plans: the National Plus, the UK Plan Mega Plus, and the UK Plan Super Extra.
With these international eSIM plans, you get:
- 5G data
- Unlimited UK calls and messages
- 100 international minutes
- Dedicated roaming data for the EU, India and ChinaÂ
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Lyca Mobile also has affordable eSIMs for China, like the China 100GB and China 60GB. With these eSIM deals, you get:
- 5G data
- Dedicated China minutes
- Separate minutes for Hong Kong and the EU
- EU and China roaming data
- Unlimited UK calls and messages
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One thing to note is that these eSIMs for Asia travel must be activated in the UK. This allows you to arrive in China or India with ready-to-use high-speed data.
How to Buy an eSIM for Asia?
Buying an eSIM isn’t as complicated as you think. Before you proceed, make sure you have an eSIM-compatible device. You can do so by looking for your device from a list, like this eSIM-compatible device list from Lyca Mobile. You can also check for compatibility by dialling *#06# on your device. If you see an EID (Embedded Identity Document), then you have an eSIM-compatible device.
Then visit the operator you’d like to buy an eSIM from. Pick a plan based on your length of stay and your data requirements. Complete the purchase and activate your eSIM for Asia travel using the method recommended by your operator. For Lyca Mobile, you activate the eSIM by scanning a QR code.
That’s all it takes. Once activated, you’re free to use the benefits associated with the chosen plan as you see fit.
How Much Does an eSIM Cost?
eSIMs are on the affordable side, especially when you compare them to the roaming charges that you will have to pay if you don’t have one. You can get a Lyca Mobile eSIM for as little as £5. Lyca Mobile also has Asia eSIMs at super-attractive prices with plenty of benefits.
All these eSIMs also include UK calling, texting, and data. So, they can also be used for your day-to-day communication needs in the UK as well. Lyca Mobile’s eSIMs also get you roaming benefits for the EU.
Can I Activate an eSIM Before I Arrive in the Country?
Yes, you can! In fact, most eSIM providers recommend activating your Asia eSIM in your home country. This is extremely convenient, as you land at the destination with an active data plan.
The convenience factor doubles for tourists in China, as they cannot buy an eSIM there due to registration and ID requirements. All you have to do is buy and activate a Lyca Mobile eSIM in the UK and use the eSIM without any issues across China.
Is an Asia eSIM Cheaper than Roaming?
Of course, an eSIM for Asia is a lot cheaper than roaming. With roaming, you will be charged pay-as-you-go rates, which can be as much as ÂŁ2 per minute for an outgoing call. Incoming calls, data, and outgoing messages are charged separately.
Also, if you don’t have sufficient credits, you cannot use the benefits associated with your plan. This means you’re going to be left without a mobile connection in a foreign country, which is a situation no one wants to be in.
What are the Best eSIM Options for an Asian Backpacking Trip?
Backpackers are one group of tourists who need a reliable mobile connection the most. From looking for hostels and using ride sharing apps to using maps and staying updated on the events around the city, backpackers absolutely need a mobile connection when visiting Asian countries.Â
And if you’re a backpacker looking for an eSIM for your trip across China and India, then a Lyca Mobile eSIM is a great option.
As one of the best eSIMs for Asia travel, Lyca Mobile gets you high-speed roaming data, along with UK calling, texting, and data benefits. Just activate your eSIM in the UK, and you’ll have a mobile connection you can rely on for your Asia trip.
Should I Get an eSIM or a Physical SIM for Asia Travel?
An eSIM is always the best option for Asia travel. Here is a table that compares a physical SIM card with an eSIM to help you make a decision.
Feature | eSIM | Physical SIM |
Form Factor | Already present inside device. | Removable plastic card. |
Activation | Done through QR code or app. | Has to be manually inserted into the device and may require a store visit. |
Profiles | Multiple active profiles can be stored in the device. | A physical SIM holds only one active profile. |
Sustainability | eSIMs are eco-friendly and do not involve any type of packaging. | Physical SIM cards are made of plastic and generate e-waste. |
Compatibility | Supported by most modern devices. Older devices may be incompatible. | Compatible with all mobile devices. |
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Are eSIMs Allowed in China?
The answer to this question is a little complicated. eSIMs aren’t technically banned in China. However, a tourist visiting China cannot buy an eSIM. This is because the network providers in China have to follow the real-name registration laws that require a Chinese national ID. However, you can still use an eSIM in China, provided you have purchased and activated it outside the country. Now you may think about getting a physical SIM card in China. But do remember that physical SIM cards are very expensive and subject to heavy monitoring. Apps like Facebook, Google, and Instagram are blocked as well. An eSIM, on the other hand, gets you unrestricted access to the internet without the need for a VPN.
How Much Data Do I Need for 2 Weeks in Asia?
The data you will need for a 2-week stay in Asia will depend on a range of factors. The table below gives a rough estimate of the amount of data you may use on a daily basis, along with the use case.
Use Case | Data Consumption |
Navigation | < 30 MB |
Email & Browsing | < 125 MB |
Messaging | < 15 MB  |
Streaming (Audio & Video)Â | < 300 MBÂ |
Video Calls | < 200 MB |
Social Media | < 200 MB |
Note that these numbers are approximate, and your actual data consumption may vary. It’s always recommended to get a plan with 20% more than your requirement, so that you have something extra for surprises.
Conclusion
Well, that’s it! We’ve answered 10 of the most common questions tourists may have regarding the best eSIMs for Asia travel. They cover everything, from the most basic queries to plan recommendations, to make things easier for you.
eSIMs offer a world of convenience to tourists. They can be activated online and help you avoid roaming charges. And if you’re visiting China, then a travel eSIM will help you bypass the Great Firewall and access blocked websites.
If China or India is part of your travel itinerary, then getting a Lyca Mobile eSIM, one of the best eSIMs for Asia travel, is the smart option. You get to counter those pesky roaming charges while still enjoying fast and unrestricted internet access without spending too much. Get a Lyca Mobile eSIM and explore Asia without worrying about roaming charges.
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