HelloRoam sells eSIM data plans for Asia, with e SIM pricing from NZ$11.12 across 212+ carrier networks. Scan a QR code and you're connected in under two minutes, no physical SIM swap needed. Your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees number stays active while the e-sim handles data. You can get a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days, plus 24/7 live support.
- network coverage
212+- 5G support
4G/5G- to activate
2 minutes
Last updated
Travel data Asia plans from HelloRoam
Sorted for less: eSIM plans for Asia start from NZ$11.12, with local 4G LTE and 5G mobile data on trusted carrier networks. Works on all eSIM compatible phones. Pay in NZD. Buying a SIM at each new Asian country wastes time and stacks up unused data across every border crossing. An Asia e SIM from HelloRoam starts at NZ$11.12 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks across the continent.
Asia eSIM with fast 4G/5G coverage
HelloRoam Asia eSIM covers 48 countries on one plan. Kiwis hopping from Japan to South Korea to Thailand to Vietnam stay connected without buying a SIM at each border. Plans start at NZ$0.95 per day.
- Plans start at NZ$11.12 with 4G/5G speeds
- Coverage from local networks
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Asia coverage across major cities
- Network
- 4G/5G
- Plans From
- NZ$11.12
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in Asia
Follow these steps to get started with an eSIM on your iPhone or Android.
Set up an eSIM on your iPhone with the HelloRoam app
Set up an eSIM on your Android with the HelloRoam app
- 1
Choose your plan and checkout online
Pick a mobile data plan for your destination and pay securely in NZD.
2Scan the QR code
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM straight away.
- 3
Activate in minutes: ready when you land
Your eSIM activates when you arrive at your destination. No SIM swap, no queues, no airport kiosk.
4Manage it all from our mobile app
Track usage, top up data, and manage your eSIMs in one spot.
Plans changed? No dramas. You're covered.
Travel plans change, and that's okay. With HelloRoam, unactivated and unscanned eSIMs qualify for a full refund within 180 days of purchase. No dramas.
Learn more about our refund policyHelloRoam Asia eSIM vs Spark, Vodafone NZ and 2degrees
Comparing an e SIM vs Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ roaming for Asia? Spark charges NZ$6/day, 2degrees NZ$5/day, and One NZ around NZ$5/day. HelloRoam eSIM starts from NZ$11.12 with local network speeds and a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days. You pay less than a single day of carrier roaming and get no surprise bills.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Local provider | Limited data eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refund on unactivated eSIMs |  Feature available |  Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Live chat support | Feature available |  Feature available | Feature available |
| NZ$0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Hotspot and data sharing included | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| QR code delivered instantly | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available |
| Premium Asia carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Why Kiwi Travellers Pick HelloRoam for Their Asia Trip
24/7 live support
Need help from Tokyo at midnight or London at 2am? Our support team is on 24/7. A real person responds in under 2 minutes. No bots, no hold music, no runaround. Live chat, WhatsApp, and email are all available so you get help however suits you best.
Best eSIM for Asia
Connect to local 4G LTE and 5G networks in Asia the moment you land. Buy your plan, scan the QR code, and get online when you land. No roaming charges, no SIM swap. Local carrier speeds mean maps, streaming, and messaging run without a hitch from the airport kerb.
Dual SIM: keep your NZ number
Keep your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees number active for calls and texts. HelloRoam runs on a second eSIM line on any dual SIM phone and handles all your data in Asia. Family and friends ring your NZ number as normal while you browse on local data rates overseas.
212+ networks worldwide
HelloRoam eSIM connects to 212+ carrier networks across 185+ countries. Your phone picks the strongest 4G/5G or 5G signal when you land and switches as you move. That means consistent mobile internet whether you're in a major city, at a rural guesthouse, or on a highway between stops.
Data alerts before you run out
You get an alert at 80% data so you never run dry mid-trip. Top up your eSIM plan from the app with no profile reinstall and no store visit. Your data usage history stays in the dashboard so you can see exactly what you've spent and plan the rest of your trip.
Local 4G/5G speeds in Asia
Connect to local 4G LTE and 5G networks in Asia. HelloRoam picks the strongest signal for maps, streaming, and video calls wherever you travel. Local network speeds make a genuine difference when you're navigating a new city or jumping on a video call with people back home.
Regional plans for multi-country trips
Heading to Japan, Thailand, the UK, or Fiji after Asia? HelloRoam regional eSIM plans cover Asia-Pacific, Europe, and 185+ countries on one QR code. No SIM swapping between stops. One prepaid data plan covers your whole itinerary so you spend less time worrying about connectivity and more time exploring.
Hotspot tethering in Asia included
Share your eSIM data with a laptop or tablet via hotspot. No extra fees, no fiddly setup. Works on all eSIM compatible phones including iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. Useful for keeping a travel partner connected or getting a work laptop online when hotel Wi-Fi isn't up to scratch.
Best eSIM Prices for Asia
Compare eSIM plans for Asia and save versus Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees international roaming.
| Number of days | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | NZ$17.92 |
| 3 days | NZ$51.07 |
| 7 days | NZ$110.40 |
| 15 days | NZ$215.06 |
| 22 days | NZ$291.76 |
| 30 days | NZ$365.61 |
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Asia
HelloRoam offers a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days, zero activation fees, and 24/7 live support. See how HelloRoam stacks up against Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and other eSIM providers for your Asia trip.
| Feature comparison | HelloRoam | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad | Saily | Ubigi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refund on unactivated eSIMs | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| 24/7 live chat support | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature available |
| NZ$0 activation fees | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Hotspot and data sharing included | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| No data overage charges | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Instant QR code delivery | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available | Feature available |
| Premium Asia carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
| Own branded carrier identity (SPN) | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature not available | Feature available |
What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work in Asia?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your mobile. No plastic chip, no SIM tray to fiddle with. Scan a QR code to install it on any eSIM compatible phone and you're connected in under 2 minutes. It works as a prepaid mobile data plan for Asia travel with no airport SIM counter queue, no replacement SIM, and no carrier contract. Follow the step-by-step setup guide and you'll be sorted well before your flight from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. guide
eSIM coverage guide for Asia travel from NZ
Asia is the most popular long-haul travel region for Kiwis, covering everything from Japan city breaks to Bali holidays, OE stopovers in Singapore, and backpacker circuits through Southeast Asia.
A HelloRoam Asia regional eSIM keeps you connected across 48 countries without buying a new SIM at each stop.
East Asia (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong) has some of the world's fastest and densest mobile networks. Japan's NTT Docomo has near-universal 5G in populated areas. South Korea's SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus have the highest 5G penetration globally.
These are genuinely the best mobile networks Kiwis will encounter anywhere.
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar) is the most popular multi-country travel corridor for NZ backpackers. Coverage quality varies widely. Singapore has near-perfect 4G and 5G.
Thailand's AIS and Vietnam's Viettel cover popular tourist routes well. Indonesia is excellent in Bali and Java but very limited on outer islands.
South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives) has varied coverage. India's Jio, Airtel, and Vi have expanded 4G and 5G in cities but rural mountain states have gaps. Nepal's Kathmandu has reasonable 4G but Himalayan trekking trails have no mobile signal beyond the first few kilometres.
Sri Lanka's main tourist areas are well-covered.
Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) has functional urban 4G in capitals but very limited coverage in the vast rural steppes and mountain ranges that draw adventure travellers.
- One plan covers 48 countries across Asia
- Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have world-class 5G networks
- Southeast Asia is the most popular multi-country corridor for NZ backpackers
- Automatic carrier switching at each border crossing
- Mountain and rural areas in South and Central Asia have limited coverage
- Download offline maps before remote treks and island hops
- GSMA Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2025;
- Ookla Speedtest Global Index 2025
eSIM Travel Tips for Asia
Sort your eSIM before leaving New Zealand
Buy and install your HelloRoam Asia eSIM at home over Wi-Fi before flying from Auckland or Christchurch. You land at your first Asian destination already connected. No airport SIM queues at Narita, Changi, or Suvarnabhumi, no missed connections, no first-hour stress.
Japan has exceptional indoor coverage
Japan's mobile networks are among the world's best with very strong indoor coverage, including in subway systems, Shinkansen trains, and mountain tunnel roads. NTT Docomo's network reaches even remote rural areas and mountain villages. Your HelloRoam eSIM works reliably throughout Japan.
Southeast Asia island hops lose data at sea
Ferry routes between Southeast Asian islands (Thai Gulf islands, Bali to Lombok, Gili Islands, Philippine inter-island ferries) have no data coverage once you leave the harbour. Download maps, guesthouse addresses, and transport details before boarding any island ferry.
Nepal and Himalayan treks have no coverage on trails
Nepal's Kathmandu has reasonable 4G from Ncell and Nepal Telecom. Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang trails have no mobile coverage beyond the first few kilometres from towns. Download your trekking maps, permits, and emergency contacts before your trek departs.
Singapore is your reliability checkpoint
When transiting through Changi Airport, test your HelloRoam eSIM thoroughly. Singapore's network is near-flawless and any eSIM activation issues show up clearly here. Fixing problems in Singapore with excellent airport Wi-Fi as backup is far easier than discovering them after arriving in Cambodia or Laos.
Check if mainland China needs a separate plan
China has specific network access rules and a separate internet environment including the Great Firewall, which blocks Google, WhatsApp, and most Western apps. If your Asia trip includes mainland China, verify your plan's China coverage. Most Asia regional plans do not include China or have limited access.
Emergency numbers vary across Asia
Emergency numbers differ by country across Asia. Japan: 110 (police), 119 (fire and ambulance). South Korea: 112 (police), 119 (fire and medical). Thailand: 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance). India: 112 for all emergencies. Singapore: 999. Save the correct emergency number for each country you visit.
Mobile network coverage across Asia
Asia hosts the world's most advanced and some of the world's most limited mobile networks side by side.
NTT Docomo's near-universal 5G rollout and underground subway coverage in all major Japanese cities sets the global benchmark. South Korea's SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus have the highest 5G penetration rates globally. Singapore and Taiwan deliver fast, reliable data in compact geographies.
Southeast Asia varies from Singapore's excellence to Myanmar's rebuilding network infrastructure. Thailand's AIS leads in regional rankings. Vietnam's Viettel has grown rapidly. Indonesia's Telkomsel reaches Java and Bali well but outer islands very poorly.
South Asia's India is evolving fast. Jio launched 5G in 2022 and expanded to hundreds of cities. Rural India still has significant gaps, particularly in forested and mountain states. Nepal and Bhutan have very limited coverage outside capitals and major towns.
Central Asian networks serve cities well but have almost no coverage in the vast rural areas that attract adventure travellers.
- Various Asia-Pacific carriers
HelloRoam Asia eSIM vs buying SIMs country by country
For a multi-destination Asia trip from New Zealand, a regional eSIM covering 48 countries is far simpler and cheaper than buying a SIM at every border.
| Category | HelloRoam Regional Asia eSIM Recommended | Individual country SIMs | Spark, Vodafone NZ, or One NZ international roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | — | — | — |
| Details | One plan covers 48 countries. Buy before leaving New Zealand, activate at home, arrive connected at every airport. Automatic carrier switching. No border queues for SIM cards across Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Bali, and beyond. | Buying separate SIMs in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam means airport queues, passport registration in some countries, losing your number each time, and costs that quickly add up across a multi-country trip. | NZ carrier roaming across multiple Asian countries can cost $8 to $15 per day per country. For a month of Asian travel this could add $240 or more to your bill. A HelloRoam Asia regional eSIM is far better value for extended trips. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best times for Asia travel from New Zealand
Japan's cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) and South Korea's autumn foliage (October to November) are peak times for NZ visitors. Southeast Asia's dry season (November to March) suits Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Bali is excellent April to October.
NZ school holidays in July and the Christmas break drive high demand for flights from Auckland to Asian hubs. Sort your Asia eSIM before you go to avoid airport SIM queues at Narita, Incheon, and Changi during peak periods.
Monsoon season varies by region. Southeast Asia's wet season can affect plans in some countries from May to October. India's monsoon peaks July to September. Northern Japan and South Korea have snow June to February.
Explore Countries in Asia
Japan
From $3
HelloRoam covers Japan with 4G/5G plans across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Stay connected without swapping SIM cards.
Activate before landing. NTT docomo 5G covers cities. Airport WiFi has 30-minute limits.
China
From $3
Get HelloRoam data in China covering Shanghai, Beijing, and more. Skip the hassle of local SIM cards.
China Mobile and Unicom run 5G in major cities. Download WeChat and maps offline before crossing.
Thailand
From $3
HelloRoam offers Thailand eSIM plans for Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Connect the moment you land.
AIS and TrueMove H run 5G in Bangkok. Coverage reaches Thai islands but drops in rural areas.
India
From $4
HelloRoam offers India eSIM plans for Mumbai, Delhi, and beyond. Stay online across the subcontinent.
Vodafone and Vi India cover 4G in cities. Mumbai metro has limited underground signal.
Vietnam
From $3
Stay connected in Vietnam with HelloRoam eSIM data for Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Vinaphone covers 4G across Vietnam. Speed is solid in Hanoi but drops on island ferries.
Indonesia
From $3
HelloRoam keeps you online in Indonesia, from Bali to Jakarta. Get data that works right away.
Telkomsel covers 5G in Jakarta. Signal drops on Bali north coast, so save offline maps.
Bangladesh
From $3
Get HelloRoam eSIM data in Bangladesh covering Dhaka, Chittagong, and other major areas.
Banglalink 4G covers Dhaka and Chittagong. Signal can be congested in Dhaka at peak hours.
Hong Kong
From $3
HelloRoam gives you eSIM data in Hong Kong, covering Kowloon, Central, and the New Territories.
CMHK 5G covers Hong Kong. MTR metro has full signal underground. Activate before landing at HKG.
Kazakhstan
From $3
Stay online across Kazakhstan with HelloRoam eSIM data for Almaty, Astana, and beyond.
Beeline 4G covers Kazakhstan. Almaty has strong signal. The Kazakh steppe has limited coverage.
Kyrgyzstan
From $3
HelloRoam gives you mobile data in Kyrgyzstan for Bishkek, Osh, and popular travel routes.
Beeline 4G covers Bishkek. Coverage is limited in the Tien Shan mountains near Karakol.
Laos
From $4
Stay connected in Laos with HelloRoam eSIM plans for Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng.
Lao Telecom 5G covers Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Remote rural areas have limited coverage.
Malaysia
From $3
HelloRoam provides eSIM data across Malaysia, from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Langkawi.
CelcomDigi and U Mobile run 5G in Kuala Lumpur. Signal thins in Borneo's interior.
Pakistan
From $1
Philippines
From $2
Stay online in the Philippines with HelloRoam eSIM plans for Manila, Cebu, and Boracay.
Globe and SMART run 5G in Manila and Cebu. Inter-island ferry crossings often lose signal.
Singapore
From $3
HelloRoam provides eSIM data for Singapore. Get fast coverage across the entire city-state.
StarHub, M1, and SingTel run 5G in Singapore. MRT has full underground coverage.
South Korea
From $3
HelloRoam offers South Korea eSIM plans for Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. Connect on landing.
LG U+ and SKTelecom run 5G across South Korea. Seoul Metro has full underground coverage.
Sri Lanka
From $3
Get HelloRoam data in Sri Lanka covering Colombo, Kandy, and southern beach towns.
Mobitel 4G covers Colombo and Kandy. Signal drops in the tea country highlands.
Uzbekistan
From $3
HelloRoam offers Uzbekistan eSIM data plans for Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.
Beeline 5G covers Tashkent and Samarkand. Remote Nuratau mountains have limited signal.
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Reviews
What Kiwi Travellers Say
Real reviews from Trustpilot and the App Store, quoted as written.
40k+ travellers have used HelloRoam
Cat
On a trip to Europe, my hotel Wi-Fi was so slow and outside Wi-Fi was unreliable. I couldn’t take it anymore so I got helloroam for a few days. It was tricky to set up correctly because of the primary settings (with my original number). But I reached out to their customer service via WhatsApp. Super responsive and helpful, with specific and clear steps to troubleshoot. Appreciate having 4G roaming instead of being stuck with in and out Wi-Fi during my trip!!
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Very good experience! The eSIM was easy to set up and worked great in London. It was much cheaper than it would have been to use my own operator there.
Ilona
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
metulker
Hard to set up but help was good
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Reuben
Really happy with HelloRoam. Everything worked as expected, from messaging and Google Maps through to streaming without any issues. Easy to use, reliable and affordable. Would happily use them again when travelling.
Rated 5 out of 5 by this reviewer
Angeline
Reliable connection. Reasonable pricing.
Rated 4 out of 5 by this reviewer
Asia eSIM Questions
How does an Asia eSIM work for Kiwis travelling across multiple countries?
Asia eSIM plans cover South, Southeast, and Central Asian countries on Local network provider 4G/5G networks from NZ$11.12. HelloRoam delivers the e-sim QR to your inbox before your flight from Auckland. Scan at home and land at your first Asian airport already sorted.
What is the best e-sim for Asia for Kiwis doing a multi-country OE?
Kiwis on a multi-country Asia OE get an Asia e SIM from HelloRoam from NZ$11.12 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. Activate by QR code before boarding in Auckland and skip every airport SIM counter on the trip.
What is the best eSIM for Asia from New Zealand?
For Kiwi travellers, HelloRoam is a simple eSIM option for Asia. Plans start from NZ$11.12 across 212+ carrier networks in 185+ countries. Buy online, scan the QR code at home on Wi-Fi, and connect the moment you land. It's cheaper than Spark roaming at NZ$6/day, 2degrees at NZ$5/day, and One NZ travel passes. You get local 4G/5G speeds, a refund on unactivated eSIMs within 180 days, and 24/7 live chat support.
How much does an eSIM cost for Asia?
eSIM plans for Asia start from NZ$11.12. That's well under what Spark charges for roaming ($6/day) or 2degrees ($5/day for selected countries). Fixed data plans run from 1GB to 20GB. Unlimited daily plans suit longer stays, OE trips, and remote work. All plans include local 4G LTE and 5G with no overage charges and no carrier contract.
Which networks does eSIM work on in Asia?
HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks in Asia and your phone picks the strongest 4G LTE or 5G signal on arrival. Coverage spans major cities, airports, highways, and popular tourist areas. For Kiwis heading out of Auckland (AKL), Wellington (WLG), Christchurch (CHC), or Queenstown (ZQN), data is ready the moment you land.
How do I get an eSIM for Asia before my trip?
Buy your Asia eSIM on helloroam.com or the HelloRoam app before you fly from AKL, WLG, CHC, or ZQN. Scan the QR code in your phone Settings to install at home on Wi-Fi. Your eSIM activates automatically when you land in Asia. The whole process takes under two minutes. No airport kiosk, no SIM swap.
Does iPhone work with a Asia eSIM?
iPhone XS and all newer models support eSIM for Asia. Open Settings, tap Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the HelloRoam QR code. Your Spark, One NZ, or 2degrees number stays active on the physical SIM line while HelloRoam handles data in Asia. That includes iPhone 15, 16, and SE models from 2020 onward.
Does a HelloRoam Asia eSIM work in Japan, Thailand, and Bali?
Yes, HelloRoam Asia eSIM works in Japan on world-class NTT Docomo 5G, in Thailand on AIS 4G, and in Bali on Telkomsel 4G. All three are among the most popular NZ travel destinations in Asia and have reliable coverage in tourist areas.
How many countries does the Asia eSIM cover?
HelloRoam's Asia regional eSIM covers 48 countries across East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia. One plan handles your entire multi-country Asia trip with automatic carrier switching at each border. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Asia eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$11.12. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
Does the Asia eSIM work in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore has near-perfect 4G and 5G from Singtel, StarHub, and M1. Changi Airport is one of the world's best-connected airports and a natural first stop to confirm your eSIM is working before continuing to other Asian countries. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Asia eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$11.12. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
