HelloRoam sells eSIM data plans for Southeast Asia, with e SIM pricing from NZ$6.85 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 LTE with 5G in capitals- to activate
2 minutes
Last updated
eSIM Southeast Asia data plans from HelloRoam
Sorted for less: eSIM plans for Southeast Asia start from NZ$6.85, 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 Suvarnabhumi, Ngurah Rai, and KLIA on the same Southeast Asia OE adds queues at every airport and unused data between countries. A Southeast Asia e SIM from HelloRoam starts at NZ$6.85 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks across the region.
Southeast Asia eSIM with fast 4G LTE with 5G in capitals coverage
HelloRoam Southeast Asia eSIM covers 11 countries including Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, and Singapore on one plan. Kiwis island hopping across the region stay connected without buying a SIM at every border. Plans start at NZ$0.63 per day.
- Plans start at NZ$6.85 with 4G LTE with 5G in capitals speeds
- Coverage from local networks
- Instant activation in under 2 minutes
- 180-day money-back guarantee
- Southeast Asia coverage across major cities
- Network
- 4G LTE with 5G in capitals
- Plans From
- NZ$6.85
- Activation
- Under 2 min
- Guarantee
- 180 days
How to Set Up an eSIM in Southeast 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 Southeast Asia eSIM vs Spark, Vodafone NZ and 2degrees
Comparing an e SIM vs Spark, 2degrees, or One NZ roaming for Southeast Asia? Spark charges NZ$6/day, 2degrees NZ$5/day, and One NZ around NZ$5/day. HelloRoam eSIM starts from NZ$6.85 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 Southeast Asia carrier networks | Feature available | Feature not available | Feature not available |
Why Kiwi Travellers Pick HelloRoam for Their Southeast 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 Southeast Asia
Connect to local 4G LTE and 5G networks in Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast Asia
Connect to local 4G LTE and 5G networks in Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast Asia
Compare eSIM plans for Southeast Asia and save versus Spark, One NZ, and 2degrees international roaming.
| Number of days | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | NZ$6.18 |
| 3 days | NZ$17.61 |
| 7 days | NZ$38.07 |
| 15 days | NZ$74.16 |
| 22 days | NZ$100.61 |
| 30 days | NZ$126.07 |
HelloRoam vs Other eSIM Providers for Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast 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 Southeast Asia from NZ
Southeast Asia is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for Kiwi travellers. Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, and Singapore top the list.
A HelloRoam Southeast Asia regional eSIM replaces the hassle of buying a new SIM at every border with one plan that switches carriers automatically as you move between countries.
Singapore has near-perfect 4G and 5G from Singtel, StarHub, and M1. Changi Airport is one of the world's best-connected airports and is a natural first stop to confirm your eSIM is working before heading to countries with lower coverage quality.
Thailand's AIS, DTAC, and True Move cover Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya well. Popular islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Lanta have 4G in resort areas. Remote northern highlands near Myanmar and Laos borders have gaps.
Indonesia presents the biggest challenge. Bali, Java (Jakarta, Yogyakarta), and Sumatra connect to Telkomsel and Indosat 4G reliably. But Indonesia's 17,000+ islands mean outer provinces like Papua and remote Sulawesi have very poor coverage.
Vietnam's Viettel, Mobifone, and Vietnamobile serve Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, and Da Nang well. Northern mountain provinces (Sapa, Ha Giang) have variable coverage in rural valley passes.
Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar have the region's most limited networks. Main cities and tourist hubs have functional 4G. Rural areas often have no signal. Download everything before you go.
- Covers all 11 Southeast Asian countries on one plan
- Singapore is the region's most reliable 5G hub, perfect for OE stopovers
- Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, and Vietnam's coast are well-covered
- Island hopping means losing data between ferry stops offshore
- Indonesia's outer islands have very limited coverage
- Download offline maps before entering Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar rural areas
- GSMA Mobile Economy Southeast Asia 2025;
- Ookla Speedtest Southeast Asia 2025
eSIM Travel Tips for Southeast Asia
Sort your eSIM before leaving New Zealand
Buy and install your HelloRoam Southeast Asia eSIM at home over your home Wi-Fi before you fly from Auckland or Christchurch. You land in Bangkok or Singapore already connected. No airport SIM queue, no messaging delays back home, no stressful first hour without data.
No data on island ferry crossings
Ferry routes between Southeast Asian islands have no mobile coverage once you leave the harbour. This includes Thai Gulf islands, Bali to Lombok, Gili Islands, and Philippine inter-island ferries. Download guesthouse addresses, ferry timetables, and offline maps for your destination island before boarding. GPS keeps working from your phone's hardware without data.
Bali's tourist areas are well-covered
Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu connect to Telkomsel and Indosat 4G reliably. Rice terrace areas around Tegallalang have coverage. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan have more limited coverage, particularly on southern cliffs and hiking tracks. Download offline maps for Nusa Penida before you head out.
Singapore is your reliability checkpoint
When transiting through Changi Airport, test your HelloRoam eSIM thoroughly. Singapore's network is near-flawless and any eSIM setup issues show up clearly here. Resolving problems in Singapore (with excellent airport Wi-Fi as backup) is far easier than discovering them after arriving in Cambodia or Laos.
Thailand's northern highlands have coverage gaps
The Golden Triangle area near Thailand's borders with Myanmar and Laos has limited 4G. Chiang Rai city centre is covered but mountain villages and border crossing areas have gaps. Download offline maps before departing for remote northern routes.
Vietnam's Ha Giang Loop has variable signal
Ha Giang's main town has Viettel and Mobifone 4G. The famous Ha Giang Loop motorbike route through northern mountain valleys has variable 4G in larger villages and no signal in remote valley passes. Download your entire loop route offline before starting.
Emergency numbers vary across Southeast Asia
Emergency numbers differ by country across Southeast Asia. Thailand: 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance). Vietnam: 113 (police), 115 (ambulance). Indonesia: 110 (police), 118 (ambulance). Philippines: 911. Singapore: 999. Cambodia: 117 (police). Save the correct number for each country you visit.
Mobile network coverage across Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia varies from Singapore's world-class 5G to Myanmar's rebuilding network infrastructure.
Singapore's three operators (Singtel, StarHub, M1) compete in a small but dense market with very fast speeds and near-perfect coverage across the island.
Thailand's AIS leads in GSMA coverage rankings for the region. Bangkok and resort areas have reliable 4G. Vietnam's Viettel has grown fast with strong 4G in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Malaysia's Maxis, Celcom, and Digi cover Kuala Lumpur and the peninsula well.
Indonesia's Telkomsel reaches Java and Bali excellently but outer islands very poorly. The Philippines' Globe Telecom and Smart Communications have improved significantly but typhoon-affected rural areas remain patchy.
Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar have functional 4G in cities but very limited rural reach.
- AIS (Thailand)
- Viettel (Vietnam)
- Singtel (Singapore)
- Telkomsel (Indonesia)
- Globe (Philippines)
- Celcom (Malaysia)
HelloRoam Southeast Asia eSIM vs buying SIMs country by country
For a multi-country SE Asia trip from New Zealand, a regional eSIM is simpler and cheaper than buying a SIM at each border.
| Category | HelloRoam Regional Southeast Asia eSIM Recommended | Individual country SIMs | Spark, Vodafone NZ, or One NZ international roaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | — | — | — |
| Details | One plan covers 11 countries. Buy before leaving New Zealand, activate at home, arrive connected. No border stop for a new SIM. Automatic carrier switching. One consistent cost for the whole trip. | Buying a separate SIM in Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, and Cambodia means airport queues, passport registration in some countries, losing your number each time, and total costs that add up across the trip. | NZ carrier roaming in Southeast Asia can cost $8 to $15 per day. For a two-week Kiwi SE Asia holiday this could add $112 to $210 to your bill. A HelloRoam regional eSIM is far better value. |
Prices approximate as of . Actual savings vary.
Best times for Southeast Asia travel from New Zealand
Southeast Asia is popular with Kiwi travellers year-round. Thailand and Vietnam's peak season runs November to March when weather is dry and pleasant. Bali is excellent April to October outside of the wet season.
NZ school holidays in July and the Christmas period see high demand for flights from Auckland to Bangkok and Singapore. Book early and sort your eSIM before you go.
Monsoon season varies by country. Thailand's Gulf coast (Koh Samui) is wettest October to December while the Andaman coast (Phuket) is wettest May to October. Vietnam's north and south have different rainy seasons. Check specific conditions for your destinations.
Explore Countries in Southeast Asia
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.
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.
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.
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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
Southeast Asia eSIM Questions
Does a Southeast Asia eSIM cover Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, and Malaysia?
Southeast Asia eSIM plans cover Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines on Local network provider 4G/5G networks from NZ$6.85. HelloRoam delivers the e-sim QR to your inbox before your flight from Auckland. Scan at home and land at Suvarnabhumi or KUL already sorted.
What is the best e-sim for Southeast Asia for Kiwis doing a multi-country OE?
Kiwis doing a Southeast Asia OE get a Southeast Asia e-sim from HelloRoam from NZ$6.85 on Local network provider 4G/5G networks. Activate by QR code before boarding in Auckland and skip every airport SIM kiosk across the region.
What is the best eSIM for Southeast Asia from New Zealand?
For Kiwi travellers, HelloRoam is a simple eSIM option for Southeast Asia. Plans start from NZ$6.85 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 Southeast Asia?
eSIM plans for Southeast Asia start from NZ$6.85. 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 Southeast Asia?
HelloRoam connects to local carrier networks in Southeast 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 Southeast Asia before my trip?
Buy your Southeast 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 Southeast Asia. The whole process takes under two minutes. No airport kiosk, no SIM swap.
Does iPhone work with a Southeast Asia eSIM?
iPhone XS and all newer models support eSIM for Southeast 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 Southeast Asia. That includes iPhone 15, 16, and SE models from 2020 onward.
Does a HelloRoam eSIM work in Bali?
Yes, HelloRoam eSIM works in Bali on Telkomsel and Indosat 4G. Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu are all well-covered. Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan have more limited coverage. Buy your plan before leaving New Zealand and activate it at home.
Does a HelloRoam eSIM work in Thailand?
Yes, HelloRoam eSIM works in Thailand on AIS, DTAC, and True Move 4G. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya have strong coverage. Popular islands like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan have 4G in resort areas. Remote northern highland areas near Myanmar have coverage gaps.
Does the Southeast 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. HelloRoam eSIM works across the island from the moment you land. HelloRoam eSIM for HelloRoam Southeast Asia eSIM connects to local network with 5G coverage across major tourist and urban areas. Plans start from NZ$6.85. Activate by scanning a QR code before departure. No physical SIM card or airport queue needed.
