Mobile data is the backup when coworking internet fails, your primary connection when working from cafés or public spaces, your navigation system in unfamiliar cities, and the communication channel that keeps you connected when everything else is unreliable. Getting a good local SIM in each country you visit is one of the smallest costs and highest returns in nomadic life.
This guide covers the best SIM options in the major nomad regions, including both local physical SIM cards (better value for stays of 2+ weeks) and eSIM options (more convenient for short stays or countries where buying a local SIM is logistically complex).
eSIMs: The Baseline Option for Short Stays
Before diving into regional specifics, eSIM services have become genuinely useful for nomads since 2020. They allow you to add a data plan digitally, no physical SIM swap required, in most countries globally.
Airalo: The most established eSIM marketplace. Country-specific and regional plans available for 200+ countries. Typical pricing: $5–15 for 1GB regional plans; $15–40 for 10GB country plans. Available direct through their app or integrated into iPhone Settings.
Nomad eSIM: Competitive pricing, particularly strong for Asia and Europe regional plans. Good alternative to Airalo.
Holafly: Known for unlimited data plans in many countries, useful for heavy data users who want simplicity. Typically more expensive per GB than Airalo but valuable for nomads who don’t want to monitor data usage.
When to use eSIM vs local SIM:
- eSIM wins: Stays of 1–2 weeks; countries where local SIM purchasing is logistically complicated; situations where you need data immediately on landing
- Local SIM wins: Stays of 3+ weeks; heavy data usage (local SIMs typically offer far more data for the money); situations where you need a local phone number for verification
Southeast Asia
Thailand
AIS: The best all-round carrier for Thailand. Best coverage nationally, including rural areas, mountain regions (Chiang Mai, Doi Inthanon), and the islands, at competitive prices. Tourist SIMs are available at every 7-Eleven and airport arrival hall.
Best plans (2026): AIS tourist SIM with unlimited data (throttled after 30GB high-speed) for 7 days: ~250 THB ($7). 30-day unlimited (30GB high-speed then unlimited throttled): ~500–700 THB ($14–20).
DTAC and True Move H: Both offer competitive plans and good coverage in major cities. AIS edges them out for national coverage.
Speed: 4G LTE throughout all major cities and tourist areas. 5G available in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.
Where to buy: Any 7-Eleven, airport arrival hall, or carrier shops. Airport purchase is convenient but 20–30% more expensive than in-city prices.
Vietnam
Viettel: The largest and most reliable Vietnamese carrier with the best national coverage including rural and remote areas. For nomads based primarily in Hanoi or HCMC, Viettel and Vinaphone are both excellent. Viettel edges out on rural coverage.
Best plans: 30-day SIM with 20–40GB data: ~200,000–350,000 VND ($8–14).
Important: Vietnam’s internet filtering means a VPN is essential regardless of which carrier you use. Install and test your VPN before landing. Some VPN protocols are more reliably filtered than others — ExpressVPN with Lightway protocol is the most reliable option for consistent unfiltered access.
Where to buy: Viettel shops at both Hanoi and HCMC airports. Also available at carrier shops throughout both cities. Passport registration is required for SIM purchase.
Indonesia (Bali and beyond)
Telkomsel: By far the best coverage nationally — essential for visiting other Indonesian islands where smaller carriers have gaps. Tourist SIM available at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.
Best plans: 30-day plan with 30–50GB: ~150,000–200,000 IDR ($10–14).
Tri Indonesia (3): Excellent value for data-heavy users in major cities. Less reliable in rural Bali and on other islands.
Where to buy: Airport on arrival (premium pricing but convenient), or at Telkomsel/Tri shops in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, or Ubud.
Malaysia
Maxis: Premium carrier with excellent coverage and the best 4G/5G infrastructure in major cities.
CelcomDigi: The result of a merger between Celcom and Digi, now the largest carrier by subscribers. Good value and solid coverage.
Best plans: Tourist SIM with 30–50GB for 30 days: ~RM 30–50 ($6–11). Excellent value.
Where to buy: Airport arrival halls have all three carriers. Major convenience stores (7-Eleven, KK Mart) also carry prepaid SIMs. Passport required.
Europe
Schengen Zone (EU Roaming)
Since 2017, EU regulations require mobile carriers to allow customers to use their domestic plans in other EU countries without roaming surcharges. This means a SIM from any EU country works across all 28 EU member states at domestic rates.
The practical implication: Buy one EU SIM — Germany, France, Portugal, wherever you first arrive — and it covers your entire Schengen zone movement.
Best EU SIMs for nomads:
Lebara (Germany/Netherlands): Budget carrier with excellent EU roaming. 30-day plan with 30GB: ~€15. Good EU-wide coverage.
Free Mobile (France): French carrier with unlimited data plans including EU roaming. Plans from €20–30/month with very large or unlimited data allowances.
Three (UK): UK is no longer in the EU, but Three UK’s international plans often include many EU countries plus 71 destinations globally. “Feel At Home” feature. Unlimited data plans from £15–20/month. Best for nomads who want a UK number that travels well.
UK (Post-Brexit)
Three UK: Best value for nomads. Unlimited data plans from £15/month. “Feel At Home” feature covers many European and global countries.
GiffGaff: Budget UK carrier on O2 network. Good coverage. Affordable plans.
Americas
USA
T-Mobile: Best coverage for travellers including rural areas. Visitor SIM with 30 days and 10–30GB: $15–35.
Mint Mobile: Best value for stays of 3+ months. 3-month bulk plans significantly reduce per-month cost.
AT&T prepaid: Good coverage in urban areas. Good for city-based nomads.
Mexico and Latin America
Telcel (Mexico): Dominant carrier with best national coverage. Tourist SIM available at airports.
Claro: The most consistent carrier across multiple Latin American countries — Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala. The best single carrier for nomads rotating through multiple LATAM destinations.
Movistar: Strong coverage in Colombia, Chile, and several other LATAM countries. Good alternative to Claro.
Colombia specifically: Claro and Movistar both excellent in Medellín and Bogotá. 30-day SIM with 20–30GB: ~COP 40,000–60,000 ($10–15).
East Africa
Kenya
Safaricom: By far the dominant carrier with the best coverage nationally. Safaricom also operates M-Pesa, Kenya’s essential mobile money platform — having Safaricom means access to M-Pesa, which matters for local payments.
Airtel Kenya: Good urban coverage, competitive pricing.
Where to buy: Safaricom shops at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) and throughout the city.
General Tips
Airport vs city pricing: Airport SIMs are convenient but typically 20–40% more expensive than in-city carrier shops. If you can manage with an eSIM for the first day, city purchases save money.
Registration requirements: Many countries require passport registration for prepaid SIM purchases. Have your passport or a clear photo of it accessible.
Hotspot permission: Before relying on a SIM for laptop tethering, verify the plan permits hotspot. Some “unlimited” plans restrict tethering or throttle it heavily.
Backup always: Even in countries with good coverage, local internet sometimes fails. Having a second SIM from a different carrier — or an eSIM on a different network — provides resilience.
Internal links: Resources Hub | Best VPNs for Digital Nomads | Best Coworking Spaces Worldwide
