Nomad eSIM Review (2026): Best Budget eSIM for Asia Travel?
Nomad has quickly gained popularity among budget-conscious travelers, especially those exploring Asia. But does it deliver on its promise of affordable, reliable connectivity? After testing Nomad across multiple Southeast Asian countries, here's everything you need to know.
Quick Verdict
Budget-conscious travelers exploring Asia, digital nomads in Southeast Asia, and anyone who wants affordable data plans with flexible top-up options.
Best Budget Option for Asia: Nomad
Pros
- Excellent pricing for Asia destinations
- Flexible data plans (1GB - 20GB)
- Coverage in 165+ countries
- Referral program with credits
- Easy top-up within the app
- Full tethering support
Cons
- Fewer countries than Airalo
- No unlimited data plans
- Customer support can be slow
- App interface less polished
What Is Nomad eSIM?
Nomad is a Singapore-based eSIM provider that launched in 2020, focusing on providing affordable data plans for travelers, especially in Asia. They've quickly gained popularity among digital nomads and budget travelers for their competitive pricing and reliable service.
Unlike premium providers like Holafly, Nomad focuses on offering flexible data-capped plans at lower prices. This makes them an excellent choice for travelers who want to save money while still having reliable internet access.
Nomad Pricing & Plans (2026)
Nomad's pricing is highly competitive, especially for Asia destinations. Here's what you can expect:
- 1GB / 7 days: Starting from $4.50 (Thailand)
- 3GB / 30 days: Starting from $11 (Thailand)
- 5GB / 30 days: Starting from $16 (Thailand)
- 10GB / 30 days: Starting from $28 (Thailand)
- 20GB / 30 days: Starting from $47 (Thailand)
Check Nomad Plans for Your Destination
Get the best rates for Asia and worldwide destinations. Instant activation and flexible data options.
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Nomad vs Competitors (2026)
How does Nomad compare to other popular eSIM providers?
| Feature | Nomad | Airalo | Yesim | Holafly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Plans | 1GB - 20GB | 1GB - 20GB | 500MB - 12GB | Unlimited |
| Countries | 165+ | 200+ | 200+ | 180+ |
| Price (3GB Thailand) | $11 (30 days) | $13 (30 days) | $12 (30 days) | N/A (unlimited only) |
| Customer Support | Email + Chat | Email Only | 24/7 Chat | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Referral Program | Yes ($3 credit) | Yes ($3 credit) | No | No |
| Best For | Asia travel, budget | Global coverage | Multi-country trips | Heavy data users |
| Get Started | Get Nomad eSIM → | Check Airalo Plans → | Check Yesim Plans → | — |
Bottom line: Nomad offers the best value for Asia travel with competitive pricing and reliable service. If you need coverage in more countries or prefer a more established provider, Airalo is also worth considering.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Nomad Before Your Flight
Setting up Nomad is simple and takes about 5 minutes.
- Download the Nomad App
Available on iOS and Android. Create an account and browse plans for your destination. - Purchase Your Plan
Select your data amount and duration. Payment is processed instantly, and your eSIM is ready to install. - Install via QR Code or Manual Entry
The app provides a QR code or manual installation codes. Follow the on-screen instructions to add the eSIM to your device. - Activate When You Arrive
Turn on data roaming for your Nomad eSIM. Connection typically happens within seconds.
Best Use Cases (Real Traveler Scenarios)
🏝️ Southeast Asia Backpacking
Perfect for travelers exploring Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries. Nomad's competitive pricing makes it ideal for long-term budget travel.
💼 Digital Nomads in Bali
Reliable connectivity for remote work in popular digital nomad hubs. The 10GB plan typically lasts a full month with moderate usage including video calls and cloud uploads.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Excellent value for money without sacrificing reliability. Save on data costs while still having enough connectivity for maps, messaging, and social media.
📸 Travel Bloggers
Flexible top-up options mean you can start with a smaller plan and add more data as needed. Perfect for content creators who need reliable connectivity without overpaying.
TravelandTime Recommendation
After extensive testing across Southeast Asia and comparing Nomad to other eSIM providers, we confidently recommend it for budget-conscious travelers exploring Asia. The combination of competitive pricing, reliable service, and flexible data plans makes it an excellent choice for most travelers.
While it may not have as many countries as Airalo or unlimited data like Holafly, Nomad strikes a perfect balance between affordability and quality for Asia travel. The referral program and easy top-up options add extra value.
For Asia travel on a budget, an eSIM like Nomad makes staying connected easy and affordable.
Ready to Save on Travel Data?
Get affordable eSIM plans for Asia and worldwide destinations. Activate Nomad in minutes.
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Last Updated: January 2026