Best SIM Card Option in Asia
May 15, 2014 | 8:00 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 56
Best SIM Card Option in Asia
I will be travelling throughout different countries in SE Asia, and was wondering what is the best sim card that may be compatible throughout several countries? Or am I better off getting one in each country separately?
The major usage will be data for surfing/guides, I have VoIP programs so even the phone option isn't a must.
The major usage will be data for surfing/guides, I have VoIP programs so even the phone option isn't a must.
May 15, 2014 | 11:09 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: IAH
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Yeah, local sim is the way to go for faster internet. Don't expect anything very fast with a cheap prep-paid sim card. For basic slow connectivity, look into the the US T-Mobile plans.
May 15, 2014 | 12:28 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
TMO - here's a dedicated thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...-coverage.html
Basically, unlimited data at edge speed [in many countries in Asia, 3G or HSPA+]. Free text among 120 countries and $0.20/minute call. Read the thread and you'll see it works well from China down to Indonesia.
VOIP works well most times, I've used skype, Line and google voice, about 80% success rate.
If you do decide to go with local prepaid, visit the technology thread for specific country threads. MODERATOR - may want to move this over to technology thread.
Basically, unlimited data at edge speed [in many countries in Asia, 3G or HSPA+]. Free text among 120 countries and $0.20/minute call. Read the thread and you'll see it works well from China down to Indonesia.
VOIP works well most times, I've used skype, Line and google voice, about 80% success rate.
If you do decide to go with local prepaid, visit the technology thread for specific country threads. MODERATOR - may want to move this over to technology thread.
May 15, 2014 | 1:00 pm
#5
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May 16, 2014 | 12:51 am
#7
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LTE sim cards are available in most countries, this list will help you chose the best local networks for your phone:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
May 19, 2014 | 1:56 pm
#8
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 519
The other thing to look out for is LTE bands on your phone. If you don't have the right bands, it will likely not work around the world. Most US LTE phones do not work on LTE worldwide. The OnePlus One is an example of a phone that will work on AT&T, T-mobile and Asia carriers for LTE.
May 23, 2014 | 11:16 am
#9
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May 23, 2014 | 1:19 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2013
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May 25, 2014 | 6:06 pm
#12
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Afraid to get help? 
LTE sim cards are available in most countries, this list will help you chose the best local networks for your phone:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
May 26, 2014 | 3:26 pm
#13
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 519
You can get a bMobile SIM in Tokyo that gets you LTE too. It's pretty fast last I used it. I didnt' test raw throughput, but it was fast in posting photos to Facebook. Not any slower than AT&T back at home.
May 31, 2014 | 3:33 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Bali, Indonesia
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There is a $2 unlimited plan with Axis but its sloooooow.
Pay $10-$15 and you'll get better speeds and coverages.
Simpati is the way to go there if you really want speed.
May 31, 2014 | 3:54 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: IAH
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Ah ok. Where can you find those Simpati sim cards? I'll be going there again soon.