Travelling abroad has never been more connected, thanks to eSIM — the digital alternative to a physical SIM card that lets you switch to a local network without ever touching a card tray. Buy your eSIM from Traveloka before you fly, and you'll be online the moment you land.

From Singapore to Japan, South Korea to China, Traveloka offers a wide range of eSIM packages from trusted providers to match every travel style and budget. This guide covers everything you need to know: what an eSIM is, how to activate it, how to purchase one, and the best packages available right now.

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a SIM module built directly into your device at the point of manufacture. Unlike a physical SIM card that you slot in and out manually, an eSIM is activated entirely digitally — either by scanning a QR code or installing an operator profile through your device settings. Most modern smartphones launched in recent years already support eSIM technology out of the box.

After purchasing an eSIM package on Traveloka, you'll receive a QR code or activation link via email. Scan the code using your device camera, follow the on-screen setup guide, and the new operator profile is saved to your device within minutes. No physical card, no counter visit, and no waiting until you arrive at your destination to get connected. The entire process can be completed from home before your departure date.

A physical SIM card requires you to buy a new local card at every country you visit, with the risk of misplacing your home SIM or running out of data in an unfamiliar place. An eSIM removes all of that friction: nothing to carry, nothing to swap, and you can switch operators or activate new packages digitally at any time. The result is a smoother, faster start to every trip without any of the usual connectivity stress.

Using an international roaming eSIM gives you access to local network speeds at a fraction of what domestic operators typically charge for overseas data. Both daily quota and total data packages are available, so you can match your plan to your trip length and usage habits. Whether you're checking maps, streaming content, or staying in touch with family back home, a local data connection keeps everything running without interruption.

For travellers covering multiple countries on a single trip, multi-country eSIM packages let you stay connected across borders with just one activation. These are especially convenient for multi-city itineraries through Southeast Asia, East Asia, or a combination of both regions.

Lock in your travel dates first — find the best-value flights on Traveloka and pair them with your eSIM package before departure for a fully connected trip from day one.

Activating an eSIM is straightforward and takes just a few minutes from start to finish. Before purchasing, confirm that your device supports eSIM — this includes most iPhone models from the XS onwards and a wide range of recent Android handsets from major manufacturers.

Open Settings, tap Cellular or Mobile Data, then select Add eSIM. Scan the QR code received after purchase and follow the on-screen prompts until setup is complete. Once activated, you can manage two numbers simultaneously — your home number and your international eSIM — on a single device. This makes it easy to stay reachable on your regular number while using local data rates abroad.

Go to Settings, then Network & Internet or Connections, and look for SIM card manager or Mobile networks. Select Add eSIM or Download a SIM, then scan your QR code to complete the setup. The exact steps vary slightly by brand and model, but the process typically takes just a few minutes from start to finish. The activation guide sent with your QR code covers instructions for the most common device types.

While you're getting your eSIM sorted, make sure your accommodation is locked in too — browse hotels across all your destinations on Traveloka for competitive rates and a wide range of options to suit every budget.

More travellers are switching to eSIM every year, and for good reason. Here are five practical advantages that make it the smarter way to stay connected on any international trip.

With an eSIM, switching to a local operator at your destination takes just a few taps — no hunting for a SIM card shop at an unfamiliar airport, and no risk of losing your home SIM during the trip. Everything is stored digitally on your device, so there is nothing physical to misplace or leave behind. If your itinerary crosses multiple countries, you can manage separate eSIM profiles for each destination from the same handset. The flexibility is simply unmatched compared to any physical SIM setup.

Removing the physical SIM slot frees up internal space that manufacturers can use for a larger battery, improved components, or a slimmer overall profile. For travellers who pack light and prioritise portability, that translates to a device that's easier to carry and more resilient on the road. Fewer physical ports also mean fewer entry points for dust and moisture — a real advantage when you're exploring beaches or hiking trails. A more sealed chassis simply holds up better over the course of a long trip.

The entire process — buying, activating, and managing your data — happens digitally with no tools required. No SIM ejector pin, no tiny card to keep track of, and no queuing at an overseas carrier counter while your travel companions wait. Everything can be handled from the Traveloka app at any point, even while you're still on the plane before landing. Your purchase history and active package details are always accessible in one organised place.

eSIM requires no physical plastic card production, which directly reduces plastic waste from the global telecoms industry. Without packaging and physical distribution logistics, the carbon footprint associated with getting connectivity to the end user is significantly smaller. Every eSIM package purchased is a small but genuine step towards more sustainable travel habits. For environmentally conscious travellers, it's one of the easiest and most painless swaps to make.

Most modern devices that support eSIM also allow dual SIM operation, meaning you can keep your home number active while running a local data plan at your destination simultaneously. This is ideal for staying reachable on your usual number — for family calls or work messages — without paying international roaming fees on your domestic plan. Both SIMs operate at the same time on the same handset, so there's no need to carry two phones or choose between accessibility and affordability. It's the most practical connectivity setup for any frequent international traveller.

Purchasing an eSIM on Traveloka is quick and can be done in seven simple steps directly from the app — no technical knowledge required.

Launch the Traveloka app and head to the Xperience section. Use the search bar to look up eSIM by destination country or region. The results page will display available providers and packages side by side for easy comparison.

Select the country or region you're travelling to from the list displayed. Compare packages from available providers based on data quota, validity period, and price. Consider whether a daily quota plan or a total data plan better suits your usage habits and the length of your stay.

Once you've chosen your package, complete payment using your preferred method — credit card, bank transfer, e-wallet, or any other supported local payment option. Check for available Traveloka promotions before checkout to get a better price on your chosen plan. A purchase confirmation will be sent to your email as soon as the transaction is processed successfully.

Your QR activation code will arrive in your inbox shortly after payment is confirmed. Open the email, scan the QR code with your device camera, and follow the activation steps specific to your device type. All purchase records and active package details are saved within the Traveloka app for easy reference throughout your trip. Customer support is on hand if you need any assistance during the activation process.

Complete your travel plans by booking an airport transfer and a car rental for seamless ground transport from the moment you land — both available from the same app.

Browse and book your eSIM package for your next trip directly on Traveloka.

Traveloka carries eSIM packages from trusted providers across a wide range of Asian destinations. Here are the top picks organised by destination, with options from both GoHub and Billion Connect.

Two strong options are available for Japan. GoHub's 4G eSIM starts from Rp22,980 and delivers reliable high-speed connectivity across the country. Billion Connect offers more flexible data tiers from Rp26,970, with quota options ranging from 500 MB per day to 10 GB total — a good fit for both short stays and extended trips. Both providers keep you well connected from Tokyo to Kyoto and beyond.

For South Korea, GoHub's 4G eSIM starts from Rp17,670 with consistent nationwide coverage. Billion Connect is available from Rp23,374 with total quota options from 1 GB up to 20 GB, making it straightforward to match your plan to your stay length. Either option keeps you connected across Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and beyond.

Both providers cover mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao in a single package. GoHub's plan starts from Rp15,080 as the most affordable entry point, while Billion Connect offers a broader range of data tiers from Rp23,374 — with options from 500 MB per day up to 15 GB total. One activation covers all three destinations with no additional setup required.

For travel to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Thailand's southern islands, GoHub's 4G eSIM is available from Rp20,600. Multiple quota tiers are on offer to suit different trip lengths and data habits, whether you're on a quick city break or a longer island-hopping trip.

Travelling across multiple Southeast Asian countries in one trip? GoHub covers five Southeast Asian countries plus Hong Kong and Macao under a single plan from Rp57,390. Billion Connect offers two multi-country options: Singapore + Malaysia + Indonesia from Rp25,172, and Singapore + Malaysia + Thailand from Rp30,566 — both available in a range of daily and total quota tiers to suit your itinerary.

Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, trusted by over 100 million users across the region. Everything you need for an international trip is available in one app: flights, hotels, activities, eSIM, car rental, and travel insurance — all bookable in a few taps.

For international connectivity, Traveloka carries eSIM packages from trusted providers including GoHub and Billion Connect, covering destinations across Asia and beyond. Pay with your preferred local payment method — bank transfer, e-wallet, or credit card — for a smooth checkout experience from start to finish.

Download the Traveloka app today and take the effort out of planning your next trip. Rated among the top travel apps on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in Southeast Asia, Traveloka is the one-stop platform millions of travellers rely on every day.