Southeast Asia Backpacker: eSIM speed comparison in different countries
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For backpackers who love to travel freely, internet connection is an indispensable part of the journey. From navigating to checking tips, from connecting with family to sharing photos of the trip, a stable internet connection can make the whole journey smoother. For backpackers who often travel cross-country, choosing a reliable internet plan becomes especially important.
In popular destinations in Southeast Asia - Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia - eSIM technology is increasingly becoming the solution of choice for backpackers. Compared to traditional physical SIM cards, eSIM not only eliminates the hassle of frequent card replacement, but also provides fast access to local networks and a high-speed, stable Internet experience. So, how does eSIM network speed perform in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia? Are there any differences in network services in different countries? In this article, we will reveal the answers through real-world data to help you choose the best eSIM service for your journey in Southeast Asia.
I. Overview of network infrastructure in Southeast Asia
Before understanding the network speed performance of eSIM in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, let's take a look at the current state of network infrastructure in these countries. This information can help us better understand the differences in eSIM performance in different countries.
1. Network Infrastructure in Thailand
- 4G Penetration: According to Speedtest Global Index (2023 data), Thailand's 4G network coverage is as high as 95%, with large cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket excelling in network speed. In remote islands and rural areas, network coverage is slightly weaker, but still capable of sustaining basic browsing needs.
- 5G development: Thailand is currently undergoing a rapid rollout of 5G networks, with cities such as Bangkok and Pattaya already having partial 5G coverage.
- Major Operators: AIS, TrueMove H and DTAC are the major network operators in Thailand.
2. Vietnam's network infrastructure
- 4G penetration: 4G coverage in Vietnam is around 89%, with faster network speeds in urban areas such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but in mountainous and remote areas, network signals can be unstable.
- 5G development: 5G technology in Vietnam is still in the pilot stage and is mainly concentrated in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- Major Operators: Viettel, Mobifone and Vinaphone are the three major operators in Vietnam.
3. Network Infrastructure in Indonesia: 4G penetration rate.
- 4G penetration rate: Indonesia's 4G coverage rate is about 84%, but due to its large geographical span, network coverage and speed varies greatly in different regions. Network speeds are faster in the capital Jakarta and Bali, while signals may be weaker in some remote islands.
- 5G development: 5G technology in Indonesia is just getting started, with only limited 5G coverage currently available in Jakarta and some major cities.
- Major Operators: Telkomsel, XL Axiata and Indosat Ooredoo are the major operators in Indonesia.
II. eSIM's network speed performance in Thailand
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. From the busy streets of Bangkok to the relaxing beaches of Phuket, the need for internet is present at every moment of the trip.
1. Real-world data: eSIM's network speed performance in Thailand
The performance of eSIM was tested in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket with the following data:
| Location | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) | Average Latency (ms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 55.8 | 18.3 | 32 |
| Chiang Mai | 48.2 | 16.7 | 38 |
| Chiang Mai | 48.2 | 16.7 | 38 |
Test Summary:
- In big cities such as Bangkok, eSIM's network speed performance is excellent, with download speeds easily exceeding 50Mbps for streaming, video calls and more.
- In tourist cities such as Chiang Mai and Phuket, the internet speed drops slightly, but it is still enough to support daily use.
- Latency stays between 30-40ms, perfect for real-time navigation and online communication.
Recommended eSIM service provider:
- Airalo: offers local packages covering Thailand, starting at around $5 for 1GB of traffic.
- Nomad: supports multi-day options, suitable for short-term travelers.
Three. eSIM's network speed performance in Vietnam
Vietnam attracts countless backpackers with its diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Internet connectivity is crucial in exploring mountainous areas or urban adventures.
1. Measured data: eSIM's internet speed performance in Vietnam
The performance of eSIM was tested in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang with the following data:
| Location | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) | Average Latency (ms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | 48.7 | 12.5 | 43 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 52.3 | 14.8 | 39 |
| Da Nang | 40.6 | 10.2 | 48 |
Test Summary:
- The performance of eSIM in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City was very stable, with download speeds of over 45Mbps and upload speeds sufficient to support fast uploads of photos or videos.
- In the seaside city of Da Nang, network speeds dropped slightly, but latency performance remained excellent.
- Vietnam's eSIM network performs well in urban areas, but may experience weak signals in mountainous or rural areas.
Recommended eSIM service providers:
- Ubigi: provides high-speed and stable 4G network with flexible packages for all types of travel needs.
- GigSky: covers major cities in Vietnam and supports multi-device sharing.
Four, eSIM's network speed performance in Indonesia
With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is the most decentralized country in Southeast Asia, with more obvious differences in network coverage and speed.
1. Measured Data: eSIM's Network Speed Performance in Indonesia
The performance of eSIM was tested in Jakarta, Bali and Yogyakarta with the following data:
| Location | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) | Average Latency (ms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta | 50.2 | 15.6 | 39 |
| Bali | 42.8 | 13.3 | 45 |
| Yogyakarta | 38.5 | 11.9 | 51 |
Test Summary:
- In the capital city of Jakarta, eSIM network speeds performed very well, with download speeds of over 50Mbps and upload speeds sufficient to support online work.
- In the tourist destination of Bali, the eSIM network was sufficient for social media and navigation, but weak signals could be an issue at remote beaches.
- In the ancient cultural city of Yogyakarta, the network speed performance is slightly lower than the other cities, but still stable overall.
Recommended eSIM providers:
- Flexiroam: offers flexible packages covering Indonesia, suitable for users traveling for long periods of time.
- Holafly: supports unlimited traffic packages, suitable for backpackers who need a lot of data.
V. Suggestions on eSIM Usage for Backpackers in Southeast Asia
1. Choose a suitable package according to the country
- Short-term travel: It is recommended to choose a short-term package of 1GB to 5GB, which is suitable for users who mainly focus on navigation and social media.
- Long-term travel: It is recommended to choose more than 10GB or unlimited traffic packages to avoid frequent recharge.
2. Use with a VPN to enhance data security
In certain public WiFi environments in Southeast Asia, network security may be low. It is recommended to use eSIM in conjunction with VPN to protect personal privacy.
3. Download Offline Maps in advance
Although the eSIM network is stable enough, downloading offline maps can be a backup plan when traveling in remote areas with poor network.
4. Multi-Device Connectivity
With the mobile hotspot function, eSIM can provide a secure and stable network for your tablet or laptop, suitable for users who need to handle work.
VI. eSIM in Thailand/Vietnam/Indonesia Network Speed Comparison Summary
It can be found through the analysis of the measured data in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia:
- Thailand has the most stable network performance, especially in major cities such as Bangkok, eSIM's download speed and latency performance are excellent.
- Vietnam's network speed is slightly lower than that of Thailand, but it is still able to provide high-speed connections in major urban areas.
- Internet speeds in Indonesia are more affected by geography, with better performance in major cities and tourist hotspots, but remote areas may experience signal issues.
No matter which country in Southeast Asia you plan to visit, the eSIM Multi-country Traffic Package will provide you with a convenient internet solution for a hassle-free and enjoyable backpacking trip. We hope this real-world comparison will provide you with a reference for your Southeast Asia trip!