Best eSIM for Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Macau in 2026

East Asia has a connectivity problem - and it's not the infrastructure. The mobile networks across Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Macau are genuinely world-class. The problem is getting a SIM card that actually works seamlessly across all of them, especially when China throws a curveball into the mix with its heavily restricted internet and separate network requirements.

We've spent a significant chunk of the last three years in this part of the world. Japan is our favorite country on earth - we've returned so many times we've lost count, done a full 8-day tour of Taiwan, spent two weeks in Seoul (and are still plotting our do-over after it rained non-stop the whole trip), and had an incredible two weeks in Hong Kong in early 2025. Connectivity has been critical every single step of the way. After testing what feels like every option available, Holafly is the eSIM we consistently reach for in this region - and we're going to break down exactly why, and which plan fits which trip.

What Makes East Asia Different for eSIM Travelers

Before jumping into specific plans, it's worth understanding what makes this region unique from a connectivity standpoint. Japan and Korea have exceptional 4G/5G networks that virtually every eSIM provider handles well. Taiwan is similarly strong. But China changes everything. The Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and most Western apps without a VPN - and many eSIM providers either don't cover China at all or only provide access to Chinese apps through domestic networks.

Hong Kong and Macau add another layer. Technically separate from mainland China's telecom infrastructure (for now), they operate on different networks with access to the open internet. However, if you're doing a greater China trip that includes the mainland, you need a plan that handles all three jurisdictions without you having to swap eSIMs at every border.

The smart move for any East Asia trip is choosing the right Holafly plan upfront based on which destinations you're combining. Use code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout for 5% off any destination plan.

The Holafly Plans That Cover East Asia

Here's a clean breakdown of every relevant plan, what it covers, and what it costs after applying our discount code.

All plans are unlimited data. All include hotspot capabilities (500MB per day for sharing). All activate via QR code scan - no waiting in airport SIM card lines, no language barrier, no fumbling with tiny metal cards.

eSIM for Japan and Korea: The Classic Northeast Asia Combo

If your itinerary involves flying into Tokyo and then hopping over to Seoul - or doing it in reverse - the Japan and Korea eSIM is exactly what you need. At $28.41 for 7 days after our discount code, it's a clean, no-fuss option that covers both countries on a single eSIM.

Japan's mobile infrastructure is genuinely remarkable. The bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka maintains a usable 4G signal for almost the entire journey. We've streamed video, had video calls, and navigated Google Maps at full speed while traveling at 285 km/h. Holafly runs on NTT Docomo's network in Japan, which is about as good as it gets - coverage reaches small towns, mountain areas, and even many rural spots that feel like they'd have every excuse to drop signal.

Seoul was a different experience for us. We visited in July 2023 during a brutal heatwave and it rained relentlessly the entire two weeks - not exactly ideal conditions for exploring a city on foot. The connectivity itself was never the issue though; Korea's 5G rollout is among the most extensive in the world. We're genuinely looking forward to going back and actually experiencing the city properly, ideally when it's not trying to flood us out.

For the Japan-Korea combo, 7 days is the most common duration if you're splitting time roughly evenly between the two. If you're spending longer - say two weeks in Japan followed by a week in Seoul - grab the 14-day plan instead.

eSIM for Taiwan: Eight Days Well Connected

Taiwan holds a special place for us. In July 2024 we did an 8-day tour of the island and absolutely loved it. Taipei's night markets, the jaw-dropping Taroko Gorge, the efficiency of the HSR (High Speed Rail) that makes getting around almost effortless - Taiwan is the kind of place that rewards spontaneity, and spontaneity requires reliable data.

The Taiwan eSIM from Holafly runs $28.41 for 7 days after code ADAMANDLINDS. Taiwan's mobile coverage is excellent across Taipei and the western corridor, and holds up reasonably well in mountain and east coast areas - though some truly remote gorge roads will test any network.

One genuinely useful thing about Taiwan: Google Maps works perfectly, translation apps are a breeze, and the entire island is very accessible even without speaking Mandarin. Reliable unlimited data just makes that even more seamless. The eSIM also supports hotspot, which came in handy when we were using tablets for the kids during longer travel segments on the train.

eSIM for Hong Kong, Macau, and China: The Trickiest Region to Get Right

This is the plan that requires the most explanation because China genuinely operates differently. The Hong Kong, Macau, and China eSIM at $25.94 for 7 days (after 5% off with ADAMANDLINDS) covers all three jurisdictions on a single plan - which is exactly what you want if you're doing the classic HK to Macau ferry crossing and then crossing into the mainland.

Hong Kong in early 2025 was one of our highlights of the year. Two weeks, spectacular. The harbor views, the Peak tram, the MTR system that makes navigating a city of 7.5 million feel effortless - and all of it requiring constant data for maps, restaurant bookings, and the general chaos of exploring with three kids. The eSIM worked flawlessly the entire time.

For mainland China specifically, there are two critical things to know. First, Holafly's China coverage works through China Mobile's network, which means you'll have connectivity - but the Great Firewall is still in effect. Google, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and most Western services are blocked at the network level regardless of which eSIM provider you use. Install a VPN on your device before you enter China - this is non-negotiable if you rely on any of those services. Second, if you're visiting on a 240-hour (10-day) transit visa, the 7-day plan fits neatly within that window.

We have plans to visit Shanghai on a 240-hour transit visa coming up, and this is the exact plan we'll be using.

eSIM for Japan and China: Two Very Different Worlds, One Plan

The Japan and China eSIM at $28.41 for 7 days (after code) is a slightly niche but genuinely useful option. If you're flying into Tokyo and then transiting through Shanghai or Beijing, or doing a trip that involves both countries, this covers you without needing to purchase two separate eSIMs.

The contrast between these two countries is striking from a connectivity standpoint. In Japan, every app you use works, signals are strong even in the mountains, and the whole experience feels invisible in the best way. In China, you're dealing with a fundamentally different internet environment. The plan handles both - just remember the VPN prep before entering China.

eSIM for Asia: The Regional Catch-All

The Asia regional plan at $25.94 for 7 days is worth considering if your itinerary spans multiple Asian destinations beyond just Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. We'd spent months across Southeast Asia before any of our Northeast Asia trips, and a regional plan simplifies things considerably when you're crossing multiple borders in a short window.

Check Holafly's coverage map to confirm your specific destinations are included before purchasing this one, as the regional plan coverage varies.

What About Staying for 30+ Days? The Monthly Plan Is Better Value

If you're spending more than a month in East Asia - or traveling across Asia more broadly - the math changes significantly. A 30-day destination plan costs considerably more than Holafly's monthly global plans, and the monthly plans can be cancelled anytime. Even if you only need a single month, you can subscribe, use it for exactly 30 days, and cancel before the next billing cycle.

The Holafly Global Monthly Plans are:

• Light Plan: $49.90/month (25GB)
• Unlimited Plan: $64.90/month (Unlimited data)

Our code ADAMANDLINDS saves you 10% on monthly plans rather than the standard 5% - so the Unlimited plan drops to around $58.40/month. For long-term travelers or digital nomads working their way through Asia over a couple of months, this is considerably better value than stacking individual destination plans.

How to Install Your Holafly eSIM Before You Fly

The setup takes about 3 minutes and should be done at home before travel, not at the airport with your kids asking if you're almost there yet.

1. Purchase your plan at holafly.com and apply code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off (10% off monthly plans)
2. You'll receive a QR code by email almost instantly
3. Go to your phone settings: Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan (on iPhone) or the equivalent on Android
4. Scan the QR code - the eSIM installs automatically
5. When you land, enable data roaming and select the Holafly eSIM as your active data line
6. Your home SIM stays installed for calls and texts - the eSIM handles all your data

One important compatibility note: eSIMs require a device that supports the technology. Most iPhones from the iPhone XS onward support eSIM, as do most recent Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models. Check Holafly's compatibility guide if you're unsure about your specific device.

Quick Reference: Which Plan for Which Trip

Use code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout for 5% off destination plans and 10% off monthly plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Holafly eSIM work in mainland China? Yes. Holafly's China eSIM operates on China Mobile's network and provides reliable data connectivity throughout the mainland. However, China's Great Firewall restricts access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and most Western services regardless of which eSIM you use. Install a VPN before entering China to access these services.

Can one eSIM cover Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China? Not with a single destination-specific plan. You'll need to choose based on your itinerary: Japan + Korea have a combined plan, as do Japan + China, and HK + Macau + China. The Asia regional eSIM covers multiple countries broadly. For full East Asia coverage, some travelers purchase two plans.

Does Holafly eSIM work on the bullet train in Japan? Yes. Coverage on the Shinkansen is generally reliable throughout most of the journey, particularly on major routes like Tokyo to Osaka. Some brief signal drops occur in mountain tunnels.

Can I use Holafly as a hotspot to share data with other devices? Yes, all Holafly destination plans include hotspot functionality with 500MB of daily sharing data. Monthly plans include unlimited hotspot sharing.

How far in advance should I buy my Holafly eSIM? You can purchase right up until departure since delivery is instant via email. We recommend buying at least a day or two ahead so you have time to install and confirm it's working before you need it.

Is Holafly eSIM compatible with my phone? Most smartphones from the last 4-5 years support eSIM technology. This includes iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer. Check Holafly's full compatibility list at esim.holafly.com/how-to/esim-phones/ to confirm your specific device.

What's the benefit of the monthly plan vs a standard plan? For stays of 30+ days, the monthly Global Unlimited plan at $64.90/month works out cheaper than purchasing multiple shorter destination plans. It also covers 113+ destinations globally and can be cancelled anytime - even after a single month. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off.

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