eSIM Providers for South Asia (2026) — 8 Countries Compared

8 South Asia countries are covered by at least one of the 4 providers in our comparison. Airalo covers approximately 8 of them, Holafly covers ~7, Saily ~6, and Nomad ~4. Check each country page for exact provider availability and carrier routing details. Coverage counts are estimates based on provider-published destination lists as of June 2026.

The lowest per-GB rate in South Asia is $1.25/GB in Bangladesh. The region-wide median is $2.42/GB and the average is $3.10/GB. Prices vary by country, data tier, and provider. Higher data tiers (10GB, 20GB) typically have lower per-GB rates than entry-level plans. Regional multi-country bundles from Airalo and Nomad can also reduce costs for multi-destination trips.

No single provider scores highest across all 8 South Asia countries. Airalo has the widest coverage (~8 countries). Holafly scores highest on unlimited data (available in 7 South Asia markets). Saily leads on privacy with built-in VPN. Nomad offers the lowest per-GB rates where it operates. The highest-scoring provider depends on your specific destination and data needs. Each country page shows the weighted matrix scores for all 4 providers.

1 of 8 countries in South Asia have active 5G networks (13% of the region). 5G availability is a direct input to the speed score in our comparison matrix. All 4 providers support 5G where the local network covers it. Check individual country pages for specific 5G carrier names and coverage areas. Average measured download speed across South Asia is 38.5 Mbps.

Yes. Unlimited daily data plans are available in 7 of 8 South Asia countries. Holafly is the primary unlimited provider, starting from $2.99/day. Unlimited plans include a daily full-speed data allowance before speeds are reduced. For light data users (under 3 GB per trip), fixed-data plans from Airalo or Nomad typically cost less. Each country's comparison page shows the exact breakeven calculation between unlimited and fixed-data options.

4 South Asia countries have VPN restrictions: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Maldives. VPN support is a scored feature in our comparison matrix. Saily, backed by NordVPN's parent company, includes built-in VPN on every plan and scores higher in restricted markets. The other 3 providers do not include VPN. Check each restricted country's page for specific VPN rules and how they affect provider scores.

2 South Asia countries require IMEI registration: Pakistan, India. IMEI registration adds activation friction. In these markets, your device IMEI must be registered with the local carrier before the eSIM activates. This process is handled automatically by most providers but can add setup time. Check the specific country's comparison page for IMEI registration details and carrier requirements.

Each country in South Asia gets a weighted comparison across 5 scoring dimensions: coverage (25%), pricing (25%), speed (20%), app quality (15%), and support (15%). Scores are derived from provider-published data, user ratings, measured response times, and carrier routing assignments. The matrix also includes provider-to-carrier routing tables, per-GB pricing at every tier, unlimited plan breakeven calculations, and refund policy comparisons. All data is verified weekly. No provider pays for placement or higher scores.

Pricing and plan availability for all 8 South Asia countries are verified weekly. Provider scores are recalculated monthly or when a provider changes pricing, support hours, or refund terms. Carrier routing assignments are updated when providers switch local network partners. Network speed data comes from measured averages updated quarterly. The freshness bar on each page shows the last verification date. All data is sourced directly from provider websites and published carrier documentation.