Yes, you should get a SIM card while traveling in Asia, and here’s the best part: it’s ridiculously easy, especially if your smartphone is unlocked and compatible with CDMA and GSM.

Unlocked Phone

An unlocked phone allows you to bring your phone with you between carriers. You can switch pretty easily between providers, seeking a plan that fits your goals whether that’s a high level of service or a cheaper plan. And when you switch plans, you can stick with your phone still!

CDMA vs. GSM

If you like to travel, you’ll want a phone that is compatible with both CDMA and GSM networks. While the United States phone carriers generally use the CDMA cellular phone network, the rest of the world tends to use the GSM network. This means if you plan to travel outside of the United States and want to have phone service in another country, you’ll want a phone that can handle whatever network that country uses the most.

Should I Get a SIM Card for Traveling in Asia?

Yes, absolutely, yes. When I was planning my trip to Asia, I wasn’t quite sure what made sense, and I heard different things. The thought of not having internet while traveling alone terrified me, and I wasn’t sure if my phone carrier would be able to promise me service (for sure), even though their website promised it was possible (for lots of $$$). What I finally determined to do was to make the final decision once I was in Asia. After all, I knew that I could add to my plan if I had access to the internet at a cafe or something.

Luckily, in today’s world, the internet is an expected amenity in most cafes, airports, and restaurants as well as even the cheapest accommodations.

Laos

When I arrived in Laos, I knew that I wanted a SIM card, but I didn’t know how to do it. As I exited the main part of the airport, I walked down this hallway, and a girl sitting at a table called out to me, “SIM card? $5?”

That stopped me in my tracks. FIVE DOLLARS? I walked over to her, knowing that I only had USD$5 in my wallet. “Wait, $5 for a SIM card. How much data?”

“Unlimited.”

And you better believe that I was reaching for my USD$5. I knew that I’d want the data to help me navigate the town of Luang Prabang. Before I had a chance to blink, the Laos woman had replaced my USA SIM card with a SIM card for Laos, and then there I was texting my mom and friends two seconds later. Technology is cool.

In that moment, I wondered why I hadn’t tried to get a SIM card in Japan or Vietnam before Laos. But you know what, I’m gonna give myself some grace because those first two weeks of traveling solo (even with meeting up with friends) were pretty overwhelming.

Thailand: dtac

In Thailand, a friend pointed me to the right type of provider for setting up my SIM card. This country required me to present my passport, but it wasn’t long before I had a SIM card in my phone with more than enough data for a very small cost. Their plans are phenomenal, and the cost is even better. I used dtac, and I think I opted for the 4-day unlimited data plan for 299 baht, which is roughly USD$5.

Cambodia: metfone

When I arrived in Cambodia, I somehow missed the kiosk in the airport terminal (it was a bit hectic with immigration) for the SIM card, but the streets were lined with options for SIM cards. I walked out of my hotel, and I immediately found a kiosk with metfone. USD$5 and I had a phone with data (and there I was texting my mom).

South Korea: KT

South Korea was a little bit more complicated for getting a SIM card. Thankfully, kt’s website is pretty self-explanatory. But it was kind of annoying to have to set up my phone by myself (horror!). In all the previous countries, I handed my phone off to someone who didn’t speak English, and despite that barrier, my phone was handed back to me ready to go within seconds. In South Korea, in the airport, I spoke with a very brusque woman in English as I picked up my pre-ordered SIM card, and she handed me all the tools that I would need to do it myself.

And you know, I like being independent, but when it comes to technology, I just REALLY want someone else to do it for me. Good news is that the directions were once again straightforward, and I easily set it up myself. When I stayed in South Korea longer, it was also very easy to extend my phone plan.