Man staying connected during his trip in Southeast Asia

Stay Connected in Southeast Asia: eSIM vs Roaming vs Local SIM (2024)

Planning a trip to Southeast Asia? Here’s your complete guide to finding the best connectivity options for 2024! Travelling to this tropical region offers a unique blend of street food culture, island and beach paradises, and rich histories that are unparalleled. You can explore night bazaars and street food stalls in Chiang Mai, Thailand, stroll through lantern-lit streets and craft workshops in Hoi An, Vietnam, snorkel and relax on the beaches of Amed, Indonesia, or visit the historic Raffles Hotel in Singapore, renowned for its colonial architecture and its appearance in “Crazy Rich Asians.” There’s so much to discover, you’ll find it hard to choose where to go first! However, your experience can hinge on one crucial factor: staying connected. Imagine the frustration of pulling out your phone to open a translation app to talk to a local seller, only to be met with an endless loading spinner due to no connection. So, if you’re gearing up for a trip to the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, or even Laos, read on to find the best connectivity options, from those you can purchase before your trip to ones you can buy at your destination. Keep scrolling to dive in! Southeast Asia Travel eSIM vs Roaming vs Local SIM 1. Travel eSIM – Buy Before or During Your Trip We mentioned that there are connectivity options you can get before OR during your trip. But did you know that, with travel eSIMs, you can get them anytime and anywhere?Activating a travel eSIM is also simple! It can be done instantly by scanning the QR code sent to you via email without even needing to swap SIM cards physically, so it doesn’t matter whether you buy it in advance or upon arrival! Here are a few more things you need to know about travel eSIM: Advantages Disadvantages TravelKon TravelKon is an Australia-based provider of travel eSIMs (and SIM cards), offering prepaid data plans for more than 180 countries, including Southeast Asia. Not only is TravelKon affordable and convenient, but it also stands out for its reliable connectivity and responsive customer support. Assistance is readily available through Messenger, WhatsApp, and email whenever you have questions or need help. There are several eSIM plans you can choose to complete your Southeast Asia trip: Plans Price DTAC Thailand eSIM | Unlimited Data | 100 Minutes Calls | 10 Days $25 Telkomsel Bali eSIM | 24 – 70GB | 5G Data-Only | 30 Days $29 – $49 Telkomsel Indonesia eSIM | 25GB | Voice | 30 Days $39 Indonesia eSIM | 15 – 30GB | Data-Only | 30 Days $25 – $35 Singapore eSIM Unlimited Max | Unlimited Data* | Data-Only | 1 – 30 Days $9 – $75 Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand eSIM | 15GB / 30GB | Data-Only | 30 Days $29 – $45 Unitel Laos eSIM | 15GB | Voice | 10 days $19 Unitel Laos eSIM | 30GB | Voice | 15 day $25 Vietnamobile Vietnam eSIM | 2GB / Day | Voice | 20 Days $20 Vietnamobile Vietnam eSIM | 5GB / Day | Data-Only | 20 Days $19 Southeast Asia eSIM Unlimited Lite 4 Countries | 1GB Daily + Unlimited at 5 Mbps | Data-Only | 3 Days $15 Southeast Asia eSIM Unlimited Lite 4 Countries | 1GB Daily + Unlimited at 5 Mbps | Data-Only | 7 Days $29 *All prices are correct as per 28 May 2024 Price in AUD For more details on each of these options, explore TravelKon’s Southeast Asia eSIM plans. Or if your phone is not eSIM-compatible, worry not because TravelKon also offers travel SIM cards. 2. Roaming – with Your Home Country SIM If you’re ready for the notoriously expensive rates for a slightly more convenience, consider using roaming with your home country SIM! Roaming is a feature that allows your phone to connect to a local network in the area you’re visiting, so you can still make calls, send texts, and access the internet abroad using your current number. Unless manually switched off, some home country SIM providers – like Telstra, automatically enable international roaming on all mobile plans once you use your phone outside the country. Just ensure your provider covers the countries you’re visiting and includes roaming in your plan. Be sure to also check for the rates so you won’t be surprised by the bill at the end of your trip. Including factors like cost and convenience, here are some more things you need to consider before using roaming: Advantages Disadvantages To give you an idea of prices and plans available for Southeast Asia countries, Optus have Optus Daily Roaming, giving 5GB data, unlimited talk, and text for AU$5/day. Telstra also offers options like the International Day Pass, providing 1GB data, unlimited calls, and SMS for AU$10/day. *All prices are correct as per 28 May 2024 3. Local SIM – Buy at Your Destination Country If you’re planning to visit a single country in Southeast Asia for an extended period of time (at least 1 month), buying a local SIM card or eSIM at your destination country is another way to stay connected. These are the pros and cons of buying a local SIM: Advantages: Disadvantages: Here’s a quick look at the most popular providers in each SEA country. Indonesia – Telkomsel Planning a trip to Indonesia? Telkomsel, a top Indonesia provider whose connectivity covers 97% of the country, offers a Pre-Order Tourist Prepaid Card that gives you 25GB of data and 25 minutes of voice calls for AU$14.13*. To grab yours, visit Telkomsel offline store that you can find easily everywhere in the country. Alternatively, you can pre-order online via Telkomsel’s website and pick one up from designated pick-up points located in Bali and Mandalika. Payments can be done with your credit card or with cash in Rupiah at the pick-up location. Just make sure to bring your passport and IMEI for validation and pick it up by the latest 14 days after pre-ordering. Sounds like a hassle? Well,

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Women enjoying Wat Arun temple from Sala Rattanakosin

Find Your Perfect Bangkok Getaway: Top 10 Hotels for Every Traveller

Bangkok offers plenty of activities, from shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market to sampling street food in Chinatown and Khao San Road. One day is never enough to explore this vibrant city, so plan to spend at least a night here. But what if you’re still on the hunt for the best hotels in Bangkok that match your tastes? No worries! Whether you crave a room overlooking the iconic Temple of Dawn or want quick access to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, just scroll through this article and pick the one that fits your preferences best! 10 Best Hotels in Bangkok 1. Best for Foodies Bangkok is a foodie’s dream, especially with its famous street foods. You’ve got everything from Pad Thai to mango sticky rice, all served up at stalls scattered across the city, like Yaowarat and Soi 38. You can’t visit Bangkok without trying these authentic Thai flavours! The great thing is, there are hotels conveniently placed near Bangkok’s vibrant markets and street food hubs. Here are our top hotel picks for food lovers: Shanghai Mansion Located on bustling Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, The Shanghai Mansion is the perfect spot for street food enthusiasts. Along Yaowarat Road, you can savour a variety of Thai cuisines, from the tangy Tom Yum Goong to the beloved Pad Thai and the comforting Guay Teow. For tea lovers, don’t miss the chance to visit the cafe of the famous Thai tea brand, Cha Tra Mue! After enjoying Bangkok’s street food scene, head back to the hotel and dine at their restaurant. Here, you’ll experience a fusion of Thai and Chinese flavours expertly crafted by talented chefs. The menu features an array of mouthwatering dishes, including traditional dim sum, aromatic curries, and fresh seafood. Priced at an average of AU$235.38 per night, this boutique hotel offers exceptional value for a delightful stay! Address: 479, 481 Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, ThailandPhone: +66 2 221 2121Website: https://www.shanghaimansion.com/ The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Situated in Bang Rak, the Mandarin Oriental is your gateway to river dinner cruises and mouth-watering Thai street food, especially seafood, thanks to its prime spot along the Chao Phraya River. After exploring nearby eateries and enjoying a cruise, treat yourself to more delights at the hotel’s dining spots. Indulge in seafood feasts at Lord Jim’s, boasting breathtaking riverside views. For those craving traditional Thai flavours, head to Baan Phraya for a multi-course meal paired with a dessert trolley featuring ten Thai sweets, or sample dishes inspired by royal Thai culinary traditions at Sala Rim Naam. You can also get lighter refreshments by enjoying traditional afternoon tea at Authors’ Lounge or sipping on fun cocktails at Bamboo Bar, Bangkok’s premier jazz bar. But wait, there’s more! The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok also offers a range of international cuisines, from Kaiseki at Kinu to contemporary French dishes at Le Normandie by Alain Roux. So many food options to choose from, right? Book a room in this luxurious hotel starting at AU$318.36 per night and enjoy its strategic location and diverse culinary scene. Address: 48 Oriental Ave, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, ThailandPhone: +66 2 659 9000Website: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/ 2. Best for Nightlife Bangkok’s nightlife is buzzing with something for everyone. Spots like RCA (Royal City Avenue) are famous for their nightclubs, themed parties, and late-night eateries. For a more chill vibe, places like Silom Road offer cool markets and bars offer trendy markets and bars to enjoy your evening. But let’s face it, after a wild night out, the last thing you want is a headache finding your way back to your hotel. So, here are the best Bangkok hotels worth considering to unwind after a night of partying: The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon You can’t miss the towering King Power Mahanakhon when you’re in Bangkok. It stands out like a massive Jenga set against the skyline, with The Standard nestled within. This lifestyle hotel offers endless entertainment options, as it is situated in Silom, one of the city’s liveliest nightlife hubs. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in the area or immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Patpong Market, there’s something for everyone. For more nightlife, return to the hotel. Unwind with happy hour specials at The Parlor or dance the night away at Sky Beach, Bangkok’s highest rooftop bar. All this comes at an average price of AU$427 per night. Address: 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, ThailandPhone: +66 2 085 8888Website: https://www.standardhotels.com/bangkok/properties/bangkok Maitria Hotel, Rama 9 The Maitria in Rama 9 is hands down the best hotel for party-goers seeking a more budget-friendly stay.It is located 0.9 miles away from the main RCA road that is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. The area has everything, from rooftop bars to music venues, as well as popular clubs and bars like Route 66, Onyx, and Slim/Flix. Even better, Maitria Hotel’s rates are affordable for a 4-star hotel, with an average price of AU$155.41 per night. It offers unmatched value if you’re seeking Bangkok’s nightlife and a budget-friendly hotel option! Address: 908 Khlong Samsen Rd, Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, ThailandPhone: +66 2 203 1111Website: https://www.maitriahotels.com/hotelrama9bangkok 3. Best for Culture Interested in experiencing Bangkok’s culture? Great decision! Bangkok boasts numerous temples and historical sites, featuring breathtaking architecture and significant religious value, drawing travellers from all corners of the globe. Key attractions here include The Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. If you’re planning a visit, you’ll want accommodations that provide an authentic Thai experience and convenient proximity to these landmarks. Here are our top hotel picks: Sala Rattanakosin Set in Bangkok’s royal quarter, Sala Rattanakosin is conveniently located near The Grand Palace and just a brief 10-minute stroll from Wat Arun, across the Chao Phraya River. Its proximity allows you to soak in breathtaking views of The Temple of Dawn from every corner of the hotel. Head up to the rooftop deck to sip a mai tai cocktail while taking in panoramic 360-degree views of the river, along with

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