Score breakdown
| Dimension | Score | What we tested |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 7.6/10 | Country count, network tier, rural connectivity |
| Speed | 8.3/10 | Median download across 7 same-day side-by-side tests |
| App | 7.9/10 | Balance accuracy, top-up flow, offline access |
| Pricing | 9.0/10 | Per-GB rate versus panel, plan flexibility |
| Support | 7.1/10 | Manufactured problems, timed first-response, issue resolution |
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand 5 GB / 15 days | $4.00 | $0.80/GB |
| Thailand 20 GB / 30 days | $16.00 | Best value in SE Asia |
| Vietnam 5 GB / 15 days | $5.50 | |
| Indonesia 10 GB / 30 days | $12.00 | |
| Japan 10 GB / 30 days | $22.00 |
Pros and cons
Where it wins
- Thailand 20 GB at $0.80/GB
- QR code in under 2 minutes, no account
- Strong short-stay pricing in SE Asia
- 30-day refund on unused plans
Where it falls short
- Unlimited throttles to 1 Mbps after 2 GB/day
- Email-only support, 24-48 hour wait
- Plan variety thins outside SE Asia
Who should use Nomad?
- Budget travelers on short trips to Thailand, Vietnam, or Indonesia
- One-time buyers who do not want to create an account
- Travelers where per-GB cost is the primary decision factor in SE Asia
Who should skip it?
- Anyone traveling outside Southeast Asia where Nomad pricing is less competitive
- Travelers who need hotspot tethering beyond 2 GB per day
- Anyone who may need urgent support. The 24-48 hour email-only response is slow
Top destinations
These are the five most popular countries among Nomad users based on search and purchase patterns.
How to activate Nomad
- Buy without creating an account
Visit the Nomad website. No account is required. Select a destination and data size, pay, and a QR code arrives by email in under 2 minutes.
- Open phone eSIM settings
On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. On Android: Settings > Connections > SIM manager > Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code
Scan the QR from your Nomad confirmation email. No app download is required for installation.
- Set as data line
Set the Nomad eSIM as your travel data source. Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts.
- Activate on arrival
Enable the Nomad eSIM when you land. Note that the unlimited add-on throttles to 1 Mbps after 2 GB per day. Stick to fixed-data plans for full-speed access throughout your trip.
Nomad: Budget SE Asia
Plans from $0.80 across 200+ countries. Score: 8.2/10 in our independent testing.
Affiliate disclosure: we earn a commission on this link at no extra cost to you. Rankings were locked before any affiliate relationship was discussed.
Nomad FAQ
How much does Nomad cost?
Nomad reaches $0.80/GB on Thailand 20 GB plans, the best per-GB rate in Southeast Asia in our comparison. Entry-level plans start from $4 for 5 GB in Thailand. Pricing in Europe and North America is less competitive than HelloRoam or Airalo.
Does Nomad work in Thailand?
Yes. Nomad's Thailand plans connect to AIS and True Move networks with 4G LTE across Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. The 20 GB plan at $16 is a strong value for most two-week stays.
Do I need to create a Nomad account?
No. Nomad is one of the few providers that delivers a QR code without requiring account registration. Your confirmation email contains everything needed to install the eSIM.
Is Nomad worth it?
Nomad scores 8.2/10. It wins on one specific metric: per-GB pricing in Southeast Asia. For trips elsewhere, or if you need fast support, HelloRoam or Airalo serve better. The 24–48 hour email support wait is the slowest in our comparison.
Can I get a refund from Nomad?
Nomad offers a 30-day refund on plans that have not been activated. Contact email support to request a refund. Response takes 24–48 hours. Activated plans are not refunded.