Nomad eSIM Review Singapore 2026: Plans, Coverage, Setup & Is It Good?

Nomad eSIM offers travel data plans for more than 200 destinations, available through its website or app.¹ But is it the right option for your next trip from Singapore?

This Nomad eSIM review covers prices, coverage, phone compatibility and setup, plus what to do if your eSIM isn’t working.

What is Nomad eSIM?

Nomad lets you install a travel data plan without a physical SIM card. It offers single-country, regional and global packages.¹

Choose a country plan for one destination or a regional plan for several stops. Always check that your itinerary is covered.

How does Nomad eSIM work?

Buy a plan on Nomad’s website or app, then install it using the QR code or supported in-app installation. Do this before travelling, while you have a stable internet connection.

Most plans activate when they connect to a supported network at your destination. Some need manual activation, so follow your plan’s instructions.⁴

The setup steps below explain which roaming settings to use.

What can you do with the Nomad eSIM app?

Use the app to buy and install plans or add data to eligible eSIMs.⁴ You can also chat with support.

Which phones are compatible with Nomad eSIM?

Your phone must be eSIM-compatible and network-unlocked. Check your exact model against Nomad’s supported-device list before buying; compatibility can vary by country of purchase.²

An Add eSIM option in Settings is a useful starting check, but it doesn’t confirm that your phone is unlocked.

Can you make calls and send SMS with Nomad eSIM?

Most plans are data-only: you can use calling and messaging apps, but traditional calls and SMS aren’t included.

Some destination-specific plans offer calling features. Check your chosen package before buying.

Nomad eSIM plans and prices

Choose your plan based on destination, trip length and data usage. Here’s how the main options compare, using Malaysia and Europe as examples:

Checked on 30 October 2026. Ranges cover different packages and include displayed sale prices. Prices and availability can change.

Prices are in USD. If you pay from an SGD account, your final cost depends on the exchange rate and any payment-provider fees.

Unlimited plans have speed limits. Most include 2 GB of high-speed data per day, then reduce speeds until the allowance resets. Check your plan’s terms.¹³

Nomad country eSIM plans

Country plans suit single-destination trips. Japan, for example, offers 1–50 GB fixed-data packages and unlimited options.⁴ Match the allowance and validity to your stay.

Nomad regional and Europe eSIM plans

Regional plans suit multi-country trips. Nomad’s Europe packages have different country lists, so check every stop on your itinerary.¹¹

Other regional options include:

• APAC: Different packages covering 14 or 21 destinations.
• SEA-Oceania: A package covering eight destinations.
• Greater China: Check the current destination list for your chosen package.
• SG-MY-TH: Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.
• CN-JP-KR: China, Japan and South Korea.

Nomad global eSIM plans

Nomad has two global options:

• Global: Starts at 1 GB for seven days, with larger packages valid for 30 days.
• Global-EX: Offers 10 GB for 180 days, or 20–50 GB for 365 days.³

Their destination lists differ. Check coverage as well as validity before choosing.

Nomad eSIM coverage: Japan, China and other popular destinations

Here are the plan ranges for popular destinations from Singapore:

Checked on 30 October 2026. Prices include displayed promotions and may change.

Before choosing, keep in mind:

• Data and duration are linked: Not every allowance is available for every trip length.
• Unlimited has limits: Daily high-speed allowances apply.
• Checkout prices can change: Confirm the package and final price before paying.

Does Nomad eSIM work in China?

Yes, on compatible, unlocked phones. Nomad says its China plans allow access to Google, WhatsApp and Instagram without a separate VPN. Coverage and performance can vary.¹²

Buy and install before arrival. Nomad restricts new eSIM purchases within mainland China, though eligible add-ons may be available for active plans.¹²

How to use and activate Nomad eSIM

Installation and activation are separate. Installing the eSIM usually won’t start its validity period. Check your plan’s activation rules and deadline.

To install a Nomad eSIM on an iPhone using its QR code:

1. Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network and open Settings.
2. Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. Choose Add eSIM, Add Cellular Plan or Add Data Plan, depending on your iOS version.
4. Scan the QR code provided by Nomad.
5. Follow the prompts to add and label the eSIM.

When you arrive:¹²

• Select Nomad for data: Turn on the Nomad line and choose it for mobile data.
• Enable roaming on Nomad: Switch on Data Roaming for the Nomad eSIM and follow any manual activation instructions.
• Check your home SIM: Keep its data roaming off. Disable automatic mobile-data switching to prevent your phone from falling back to it.

Can you add more data to Nomad eSIM?

Some plans support add-on data on the same installed eSIM. Check before your plan runs out or expires; otherwise, you may need a new package.³

What if your Nomad eSIM is not working?

Check these three things first:

• Phone settings: The Nomad line is on, selected for mobile data and has data roaming enabled.
• Plan status: Your plan is active.
• Coverage: Your destination is included.

If it still won’t connect, restart your phone and follow Nomad’s troubleshooting instructions.

Contact support through the app or website chat. Enable app notifications so you don’t miss a reply.

Nomad eSIM pros and cons

Is Nomad eSIM good for Singapore travellers?

Nomad can suit travellers whose itinerary matches its coverage and validity periods. Small fixed-data plans may be enough for maps and messaging. Heavier users should check unlimited plans’ high-speed limits.

This review uses published plans and terms, without hands-on connection testing. Check local network coverage, especially if you’re travelling outside major cities.

Nomad eSIM alternatives in Singapore

Compare these alternatives on total cost, validity, high-speed data and any calling features you need:

• Wise: Travel eSIMs. Set up mobile data before you fly and manage it alongside your travel spending in the Wise app. T&Cs apply.
• Holafly: Unlimited-data travel eSIMs. Check destination-specific durations and usage terms.¹⁴
• Airalo: Country, regional and global eSIMs.¹⁵
• ICC: Travel eSIMs and physical prepaid SIMs for destinations including Japan, China and Malaysia.¹⁶

Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate using Wise

Your eSIM handles mobile data; Wise can help with travel spending. Convert SGD into supported currencies at the mid-market exchange rate, with the applicable fee shown upfront.

Use your Wise card for eligible overseas purchases. See Wise card pricing for Singapore for applicable charges.

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as free ATM withdrawals up to the value of 100 SGD each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.

Plus, you can activate Wise Interest to earn returns* on your SGD and other currencies, meaning your travel money could be growing right up until you spend it.

*Growth is not guaranteed. Capital at risk.

🚀 Get Started with Wise

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Sources:

1. Travel eSIMs | Nomad
2. Supported devices | Nomad
3. Global-EX eSIM | Nomad
4. Japan eSIM | Nomad
5. China eSIM | Nomad
6. Malaysia eSIM | Nomad
7. South Korea eSIM | Nomad
8. Thailand eSIM | Nomad
9. Taiwan eSIM | Nomad
10. Australia eSIM | Nomad
11. Europe eSIM | Nomad
12. Does eSIM work in China? | Nomad
13. Unlimited data plans | Nomad
14. Travel eSIMs | Holafly
15. Travel eSIMs | Airalo
16. Travel SIMs and eSIMs | ICC