When the northern winter sets in, Asia fills the departure boards: powder snow in Hokkaido, night markets in Seoul, beaches from Phuket to Phu Quoc. Each country runs on its own apps and habits — and the traveller who has them on the phone before boarding spends the first day exploring instead of queueing.
Japan: trains, taxis and LINE
Japan runs on trains, and NAVITIME or Japan Transit Planner will plan the route — platforms included — better than any general map app. Add Suica to your phone’s wallet and the same tap pays for trains, buses and convenience stores. GO books taxis in English, and LINE is how Japan messages, from restaurants to guesthouses. Tabelog is where locals look for somewhere to eat.
Unlimited data for Japan starts at $6.49 for a week.
South Korea: leave Google Maps at home
The one thing that surprises visitors: Google Maps directions are limited in Korea. Naver Map or Kakao Map give walking routes, transit and opening hours properly — install one of them before you go. KakaoTalk is the national messenger, Kakao T or the foreigner-friendly k.ride book taxis, and a T-money card covers the metro.
Unlimited data for South Korea starts at $5.49 for a week.
Thailand: Grab, Bolt and LINE MAN
Grab and Bolt cover rides from Bangkok to the islands; LINE is the default messenger, and LINE MAN or GrabFood will deliver almost anything to your hotel. (If you remember foodpanda from earlier trips: it left Thailand in 2025.)
Unlimited data for Thailand starts at $6.49 for a week.
Vietnam: the electric taxis and Zalo
Grab is everywhere, but Vietnam has its own favourites: Xanh SM’s electric taxis led the country’s app-taxi market in 2025, and Be is a popular local alternative. Zalo is Vietnam’s own messenger — hotels and drivers will often ask for it. ShopeeFood and GrabFood handle delivery.
Unlimited data for Vietnam starts at $6.49 for a week.
Two countries, one eSIM
Combining Japan and Korea? One plan covers both, with nothing to change at the border: from $11.99 for a week. Our regional plans for Southeast Asia work the same way across Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and their neighbours — each plan page lists every country it covers.
One tip for all four
Install the eSIM and every local app at home, on wifi, and sign in while your own number still receives codes. Then switch on in the arrivals hall — and go.