eSIM cards provide an affordable and straightforward solution for travelers as they help avoid roaming fees. (I explore eSIM cards' advantages and disadvantages in another piece.)
In my recent review, I used Truely's unlimited plan for three weeks across
Southeast Asia.
Truely delivers global coverage with both
fixed and unlimited data options in over 190 countries. The greatest advantage of eSIM technology is its
convenience and the
flexibility to pause and restart plans.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Truely eSIM Cards
Truely features several unique offerings that set it apart from other eSIM providers, such as:
- Pause and Resume Data Plans
- Group Buying Option:Groups or families can buy plans to share.
- Flexible Data Choices:Select from unlimited or pay-per-GB plans.
- Refund Policy:Get full refunds for eSIMs that remain unused.
- Speed Transparency:Unlimited plans come with a daily 5 GB limit.
- Loyalty Program:Earn points redeemable for future plans. (Use code for any Truely plan and still earn points!)ANNA15 for 15% off.
Each eSIM provider is as effective as its partner networks. I appreciate that Truely provides a list of network partners in the plan details for easy verification before buying. After my testing, the only downside I observed was the slower speeds of their partner network in Vietnam, while Cambodia and Singapore performed well.
Buying & Setting Up Truely's Switchless eSIM
With Truely's Switchless eSIM, you'll
install the eSIM once, and any plan you select gets automatically added to it. I found the installation process simple and
the auto-detect feature ensures device compatibility prior to purchase. (For
15% off any Truely plan, use code
ANNA15.)
Make sure to verify covered countries in regional plans before buying. Since the Southeast Asia regional eSIM excluded Cambodia, I opted for the Asia regional eSIM. Many eSIM brands often do not include Cambodia in their regional offerings.
Every eSIM has a fair-use policy for unlimited plans, and Truely's app clearly outlines this: unlimited plans provide a daily 5 GB allowance with no cap and speeds up to 512 Kbps/second thereafter.
Travel Overview
Countries Explored: Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore
Usage: Messaging on WhatsApp, navigation, uploading content on social media, and connecting a computer via hotspot.
I utilized Truely's unlimited plan for three weeks in Southeast Asia, visiting three countries (
Singaporeand Cambodia). I utilized three Truely plans, each providing 5 GB of unlimited data in Asia.
VietnamTruely eSIM in Singapore
Peranakan architecture along Joo Chiat Road in Singapore.
Places Explored: SingaporeNetwork Provider: Singtel5G Availability: YeseSIM Utilized: Asia plan with 5 Days of Unlimited Data
I experienced 5G coverage from Singtel throughout Singapore, including vibrant Chinatown and the quieter Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. I conducted a speed test using the Ookla app, and it
was the fastest cellular service I've ever encountered: 551 Mbps download, 52.4 Mbps upload.
This was my first experience with an unlimited plan, and it was refreshing not to worry about data while uploading Instagram stories, updating apps, or scrolling through social media without needing to find Wi-Fi. The hotspot connection surpassed the clunky airport Wi-Fi.
Truely eSIM in Cambodia
Places Explored: Siem Reap, Kratié and land travel to/from Laos borderNetwork Provider: Cell Card Cellcard and Metfone5G Availability: NoeSIM Utilized: Asia plan with 5 Days of Unlimited Data
My eSIM activated immediately upon arrival in Siem Reap, providing full LTE service on the Cell Card network. My taxi driver informed me that Cell Card worked well in the city, but had limited signal outside it. Strangely, the network switched to SMART while crossing the Mekong River in the Stueng Trang district. I enjoyed full LTE in Kratie, the gateway to see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Voice calls to the U.S. via Google Voice were clear, even though the app indicated the connection was unstable.
I briefly connected to 5G during a tuk-tuk ride to the dolphin boats. However, during my journey to the Laos border from Kratie and back to Siem Reap, service was intermittent. This is common in rural Cambodia based on my previous experiences. When my hotel Wi-Fi failed during a Zoom call, the hotspot was a lifesaver. Overall, it was sufficient for navigation, social media, and messaging.
Truely eSIM in Vietnam
Places Explored: Ho Chi Minh CityNetwork Provider: Vinaphone5G Availability: YeseSIM Utilized: Asia plan with 5 Days of Unlimited Data
Upon landing in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), my eSIM connected without delay, showing three bars of LTE on the Vinaphone network. It was adequate for sending messages and checking the weather. Based on my experience,
Viettel is the faster network in
VietnamTruely eSIM Customer Support
To reach Truely customer support, you can chat in their app or via WhatsApp (recommended).
Truely provides 24/7 assistance through the app and WhatsApp. Initially, an AI assistant greets you, but I quickly requested a human representative and connected promptly. (I had no issues to resolve but wanted to test support response time and verify network partners.) In the app chat, the conversation remains active for 24 hours, after which a new chat starts the next time. The support agent advised using WhatsApp for queries instead of the in-app chat. They even offered me a promo code as a fun bonus for reaching out.
Truely eSIM Review Overview
Overall, I recommend Truely and had a great experience in Southeast Asia. (I only wish they could partner with Viettel for quicker speeds in Vietnam.) Everything about Truely was user-friendly, from the one-time installation of the Switchless eSIM to the 24/7 customer support.
Initially, I avoided long-term unlimited data plans due to cost, but testing this one shifted my perspective. Knowing I'll require more data or be on a short trip, I would definitely consider an unlimited plan next time. I would easily choose Truely again for both unlimited and pay-per-GB plans. To try Truely on your next journey, use code ANNA15 for 15% off any Truely plan.
