Why an eSIM is Essential for East Timor
No Free EU Roaming
Unlike European countries, East Timor does not benefit from free EU roaming. Your home plan will be expensive: between $2 and $5 per MB depending on your carrier. For a one-week trip with moderate usage (browsing, social media), you can easily spend $50 to $100 on roaming.
Limited Free WiFi
Free WiFi is limited in East Timorese hotels and cafes, and often unreliable:
- Availability: limited outside major hotels
- Security: unsecured public networks, hacking risks
- Reliability: unstable connections, frequent dropouts
- Mobility: impossible to use while traveling (transport, excursions)
An eSIM offers secure and reliable connectivity everywhere, essential for traveling in East Timor.
Network Coverage in East Timor
East Timor has moderate 4G coverage (70%) in populated areas thanks to two major carriers:
| Carrier |
Coverage |
5G |
Market Share |
Used by |
| Telkomcel |
70% |
No |
60% (leader) |
Airalo, GoMoWorld |
| Telemor |
65% |
No |
40% |
Holafly |
Coverage by destination
- Dili: good 4G coverage throughout the capital
- Baucau: moderate coverage in the city
- Liquiçá: moderate coverage in the town
- Rural areas: limited, variable in remote areas
- Mountain areas: very limited coverage
- Coastal areas: generally good in populated areas
How to Install Your East Timor eSIM
- Purchase your plan (QR code received by email in 2 min)
- Install 24-48h before departure from your WiFi
- Activate upon arrival in East Timor (timer starts)
- Keep your home SIM for calls and texts
Compatibility: iPhone XS+, Samsung S20+, Pixel 3+, Xiaomi 12+, OnePlus 8+
Best East Timor eSIM 2026
<BlogSummaryTable
title="Top 5 East Timor eSIM 2026"
countryCode="TL"
countrySlug="east-timor"
plans={[
{
rank: 1,
providerId: "gomoworld",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$7",
highlight: "Best value for money",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 2,
providerId: "airalo",
data: "5 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$8",
highlight: "Global leader",
promoCode: "ESIMP15",
},
{
rank: 3,
providerId: "holafly",
data: "Unlimited",
duration: "15 days",
price: "$50",
highlight: "Unlimited data + hotspot",
},
{
rank: 4,
providerId: "saily",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "$6",
highlight: "NordVPN included",
promoCode: "ESIMP",
},
{
rank: 5,
providerId: "linkesim",
data: "3 GB",
duration: "30 days",
price: "~$5",
highlight: "Lowest price",
},
]}
/>
Why these providers?
- GoMoWorld: Telkomcel network (leader 60%), code ESIMP (-10%), best value
- Airalo: global leader (8M+ users), Telkomcel network, code ESIMP15 (-15%)
- Holafly: unlimited + hotspot, ideal for heavy users and families
- Saily: built-in NordVPN to secure public WiFi connections
- LinkeSIM: cheapest, perfect for budget travelers
Conclusion
For all travelers to East Timor, an eSIM is essential as home roaming is very expensive ($2 to $5 per MB) and free WiFi is limited.
Best choice: GoMoWorld 5 GB at ~$7 with code ESIMP offers the best value for a typical trip.
For heavy users: Holafly unlimited eliminates any stress, even for streaming and hotspot.
Budget option: LinkeSIM 3 GB at ~$5 remains very economical.
East Timor eSIM FAQ
