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Attention, Travelers: Now Is the Best Time to Switch to eSIM

The digital version of the SIM card, included on many newer phones, is set to become prevalent. It also offers affordable cellular data abroad.

By Brian X. Chen

Brian X. Chen is The Times’s lead consumer technology writer and the author of Tech Fix , a column about the social implications of the tech we use.

As vacation season looms, now is as good a time as ever to bite the bullet and become familiar with a smartphone feature that many of us have ignored for years: the eSIM, the digital version of the SIM card that carries your phone number.

Among many benefits, eSIM technology is a boon for travelers, and pretty soon we will all be using it because the physical SIM card will be no more. Let me explain.

Last year, Apple eliminated the SIM card tray from the iPhone 14 to free up space. That means the SIM card, which acts as a key that connects your phone with cellular networks, is being phased out for Apple phones.

Where Apple leads, others typically follow, so you can expect handset makers like Samsung and Google to also go all-in on eSIM — a digitized SIM card embedded into the phone’s computer chip that you can activate with any cellular network’s service plan.

“Whether we like it or not, it’s coming,” Roger Entner, a telecom expert and founder of the research firm Recon Analytics, said about eSIM technology.

But this move isn’t really all about Apple. The Federal Communications Commission also favors eSIM technology , because it makes it easier for people to switch to a different carrier by using software instead of going to a store for a physical SIM card. And the technology has security benefits: If your phone is stolen, thieves can’t remove an eSIM to hijack your phone number and commit identity theft, as they could with a physical SIM card.

Most important, the experience of using eSIM data plans for travel has greatly improved. About five years ago, eSIM data plans for international roaming were overpriced, and cell service was sometimes unreliable. But in the last year, I’ve tested a few eSIM services when I left the country and found them to be cost-effective and zippy.

As is always the case with new technology, there are downsides. Activating a data plan on a foreign network with an eSIM is not as straightforward as sticking a different SIM card into your phone. The process is especially challenging for those who are less familiar with technology, putting the onus on more tech savvy companions to help them make the switch.

There are also privacy concerns. Many eSIM service providers offer apps that collect your data for tracking purposes.

You can use my experience as a template for navigating the inevitable transition to eSIM. Recently, I tried eSIM data plans when traveling with several members of my family and acted as their tech sherpa through the switch.

Step 1: Pick an eSIM

The main reason to use eSIM services for travel is to save money. The big U.S. carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer international roaming options, including $10 day passes for using your phone in foreign countries. The costs quickly add up for a two-week trip with family.

In contrast, an eSIM data package that can be used for the entirety of your trip costs a few dollars. The tricky part is choosing an eSIM service provider because there are many, and most are unfamiliar brands like Airalo, GigSky and Flexiroam. (Apple provides a list of eSIM service providers on its website.)

For a recent weeklong trip to Montreal, I researched travel blogs and picked Nomad , which offered a gigabyte of data that could be used for seven days in Canada for $7. I had the option to activate the plan with Nomad’s app or by following setup instructions on the company’s website. The app had high reviews in the App Store, so I clicked the download button.

Step 2: Activate the eSIM Service

A nice thing about eSIM is that you can buy a plan and set up the service on your phone well in advance of a trip, then activate it when you arrive at your destination. After you buy a plan, the eSIM service provider sends you a list of instructions.

The Nomad app showed a list of steps. In the iPhone’s settings app, I clicked on the cellular menu, clicked “Add eSIM” and typed in an activation code. As I crossed the border into Canada, I went back into the cellular settings, selected the Nomad phone line and toggled on the option for “Turn on this line.”

(If you still use a physical SIM card for your domestic phone line, you need not remove it. In the phone’s cellular settings, you just switch off the service for your primary line to avoid roaming charges.)

After I picked this eSIM plan, I shared the Nomad app with my wife and brother-in-law, who each followed the instructions to set it up by themselves. I didn’t know how to advise my mother-in-law, who never downloads apps, how to set up the plan, so I did it for her.

Herein lies the real problem: Less tech-inclined folks are probably not going to know how to use eSIM services. When my mother-in-law went on a trip to Hong Kong alone and I wasn’t nearby to set up the service for her, I told her to pay for AT&T’s international roaming plan and find a store later to buy a SIM card from a Hong Kong phone carrier.

Terry Guo, a chief product officer of LotusFlare, the company that developed Nomad, agreed that the main demographic of travelers using eSIM service plans comprised younger, more tech-savvy people.

“We are doing a lot of work in the app to make this simpler,” he said.

Optional (but Important) Step: Protect Your Privacy

Another downside to eSIM services is privacy-related. All the eSIM service providers I researched in Apple’s App Store said in their app descriptions that they did some tracking of users across different apps and websites.

Toni Toikka, the chief executive of Alekstra, a company that helps businesses reduce their wireless bills, underlined the importance of safeguarding personal information from eSIM providers. He said many of these companies, known as mobile virtual network operators, had struggled to generate profit.

“One way they think they’ll make money is selling your information,” Mr. Toikka said. “That’s why you should always opt out of any tracking. You shouldn’t sell yourself for pennies on a dollar.”

Mr. Guo said that the Nomad app contained Google’s analytics technology to see how people were using the app, and that people who logged into the app with their Facebook accounts could also be tracked by Facebook.

A simple workaround to data collection is to avoid logging into an app with third-party sites like Facebook and Google. Apple users can also click “Ask app not to track” when opening an eSIM app for the first time.

Android users don’t have the option to ask apps not to track them, so their best option is to buy the eSIM plan from the company’s website and set up the service without downloading the app.

Bottom Line

Overall, the pros of eSIM outweigh the cons. Traveling with a smartphone with SIM cards wasn’t relaxing because you needed to carry a pin to eject the card tray; plus you had to make sure not to lose the tiny SIM card.

When returning from a trip using eSIM services, all you have to do is go back into the phone’s settings app and switch your domestic phone line back on. That simplicity and peace of mind make eSIM worth the hassle.

Brian X. Chen is the lead consumer technology writer for The Times. He reviews products and writes Tech Fix , a column about the social implications of the tech we use. Before joining The Times in 2011, he reported on Apple and the wireless industry for Wired. More about Brian X. Chen

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Best eSIMs for travel of 2024

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage

Best eSIM overall

Best for customizable plans
Best for easy installation
Best value for money
Best for security
Best for network coverage
Best for unlimited data
Best for global plans
Best for Europe
Best for data-only plans
eSIMs for international travel FAQs

1. Best eSIM overall 2. Best eSIM for customizable plans 3. Best eSIM for easy installation 4. Best eSIM for value for money 5. Best eSIM for security 6. Best eSIM for network coverage 7. Best eSIM for unlimited data 8. Best eSIM for global plans 9. Best eSIM for Europe 10. Best eSIM for data-only plans 11. eSIMs for international travel FAQs

eSIMs have gained a lot of traction in recent years, especially in international travel. Admit it, you do not like getting into huge queues to buy an eSIM just after you’ve landed at your dream location. You can now skip the queue with the best eSIM for international travel, with plans ranging from 3 days to as long as a year.

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage. However, with so many providers offering eSIMs, which one should you purchase? I have done the hard yards to find and review the best eSIM you can get for international travel, regardless of whether you want to travel to Europe, the USA, Asia, Africa or Australia. So, make sure you read till the end to know everything you could ever need before purchasing your next eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

eSIM cards are digital SIM cards already embedded in the mobile device, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. It is a small rewritable chip fixed inside your phone, which connects with an antenna to function as a SIM card. The antenna is nothing but a network selected by you.

Since it is rewritable, you can change your operator with just a simple phone call. There’s no need to go through the hassle of purchasing a new SIM card and waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

Actually, eSIMs have been around for quite some time now. You can find many devices that are compatible with eSIMs. But when iPhone decided to remove the good old SIM card slot and shift the device to being completely eSIM featured, this feature got its attention. The main reason eSIMs are being preferred is because of their ease of use and convenience.

Another advantage of eSIM is that it saves space accommodated by the SIM card holder, leading to either smaller phones or larger batteries, both of which are interesting propositions. Not to mention, the enormous amount of plastic being used to make all these SIM cards will no longer be required.

eSIMs could be pretty revolutionary as they can be used to enable 5G connectivity in almost anything we would want it to, preferably glasses or a fitness tracker, as it doesn’t take up as much space inside the device.

While there’s no major difference between using an eSIM card and a physical SIM card, eSIMs could be a slight turnoff when you want to switch phones. That said, the benefits of eSIM certainly outweigh a few cons here and there.

Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s dive into why it’s so beneficial for international travel. The best thing about them is that you can store as many as eight (sometimes even more) on your phone and activate the SIM when needed without having to pay additional roaming charges.

Of course, if your current network operator provides free roaming service, there's no need to consider a travel-specific or local SIM from the place you're traveling to. But if that's not the case, it can be quite a task to find the right operator and negotiate with language barriers.

eSIMs are also generally more secure than physical SIMs since there’s no need to remove them in case you want to change your SIM card, so they practically can’t get lost. And if your phone gets lost or stolen, tracking it through the eSIM card is much easier since it cannot be removed from the device.

Note that international roaming works the same way on physical and eSIMS. The only difference that sets the two apart is that while you can add only two physical SIMs at a time, you can conveniently purchase an eSIM from a local carrier of the place you are visiting without losing your old numbers. This is especially handy when you are visiting multiple countries.

With eSIMs, switching SIMs is as easy as purchasing a plan online and activating it after completing the payment. If you travel frequently for business or any other purpose, switching contact numbers could be quite a frequent task. With eSIMs, you can shuffle between SIM cards as soon as you enter the airport or right when you leave the country.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

Most phones manufactured after 2018 are compatible with eSIMs, except for a few exceptions depending on the location and carrier. IPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are among the first eSIM-compatible iPhones that came out in 2018.

Follow these steps to see if your iOS is eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked:

Go to Settings > General > About
Scroll down to find the Carrier Lock section
If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions" If that's not the case, you need to unlock your device first.
If you have an iOS 15 or later, Scroll down to "Available SIM" and if you have earlier iOS versions, find "Digital SIM"
If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number

The following are the latest models that support eSIM:

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE 3 (2022)
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro Max

You can also use eSIMs on the following iPads:

iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068 onwards)
iPad Air (model A2123 onwards)
iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069 onwards)
iPad (model A2198 onwards)
IPad 10th generación (2022)
iPad Mini (model A2124 onwards)

For Android numbers, it is best to check with the manufacturer if your device is compatible with eSIM. This, too, depends on the model, place of manufacturing, and the carrier used for the Android device.

Another way to check is by going to the settings > Network & Internet and tapping on the "eSIM cards". If you find a "Download a SIM instead?" option, your device is eSIM-compatible

You can also check if your phone has an EID (Embedded Identity Document Number), which is the serial number that matches with the eSIM embedded in your device.

Dial *#06# and press call
If your device is eSIM-compatible, you'll be able to view your EID number

Some popular Android phones that support eSIMs include:

Samsung Galaxy S21 models
Samsung Galaxy S22 models
Samsung Galaxy Note 20
Samsung Galaxy Fold Series
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Series
Samsung Galaxy S23 models
Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 4
Google Pixel Fold
Google Pixel 3 XL
Huawei P40 Series
Oppo Reno 5A
Oppo Find X5
Sony Xperia 1 V
Xiaomi 13 Series
Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
Motorola Edge+
Motorola Razr 2019

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list — it’s only an indicative list of popular smartphones that support eSIMs. In case you do not find your phone year, check with your manufacturer.

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Top 10 eSIM providers for international travel

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Airhub is a huge online store from which you can buy eSIMs in over 190+ countries worldwide. It has a massive variety of eSIM plans that include data, local call minutes, SMS, and international call minutes.

While most eSIM providers usually have around 3-5 plans per country, Airhub provides up to 15 plans to choose from for a single country which gives you the flexibility to select the plan that resonates best with your needs. Also, Airhub has truly managed to make some of the best partnerships with local companies to offer the cost-effective deal that it does.

If you're going to hang in a country for multiple months, you can simply go for the monthly subscriptions. Some of these plans also include unlimited voice minutes and SMS - you truly get the best deal here.

The majority of plans that you will find on the website are prepaid, with a few postpaid plans and a postpaid monthly subscription in a few countries, the most important one being the United States. However, it doesn't have strong coverage in Latin America. For example, I found them offering only a single plan in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Moreover, there are no plans for countries like Cuba, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador.

The regional plans offer an attractive price proposition as well, with options available in APAC, Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Europe. We highly recommend the Europe plan if you're about to go on a Europe tour. Airhub covers up to 49 countries in the plans, with the plans starting at just $11 for a month with a 3GB data limit. We could also spot a few 1-year plans in Europe ranging from 10GB to 100GB for the year.

When you open the Airhub app, there's not a lot going on like most other eSIM apps — the interface is clean and intuitive. After logging in, you will find a page that lets you select the country, with three tabs differentiating local eSIMs, regional eSIMs, and Monthly plans (note that the global package is included in the regional eSIM category).

Concluding, Airhub stands out with its great plans, minimalist apps, and websites and ticks all the boxes of travelers and remote workers looking for an affordable and effective eSIM.

Best eSIM for customizable plans

Airalo is easily one of the best eSIM providers for travelers looking for an affordable and reliable SIM card, which plans in more than 200 countries. The stand-out thing about Airalo is its great collaborations with local telco companies all over the world which makes it the cost leader that it is today.

Keep in mind that this also means the cost of Airalo depends on the place you're traveling to, and the cost of data there — validity and data limit being the other two factors that affect its price.

It also offers 7 regional plans, including Latin America and Caribbean Islands — regions that aren’t well catered by other eSIM providers.

It also has a specific global plan that provides access to around 84 countries worldwide — perfect for international travelers. You can choose between 1GB to 20GB of data spread across 7 days to 180 days validity.

To buy the eSIM, you simply have to go to the app, create an account, choose the place you are traveling to, the package of your choice, and then install the eSIM. After that, you’ll need to follow a simple eSIM activation procedure, and that’s it. The payment can be made through a credit card or Apple Pay.

One major thing to look out for getting an Airalo eSIM is that most of them don't offer voice minutes — there's only a data plan. So if you're someone who makes a lot of voice calls throughout the day, you might want to look out for an alternative here. That said, you can always communicate via Internet calls when needed.

Airalo has a loyalty feature where you get credit every time you purchase data from the service provider. Initially, you get a 5% Airalo credit for every purchase, which keeps increasing as you collect more and more credit. So, initially, if you spend $20 on a package, you get a $1 credit that you can use for future purchases.

Best eSIM for easy installation

AloSIM is a Canada-based tech company that offers great prepaid data SIMs at affordable prices. One innovative feature of the app is its AloSIM data calculator that helps you find the estimated data that you will require depending on the things you use your internet for on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Once you have decided on the amount of data you need, you can head over to the eSIM area and select a plan to your liking.

The reason why this is so great is because it bears testimony to the brand's transparency and genuineness. Being able to calculate your daily requirements won't let you overspend on something you don't need.

Another thing I love about AloSIM is that you get to see which partnering networks you're gonna be connected with before you purchase any package so that you can assure that you are connected to a reliable network. You can also check the speed availability in the region (3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE). This is something most eSIM providers do not offer.

Installing the eSIM is also easy with AloSIM. There are three ways in which you can do that:

1. Automatic installation — if you want to start using your plan straight away, you should go with this option.

2. Scanning QR code — this option is available in almost all eSIM providers — you just have to scan the QR code to activate your network.

3. Manual installation — You will have to go through a step-by-step instruction manual to adjust your settings and activate your eSIM.

The prices at AloSIM are among the most reasonable I’ve seen. You can get the 5 GB for 30 days plan for as low as $16 in the US. That's a lot of difference compared to the plan your home SIM can provide you. Plus, data sharing is supported, so you can use your personal hotspot to connect to other devices or let a friend free ride with you. AloSIM also offers as many as 11 regional plans — one of the highest on our list.

However, I couldn’t spot a regional plan for Africa or an extensive Asian plan. The Asian regional plan covers just five countries in Southeast Asia. Thus, it isn’t a great option if you’re traveling East.

Just like every data-only eSIM, you will not get a phone number with AloSIM. Also, there's no unlimited plan for you to rely on if you're a data junkie. Overall, AloSIM stands out with its transparency, auto-installation feature, and affordable price.

Best eSIM for value for money

Nomad eSIM is a great option if you’re on short trips and need a travel eSIM that doesn't cost you a fortune. It is well-known for its short-duration plans of 7 and 15 days. Its offerings are divided into regional plans and individual country plans.

You can also purchase an unlimited data plan in selected individual countries, such as the UK, something that isn’t available with regional plans. With Nomad, you can purchase one GB of data for as low as $1.30 (in Asia and the Americas).

It has an incredible value proposition in North America, Asia, and Europe. However, when it comes to Latin America, you can definitely find cheaper options. For example, 1GB of data with a 7-day validity costs $9 on Nomad. However, the same plan is available at $6.5 on Airalo, with both of them covering the same three counties —Canada, USA, and Mexico,

What we love about this provider is that it doesn't charge you any one-time connection fee or even a fee for the SIM card itself. There's no hidden cost, and you don't have to worry about enormous roaming costs as well. Just pay for the upfront amount of the package, and you’re good to go.

There are eight regional plans - APAC, Nordic, Europe, SEA - Oceania, Global, North America, Africa, and Middle East. Regional plans allow you to buy the plan once and use it in a specific group of countries - no need to buy a new eSIM for every country you travel to. For example, if you’re visiting France, Germany, and Italy, simply get the Europe regional plan. You’ll not need to buy a separate eSIM in each country.

The global plan is decent, with an option to purchase a global e-Sim for either 110 countries or 140 countries. The 110-country plan starts at $25/GB (validity of 7 days), while the 140-country plan starts at $19/GB for the same validity period.

Recently, Nomad added an SMS plan available in selected countries like Canada, the United States, and the UK. I found the plan to be pretty reasonable, too, starting at 100 texts for $4.

What's more, Nomad has one of the most user-friendly apps. You can easily find all the plans, and the interface is very clean. You can also track your data usage on the go and add more data if you seem to be outrunning your current limit.

If you're not an expert at understanding chunky instructions, you'll love its setup process that takes you through the app step by step and even includes pictures to clearly illustrate what you need to do.

If there's still something you need help understanding, there's built-in 24/7 message support, and the response time is quick and reliable. It doesn't have a live chat feature like most of the peers.

Concluding, Nomad is a solid option for frequent travelers with its short-term packages at affordable prices and easy-to-set-up interface. With the commendable user-friendliness of this provider’s app and reliable customer support, it’s one of the best travel eSIMs.

Best eSIM for security

5. instabridge.

Instabridge has been around for a while, and its eSIM services are truly one to consider if you are looking for a safe and seamless internet connection. This is especially recommended if you're going to stay in one place for a long time — you can find plans that last up to a year.

It is the #1 app on iPhone for global internet access, and with access to more than 190 countries and over 200 million app downloads, you can guess that it's a hot pick among travelers. However, you do not get any call minutes or SMS facility with Instabridge’s eSIM. Thus, you’ve to rely on Internet-based voice calls and texts — certainly not a deal-breaker.

If you are tight on budget but want to purchase a plan, you can score mobile data packages by watching ads on the app. The collection won't be too grand, of course, but it'll get you a decent data pack if you spend your free time on the app.

The app in itself is pretty modern and intuitive. You can simply select the country you’re traveling to and choose the amount of data you need. Next, select the duration — one-time, monthly, or yearly. You’re done — simply make the payment and enjoy your internet.

Note that the website on the desktop version doesn't show all the local plans, so it's important to check the plans on the app if you don't find a suitable plan for you. You can pick between subscriptions and one-off plans depending on your needs. The website typically doesn’t show data plans for more than 30 days.

Customer support isn't always the fastest — it can take a few hours to get a reply if you're stuck in the middle of something. But you can look out for the FAQs and manuals to help you out, and the app is easy to use, too. So there are chances that you might not even need customer support.

You can purchase multiple plans with the same eSIM, so there's no need to collect a hefty number of eSIMs if you're traveling to multiple places. For example, if you're going to visit USA, Germany, and France over the holidays, you can just purchase a plan for each of these places and track the data usage of each of these packages through the app.

Instabridge has a strong commitment to bringing the internet to everyone. For the same, it has decided to give away 1GB of data to someone in a developing nation for every 1 GB of data you purchase.

Concluding, Instabridge is a solid provider of data-only plans, a must-have for users who value security over anything.

Best eSIM for network coverage

BNESIM offers mobile data contracts in over 170 countries —greater than most providers in our list, like Nomad. You can rest assured that no matter which country you are traveling to, you will definitely find a plan or more with BNESIM.

Where this provider wins against the competition is its “pay-as-you-go” plans. These are plans with no expiration date. For example, if you purchase the 1GB USA data plan for $6.73, you can use the plan as long as you do not exhaust the entire data without any time restriction. This is particularly helpful for users that use minimal data and end up wasting their data by the end of the plan.

What I like about BNESIM is its diverse regional plans. It currently offers Regional plans in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa. Apart from this, there are two unlimited data regional plans - something other providers don’t offer.

1. BNESIM Infinity Europe

2. BNESIM Infinity Asia

For example, the Infinity Aisa plan covers 28 countries with options to purchase one-time, daily, and monthly plans. I found the “Daily Plan’ really useful in the modern data usage context. It offers a certain data limit for each day of the plan. For example, the 1GB daily data Asia plan costs just $8.85 — a steal, in my opinion.

I also found an extensive “Support” section on its website with guides on installing eSIMs on various devices, such as iPhone, iPad, and Android phones. Each of these guides includes pictures that make your job easier. Just like Airalo, BNESIM also partners with local networks to provide reliable bandwidth, which makes the network stronger in some areas.

However, if you’re looking for a longer-duration plan, BNESIM doesn’t get the job done. With a maximum validity of 30 days, their plans primarily focus on short-duration plans. Another weird thing about BNESIM is its “auto-renewal” feature — your plan will be auto-renewed at the end of the term. You’ll have to cancel the plan manually on its website or app.

All in all, BNESIM is an ideal choice for travelers looking for a flexible and cost-effective global roaming solution for frequent travel.

Best eSIM for unlimited data

Holafly eSIM cards are among the few options offering unlimited data plans — you can send as many videos and photos with your family without worrying about the data limit. In the few countries that it doesn't give unlimited data, it offers higher data limits than most other providers.

In terms of duration, too, there's great flexibility. You can get plans that last 5, 10, 15, 20, 60, and 90 days. In short, there will always be a plan close to the number of days you're traveling for in about 160 countries that Holafly caters to.

On the price front, Holafly is a little high-end, but it's worth the unlimited data and stress-free traveling it offers. For example, its 5-day unlimited data plan for the USA costs $19. It also offers regional plans. However, I found it tough to locate these plans on its website, as there’s no dedicated “Regional Plans” section as in some other websites like Nomad and Airhub.

Brands like Airalo are significantly cheaper than Holafly, but you will have to get top-up plans if you exhaust your data mid-journey, which can be troublesome if you travel alone and don't have anyone to provide you hotspot in the meanwhile.

Installing the eSIM is also a breeze with Holafly. Simply scan the QR code you receive after purchasing a plan and follow the prompts. You will be guided through each step of the process, and the payment can be made through various portals like a credit card, debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. You can also use a code for manual installation if you don't want to scan the QR code.

Holafly‘s customer support is one of the best in the market. You can expect a reply from them within less than a minute of entering your query. With language support in English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, you can easily access the 24/7 support via WhatsApp or chat. On top of that, there's a frequently asked questions section that will solve most of your queries regarding the installation of the eSIM.

However, if you plan to buy a single Holafly eSIM for your family, thinking that the unlimited data plan will do the trick, beware. Holafly eSIM doesn't allow data sharing with other devices as of now.

While Holafly has great data plans, it doesn't include calls with all plans or SMS service. Currently, you can make calls up to 60 minutes and receive calls for up to 60 minutes in Europe, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. However, I didn’t find this off-putting due to the sheer non-functionality of SMS and calls these days. You can always make calls or send texts through Holafly’s unlimited Internet (WhatsApp, Skype, or other apps). Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.

Best eSIM for global plans

8. globalesim.

GlobaleSIM provides global and local data plans for travelers and tourists in more than 150 countries, and you get extendable coverage with over 400 network carriers. It was among the first providers of eSIM when it first launched in 2016.

There are four broad plans that GlobaleSIM offers:

1. Most Popular Plan - available in 63 countries

2. Most Popular+ Plan - available in 93 countries

3. Special Plan - available in 115 countries

4. Special + Plan - available in 143 countries

For example, its “Most Popular Plan” starts at $3.00 for 500MB of data for 5 days. You also get the option of adding call minutes to your plan and selecting either a US, a UK, or a Canadian number. As there are several countries being covered under a single plan, you obviously cannot expect to get a local number to the place you're visiting, and since there's no roaming charge, a US, UK, or Canadian number isn't that bad, too, after all.

Many eSIM providers ask you to create an account before purchasing, but this one doesn't. You just have to fill out the required information, like your name, surname, and email address, and you're done. You can complete your payment via either PayPal or a credit card.

However, I couldn’t find many single-country plans on GlobaleSIM. Even for a popular destination like the US, you’ll have to get a bundled plan which includes both the US and Canada. Moreover, despite being in the market for so long, it's a little disappointing that the provider doesn't have an application of its own, so you'll have to purchase the eSIM directly from the website.

Unlike most other providers in the market, GlobaleSIM doesn't have chat support, the only way that you can connect to them is through emails, and the response time isn't as fast as chat support either.

At first, you won't even find customer service or a way to get in touch with them on the front page of the website or while skimming through plans. You will have to go all the way down the page to find it. Simply put, the customer support is disappointing.

All in all, GlobaleSIM is a great eSIM to consider if you're looking for a global plan that's easy to set up and purchase.

Best eSIM for Europe

9. holiday esim.

Holiday eSIM is the best-prepaid service provider if you're traveling to Europe, with robust connections in every European country for high-speed data.

What I like the most about this provider is that, unlike others, you get a French number with the eSIM. Its most popular plan includes unlimited calls and texts in Europe, 120 minutes of worldwide calling, and 1,000 texts. That's more than enough proposition for whatever your needs are. But of course, if all you are looking for is a data eSIM, you can also purchase the data-only packages it offers.

The Orange holiday app is user-friendly and doesn't require any registration prior to installing the eSIM. All you have to do is install the eSIM, and the provider will automatically connect to the strongest local European mobile network provider in that area.

Costing around $44.10 for 10GB of data with a validity of 14 days, you might argue that this isn't a cheap option. However, if you're looking to have amazing internet no matter which European street you are wandering on, this is worth the penny it costs.

Besides the European plan, there's also a competent data-only global plan with 6GB of data with a 15-day validity. What’s more — you can share your data as a hotspot, so if you want to work on your laptop while away, it won't be a problem.

However, it doesn’t offer a lot of plan options. Thus, you do not have much flexibility, either in terms of the validity period or data limits. Moreover, I did not like the website interface as much as some other providers on our list. Finding your destination country is difficult — you’ll have to choose from a long list of options. Even when you do, you’ll find “Regional” and “Global” plans in every country. This essentially means that Holiday eSIM does not offer as many individual country plans.

In conclusion, if you value your network connection more than your product's budget-friendliness, you should consider this for your European trip. While we're not trying to take away that this provider's plans will cost you more than the local plan you can buy from a local provider, there are also a few cheaper options that might work for you if your internet usage isn't a lot.

Best eSIM for data-only plans

10. flexiroam.

eSIMs are an important part of Flexiroam's wide line of products, and it's one of the best data-only eSIM lines out there. You get access to more than 500 mobile networks worldwide through its partnership with Jersey Telecom, with multiple networks in a single place, meaning you are never limited to just one network with this one.

When traveling, the eSIM automatically connects itself to the strongest network connection in that area for reliable and strong coverage no matter where you go. If you still don't feel content with the connected network, you can manually switch to the provider of your choice and use it if you find that more comfortable.

Most providers like Airalo and BNESIM work with one single provider in one area, and it’s possible that the local provider might not be the best for the area you're visiting. This is never the issue with Flexiroam.

There are more than 700 eSIM plans to choose from. However, these plans aren’t as neatly categorized as some other providers. You’ll have to select from a long drop-down list when looking for individual country plans. Its regional plans are a mixed bag of chocolates. While there are two unique regional plans - Greater Europe and Greater China, I couldn’t find a regional plan for Asia that is offered by almost every other competitor. If you’re on an Asian trip, you’ll want to look at some other eSIMs on our list.

Having said that, Flexiroam is among the few providers that include plans for less than 7 days, and unlike Holafly, it allows data sharing through both tethering and Hotspot. So if you're traveling in a group, you can just buy a single pack and share it with your entire group.

Being a data-only eSIM, you don't get a phone number to call in case there's a network coverage issue and your internet stops working. This can usually be a problem if you're traveling to remote places.

Concluding, Flexiroam is definitely worth your bucks if you are looking for a data-only eSIM for its affordability and wider network coverage.

Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs

How to choose the best esim for international travel .

While all the providers have something or the other to offer, it's important to know the factors that make an eSIM the best among them.

1. The place that you are traveling to

It's important to check the network coverage of an eSIM in the place you're visiting. eSIM providers often offer amazing coverage in particular countries but mediocre performance in others. This is because eSIMs collaborate or partner with local service providers in different countries to enhance network coverage. So make sure that you check the service of the local provider that's accessible to you and select the eSIM provider that has coverage to the place you're traveling to.

Depending on the number of places you are going to visit, you can select local, regional, and global eSIMs. Here's how they differ:

Local eSIM — you should go for this eSIM if you're traveling to just one country. For example, if you're traveling to Paris, you can get a local France eSIM.
Regional eSIM — This is a perfect option if you're going to travel to a couple of countries within the same region. Let’s say you're planning a Europe trip; in that case, instead of buying a local SIM for each country, it’s a lot more convenient to get a regional eSIM that will work on all the countries in Europe you're visiting.
Global eSIM — global eSIM allows you to connect several countries all over the world, which is perfect if you're going to travel worldwide or counties that are in different regions.

2. How much data will you need?

If your data requirements are ambitious, you should preferably look for a cheap eSIM or one that provides unlimited data. On the other hand, if your data needs aren't too demanding, but you need internet in remote places, you might have to shell out a bit more for quality internet. To get an idea of how much data different apps use up, have a look at this:

Google Maps: 5MB per hour
Social Media: 50MB per hour
Internet Browsing: 50MB per hour
Online Gaming: 70+MB per hour
Streaming Music: 100MB per hour
SD Video: 1GB per hour
HD Video: 4GB per hour
4K Video: 7GB per hour

3. How long will you be abroad?

All eSIM providers have different validity options — you can choose between 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90 days plans, and so on. Find a plan with a validity period that outlines how long you're going to be using the eSIM.

Some eSIM providers provide plans shorter than 7 days; look out for them if you're going to be away for the weekend. On the other hand, if your data usage is moderate, but you are traveling for longer periods, an unlimited plan might be the best for you.

How do eSIM work?

An eSIM card or embedded SIM card is a chip in your phone that lets you connect to a network by simply downloading an eSIM profile and activating it without having to swap the SIM card physically.

eSIMs function similarly to physical cards — the only difference is that the card, instead of being inserted into the devices, can now be downloaded through an app and activated by scanning a QR code or following the steps provided in the manual.

It is very easy to install an eSIM into the devices that are compatible with it. You can use multiple operators simultaneously and add several data plans according to your needs, as there's no physical space required to limit the number.

You just have to change the profile to switch between one eSIM to another. This way, you can find the network in another eSIM if one SIM doesn't have a network. You can even have one SIM each for business and personal purposes.

Since eSIMs can be updated electronically, providers in the US and UK are using eSIMs for the Internet of Things, adding a mobile network to almost anything that could use one, like cars and traffic lights.

While all the latest Apple devices are eSIM-compatible, most Android devices are also catching up. For example, the new Motorola Razr doesn't have a physical SIM card slot and only supports eSIM. Google Pixel phones and other Android devices, including laptops and tablets, have started providing eSIMs too.

If you have already set up eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps to activate your SIM:

On turning on your phone, you will find a notification appearing that says "Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed", tap on it.
If it doesn't pop up right away, In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.
You will find a "Continue" at the bottom of the screen. After that, the plan must have been activated.
Make a call on your iPhone to check its cellular connectivity.
If you're unable to make the call, contact your carrier. If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, your eSIM has been activated. Now remove your physical SIM. Then restart your iPhone.

After this, your eSIM will actively run on your phone, and you can use it along with your physical SIM cards too. This will especially be appreciated by those who don't like to give away their phone numbers when traveling abroad.

Can I use more than one eSIM provider when traveling abroad?

Yes, you can use more than one eSIM, depending on whether you use Android or iOS. When traveling, you’d want to use at least two SIMs simultaneously so that you don't lose touch with the older SIM contact when using the new local SIM.

iPhones can store up to 5-10 eSIMs on the device, depending on the exact model. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Mini allow you to use two eSIMs simultaneously. On the flip side, you can use only one eSIM with iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

Similarly, Androids can also store 5-7 eSIMs on the device. However, you can only activate and use one eSIM at a time.

This makes your work a lot easier. Suppose you’re traveling to Asia and Europe within a short span of time; you can purchase two eSIMs on your device. Simply activate the eSIM once you transition from one destination to another. This is more convenient compared to traditional SIMs, where you would have had to physically purchase a SIM at every destination you visit.

Traditional phones generally feature a maximum of 2 SIM cards in devices with dual SIM slots. In devices like iPhones that usually don't have a dual SIM feature, you will have to get a student device if you wish to use more than one SIM at once.

How to set up and activate an eSIM on iOS

Devices like iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later support eSIM. And recently, it completely ditched the physical SIM card slot in all the US models of iPhone 14. While other countries still have the SIM card slot, Apple has made it clear that it will soon completely get rid of the physical SIM card.

Note that Apple’s eSIM feature is not yet available in mainland China and a few parts of Hong Kong and Macao. These countries are still fully dependent on physical SIMs.

Setting up and activating an eSIM is super easy if you follow the instructions below:

On your iOS device, follow Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If this doesn't work, try Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
Click on the “Transfer from Nearby iPhone” option. At this point, remember that both iPhones have to be on iOS 16 for this to work.
You will find instructions on the old model to help you through the process. Either tap the transfer button or enter the verification code on the older phone, which will be sent to the new iPhone.
Once you transfer the eSIM to the newer iPhone, it is deactivated from your old device, and your carrier will send you a notification to complete the setup on your new iPhone.

QR code support:

If your carrier has issued you a QR code, you can simply select “Use QR Code” while setting up the new iPhone.
You can find the “Use QR Code” option under Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.

Are eSIM better than physical SIM cards?

eSIM card is a recently developed digital version of a physical SIM card that solves most problems faced while using a physical SIM card. While the functionality of both the SIMs has no difference, eSIM has an almost negligible chance of getting damaged, and since they cannot be physically detached from the device, it is impossible to lose them.

If your device gets stolen, the thief will first throw out your SIM card because the device can be easily tracked through its SIM card. With eSIMs, this option just isn't there, so you can easily locate your device if it's ever stolen or lost.

Also, eSIM frees up the space that a SIM card blocks. This space can be used to better optimize the device and leave less room for dust to enter. It also makes it better for devices like smartwatches to have an eSIM.

On the other hand, eSIMs aren't as widely recognized yet, and physical SIM cards are supported on all devices. If your device doesn't support it, you'll have to get another one to switch to eSIMs.

Plus, if you want to change your device, it is a lot more convenient to just place your SIM card in a different device, and just the day started. The same thing goes for a situation when you want to transfer contacts that are saved in your SIM card.

eSIMs store data on the cloud. You can simply download it when needed. This way, your data remains safe and doesn't use up any storage on your device.

Finally, both eSIMs and physical SIM cards have benefits of their own, and the better option definitely depends on personal preference, but objectively, eSIM is definitely the better option.

Final verdict

eSIMs have, undoubtedly, made traveling much easier. With affordable plans, excellent connections, and various validity options to choose from, eSIMs are the future of telecommunication.

The only question is — which eSIM should you purchase? If you do not require voice call minutes (which I believe most wouldn’t), Airalo is your best bet. It has a lot of plan options to choose from, with validities as long as 180 days. It offers affordable local plans in as many as 200 countries, besides 7 regional plans and a value-for-money global plan. And since it partners with local network providers, you can rest assured of seamless connectivity as well.

If you do want to make voice calls and send text messages, Airhub should be your go-to option. It offers plans in more than 190 countries, with more than 15 plans to select from in most countries. Like Airalo, it is also a value-for-money proposition and wouldn’t cost you a fortune.

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Krishi covers buying guides and how-to's related to software, online tools, and tech products here at TechRadar. Over at Tom's Guide, he writes exclusively on VPN services. You can also find his work on Techopedia and The Tech Report. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.

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I traveled using an eSIM for my iPhone — and here’s why you should too

After traveling with eSIMs for my iPhone and I can never go back to a regular SIM

Image of a hand holding a phone with an icon of a eSIM on the phone screen.

The freedom to be able to take your phone all over the world and not pop in another physical SIM card to stay tethered to the world is unparalleled. Thanks to eSIMs this reality has been around since 2017 on smartphones — but I only just discovered the joy of getting an eSIM connection on my iPhone when I recently traveled to Europe from the US.

I have always faithfully relied on a good old physical SIM card for all my travels up until now. Enabling a physical SIM seemed easy enough, and I always carry a little pouch to store my original SIM so I don’t lose it. Simple, I thought.

But after my experience with eSIMs on my iPhone, I don’t think I can ever go back to a regular SIM card while traveling.

For the uninitiated, eSIM — that's short for embedded subscriber identity module — is basically a digital version of the SIM card which can be downloaded on a compatible phone and saves you the hassle of popping out the SIM card tray and popping in a tiny SIM card.

Most recent phones, be they iPhone or Android device, come with eSIM compatibility.

Traveling with an eSIM

Traveling with an eSIM was an easy-breezy affair. I was set to travel to France and Italy, and I had my trusty iPhone XR with me.

There’s a nifty app that I discovered for downloading the eSIM on my iPhone XR. (More on the app later.) With a few swishes and taps, I was all set for my summer travel. As soon as I switched off airplane mode on my iPhone, the eSIM was enabled and I had a strong connection. Bonjour Paris!

eSIM will save you the hassle of popping tiny nano SIM cards in and out on your flight, where you risk the possibility of losing the tiny things. It will also save you the stress of landing in a new country and buying one of those touristy SIM cards, which can prove to be quite costly in certain countries.

It’s very easy to switch networks with an eSIM, and you can have more than one network including having voice and data on different plans. You can usually have up to 5 virtual SIMs, depending on the phone you use.

I didn’t need that many. I bought two connections — one each for France and Italy.

eSIM on iPhone

iPhone XR was one of the first iPhones to come enabled with eSIM, and using eSIM proved to be a delight. After purchasing my plan, I just had to enable everything under Settings > Mobile Data; under "Data Plans" I could toggle the plan I wanted, to be on or off.

You can also label your plans with different options like "Business" or "Travel" and then choose which number to use for calls or messages and data too. I custom-labeled mine to know which one to use in which country.

Now here’s the best part about getting an eSIM on your iPhone — you can opt to make one connection a primary one while turning another connection into your secondary one. This means that you can make calls from one number, which will be your default and use the secondary one just for cellular data. This is exactly what I did, with texts coming through my primary US number while I used the data from the eSIM I bought.

Using iOS 13 and later, you can choose either or both numbers. In fact, with iPhone 13 Pro Max , iPhone 13 Pro , iPhone 13 , and iPhone 13 mini , you can use Dual SIM with two active eSIMs as well.

Dual SIM is there on models before the iPhone 13 family as well, but with one nano SIM and one eSIM.

You can also choose to "Allow cellular data switching," which will then use cellular data from both plans, depending on coverage and availability.

Apple offers eSIM on all their models above iPhone XR and with iOS 12.1 or later. But you cannot use eSIM on an iPhone that is locked to a carrier. (Perhaps a reason to consider one of the best unlocked phones .)

Meet Airalo

Airalo is the app that sprung up the eSIM connection on my iPhone almost instantly. It's a free download on iOS or Android that presents a list of countries and eSIM plans to choose from.

Comparing a basic data plan I found on Airalo with some of the SIM card data plans in Paris, I found I had saved around $5 by taking the eSIM 7-day data plan on Airalo (although the SIM card plans did include talk time as well).

Once I purchased the plan on Airalo, the app led me step-by-step on how to activate the eSIM. It was through the same steps mentioned above, and all I had to do to switch between my France and Italy plan was to tap on "Turn on this line" in the settings.

Other apps, such as Holafly , offer eSim plans, too, if you prefer to shop around.

Overall, I feel this is an underrated technology that is not spoken about enough. The ease of use of eSIMs and travel especially on an iPhone made me a total convert.

In the future, all phones might just move to having no physical SIM cards leaving more space for other components, such as the battery. For now, iOS 16 is all set to make transferring eSIMs very easy , just through Bluetooth. Now that the iPhone 14 series is being sold in the US as eSIM-only models, here's a detailed guide on how to activate eSIM on your iPhone 14 .

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Sanjana loves all things tech. From the latest phones, to quirky gadgets and the best deals, she's in sync with it all. Based in Atlanta, she is the news editor at Tom's Guide. Previously, she produced India's top technology show for NDTV and has been a tech news reporter on TV. Outside work, you can find her on a tennis court or sipping her favorite latte in instagrammable coffee shops in the city. Her work has appeared on NDTV Gadgets 360 and CNBC.

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drdigital1 There is one area not addressed in the article: making/receiving phone calls and SMS. Specifically, there are 4 cases that need a solution: Making calls and sending SMS to USA Receiving calls and SMS from USA Making calls and sending SMS locally (in the country you’re visiting) Receiving calls and SMS sent locally (in the country you’re visiting) The article makes a passing reference about “texts coming through my primary US number“ . If the texts are iMessage or WhatsApp text messages, they work indeed through the eSIM data network. But regular phone calls and SMS to your US number will be sent to your phone. One can block data roaming but phone calls and SMS cannot be blocked. If you answer the incoming phone call/SMS, you’ll be charged international rates by your US carrier. There is a potential work around: using WiFi calling. Not clear to me but it might be possible that WiFi calling feature might also work when the Internet connectivity is provided by the eSIM data network, not by WiFi. If so, the first 2 cases listed above are covered. Reply
DaveAS A disadvantage of an Airalo eSIM (and maybe others too) is that it can only be used for data, not calls - there is no phone number. This was in Turkey and a local phone number was required for certain online services (travel card top-up for example). Reply
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A beginner’s guide to travel eSIMs: How to use eSIMs for travel

Table of contents, what is a travel esim, and why do i need one.

One of the latest innovations in travel tech, eSIMs are digital SIM cards embedded directly into the processors of mobile devices. Compatible devices come pre-equipped with an eSIM, so there’s no need to buy and install a card manually.

While eSIMs can be used at home, there are notable advantages to using eSIMs for travel. It’s super easy to switch between carriers and plans, which minimizes service interruptions while you’re globetrotting.

Additionally, there’s no need to visit a store in person to get a new SIM card or buy online and wait for it to be shipped to your home. eSIM cards can be purchased online and activated immediately using a QR from your carrier. Plus, there’s a huge range of plans offered by many different providers, giving you plenty of control over how much you pay based on the travel data you think you’ll need.

Are there any drawbacks to using an eSIM for travel?

Not all carriers support eSIMs, and not all devices are eSIM compatible. However, eSIM usage is growing dramatically, so mobile users can expect to see these limitations decline in the coming years.

Where can I buy a travel eSIM?

Airalo (200+ countries, regional plans available)
Flexiroam (200+ countries and territories, regional plans available)
Nomad (165+ countries, regional plans available)
GlobaleSIM (150+ countries, regional plans available)
Ubigi (200+ countries)
Maya Mobile (190+ countries, regional plans available)
BNESIM (200+ countries, regional plans available)
eSIM2Fly (100+ countries, regional plans available)
GigSky (190+ countries, regional plans available)
RedteaGO (100+ countries, regional plans available)

How to deactivate your regular SIM and activate your eSIM for travel

Before activating your new eSIM card, deactivate your regular SIM card. This will protect your personal data and help you avoid getting hit with unnecessary roaming charges.

Deactivating a SIM card is pretty easy. Here’s how it works:

Back up your phone, including contacts, messages, and any other data.
Notify your mobile carrier about your travel plans and ask that your SIM card be temporarily deactivated. Your carrier will guide you through the process.
Once deactivated, remove your SIM card from your phone and store it in a safe place.

Activating an eSIM for travel is even easier than activating/deactivating a physical SIM card. Usually, you’ll need to contact your travel plan carrier and get a QR code. Scan this into your phone to activate the eSIM.

The following tips may help if you’re having trouble knowing how to use an eSIM when traveling:

Make sure your device is eSIM compatible
Check your wireless connection. Restart your phone if necessary.
Re-scan your carrier’s QR code
Contacting your carrier for help

Check your network coverage and device compatibility

With travel eSIMs, you can stay connected almost anywhere in the world. Many new cell phone models are eSIM compatible. If you have an old phone, you may need to upgrade to a newer model to begin using eSIMs for travel. Check out a list of eSIM-compatible devices here .

eSIM plans piggyback on domestic carriers’ networks. To find out where you can get service in a given country, visit the network provider’s website or contact the network provider directly. If you’ve already landed, apps like OpenSignal (Android and iOS), LTE Discovery (Android), and Network Cell Info Lite (Android) provide info on network strength in your area and surrounding areas.

How much travel data do I need?

To get the most out of your travel eSIM, you’ll want to strategically plan your data usage. Up to 5GB of data is good if you don’t use your device often, while moderate users might want to be safe and go for a 10GB travel data plan. Look for higher data plans if you’re an active online gamer or stream a lot of high-quality videos.

Here are a few tips for minimizing your data usage while traveling:

Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible (airports, hotels, cafes, etc.). But consider using a VPN to prevent unauthorized access to your device and data.
Disable automatic device updates and limit the number of apps that run in the background. Many phones make it easy to do this with data-saving mode.
Don’t stream much music or video, or download files in advance to avoid streaming while you travel.
Use data compression apps to reduce the size of web pages and images.
Disable data roaming to avoid automatically using foreign networks.
Go on airplane mode when you’re not using your device.

How to stay safe when using a travel eSIM

Compared to physical SIM cards, eSIM cards are much harder to hack because you can’t simply remove the card from a device.

Even though eSIMs reduce the risk of your SIM card getting lost or stolen, it’s still important to safeguard your personal data while abroad. One of the best ways to protect your personal data while using Wi-Fi is with a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs create a tunnel of sorts through which you can access the internet without your personal data being visible to others using the same Wi-Fi network.

Another great way to stay safe while using public Wi-Fi is to disable file sharing and AirDrop. Doing so makes it harder for nearby devices to access your files. Also, avoid accessing non-secured websites. Look for “https://” in the URL, which indicates that data is encrypted when being transferred between your device and the server.

Can I use an eSIM internationally?

Yes. Some eSIM plans offer service in multiple countries or regions (USA & Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, etc.). Others are country specific. Before you buy an eSIM, make sure it supports your destination country.

Can I get a global eSIM?

You can’t buy an eSIM card that works in every country, but you can buy an eSIM that offers service in multiple countries or regions. If you’re planning a trip around the world (sounds exciting!), you might need to get multiple eSIM plans and activate them separately as you travel.

Can I get a travel data plan on an eSIM card?

Yes, it’s possible to buy and activate a data-only eSIM travel plan on your phone. Although, if you want to do more than just access the internet on your device, you’ll need a full-service eSIM plan that also lets you text and make calls.

Why settle with a physical SIM card, when you can get a digital SIM card that you don’t have to stand in line at a store to buy and that you can activate and manage remotely? Use an eSIM to avoid the hassle of interrupted mobile service when traveling internationally.

You can’t yet use a travel eSIM with all phones and providers. But more and more eSIM options are popping up on the market, so stay ahead of the trends and start riding the wave.

Should Travelers Use eSIMs? International Travel E-sim How To and Tips

It was early in 2023 when we realized: eSIMs are a game changer for travelers.

We were having dinner with a group of experienced travelers who have been all over the world and have traveled through several decades. They could speak of the many changes that they’ve experienced regarding how travel used to be different without technology.

Back before the internet, we had physical guidebooks and maps. We talked and marveled how the smartphone replaced the need to carry multiple devices like a camera, walkman, map, compass, phone, etc… and even pay for things?!

E-SIMs represent another important milestone in travel and technology and a reminder of how interconnected our world is.

E-SIMs keep us connected no matter where we go.

Read on to learn: – The benefits of eSIMs for travelers – How to use an eSIM and important tips

Updated: March 2024. Originally published: February 2023. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. We received complimentary eSIM plans from Airalo and Nomad in order to test their services. All opinions are our own.

Table of Contents

Why eSIMs are great for travelers

In the following short video, we share the key highlights and important things to know about using eSIMs for travel.

Explore Airalo international eSIM plans here >

Because our smartphones have become our most essential device, it’s almost necessary these days to have a data connection, especially when we’re somewhere unfamiliar.

Once you cross international borders, your cellular and data plan may no longer work.

When arriving in a new country, you’ll most likely have no connection (unless you paid for a special data plan or have some sort of special benefit from your home cellular company). Typically, this traveler will then try to find a WIFI connection to be able to use apps like check email or use messaging (like Whatsapp or iMessage).

The traveler would then seek out a local store that sold SIM cards and data plans for that host country. Sometimes this is relatively painless, like in Thailand or Vietnam where there are merchants in the airport that can help you install a physical SIM.

In other places, getting a lcoal SIM card can be more challenging, and it doesn’t help if you don’t know the language.

Since eSIMs are digital , you can work with a company (usually through a website or app), purchase an eSIM and data plan, install it on your phone, and then activate the plan whenever you’re ready to use it.

There’s no need to speak with anyone. Plans are clearly laid out and the installation and activation process is fairly straightforward.

This means you can land at your international destination and be instantly connected to data . (Caveat: You’d need to activate your plan before departing which would start the “countdown timer” so to speak.)

This is probably sparking a lot of great questions so let’s see if we can answer that straight away.

TIP: If you have our WorldWide Connectivity course (also available inside our Membership), review the modules on eSIM Best Practices and Managing Data Usage to get the most out of your eSIM!

What are eSIMs?

This is not a tech blog so I’m not going to use confusing terminology. I want to make sure that when my mom reads this post, I can meet her where she’s at and she’ll be able to teach her friends and siblings about eSIMs.

Short answer: an eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card . Remember those?

Sim cards are physical cards that hold specific cellular information so that your phone could work on a specific network.

Every SIM card is assigned a phone number and works on a specific network.

This means if I have the phone number 123-456-7890 and have a T-mobile SIM card, I can take that SIM card and insert it into any other compatible, unlocked phone. Then anyone can call me at 123-456-7890, regardless of what phone I use.

Again, SIM cards are physical. There are different sizes and your phone will require a specific size.

Thanks to evolving technology, we now have eSIMs – a digital version – which can be added to smartphones that have the eSIM feature.

E-SIM technology started to arrive in phones back in 2016. Most of the major phone companies now have dual-sim capability, meaning they can use both physical SIM cards and eSIM.

Check out Airalo’s website for a comprehensive list of what smartphones have eSIM capability.

In fact, one of the most unique features about eSIM technology is that you can run up to two SIMs on your phone at the same time! We’ll explain what this means and what this is in more detail later in the post.

Currently I’m using an iPhone 13 and I have both a physical spot to insert a SIM card, but I also have the ability to add eSIMs to my phone.

At the time of writing this, I’m currently using an eSIM with T-mobile for my US phone number, and I’ve installed a separate travel eSIM to use in SE Asia. And the best part: I’m using both at the same time!

What is required of my smartphone to use eSIMS for travel?

You’ll need a smartphone that’s has eSIM capability . Most newer phones (circa 2018) are, and you can do a quick web search to check if your phone has eSIM capability.
Your phone needs to be unlocked . Because eSIMs work with different networks (outside of your main one), you’ll need your phone to be unlocked. This usually means that you’ve fully paid off your phone (no payment plans) and went through an unlock process with your carrier. Again, a quick web search on “how to unlock my phone with insert name of your carrier ” will give you the steps you need to do this.You cannot take advantage of eSIMs for travel if you do not meet these two requirements.

Why would someone use an eSIM vs. a SIM card?

eSIMs are extremely convenient .

eSIMs can be bought and installed via an app/website without needing to navigate the process in a foreign country where there may be a language barrier.

Additionally, there’s no physical installation required and no tiny card to keep track of. You can’t lose an eSIM because it’s not physical.

Oh, and there’s no long term commitment . These are prepaid, use it or lose it plans.

This also means you can change between different eSIM companies like Airalo and Nomad whenever it works best with your travel plans.

What happens if you use up your data, need to add more, or renew a plan?

Again, the process is extremely convenient. You can track your data usage via the app of the eSIM company you’re using.

You can top up through the app or purchase a new plan (if needed). It’s clear and straightforward.

Gone are the days when you purchased a card with a funky number code that you needed to enter into your phone to add more data.

Cost Comparison of eSIMs vs. International Phone Plans

When traveling, you get better value using an eSIM than going with your regular cellular network.

If you use a US cellular company and try to look at international data plans, you’ll be amazed at the limited availability and how much they cost. It’s expensive for very little data.

Compared to getting a regular SIM and data plan in another country OR purchasing a data plan and eSIM through another company, US phone company international plans almost always cost more.

Here’s an example comparison between T-Mobile (my US cellular network) vs. Arialo and Nomad , two eSIM companies. For this example we’ll consider options for data access in Vietnam for 30 days :

*Only one country included in plan. **Regional plan. Airalo offers access to 13 18 SE Asian countries. ***Regional plan. Nomad offers access to 6 SE Asian countries + Australia and New Zealand.

As you can see above, it’s not even close!

T-Mobile wants you to pay more , limits you to one country, giving you less data and less time to use it.

Check out Airalo travel eSIMs here >

How we used eSIMs on our Southeast Asia Trip

When we were planning our trip for Southeast Asia, we knew we would be in Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand. Not wanting to pay for individual data plans, we were looking for an Asia eSIM. Thankfully these exist!

We tried using eSIMs from Airalo and Nomad. Both offered region-based plans (in addition to individual country-specific plans).

AsiaLink data plan from Airalo countries included

On my phone, I’m able to use two cellular/data networks at once . It can either be two active eSIMs OR the combination of one eSIM and a regular SIM card.

This means I have two phone plans active on one phone, at the same time. Additionally, for data usage, I can set which apps use which specific data from any of my active SIMs .

Example: While traveling in SE Asia, I am using my eSIM from T-Mobile with my US phone number AND I’ve downloaded and installed an eSIM from a travel eSIM company.

My current T-Mobile plan gives me unlimited data at 2G speeds along with free texting to the US. Thanks, T-Mobile!

The downside is 2G is painfully slow . Bummer, T-Mobile!

2G speeds are enough to download and reply to some emails, ask Google a question using a browser, or lightly use Google Maps (if you’ve downloaded an offline map ). It’s terrible for downloading and uploading content – unusable for social media, streaming, etc.

Thanks to the Asialink eSIM from Airalo , I’m able to keep using my regular T-Mobile data plan for my US phone number , which I use mainly for texting. AND I can use the eSIM data for all other apps (Chrome, Gmail, Google maps, Facebook, Instagram, etc.).

They both work at the same time. As mentioned before, you can select which apps use data from which eSIM in your phone settings.

Important note: eSIM data plans DO NOT come with a phone number . This isn’t a deal breaker but it’s something to be aware of.

Because eSIMs only provide data connection (via a cellular network), you can use apps but you cannot make outgoing or incoming calls through your phone’s phone app.

YOU CAN, however, use VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) apps like Whatsapp, Facetime, and Google Voice to make phone calls and send messages . We’ll dive into this more later in the post.

Are eSIMs better than portable WIFI devices?

Both an eSIM and a portable WIFI device exist to connect to a local cellular data network, providing you with data for your devices.

I think portable WIFI companies will have a hard time competing with eSIMs.

Here’s why:

For travelers, packing space is valuable. A portable WIFI device is an extra, physical device you need to carry, charge, and deal with. An eSIM allows you to pack light, as it takes up no physical space.

A portable WIFI device is only necessary if you have an older phone that does not support eSIM technology.

Most of us will upgrade our phones at some point and have eSIM capability, which means a portable WIFI device will become antiquated technology.

And you might ask: “But what if I have other devices that need to be connected by data on the road like a laptop or a tablet?”

Most phones have the ability to turn into a mobile hotspot. This way, you can then share your eSIM data plan with other devices. (More on this below.)

Portable WIFI devices and eSIMs both use a cellular network, however, the user experience is vastly different. In my experience, the eSIM apps are easier to use .

Jedd on phone at airport using International Travel E-sim | Intentional Travelers

How much data do I need? What eSIM data plan should I purchase?

This is like asking how much food do you need. The answer is highly dependent upon the person.

During our time in SE Asia, I was surprised that a 5GB plan over 30 days was more than we needed . In that time, I used about 2.75 GB. Michelle used less than 2 Gigs on her plan.

So when I renewed my plan for another 30 days, I got the 3GB plan.

One of the reasons why you probably don’t need as much data as you might think: So many places offer free WIFI now.

A big change over the 7 years we’ve been traveling to Asia is availability of WiFi. I would argue it’s easier to get connected to WIFI in rural Asia than it is in rural Italy or France.

When on prepaid/capped data plans, I’m much more intentional about when and how I use certain apps. I got into the habit of only using data-hungry apps like Instagram or Facebook when connected to WIFI.

You can customize your phone settings to specify which apps can run only on WiFi vs. cell data, so it happens automatically. (More on this below.)

If you don’t care how much money you spend and staying connected is important for your work or peace of mind, go with a bigger data plan. This way, you won’t have to carefully track your usage. To each their own.

If you’re more budget minded (like us), there’s usually a “Goldilocks” plan. You know, not too small or too large.

For most travelers, we estimate that 3GB for 30 days will be enough (5GB for extra peace of mind).

If you’re a social media influencer, or you need to make video calls when WiFi is unavailable/not fast enough, or maybe you’re just addicted to watching Netflix on the road, then maybe you’ll want more data.

TIP: If you have our WorldWide Connectivity course (also available inside our Membership), use the lesson “How Much Data Do I Need?” to help determine this for yourself. We also recommend reviewing the modules on E-SIM Best Practices and Managing Data Usage to get the most out of your eSIM.

Browse Airalo eSIM data plans here >

How to choose an eSIM plan

Does the company offer coverage/availability in the countries I’m traveling to? Especially check availability in the places you’ll be spending the most time in.

How much data do I want and for what period of time? This should come second to the country-specific availability.

Look at your travel itinerary and find a data plan that covers the number of days you’ll be traveling. Unfortunately, there are no custom plans so you may need to renew for longer trips.

Having coverage and unused data and dates is better than not having connection IMO.

With eSIM plans, you either use your data or lose it. Unused data does not carry over if you renew a plan.

What is the cost? This will differ between eSIM companies. Costs are based on the amount of data and the duration you’ll have access to the plan.

Remember, these are prepaid plans and you can customize based on your needs. Maybe you go with a region specific plan at first and then a country specific plan for the second half of your itinerary.

You can also use an Airalo eSIM data plan for one part of your trip and a Nomad eSIM data plan for another part. There’s nothing that prevents you from going between different eSIM apps and companies.

How Do eSIMs Work?

I’m not going to lie here. I don’t know technical aspects that make this magic happen.

All I know is how to get it to work for us while we travel:

Go to an eSIM company’s website OR download their app.
Find the plan you want and make your purchase using a credit card.
You’ll need to create an account and login.
Follow the instructions sent in the confirmation email (or the app) to install the eSIM to your phone.
Activate the plan using the app when you’re ready to use it. This initial activation requires being connected to WiFi.
Go to the cellular settings on your phone and select the apps that you want to your new plan to work with.
Start using your phone like you normally would.*

*See our tips section on best practices later in this post.

Once the eSIM is set up, track your data usage and adjust your app data settings as needed.

For example, I started off by not giving Instagram of Facebook access to my eSIM Asia data plan. Then, having used it for a couple of weeks and noticing I had plenty of data left in my timeline, I turned data for those apps back on.

The eSIM companies we used for our SE Asia trip are NOT cellular companies. The mobile network our phones connected to wasn’t always the same, even within the same country.

That’s because the eSIM companies have contracts with different cellular networks in each country . Your installed eSIM will connect to whichever local network you’re physically closest to.

This means the performance and coverage of an eSIM data plan will vary by location . This might be one of the biggest cons, not knowing exactly how good your coverage will be while traveling.

Similar to using a cellular network in your home country, cellular coverage is most likely the best in urban areas , spotty in semi-urban/rural areas, and sometimes non-existent in really rural or remote areas.

Using your phone as a mobile hotspot: Another reason why Digital Nomads love eSIMs

Our livelihoods as digital nomads are connected (pun intended) to our internet connection.

One of the top advantages to using a cellular data network compared to a WIFI network is that your coverage is a lot more vast.

WIFI networks are meant to cover small square areas. They are strong within that certain area.

Cellular networks cover vast areas. Though they will never be as fast as WIFI or LAN connections, cell networks can get you connected to the internet in more locations .

For example, if we wanted to do work on a beach in Vietnam or Thailand, we could use the eSIM data plan and turn on the mobile hotspot feature on our phone .

With the mobile hotspot, we can connect a laptop or tablet to our phone as if it were a wifi router and then get some work done.

Should we expect blazing fast performance? No.

Is our work time in this scenario limited to the battery life on our phone running as a hotspot? Yes.

This is just an example of how one could use a mobile hotspot setup with an eSIM data plan.

As many of you know, one of our side businesses is that we help host online cooking classes with our business partner in Italy. This means we host live classes through Zoom and need good internet.

As we’ve traveled in different countries (or even at home in the US), the power can go out and so too, the WIFI connection.

Our back up plan when we lose wifi has been the data plans on our cellphones , using that mobile hotspot for data connection.

Again, it’s not the best connection. But will it get the job done? Yes.

For Digital Nomads or anyone working remotely , being connected to the internet is always better than not being connected at all.

Tips for using an eSIM while traveling

Purchasing regional plans vs. individual country plans

Compare data plans and availability for each eSIM company carefully to find the one that best fits you.

Nomad, for example, has great regional AND individual country options. Airalo has great regional options but their individual country plans are limited. Both have similar offerings but the pricing and data amounts vary.

Purchase your plan and install your eSIM before arriving at your international destination. eSIMs can be installed on your smartphone without starting the prepaid plan.

Often you’ll have a set period, like 30 days from your purchase date, to activate and start your plan. It’s only when you “activate” your plan that the data can be used and the countdown begins on the plan’s duration.

But here’s an important reminder: activating your eSIM plan requires a data connection .

Check out Airalo international eSIM plans >

The best way to activate your plan

When you are ready to start your plan, connect to WIFI. This could be on the plane (if that’s available to you). More likely, it will be in the form of free WIFI offered by the airport when you arrive.

You can activate your plan early, before you even depart for your destination. This might be a good option if you’re unsure when you’ll have WIFI next and you want to make sure your eSIM is up and running as soon as you land at your destination.

Open your eSIM app and go to your plan.
Tap “Activate.” Follow any instructions in the app. Done!

screenshots of airalo installation tips: do not interrupt the process

Check your cellular data settings in your phone.
Make sure the eSIM has been installed and turned on.
Turn on data roaming.

Troubleshooting if your eSIM doesn’t seem to be working

Instructions or troubleshooting documentation provided by the eSIM company will be in their confirmation emails, within the app, or on their website. They know things can happen and provide good instructions on what to try when something doesn’t work properly.

If the eSIM was working in one place and doesn’t seem to be working after crossing borders or arriving from an airplane, try these things:

Turn your eSIM off and back on. (Don’t uninstall though.)
Turn your phone off and back on.
Double check to make sure your plan hasn’t expired or reached the data limit.

Get familiar with the Cellular settings in your smartphone

Phone settings is an important area to explore. Here you can (and should) label your eSIM. I suggest labeling it with the name of the company and plan you purchased (i.e. Airalo AsiaLInk) so you can remember which eSIM you’re changing settings for.

Next, you can set which eSIM/SIM is your primary or default.

You can also turn off or on eSIMs here. For example, Michelle wanted to make sure she wasn’t charged for any international calls or texts with her AT&T account, so she turned that SIM off completely while traveling.

Finally, the Cellular settings area is also where you can adjust which apps you will allow to use cellular data. More on that below.

Managing data usage

Your smartphone will have settings to determine which apps can be used with cellular data and which apps you want to limit to WIFI use.

You can even select which eSIM/SIM to use, if you have multiple on the phone.

Keep cellular data on for any travel apps that will be important to use in transit or away from WiFi. Apps that help you navigate, like Google Maps, or receive messages, like Whatsapp, are the ones we prioritize for cell data.

Remember to use the eSIM app to monitor your data usage.

Your phone monitors data usage as well, but we’ve found the eSIM apps to be a better indicator of usage since they’re the ones that will stop your plan when you use up the data.

To maximize your data allotment, be intentional about what apps you use when connected to WIFI.

Save big data usage, like streaming videos, engaging with social media apps, and talking with loved ones via video calls, for WIFI connection.

This simple, intentional method of using your apps is an easy way to save on your data usage. But if you paid for a big data plan, go to town and use whatever app you’d like on your eSIM data plan. You paid for lots of data – you should get your money’s worth.

Making local and international calls while abroad using Whatsapp

As mentioned before, eSIMs typically don’t provide you with a usable phone number. This makes sense as usually phone numbers are network-specific and the eSIM can use a variety of networks. (If you have an eSIM that works in several different cities/countries, you would need a different phone number in each country.)

You may think that not having a phone number would prevent you from using your smartphone to make calls while abroad. But that’s not the case!

You can make local calls in the country you’re visiting using Whatsapp. This app uses data to make phone calls over the internet.

As long as you have a Whatsapp account, just open the app, go to calls, and dial the number you want to call using the country code and number.

(You can call any phone number through Whatsapp, however, in order for someone to receive messages through Whatsapp, they do need to have the Whatsap app on their phone.)

Can I use my eSIM data plan for iMessage, Facetime, Google Voice, Facebook messenger, etc..?

Yes! All of those apps run on data. You should be able to use any of them without any issues with your eSIM data plan.

Did we have any issues with our eSIMs while traveling?

There were a couple of things we learned using eSIMs for the first time.

When we landed in different countries via airplane, the data connection took some time. It didn’t always connect instantaneously once we turned off airplane mode.

Once, one of our eSIMs wasn’t connecting at all after we landed in a new country. There were no error messages or instructions, just the “spinning wheel of death” where the network name and data bars should be.

Eventually, we tried turning off the phone and turning it back on. This seemed to work, but it would have been nice if there was some kind of notification prompting us to reset the cellular network connection.

One final suggestion for travelers using eSIMs:

Install your eSIM and activate your plan before arriving at your destination. Pro: You’ll land at your destination and theoretically you’ll be connected to cellular data. Cons: You might start using up your plan a little earlier than you wanted.

Install your eSIM before you depart and then activate your plan using a WIFI connection after arriving at your destination. Pro: You’ll have your eSIM ready to go and you won’t start your plan until you absolutely need to. It’s a running clock from the point you start. Cons: You’ll need to find a WIFI connection in transit to make this happen.

Learn more about Airalo international eSIMs for travel >

Airalo Discount Code

If you’re going to try Airalo eSIMs for the first time, they gave us a referral code that will get you $3 off your first eSIM data plan.

Once you sign up, use our Airalo Discount Code: MICHEL3784 on your first purchase.

We’ll both get a $3 credit for Airalo plans.

Travel eSIM Review Conclusion

Whether for digital nomad internet access or general travel use, we are eSIM converts! We will definitely be using eSIMs for travel from here on out.

We will still rely heavily on wifi at our accommodations. But we’ve tried mobile hotspots in the past as a back up to wifi, and international eSIM plans are likely to replace them as an essential travel tool for us.

Let us know if you have questions about eSIMs for international travel.

Like this post? Pin it for later or share with friends!

Should Travelers Use Esims? International Travel E-sim How To and Tips | Intentional Travelers

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Michelle, we are currently traveling in western Europe and are using a regional Airalo as our eSIM. We turned off data to our home-based, physical T-Mobile SIM, but keep it active for voice and text. That way we remain connected to family in the US. The eSIM basically roams on selected networks – mostly vodaphone and NOS. What is odd is that I can be on Vodaphone and my husband will be assigned to the NOS network, although we are standing next to each other. We also noticed that LTE is as fast as it gets – never 4 G or 5 G which is pretty available throughout the EU countries. Like you, we purchased 5 Gigs for the first 30 days, but only used 2, so we downgraded to the 3 Gig plan for the second month. Turns out that the GPS on Google maps sips data. I wrote down how to activate the eSIM for future use as sometimes the generic iPhone instructions were less than clear. This is a very affordable way to easily access data and avoid the use of country specific SIM cards!

Can I use E-sim cards with a locked phone ?

Do E-sims work well in Vietnam ? Any in particular you recommend for Vietnam ?

Denise, that’s a great question and we’ll be sure to update the post to better clarify. The phone does need to be unlocked in order to use an eSIM from a company that’s not your cell service provider.

Yes, our eSIMs have worked great in Vietnam – you’ll find more details about this on our new Asia esim review post . Both Airalo and Nomad have worked well for us, so I would choose whichever one has a cheaper plan for your needs at the time.

Best eSIM for international travel

For international travel, eSIMS are a great way to get data because they’re easy, fast, and affordable!

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: February 23, 2024

The best eSIM for international travel

I think eSIMs are one of the best ways to get phone data while you're travelling and take the stress out of arranging a plan with a local telco.

But the best eSIM providers for travel offer different plans, and it's worth doing the research the find which one is best for you.

That's why I've put together this comprehensive guide to the best eSIMs for travellers.

What is an eSIM?

Is an esim the best option for you, a local telco.

Believe it or not, when I first started travelling full-time more than a decade ago, I didn’t even have a phone with me.

After feeling like I had been a slave to my BlackBerry (yes, I’m that old!) in my previous job, I wanted to roam the world without a constant digital distraction. I thought being disconnected from technology during the day would mean a better connection with the people and places I was exploring.

I managed to get away with that for about a year before I finally bought an iPhone. Now, looking back on it, I don’t know how I survived.

While I still love the idea of distraction-free travel, having access to the internet on my phone has become such an important part of how I discover new destinations. Being able to find a bus timetable, get a restaurant recommendation, research a landmark I’m visiting – all of it enriches my days, keeps me safe, and introduces me to things I might otherwise have missed.

So, what’s the best way to get data on your phone when you travel?

Well, I used to buy local SIM cards when I arrived in a new destination, and that’s still a decent option (which I’ll discuss shortly). But these days, most of the time, I now use an eSIM for international travel.

An eSIM is a connection to a phone provider that uses a chip built in to your phone, rather than a physical SIM that you need to insert. When you buy an eSIM, what you’re actually buying is a short contract with a telco that will use this permanent chip within your phone to connect you.

Should I get an eSIM?

There are advantages and disadvantages to eSIMs for travellers, and whether you should get one depends on your circumstances. The benefits of an eSIM include: you don’t need to visit a store, there’s a large range of plans, it works alongside your usual SIM card, and it can cover multiple countries.

Can you use an eSIM internationally?

While you can get an eSIM for your home country, the biggest benefits of an eSIM are for travellers. You can buy an eSIM for just one country, or you can get international ones that cover all the countries in a region – or even a global one for the whole world!

Can any phone use an eSIM?

Not every phone has the technology to use an eSIM, although most released in the past few years are compatible. Make sure you check your model first. Also, if your phone is locked to a single provider, then an eSIM probably won’t work (just as inserting a different physical SIM won’t work).

I feel like a lot of travellers still don’t know much about eSIMS because, even though the technology has been around for a few years, there’s been a slow uptake. But it’s now got to a point where the best eSIM plans offer genuinely good benefits for travellers and the upsides are starting to outweigh the downsides these days.

In this article, I’m going to first run you through some of the basics of eSIMs, in case you haven’t come across the concept before.

If you do know a bit about the technology, you can jump straight down to my section about the best eSIM for international travel .

If you just want the short answer, I think Airalo offers the best eSIM for international travel . You can see its range of plans here .

For most travellers, there are definitely going to be some advantages to getting an eSIM, and I would recommend giving it a try if you haven’t used one before.

That’s what I did – and I haven’t looked back. But I have tried a few different providers, to get a sense of what is the best eSIM for international travel.

It’s this experience – plus lots of research into the latest eSIM plans – that I’m going to share, to help you arrange your phone date for your trip.

Although you may think the ‘e’ stands for ‘electronic’, eSIM is actually short for ’embedded SIM’ because that’s exactly what it is – a chip that is embedded into your phone.

Unlike physical SIMs, which have certain information hard-coded into them, an eSIM can be reprogrammed with different information. That’s why you are able to use it to connect to different phone plans around the world without putting anything physical into your phone.

So, what you’re doing when you ‘buy an eSIM’ is not actually buying any kind of card. What you’re doing is buying a temporary contract with a service provider, and then quickly reprogramming this chip in your phone to connect to it, as if it was a physical SIM.

If the idea of ‘reprogramming’ sounds complicated, don’t worry, it’s easy. Normally you’ll get a QR code or some kind of other link that lets you do it all automatically in just a few seconds.

All you have to do is go to an online retailer, choose the best eSIM plan for your circumstances (and buy it), then click the link or scan the QR code that you’ll be sent with the receipt – and, bam, it’s all done and you should be connected!

The first phones to use eSIMs were released in 2018 and they have slowly grown in popularity since then. Most modern phones now support eSIMs – and, in fact, there are iPhone models that are eSIM-only!

But it’s still worth checking if your device supports eSIMs and you can do that on this list of supported devices .

You can get eSIMS that include phone calls and text, completely replacing the need for any kind of physical SIM. But most of them just offer data at the moment, and they’re the ones I’m going to concentrate on in this article about the best eSIMs for international travel.

The invention of the eSIM – up there with the inventions of the wheel and fire, in the eyes of this regular traveller – has made my time overseas so incredibly simple.

There are definitely many advantages to using an eSIM, which is why I do it most of the time now.

But there are also some disadvantages that you need to consider, because the best eSIM for international travel for one person might not be the best for you. It depends on each scenario.

The first advantage of an eSIM is the convenience . With a physical SIM, you need to actually go into a store when you arrive in a destination to buy it, which can be a hassle and takes away precious time from your trip.

With an eSIM, everything is done online and you can get connected instantly wherever you are.

The second advantage is that you’ll be immediately connected . If you’ve arranged your eSIM in advance, as soon as you land in a new country and turn your phone on, you’ll be able to use the data.

I find this a really useful feature when I need to get in touch with someone waiting for me at the airport, or when I want to see when the next train to the city is, for example. (And to check my email for anything urgent after a 15-hour flight!)

Another advantage is that you can get eSIMs with regional plans or even global plans . It means that, if you’re visiting multiple countries on your trip, you don’t need to arrange a new SIM card each time you cross the border.

This isn’t such an issue in Europe, where most local SIMs have some level of sharing with other EU countries. But it’s particularly useful for regions like Southeast Asia where travellers often do go between countries, or for cruises.

On that note, I also like the advantage that there is a much wider range of data plans to choose from than traditional SIM cards. You can often choose different durations and different gigabyte limits (or unlimited), all offered at different price points.

This is great because it means you don’t need to pay more for extra time or data that you’ll never use if you’re on a short trip or only using your phone occasionally.

And the final (and huge) advantage that I love is that the eSIM works alongside a physical SIM , meaning your usual SIM card from home will also be active at the same time.

You can use your foreign eSIM to access mobile data affordably, while also using your physical SIM card to receive phone calls and SMS messages to your usual number (which is very handy for those login verification codes that so many organisations still insist on sending).

Disadvantages

Now, there are some downsides, and I’m not going to pretend they’ll be insignificant for some travellers.

The first disadvantage is that most eSIMs only offer data , not calls and text, which may not be convenient. Personally, I rarely make phone calls when I’m overseas and, if I do, I just use Skype or WhatsApp over data.

But if local calls are something you need, you may have to look harder to find an eSIM that offers that ( Simify has some good ones, for instance), or just stick with a physical SIM.

Another small disadvantage is that I find my phone battery goes down faster than usual because it’s connecting to two networks at once. This can be mitigated by turning one (or both) of the networks off in the settings, and I do quite often turn off my physical SIM unless I’m expecting a message or a call.

But the biggest disadvantage is the price. In most cases, an eSIM is more expensive than a local physical SIM. Or, at least, you get a lot less data for the same cost.

For example, an eSIM for Italy with 5 gigabytes over 30 days costs about US$13, while for the same price, you can get a physical SIM with more than 50 gigabytes over the same period (plus calls).

An eSIM for Thailand gets you unlimited data over 15 days for US$20, while a local SIM can get you 5 gigabytes over 30 days for around US$6 (if you can work out how to buy it at the convenience store).

The difference in value does change quite markedly for each country, so this could be less of an issue for some trips. And I think that Nomad tends to have some cheaper options, which can help.

But it’s definitely something to consider and becomes more of a problem if you’re planning to use a lot of data and need a bigger plan.

The best eSIM providers for travel

Now, let’s have a look at the top eSIM providers because they each offer slightly different types of products.

It’s not just about what they promise, but how much it costs – and also how reliable it is.

The short version of my findings is as follows.

Best for general use: Airalo
Best for unlimited data: Holafly
Best prices: Nomad
Best for phone calls: Simify
Best for occasional use: Drimsim
Best for long term: A local telco

The following recommendations are ranked in order, starting with the best – but I would also suggest you have a think about what type of eSim you want because they should be a factor in your choice.

One of the most popular eSIM providers for travellers is Airalo and, I can tell you, it’s the one that I use most of the time.

It’s got great coverage across the world and uses major telcos for its connections in almost all cases (for example: Optus in Australia, O2 in the UK, and T-Mobile in the US).

Airalo has a lot of flexibility in the geography of what it covers. You can choose eSIMs by country; or it has regional plans that cover areas like 39 European countries, 13 Asian countries, and 19 South American countries; and it has global plans as well.

The price of the eSIMs is about average, and you can definitely get a good price for quite a few key countries like Japan, Italy, and the UK. (The rate isn’t quite as good for countries like Mexico, India, and China, though.)

Almost all the eSIMs are based on a fixed data limit, such as 1 gigabyte, or 10 gigabytes – which should be fine for most people but may be an issue if you’re planning to use a lot of phone data.

Buying an eSIM from Airalo is very easy and the instructions for setting it up are simple. I did, however, get a very slow response when I needed support with a problem when I was travelling on the Greek islands , which is the main concern I have.

Still, for most travellers, I think this is the easiest and most reliable eSIM option, and it shouldn’t be too expensive for most countries you want to visit.

The next best eSIM provider, in my opinion, is Holafly. And it has quite a significantly different offering from Airalo.

Holafly is also a large international retailer that uses the major telcos around the world. It’s also easy to use and the setup is really simple. And it’s got a wide coverage of countries and you should be able to find an eSIM for almost anywhere you want to go.

The main selling point of Holafly is that most of the eSIM plans it offers are for unlimited data. Rather than having to guess how much you think you’ll use, you can just buy an eSIM for a duration and use it to your heart’s content!

The downside to this approach, though, is that the plans tend to be noticeably more expensive than the plans with a set amount of data. Using France as an example, Airalo offers a 30-day plan with 10GB for US$23. In contrast, the 30-day plan with Holafly costs US$64.

It’s a huge difference, and if you’re not going to use much data, it’s not worth paying for it. But if you’re a big user and you know you’re going to need a lot of data over a month, it’s probably cheaper to use a Holafly unlimited plan than buy multiple eSIMs over the month.

One thing to add, though. I think Holafly’s customer service is up there as the best, so for some people it may also be worth the extra cost to have that comfort.

Another good eSIM provider, which is similar to both Airalo and Holafly, is Nomad. Like the others I’ve already recommended, it offers plans in most countries and has good coverage in almost of all them.

To be honest, there is no particular reason why it’s better than the other two. But, having said that, I haven’t had any experiences that would make me say it’s worse than the others.

Quite a lot of the eSIMS that Nomad is selling are with the same telcos as the others and are just as easy to set up. One point of difference is that is has both data-limited and unlimited plans for some countries, so you can compare your options.

In some cases, Nomad is a bit cheaper than the larger stores, which is probably the main good reason to use it instead.

Looking at Greece as an example, if you want 10 gigabytes over 30 days, Airalo costs US$25 while Nomad costs US$19.

And in Thailand, for example, 10 days of unlimited data with Holafly costs US$34 while it’s US$30 with Nomad. (Although, in this case, you can get a deal of 15 days unlimited with Airalo for US$20.)

The point is, these top eSIM providers will have slightly different prices for each country depending on exactly what deal they’ve made with local operators. So it’s worth checking each of them if you want to find the cheapest and save a few dollars.

Now to Simify, which isn’t quite in the same league as the ones I’ve already mentioned. That’s because Simify is best known for physical SIM cards for travellers, and is actually a leader in that area.

(If you would still prefer to use a physical SIM, or want to compare the plans with an eSIM, I would recommend having a look at what Simify has to offer.)

The company has now branched out to eSIMs but doesn’t have quite the range of plans as the shops that do that exclusively.

But what Simify does offer is eSIMs that also include phone call and text, which may be a big deal for you!!

For example, it has this Europe & UK eSIM with 15 gigabytes for 30 days that also includes unlimited local calls , for just US$40. Compare that to Airalo, which gives you 10 gigabytes for 30 days (and no calls) for US$37, and you’ll see it’s a fantastic price!

Another great eSIM plan it offers is 30 days of unlimited data and local calls in the USA for just US$50 , which I think is one of the best eSIM plans you can get. (For that price with Nomad, you get 30 gigabytes and no calls.)

The reason I haven’t ranked Simify higher in this list is purely because it doesn’t cover nearly as many countries. But it’s one of the best options for the US, Europe, Japan, and parts of SE Asia.

I’ll be honest – Drimsim is not one of my favourite eSIM providers. So, why am I suggesting it here? Well, because it offers something different to all the others and there is one scenario where it might be a better choice for you.

The concept behind Drimsim is that you don’t buy an eSIM for a particular country, for a set amount of time, or even a set amount of data.

Instead, you pay a €10/month fee to have an eSIM which will connect from any country in the world! You then pay just for the data you use, which for most countries is €0.01 per megabyte or €10 per gigabyte.

That means if you only use 1 gigabyte of data in a month, you’ll pay €20 – which is more expensive than many SIMs for the data, but cheaper than many for the duration.

I think the main scenario where Drimsim is the best eSIM is when you’re doing long-term travel through multiple countries and you’re not planning to use much phone data – perhaps you just want to be able to check a map or look up a train timetable occasionally.

It may also be useful if you’re on a cruise when you visit lots of countries but for short periods, for instance. Or if you’ll have wifi most of the time and just want phone data as a backup.

In those cases, Drimsim may end up cheaper and you’ll have the convenience of connecting to networks everywhere in the world.

All of the best eSIM providers I have mentioned above are global stores that are offering deals from a range of international providers. I generally like to use one of these global stores because they are much easier (they’re in English, for starters!)

But in many countries, you’ll also find the usual domestic telcos are now also offering their own eSIMs – sometimes aimed at locals, and also sometimes at travellers.

A lot of the time, the packages they’re selling are just the same as the ones you’ll find on Airalo. But sometimes they do have better deals that’ll get you more data or a cheaper rate.

The plans can be confusing, especially if the provider’s website isn’t primarily in English, but it may be worth having a look to see what you can find – especially if you’re planning to stay in a single country for a long time and/or want to use a lot of data.

In the end, any of these eSIM providers I’ve recommended should give you a reliable connection for your trip. Which one is best for you will depend on the specific circumstances of your trip.

In most cases, especially for average holidays, you’ll find an eSIM is much easier than a physical SIM card and won’t cost much more unless you’re planning to use a lot of data.

Setting it up is easy and the best eSIM providers all have detailed instructions.

Remember: Not every device supports eSIMs, and you probably won’t be able to use one if your phone is locked to your home provider. Check this list of eSIM-compatible phones .

If you have any experiences (good or bad) with one of these providers, or you’ve got another one you would like to recommend, just let me know in the comments below.

11 thoughts on “Best eSIM for international travel”

The info was really helpful. I’m going to the Shetland island a month and since Brexit it is more expensive to use data on the phone compared with the rest of Europe.

Kind regards Ulla Pietarinen Sweden

Don’t know if I will find my way here again but I have this problem and you can inbox me at [email protected] . I just bought an esim capable phone to get started on this feature. while there are so many out there my problem is this: Finding a plan that covers these 3 things: (1) USA and the Caribbean (2) Besides GoogleFi who else has a Phone number in theirs ? (3) Who has a full 360/5 day plan. ? Most people brag on Airalo but they only have 180 days Is Keepgo legit ? So my thing is year round Data and be able to gain a non expiring phone number. Do you have a recommendation I can use.

The JULY15 code for Airalo is not accepted by Airalo

The Drimsim SIM or eSIM is a ** one-time ** 10 euro cost. Not monthly. As such, it looks like a good thing to have in my cell phone, ready to turn on if needed. Data is available in over 200 countries. And you can track costs from their App. You only pay for the data you use (fine grained, measured in KB) and the cost isn’t all that bad, typically $10-$25 per GB. But that means you can still do a lot of E-mailing for $1.

I think of the cost as just insurance, in case whatever other plan I use doesn’t work well in a particular country. It gives me another option.

No comparison on the throughput put you get with each one. Tried Airalo before and with roaming, speed throughput was abysmal… less than 1-2Mbps even on 4G!!!!

Thanks Michael for this information. We are just about to head off to Thailand and Egypt for 5 weeks and we were trying to choose between Airalo and Holafly. I think in this instance we may do Holafly as you know we will be using a lot of data. Cheers Jane

Amazing and helpful post! Thank you!

Simify no longer offers eSims for the US that cover both calls and data

This is an extremely well researched and well written article. Good job! Wish there were more like it.

Drimsin sounds much better in your description, as it actually is. I saw the part with a cruise, which actually does not work. I plan a cruise from Australia to Vanuatu, Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa, Tahiti. Half of the countries do not work!

Awesome information, thank you for writing this! It helps me so much to know first of all that my phone is not compatible w/ esim so i know to get a new phone before my upcoming journey! Also how these contraptions really work is great for newbie like myself. I don’t like to use alot of phone apps and stuff but think i will need it when in Istanbul, Greece & italy on my trip, just to find my way around etc.

Use eSIM while travelling internationally with your iPhone

Find out more about the options and benefits of using eSIM with your iPhone while travelling abroad.

Find out more about the benefits of travelling with eSIM

eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can’t be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen.

With eSIM, you don’t need to obtain, carry and swap physical SIM cards, which can also be lost, or wait for them to arrive in the post before you leave.

You can have two active eSIMs on supported iPhone models at the same time. This could, for example, include one eSIM for your home location and another eSIM for the place you’re visiting.

You can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active by changing the selection in Settings. This may be helpful if you regularly travel to the same places.

What you need

An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later

A network provider or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM

Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network*

If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while travelling internationally

Find out more about eSIM on iPhone

eSIM on iPhone isn’t offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Find out more about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao . For people visiting China mainland who want to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans, these are offered by many worldwide network providers .

Roam internationally with your existing network provider

Network providers may include international roaming on selected data plans without additional fees.

Alternatively, your network provider may offer affordable travel passes or plans that you can purchase ahead of time to use when you arrive at your destination.

International roaming with an eSIM works just like roaming with a physical SIM.

Your network provider may offer the ability to digitally manage your eSIM plan and add more data as needed.

To find out more, contact your network provider.

Find out more about mobile data roaming options when you're travelling internationally

Purchase an eSIM from a local network provider in the country or region you’re visiting

Find network providers around the world that support eSIM on iPhone .

If your iPhone is locked to a network provider, it can only be used with that network provider. You can add multiple eSIMs and plans through that network provider. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About. If your iPhone is unlocked, "No SIM restrictions" will appear next to Network Provider Lock (or Carrier Lock). Find out how to unlock your iPhone for use with a different network provider .

Many network providers offer prepaid plan options that you can purchase from network providers’ websites or apps before you arrive. Or, you can purchase them in person after arriving at your destination from a network provider kiosk at the airport, a network provider shop or another location.

In addition to purchasing a prepaid eSIM plan, you may want to get a post-paid account if you’re planning to be in another place for an extended period of time.

On your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs, which can be used as needed. On supported iPhone models, you can use two eSIMs at the same time . Network provider fees may apply. Contact your network provider for more information.

Purchase a pre-paid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider

Many worldwide service providers offer pre-paid data plans . These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries and regions when you’re travelling. Network providers offer plans that differ by the amount of data and duration. You can also purchase a plan before you travel.

Apps that offer data-only eSIM plans are available on the App Store on your iPhone .

When you’re abroad, you can use a data-only eSIM as your secondary line and have two active eSIM plans on supported iPhone models.

The capabilities on your primary line will continue to work when you add a data-only eSIM for mobile data. For example, you may keep your primary line for your home and set up a data-only eSIM plan as your secondary line while travelling.

To choose your data line, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data. You can continue to use FaceTime, iMessage and other apps to make VoIP calls or send messages while you’re travelling.

You can also turn data roaming on and off on your home line in Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data. Network provider fees may apply.

If you purchased an iPhone 14 model or later in the United States but will use it while living in a different country or region

You can activate an unlocked iPhone 14 model or later that you purchased in the United States with over 400 network providers in 100 markets worldwide that support eSIM on iPhone . Contact your network provider to confirm they support eSIM on your mobile plan. Also, check iPhone mobile data band support

Many worldwide service providers also offer prepaid eSIM data plans for long-term use in countries and regions across the world.

* iPhone 14 models and later that are eSIM-only can be activated without a Wi-Fi network.

Contact Apple Support

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iPhone 14, eSIM, and international travel: What you need to know

Not long from now, Apple will have again successfully shown the way ahead for the industry, and we will have no more SIM cards. Everything will be eSIM, just as it now is for US owners of the iPhone 14 range, and there are so many advantages that doubtlessly all phone manufacturers will follow suit.

Ultimately, it's also going to be the same internationally, with SIM cards a distant memory in every country in the world.

Whenever Apple pulls a move like this — such as removing the floppy drive, or the CD drive — there is always a period where things are unsettled. Rivals might mock the firm, such as when Apple was the first to remove the headphone jack from its phones, but even as they criticize Apple, they are already planning the same move.

This time, though, there is a difference because of the billion active iPhone users in the world, quite a few travel the globe. And it is going to take longer than usual for absolutely everywhere to switch to eSIM.

Which means nothing if you never leave the United States — but everything if you regularly leave the country.

How it used to be

This is still how it works for all but US iPhone users, but up until the iPhone 14, even owners in the States could wait until they arrived at a destination country. Then they could buy a local SIM card which would give them a certain amount of mobile data.

There were issues over picking the best deal for a local SIM card, and maybe that was fiddly enough that users didn't spend their entire first week abroad doing price comparisons. Whatever deal they got, it was almost certainly better than continuing to use their US SIM card.

Clearly it would be better financially, as carriers charge more for overseas use of a cell package. But it would also be better in every sense because, typically, US carriers limit overseas data speeds enormously.

By comparison, EU laws mean that a SIM card bought in France will have the same speed online in Germany, and without additional roaming charges. When Britain was voting for Brexit, carriers said they wouldn't introduce roaming charges — and of course most of them now have.

This means you can buy a Europe-wide SIM card, but you'd need a separate one for the UK. Or you could just skip visiting the UK, although the strength of the dollar against the pound makes going more tempting.

Wherever you are overseas, it used to be that people could be frugal and only use their iPhones when in Wi-Fi areas. Now online access is a requirement for daily life, with everything from train tickets to restaurant reservations, so travellers need data everywhere.

With dual eSIMs you can have two phone lines into the same iPhone

It's not just one eSIM, it's two

Apple has now long supported iPhones having dual SIMs where one is an eSIM, and one is a regular SIM card. The purpose was really so that if a user wanted a work and a personal phone number, they could have both on the same iPhone.

Now that dual SIM nature is a boon for international travelers. They can keep their existing US number and plan, but also add in an overseas plan.

So there's no risk of losing your original US SIM card because you had to replace it with, say, a European one.

It also means that instead of waiting until you arrive at your destination, you can research international roaming plans in advance — and install the one you buy before you leave.

This is why unlocked phones are good

If an iPhone is locked to one US carrier, Apple says that even with an eSIM, "your iPhone... can only be used with that network provider." You can still buy the equivalent of a local eSIM, but that eSIM has to work with your original provider.

To check whether your iPhone is unlocked:

Go to Settings
Tap on General
Choose About

If the iPhone is unlocked, you will see the words "No SIM restrictions" showing.

Whereas if it isn't unlocked, your choices are immediately more limited, but it also means that your carrier is the right place to start your research. Go through your cellphone providers FAQ list about eSIMs and data plans for other countries.

If it is unlocked, you can still check your carrier's site and you will find international plans.

Alternatively, though, you can take advantage of firms that offer eSIM data plans worldwide. Holidayesim.com , for example, offers a range of options including one deal for 10GB data for $49 and Orange offers 8GB data for $20.

You can buy an eSIM from firms like this and your data allowance does not start being used up until you reach your destination country. However, such eSIM deals do usually come with a time limit — and the clock starts running as soon as you buy.

Or you can go directly to the sites of the network providers in the countries you're going to be visiting. Apple maintains a list online of all providers that support eSIM.

How buying an eSIM at your destination works

If you buy an eSIM from your carrier, they may support eSIM Carrier Activation, or eSIM Quick Transfer. You can follow the carrier's instructions to first buy the eSIM, then choose a data plan to go with it.

Alternatively, you can to the site of an overseas carrier, and in that case, the process is typically done either via that company's app, or its website. It can be worth installing the carrier's app and registering on it, because you can then use that to download the eSIM directly to your device.

So having bought the eSIM plan, to get the eSIM onto your iPhone, you go to the carrier's site, register, download the app and then:

Open the carrier's app and tap on the prompt to download the eSIM
Confirm you want to download it
If prompted, select that you want the eSIM on this current device

It's important to be sure you want to download it to your current device, because you can only download an eSIM once.

If you need to download it on one device but install it on another, you will have the option to do that in the carrier's app. It entails that app generating a QR code that you then scan on the target device.

It's not two eSIMs, it's eight

The key advantage of a dual-eSIM system is that your iPhone continues to have its original, home eSIM. That isn't replaced by the one you've bought for your destination country.

However, it's also not the case that once you leave that destination country for another one, that you have to replace or abandon the new eSIM. Apple is curiously vague about this, but it says "on your iPhone, you can store eight or more eSIMs."

So it's at least eight, and however many you have, they will all "be there whenever you need them."

Only two eSIMs can be active at once, but "you can swap which of your stored eSIMs are active by changing the selection in Settings."

It's been a long time coming

It may take a while for eSIMs to become the norm, but that will happen faster now because of Apple.

And this is no overnight, casual decision. Apple has presumably planned for this for some time, and has been working with carriers for years , but it's also definitely wanted it from right back at the start of the iPhone.

Right from before the iPhone even came out, Steve Jobs wanted to get rid of SIM cards.

It's only taken fifteen years.

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Complete Guide: Best eSIM For International Travel

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Jan 24, 2024 | SIM Cards , Travel Tips

eSIMs are becoming more and more popular as people become more and more mobile.

But with so many eSIM providers and apps to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is the best for your needs.

This comparison guide will help you find the best eSIM for international travel .

We’ll look at what to consider when choosing the best eSIM provider, and then we’ll recommend our top picks for international travel.

So, whether you’re looking for the best global eSIM for travel or need a basic plan, we have you covered.

We’ll also feature some of the best eSIM deals available right now with our exclusive promo codes.

Quick Overview Best Travel eSIMs

Looking for a quick answer? Here are the three top eSIM providers for international travel.

Airalo : Perfect for travelers looking for short-term and long-term options worldwide. (My pick)
Holafly : Great options with several unlimited plans, especially in the United States.
Nomad : Offers a variety of country and global plans, as well as unlimited data plans in some destinations.

Before we dive deeper, if you’re new to eSIM, let’s see what an eSIM is.

❓ What Is An eSIM?

eSIM is a type of SIM card that is embedded in your device. You don’t need a physical SIM card, which makes it more convenient for people who travel frequently.

eSIMs are also becoming more common in smartphones, so if you’re looking to buy a new phone, eSIM might be an option for you.

There’s a catch! eSIMs are not yet universally supported. So before you switch to an eSIM, make sure your device is compatible.

Read our guide to learn the main differences between SIM cards and eSIM .

❓Which Devices Are Compatible With eSIM?

eSIM is currently supported on a few devices, including:

Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, and newer models.
Google Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and newer models.
Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and newer models.
Huawei P40, and newer models.

If you’re considering upgrading your phone soon, read about the best eSIM phones .

To verify if your device is compatible with eSIM , go to Settings and locate your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This will tell you if your device supports eSIM.

Here’s how to do it add an eSIM on a Google Pixel device:

Go to Settings.
Go to Network and Internet
Click on Add more
Choose Download a SIM instead.
Click on next.
Scan the QR code.
Name the eSIM.
Pick the eSIM to provide data.
Make sure the roaming is on.

🗒️ How To Choose The Best eSIM Provider For International Travel

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s look at how to choose the best travel eSIM provider for you.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, including:

Coverage: Make sure the eSIM provider has good coverage in the countries you travel to. Some eSIM apps have local, regional, and international plans.
Data: How much data do you need? You’ll need a plan with more data if you’re a heavy user.
Speed: Not all eSIM providers offer the same speeds. If you need fast speed, make sure to choose a provider that offers them.
Price: eSIM plans can vary in price, so consider your budget when choosing a provider. Some providers offer great eSIM deals too.

❓ Where To Buy An International eSIM?

International eSIMs for travel can be bought from a variety of places, including:

eSIM providers: Many eSIM providers sell eSIMs directly from their websites. This is the most convenient option, as you can activate your eSIM immediately. Some of these eSIM apps also allow you to purchase a plan without data or WiFi.
Carriers: If you’re already using a carrier, you may be able to buy an eSIM from them. It’s worth checking if your current carrier has its own eSIM plans.

So, how do you pick an eSIM provider?

Let us help! We’ll review the best eSIM for international travel below.

Airalo eSIM

Airalo is the most popular eSIM store and offers eSIMs in 200+ countries at affordable prices.

I’ve been using Airalo for a while now, and you can read our complete Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM provider.

Here’s how Airalo works:

Create an account on Airalo .
Download the app or use the desktop version.
Choose your destination and preferred plan.
Install your eSIM.
Activate your eSIM.

Go to Airalo

Pros And Cons Of Using Airalo To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Airalo.

Coverage in 200+ countries.
Short-term and long-term plans are available.
Affordable prices.
Offers local, regional, and global plans.
The customer support is great and fast.
No unlimited data plans available (a few exceptions)
I had a few issues in the past, but customer support always fixed the issues quickly.

Airalo Offer

Get 10% off on your first purchase on Airalo by using my referral code: ABB10.

Get A Discount Now

Holafly eSIM

Holafly is an eSIM provider with eSIM plans for more than 170 destinations.

I tried Holafly in the past, so you can read our complete Holafly review to learn more.

Here’s how Holafly works:

Pick a plan.
You’ll receive an email with your eSIM.
Scan the QR code to activate your eSIM.

Go to Holafly

Pros And Cons Of Using Holafly To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Holafly.

eSIMs are delivered via email immediately.
Plans available for more than 130 countries.
Supports both short-term and long-term plans.
Offers lots of options with unlimited data.
The customer support is fast (they answered me in 19 minutes).
You get unlimited data plans in several countries and regions, which is excellent if you are a heavy user. However, some users reported that the speed could vary. This could mean you’ll get high speed first, and eventually, you’ll get a slower speed if you use too much data.
You can’t always set up a hotspot with some plans, but some of them offer it. It’s worth checking out if you’re planning on using a hotspot.

Holafly Offer

Get 5% off your first purchase on Holafly with my referral code ABROKENBACKPACK.

Nomad offers data plans in 140+ countries. Their plans are in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

They also have regional plans (global, Nordic, APAC, SEA-Oceania, and Europe). Keep reading to learn more.

I’ve tried Nomad, and it worked well.

Although, it’s not my favorite because they only have short-term plans (up to 60 days, but mostly 30 days).

Nomad offers fixed data plans and unlimited data plans, giving you many options to pick from.

Here’s how Nomad works:

Pick a data plan.
Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
Activate your plan.

Go to Nomad

Pros And Cons Of Using Nomad To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Nomad.

Plans available in 100+ countries.
Regional and global plans available.
The website is very modern.
Unlimited data plans in some destinations.
All the reviews on the website are 5-star, which I find hard to believe. Nothing is perfect in this world.
Short-term plans only (up to 30 days).

Nomad Offer

Get $3 off on your first purchase on Nomad by using my referral code: MELI23HJ.

SimCorner eSIM

SimCorner offers data plans in 80+ countries. They offer both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans. You can pick between a local and a regional plan depending on your travel plans.

I’ve tried SimCorner, and it worked great.

However, I needed to wait a few hours to receive my eSIM. If you wish to purchase an eSIM plan on SimCorner, I recommend buying it a few days before your trip. This way, you’ll have it on time for your trip.

Learn more by reading our SimCorner review .

Here’s how SimCorner works:

Pick a data plan that suits your needs.
Complete the purchase.
Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code once you receive the eSIM via email.

Go to SimCorner

Pros And Cons Of Using SimCorner To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of SimCorner.

SIM cards and eSIM plans available in 80+ countries.
Local and regional plans available.
High data limits for heavy users.
You may need to wait a few hours to receive your eSIM, so plan ahead of your trip.
The buying process requires more steps than most providers. Still, you’ll be able to make a purchase in just a few minutes.

SimCorner Offer

Get a 5% discount with our promo code: ABBPTravel.

Maya Mobile eSIM

Maya Mobile is an eSIM store offering plans in 194 countries. They offer a wide range of affordable plans in multiple destinations. Each plan is up to 30 days, but you can opt for an auto-renew if you wish.

Maya Mobile offers data plans and unlimited data plans in some destinations.

I’ve tried Maya Mobile, and it worked fine.

Learn more by reading our Maya Mobile review .

Here’s how Maya Mobile works:

Select an auto top-up or monthly renewal option if you need.
Go to Data Plans or check your email to install the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
Enable roaming on your device.

Go to Maya Mobile

Pros And Cons Of Using Maya Mobile To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Maya Mobile.

eSIM plans available in 194 countries.
Wide range of plans you can renew every month
Unlimited data plans in some destinations
There are no global plans for the time being.

Maya Mobile Offer

Maya Mobile offers our readers a 10% discount. You won’t need to manually insert a coupon code to redeem your discount. Simply use our links to activate your 10% off .

SimOptions eSIM

SimOptions offers prepaid traditional SIM cards, and eSIM plans. They have plans everywhere around the world, including regional plans.

How SimOptions works:

Purchase a plan.
Scan the QR code to install your eSIM.

Go to SimsOptions

Pros And Cons Of Using SimOptions To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of SimOptions.

Prepaid traditional SIM cards and eSIM plans available.
Offers eSIM plans from different carriers, so you have more options to choose from.
The website is a bit more old-school but still very easy to use.

SimsOptions Offer

There are no offers at the moment.

BNESIM eSIM

BNESIM is an eSIM provider that was founded in 2017. They offer plans in 160+ countries. You’ll also find other options like international phone numbers, unlimited data packages, and monthly subscriptions.

To learn more, you can read our complete BNESIM review .

Here’s how BNESIM works:

Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information and email.
Install your eSIM by scanning the QR code.
If you’re using an Android, you’ll need to set up the APN. You’ll get all the information to set it up under the QR code.

Go to BNESIM

Pros And Cons Of Using BNESIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using BNESIM.

Plans without expirations are available.
Discounts on monthly data plans.
Offers local and regional plans.
The website is a bit simple, and not the most user-friendly one. For example, it can get overwhelming when looking at the options because of the way plans are presented. Update: they are working on a new version, so we’re looking forward to seeing it!

BNESIM Offer

Get a EUR 4 discount on your first purchase over EUR 10 with my BNESIM promo code: MELISSA4OFF.

Yoho Mobile eSIM

Yoho Mobile is an eSIM provider offering plans in 190+ regions and countries. You’ll also find plans in individual countries, and you’ll find regional plans for Europe and Asia.

To learn more, you can read our complete Yoho Mobile review .

Here’s how Yoho Mobile works:

Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information, name, address, and email.
Make sure to enable roaming to access the Internet.

Go to Yoho Mobile

Pros And Cons Of Using Yoho Mobile To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Yoho Mobile to purchase an eSIM.

Coverage in 190+ countries.
Many countries and regional plans offer multiple networks, which means you’ll get access to better Internet during your travels.
The website is relatively new, so we are excited to see how this eSIM provider will evolve in time.

Yoho Mobile Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my Yoho Mobile promo code: abrokenbackpack5. To add a coupon code, click on View Cart and paste the coupon code there.

Manet Travel eSIM

Manet Travel is a new eSIM provider offering various local, regional, and global plans in over 200 destinations. It’s a great eSIM provider, especially if you plan to travel to multiple destinations.

Read our Manet Travel eSIM review to learn more about this store.

Pick a plan and click on the Activate button.
Go to your emails and scan the QR code to install your eSIM.
Enable roaming to access the Internet.

Go to Manet Travel

Pros And Cons Of Using Manet Travel To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Manet Travel.

Plans available for more than 140 countries.
The customer support is extremely fast (they answered me in 5 minutes).
You can’t top up your plans for the time being, but their team said they are working on offering this feature in the future.

Manet Travel Offer

There are currently no offers available. You’ll have to choose between a credit card or a coupon code/voucher at the moment of the purchase.

AloSIM eSIM

aloSIM is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 130+ regions and countries. You’ll find many affordable local and regional eSIM plans.

To learn more, you can read our complete aloSIM review .

Here’s how aloSIM works:

Pick a plan on aloSIM.
Click on the buy button.
Log in or create an account.
Choose a payment method. They accept credit cards as well as vouchers.
Click on eSIM plan.
Click on the button to install the eSIM.
Scan the QR code. You’ll also get information below the QR code if you need help.
Set up an APN as mentioned in the installation guidelines.

Go to aloSIM

Pros And Cons Of Using aloSIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using aloSIM to purchase an eSIM.

Coverage in 130+ countries.
The website is easy to use.
The support team is extremely fast.
Offers affordable local and regional plans.
Some regional plans don’t offer coverage in as many countries as other eSIM providers.

AloSIM Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my AloSIM promo code: ABB5. To add a coupon code, you’ll need to enter it as a voucher when choosing a payment method.

GigSky eSIM

GigSky is an eSIM provider offering data plans in over 200 countries around the world. To buy an eSIM, you’ll need to download the app. Then, the app makes the whole process of buying an eSIM easier.

If you wish to learn more, read our complete GigSky review .

Here’s how GigSky works:

Select your destination and preferred plan on the app. You can swipe to see local, regional, or global plans available in this country.
Confirm that your device is unlocked and supports eSIM technology. Then, click on the button Buy Plan.
Finalize your purchase and activate your eSIM. The app does the whole thing for you, which is great if you’re unfamiliar with eSIMs.
Enable roaming.
Note that you may need to manually select the network if your Internet doesn’t work. I had to do this to connect to the Internet.

Go to GigSky

Pros And Cons Of Using GigSky To Buy ESIM

Let’s examine the main pros and cons of using GigSky to purchase an eSIM.

The app helps you install the eSIM, which means buying an eSIM is easier and faster.
If you prefer to make a purchase on a desktop instead of on your mobile, it won’t be possible for the time being.

GigSky eSIM Offer

There are no offers at the moment. If this changes in the future, we’ll let you know!

Instabridge eSIM

Instabridge is an eSIM store offering plans in over 190 countries. They offer a wide range of affordable plans in multiple destinations. You can opt for a one-off plan or a yearly subscription.

The best thing about Instabridge is its global eSIM plan that works in 112 countries.

I’ve tried Instabridge, and it worked fine. Their app is beautifully designed, and you’ll be able to find more options on there (compared to the desktop version).

Learn more by reading our Instabridge review .

Here’s how Instabridge works:

Add promotion code ABB10 to get 10% discount on Global packages (it works on 1, 3, and 10 GB).
Go to your emails to download the app and activate the plan.
Let the app install and activate the eSIM for you.

Go to Instabridge

Pros And Cons Of Using Instabridge To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Instabridge.

eSIM plans available in over 190 countries
Local and global plans available
Wide range of plans (one-off and yearly subscriptions)
Global eSIM works in 112 countries
You need to use the app in order to find all the country plans available

Instabridge Offer

Instabridge offers our readers a 10% discount on global plans (1 GB, 3 GB, and 10 GB). Simply use our coupon code ABB10 to enjoy 10% off.

Holiday eSIM

Holiday eSIM is an eSIM store offering plans in 200 countries. Holiday eSIM offers flexible prepaid plans, including international data, voice, and minutes, all backed by major mobile networks worldwide.

Holiday eSIM ensures customers receive reliable high-speed Internet with plans that are easy to activate.

Here’s how Holiday eSIM works:

Pick a plan on Holiday eSIM .
Click on the Add to Cart button.
View cart. Add your coupon code if you have one.
Proceed to checkout
Log in, create an account, or buy as a guest.

Go to Holiday eSIM

Pros And Cons Of Using Holiday eSIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Holiday eSIM to purchase an eSIM.

Coverage in 200 countries.
Depending on the destination, prepaid plans can include international data, voice, and SMS.
Offers plans backed by the best mobile networks.
The website could be improved to simplify the experience.

Holiday eSIM Offer

There are no offers at the moment. To add a coupon code, you’ll need to click on View Cart. Once the coupon code is added, you can proceed to checkout.

Onesim eSIM

Onesim is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 125+ regions and countries. All their eSIM plans are basically regional or global, which means you’ll get coverage in multiple countries.

To learn more, you can read our complete Onesim review .

Here’s how Onesim works:

Pay for your plan with a credit card and enter your name, country, phone type, and email address.

Go to Onesim

Pros And Cons Of Using Onesim To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Onesim to purchase an eSIM.

Coverage in 125+ countries.
The APN is automatically added to the eSIM, which means it’s easier to install.
The website is relatively new, so we are looking forward to see how it evolves in the future.

Onesim Offer

Get a 10% discount on your first purchase with my Onesim coupon code: BACKPACK10. To add a coupon code, you’ll see an option that says, “Have a coupon? Click here to enter your code”.

Best Global eSIM Providers

Now that you know some eSIM providers, let’s talk about the best international eSIM plans available.

Having an international eSIM is excellent when you travel a lot!

In my opinion, Airalo is the best travel eSIM for international trips because they offer more plans, but Nomad does provide coverage in more countries.

Let’s take a look at the best eSIM plans for international travel.

Airalo Discover Global eSIM

I love Airalo Discover Global because it covers 130 countries, making my life easier.

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
2 GB, valid for 15 days for $17
3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
10 GB, valid for 180 days for $59
20 GB, valid for 365 days for $69

You’ll also find options with calls and SMS.

Nomad Global eSIM

Nomad also offers a global plan that works in 112 countries.

1 GB, valid for 7 days for $20
3 GB, valid for 30 days for $48
5 GB, valid for 30 days for $54

As you can see, Airalo provides better options if you want a global plan, but Nomad offers coverage in more countries.

Instabridge Global eSIM

Instabridge offers a global plan that works in 112 countries.

1 GB, valid for 7 days for $8
3 GB, valid for 15 days for $20
10 GB, valid for 30 days for $50

Holiday eSIM World

Holiday eSIM offers Orange Holiday World , an eSIM (or SIM) that works in multiple countries around the world.

Here’s an overview of the plan available:

10 GB, valid for 14 days for $44.10

Manet Travel Global eSIMs

Manet Travel offers various global eSIMs.

Global plan valid in 84 countries – from EUR 10
Global plan valid in 137 countries – from EUR 10
Global plan valid in 140 countries – from EUR 16.60

Best eSIM Providers For Europe

If you’re traveling to Europe, here are the best eSIMs for Europe .

Note that it might already be included if you choose a global eSIM plan instead.

Airalo Eurolink eSIM

Eurolink offers coverage in 39 countries. I used it this year during my travels in Europe.

1 GB, valid for 7 days for 5$
3 GB, valid for 30 days for 13$
5 GB, valid for 30 days for 20$
10 GB, valid for 30 days for 37$
50 GB, valid for 90 days for 100$
100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

Holafly Europe eSIM

Holafly has great European plans that work in 32 countries. It’s interesting because they come with unlimited data.

They recently released a new feature – make calls for up to 60 minutes and receive calls for up to 60 minutes

Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for EUR 19
Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for EUR 27
Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for EUR 34
Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for EUR 47
Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for EUR 57
Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for EUR 69
Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for EUR 87
Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for EUR 99

Nomad Europe eSIM

Nomad also offers plans in Europe .

1 GB, valid for 7 days for 9$
3 GB, valid for 30 days for $17
5 GB, valid for 30 days for $18
10 GB, valid for 30 days for $26

SimCorner Europe eSIM

SimCorner offers both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans in Europe.

Here’s an overview of the eSIM plan available :

30 GB, valid for 30 days for $49 (including calls and SMS)

Maya Mobile Europe eSIM

Maya Mobile offers an eSIM plan for Europe that works in 40 countries.

Here’s an overview of the plans available :

3GB, valid for 30 days for $9
5GB, valid for 30 days for $14
10GB, valid for 30 days for $23
20GB, valid for 30 days for $34
Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $59

BNESIM Europe eSIM

BNESIM offers a European plan that includes coverage in 30 European countries.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe :

1 GB, no expiration for $3.77
3 GB, no expiration for $10.98
5 GB, no expiration for $17.73
10 GB, no expiration for $33.95

Yoho Mobile Europe eSIM

Yoho Mobile offers a European plan that includes coverage in 29 countries.

1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
3 GB, valid for 10 days for $10.99
5 GB, valid for 15 days for $17.50
10 GB, valid for 30 days for $33

Manet Travel Europe eSIM

Manet Travel offers various European plans.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe:

European plan valid in 35 countries – from EUR 3.10
European plan valid in 39 countries – from EUR 5.60

Onesim Europe eSIM

Onesim offers a European plan that includes coverage in 38 countries.

1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.90
3 GB, valid for 30 days for $9.90
5 GB, valid for 30 days for $15.90
10 GB, valid for 30 days for $29.90
20 GB, valid for 30 days for $49.90

There’s currently an offer on the European plan.

SimOptions Europe eSIM

SimOptions offers plans from different carriers, including O2 and Orange.

5 GB, valid for 30 days for $17.90
10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90
15 GB, valid for 14 days for $29.90
30 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

AloSIM Europe eSIM

aloSIM offers a few different European plans, which is ideal if you travel in specific areas. Alternatively, they also have a plan that works in 32 countries.

Eastern Europe
Western Europe
Mediterranean
Scandinavia
UK and Ireland

Holiday eSIM Europe

Holiday eSIM offers a few plans in Europe, including the Orange Holiday Zen , an eSIM that works in multiple European countries.

8 GB, valid for 30 days for $21.25 (including unlimited calls and SMS in Europe)

Best eSIM Providers For North America

If you’re traveling to North America, here are the top options available.

Note that it might already be included if you decide to go for a global plan instead.

That said, if you travel only to one country in North America, you might want to consider a local plan instead.

You’ll find lots of suitable options on Airalo and Holafly.

Holafly North America eSIM

Holafly offers one plan that covers the United States, Canada, and Mexico :

6 GB, valid for 15 days for $54

SimCorner USA, Canada, And Mexico

SimCorner offers 2 different plans for the United States, Canada and Mexico:

15 GB, valid for 30 days for $47 (including calls and SMS)
Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $62 (including calls and SMS)

Manet Travel North America

Manet Travel has a North American plan that works in the US, Canada, and Mexico:

1 GB, valid for 7 days for EUR 4.80
3 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 11.40
5 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 18
10 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 31.80
20 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 55.20

Onesim USA And Mexico

Onesim offers plans to facilitate your travels in North America, but only includes the United States and Mexico.

You’ll also get coverage in 46 countries (mainly Europe and Asia).

3 GB, valid for 30 days for $11.90
5 GB, valid for 30 days for $18.90
10 GB, valid for 30 days for $34.90
20 GB, valid for 30 days for $59.90

SimOptions North America eSIM

SimOptions offers two plans to facilitate your travels in North America:

6 GB, valid for 10 days for $17.90
20 GB, valid for 30 days for $34.90

AloSIM North America eSIM

AloSIM offers 4 different plans in North America:

3 GB, valid for 7 days for $21
5 GB, valid for 30 days for $32.50

Best eSIM Plans Available In Asia

If you’re traveling to Asia, here are the top options for regional eSIM plans in Asia .

Note that some countries might already be included if you decide to go for a global plan instead.

Airalo Asialink eSIM

Asialink offers coverage in 13 countries. I used it this year during my travels in Asia, and it works fine.

Holafly Asia eSIM

Holafly has great Asia plans that work in 12 countries.

Holafly only offers one plan in Asia for the time being.

8 GB, valid for 30 days for $47

Nomad Asia eSIM

Nomad also offers plans in Asia .

1 GB, valid for 7 days for 6$
3 GB, valid for 30 days for $15
5 GB, valid for 30 days for $17

SimCorner Asia eSIM

SimCorner offers one eSIM plan in Asia :

6 GB, valid for 15 days for $36

Maya Mobile Asia eSIM

Maya Mobile offers an eSIM plan for Asia and the Pacific region that works in 12 countries.

3GB, valid for 30 days for $10
10GB, valid for 30 days for $21
20GB, valid for 30 days for $38

BNESIM Asia eSIM

BNESIM offers an Asia plan that includes coverage in 28 countries.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Asia :

1 GB, valid for 30 days, for $8.22
5 GB, valid for 30 days for $38.62
10 GB, valid for 30 days for $73.96

Note that BNESIM has a wide range of plans, so you might want to take a look at their website to compare the options available.

Yoho Mobile Asia eSIM

Yoho Mobile offers an Asia plan that includes coverage in 19 countries.

1 GB, valid for 7 days for $7.99
3 GB, valid for 10 days for $20.50
5 GB, valid for 15 days for $32.99
10 GB, valid for 30 days for $63.50

Manet Travel offers eSIMs for Asia.

Asia plan valid in 14 countries – from EUR 5.60
Asia plan valid in 15 countries – from EUR 3.80

Onesim Asia eSIM

Onesim offers an Asia plan that includes coverage in 32 countries.

At the moment, there’s only one option available in Asia :

6 GB, valid for 8 days for $16.90

SimOptions Asia eSIM

SimOptions offers plans from different carriers.

6 GB, valid for 12 days for $19.90

AloSIM Asia eSIM

AloSIM offers Asia Five Pack , an eSIM that works in 5 Asian countries.

1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
3 GB, valid for 30 days for $10
5 GB, valid for 30 days for $15
10 GB, valid for 30 days for $27

Benefits Of Using An eSIM For International Travel

eSIMs offer many benefits, which is excellent news if you’re a frequent traveler.

Here are the main reasons why I love using eSIM:

You get data as soon as you arrive.
You can activate your eSIM immediately.
You can keep your usual phone number and use eSIM to get data.
You don’t need to remove your SIM card or find a store to purchase one during your travels.
You can top up quickly.

woman using data abroad with her esim card

Final Thoughts On The Best eSIM Providers For International Travel

There are many eSIM providers out there, but not all of them offer the same coverage.

I’ve tried the following eSIM companies/eSIM apps:

Yoho Mobile
Manet Travel

I can say that they’re all excellent eSIM providers with great eSIM plans.

If you’re looking for the best eSIM provider for international travel, I highly recommend Airalo .

Airalo App offers great regional and global plans at reasonable prices, and their coverage is excellent. In my opinion, they offer the best eSIM data plans overall.

If you’re looking for an eSIM provider with unlimited data, Holafly is a great option (but it depends on the destination).

Want more travel tips? Read one of the following guides:

Holafly vs Airalo
Wise vs Revolut
Revolut travel card
Safetywing review

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Home » Gear » The BEST eSim For Travel and Backpacking in 2024

The BEST eSim For Travel and Backpacking in 2024

What is esim.

For most of us, travelling with a phone or tablet has become as important as packing a passport. Not only do they serve as excellent tour guides, but our phones have also become a saving grace to get out of sticky situations. Whether it’s finding your accommodation after that horrendous 12 am flight, or emailing the bank to urgently cancel a stolen card, it’s hard to imagine a time before the internet.

While you can choose to move from one cafe to another using the Wi-Fi or pay exorbitant international roaming fees in order to stay connected, most travellers prefer to buy a SIM (subscriber identity module) card.

Previously, acquiring a SIM card meant an excursion to the closest carrier centre with your passport and awkwardly playing charades with the poor employee as you try to overcome the language barrier. Nowadays, embedded SIMs or eSims are sweeping the market, proving a game changer for travellers. What was once considered futuristic technology is quickly becoming mainstream… and we’re here for it!

Unlike physical SIM cards, eSims can be downloaded digitally onto your phone or tablet from the comfort of your home, saving you a trip to a store once you land in a foreign country or wait for a physical SIM in the mail. As you move from country to country, simply download a new local eSim or buy a regional package (read on to know more!) and activate it as soon as you land.

The beauty of eSims is that you can have multiple carriers on your phone ready to be activated. Not only will you be saving on the plastic packaging and transportation involved with buying a physical SIM, but you will also have your local eSim ready to activate on your phone as soon as you land. ESims allow you to have two SIMs active at once, meaning you can keep using your original SIM from home without having to juggle between two tiny plastic SIM cards, with a risk of them getting lost or stolen.

However, before you go any further it is important to check if your phone is compatible with an eSim. Being still relatively new to the scene, eSims require a dual-SIM handset. While most new phones offer this function, you should check whether your phone is compatible before considering an eSim for your travels. Check out the list of compatible devices here .

If your phone is compatible with an eSim it is time to decide which eSim is the best for you.

How To Choose The Best Travel eSim

As eSims become more and more popular within the travel community, eSim providers are flooding the market with a range of packages and services for you to choose from. These plans differ in price, duration, data limits, and destinations.

Just like physical SIM cards, it is therefore important to do your research before finding the best eSim for your globetrotting needs. Some providers like Yesim, offer eSIM packages for over 120 countries and a virtual phone numbers . So, make sure that this Yesim eSIM review informs your final decision!

ESim providers service hundreds of countries around the world, meaning you will have several plans available for your destination of choice. The duration of eSim plans often ranges from 1 to 30 days, offering different data amounts and prices. This flexibility allows you to pick a plan which suits you and your travel itinerary. Remember, the best eSIM is the one which works best for your trip.

For the adventurous travellers planning to explore outside the larger cities, it is also important to note the carrier of your eSim and ensure they provide good coverage. Coverage differs depending on the carrier and your location. Limited coverage will impact your ability to send messages using data, and internet speeds may also be impacted. If you’re going to be spending heaps of time in the backcountry, a satellite phone might be a better option to check out.

ESim providers will indicate which carriers they use for each plan on their websites. If you are concerned about the coverage of your plan, research the repute of the carrier your package will be using to ensure they are a major service provider.

Another thing to consider while you travel is whether you will need to make calls. Many eSim providers offer data only packages, therefore read the provider plans carefully to ensure your chosen eSim will include a local number.

In order to stay competitive, many eSim providers will offer deals and additional benefits such as global packages, data sharing, and hot-spotting services. These extras are worth keeping an eye out for when comparing different plans.

If you still need a bit more info, have a good at our guide to eSIMs here.

Introducing Regional eSim Packages

If you’re planning on visiting just one country, the local eSims are a great option. However, if you have a serious case of the travel bug and wish to explore several countries on your travels, a regional eSim package might be just the thing for you. Regional eSim packages mean your one eSim plan will work in multiple regions, such as Europe or South-East Asia.

Like local eSim options, regional packages vary in data amounts and validity periods. Most eSim providers offer both regional and global packages. These deals allow you to tailor your package to your individual travel itinerary. For example, Airalo’s Global eSim covers 87 countries across different continents, offering 7-180 days of validity and up to 20GB of data.

With the increase in locations covered under a regional or global eSim, the price for these services tends to be a little higher than a local eSim. However, regional packages save you the need to buy a separate eSim for each country and may end up being a better fit for your travel needs. They are also great eco-friendly travel products to keep single-use plastic down.

Regional and global eSim packages provide another option worth considering when choosing the best travel eSim for you. Weigh up the pros and cons of local and regional packages to help you decide which is most worthwhile to you.

Note : When considering a regional or global eSim, ensure the countries you are travelling to are included within the package. If a provider is offering a European regional eSim, this does not guarantee all countries in Europe will be covered by the package.

The Best Travel eSim Providers

As it becomes clear eSims are the way of the future, an ever-increasing number of providers are entering the market. Traditionally eSims have been too expensive to be worth their convenience. However, as the technology improves, the market is becoming more and more competitive. This means you can get better value for your plans at a cheaper price.

With so many to choose from, it is important to be informed on the different plans offered by eSim companies. Key factors to consider are data use, internet speed, price, and coverage offered by each eSim provider.

Trying to find the perfect plan can be overwhelming, especially as you try to juggle a million admin tasks before your flight. Luckily we’ve done the hard work for you, digging into the pros and cons of six eSim providers. While this list will provide you an overview of the key services offered by each company, it is important to do your own research to ensure you find the best eSim for you.

What if my phone is incompatible? Check out the best traditional SIM cards for travel instead.

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YeSim is an excellent app that connects travelers with eSim packages. YeSim do not provide network or data themselves but act as kind of a broker helping travellers to find the best and cheapest possible eSim for their trip.

They provides eSIM packages for over 120 countries and for each country they cover, they offer a variety of different packages to suit all needs and budgets. Somewhat uniquely, they also offer virtual phone numbers in many countries which makes them our top pick.

The price of a Yesim eSIM package does of course vary depending on how much data you want, how long you want the package for, and the destination country you are visiting. There is also an additional charge for a Yesim virtual phone number. However, our readers can get €3 off any package by using the promo code “Backpacker” at check-out.

Wide number of packages and the possibility of getting a virtual phone number.

New company and kind of untested. Virtual phone numbers are not cheap.

HolaFly is one of the major eSim shops, providing a 4G connection to more than 160 destinations. Their website is very user-friendly and comes with 24/7 WhatsApp customer service, enabling you to receive assistance with questions or troubleshooting issues quicker. HolaFly offers plans that range from 5-90 days and is widely known for its unlimited data packages. This is a pro for those who chew through large quantities of data during their travels.

The downside to this is there are limited set data plans available. This means those who do not need so much data will be paying a higher premium for a service they might not necessarily use to its full extent. For example, plans for the U.S. all include unlimited data with no option to opt for less.

A 30-day eSim plan with unlimited data in the U.S. will cost $64 USD. On the contrary, other countries such as Columbia have just one plan on offer at 6GB for 15 days costing $44 USD. If you don’t want to worry about keeping an eye on your data usage, HolaFly is a good option. However, if you want a range of different eSim packages to choose from HolaFly will have limited options.

HolaFly is perfect for travellers needing to entertain themselves on long bus rides or upload daily Instagram shots to ensure loved ones at home are sufficiently jealous.

Regional packages are available for: Europe (32 countries), North America (3 countries), South America (15 countries), the United Kingdom (3 countries), and the Caribbean (16 countries).

Want to find out more? Check out their website here !

Unlimited internet packages available for a wide range of countries, data share available on some eSim plans

Some reviews mention slow internet speeds, limited plans for data packages that are not unlimited

Nomad is another major eSim provider , providing both data and SMS eSim packages. Nomad covers 100+ countries and offers a variety of flexible data packages ranging from 7-60 day periods. What sets Nomad apart from other providers is the ability for clients to choose which mobile carrier their eSim uses.

Different mobile carriers will provide more reliable coverage and internet speeds than others. If coverage is important to you, Nomad is worth considering. For example, Nomad has several 30-day plans for the U.S., depending on how much data and which mobile carrier you wish to use.

Faster networks and larger data packages will cost you more ($80 USD for 50GB), while you can also choose a 30-day plan with a different carrier for $39 USD for 10 GB. Nomad is also trialling unlimited data packages in certain countries.

Additionally, the app for Nomads is also very easy to navigate and you can message the company through the app with any questions you have.

Nomad is perfect for backpackers new to eSims, providing a range of options on data and SMS options.

Regional packages available for: Europe (35 countries), Nordic (4 countries), South-East Asia/Oceania (8 countries), Pacific Asia (16 countries)

Global package: (110 countries) – 5GB, 30 days $45USD

More flexibility on how much data you wish to buy, positive reviews about internet speeds (particularly in Europe)

SMS packages only work in the UK, Canada, and the U.S. Only offers short term plans (most plans are 30 days)

OneSim provides both physical and eSim cards, giving you more options when choosing which is best for you. However, if you opt for an eSim, you will only have two options of packages, the World or Oceana. However, an advantage of OneSim is that packages include data, voice, and text services.

There is a range of different plans available for their eSims. As well as offering daily, weekly, and monthly packages, customers also have the option to pay per MB for data. For example, for a 4G service in the US, rates start at $0.05/MB. This is a useful option for customers who only wish to use data in emergencies.

While OneSim has many advantages, two themes across multiple review websites were clients being caught out with unexpected plan costs and problems with connectivity in different countries. These are common issues within both physical and eSim markets and are a good reminder to make sure you read the fine print when comparing which provider is best for you.

OneSim is ideal for travellers who do not want to use too much data and are visiting multiple countries.

Regional packages available for: World (150 countries), Asiana (35 countries)

Bi-monthly and monthly data discounts available. Customers also get free calls on EU numbers

Unlike most eSim providers who offer eSims free of charge, OneSim eSims cost $9.95. OneSim also only have two regional options available for eSim products

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Airalo is one of the biggest eSim companies on the market, available in over 200 countries. While most packages are data-only plans, Airalo also offers some combination plans which include calls and a local number. Airalo is competitive with major companies such as Nomad and offers different data deals for 30-day plans in a range of countries.

For example, a 30-day U.S eSim with 10GB of data will set you back $26 USD. Alternatively, for those needing less data, a 3GB eSim with the same validation period will cost a reasonable $11 USD.

Airalo eSim plans range from 7-30 days for most local eSims, while regional packages are available up to 180 days.

Airalo also offers an in-app reward currency called Airmoney. This feature allows you to earn credits when you buy eSims, top-up products, or refer friends.

Airalo is perfect for travellers wanting to try out an eSim without committing to expensive long-term plans, due to their providing relatively cheap short-term data packages.

Regional packages are available for: Africa (27 countries), Asia (13 countries), Caribbean Islands (24 countries), Europe (39 countries), Latin America (19 countries), Middle East and North Africa (15 countries).

Want to find out more? Check out their website here or have a look at our complete Airalo eSim review .

Provide several data package options. 180 day validation periods on regional packages means less need topping up expired eSim plans

Can be difficult to keep track of how much data you have used and does not offer unlimited data packages

BneSim distinguishes itself from other competitors by specialising in monthly subscriptions, with services available in over 200 countries. BneSim offers once-off, weekly, or monthly plans, enticing you with discounts for daily and monthly subscriptions.

While these options allow you to save money in the long run, be careful of auto-renew defaults on subscriptions. Ensure you read the terms and conditions and be sure you’ve opted out of the subscription when terminating your plan to avoid any unwanted bills!

One of the best things about BneSim is that their once-off eSim plan has no expiration, meaning you don’t need to worry about expiry dates. For those wanting voice services, BneSim also offers international numbers on certain plans, with no charge for incoming calls.

BneSim is perfect for travellers who are staying in countries for long periods of time.

Regional packages available for: Europe (30 countries), Asia (28 countries)

Discounts for daily and monthly subscriptions

Website is quite overwhelming with a lot of information and not unclear descriptions, limited regional packages available

YoHo Mobile

YoHo Mobile is a new provider to the scene with services available in 190 countries around the world. They offer both fixed and unlimited plans, specialising in services to Europe and Asia. Online reviews show that YoHo Mobile still has a few kinks to iron out in terms of customer service efficiency and product processing.

Nevertheless, YoHo Mobile has competitive pricing and has partnered up with major cellular providers such as Vodafone and Movistar, meaning their internet speeds are decent value for money. A 10GB eSim to the U.S. for 30 days will cost you $31.63, giving major competitors such as Nomad and Airalo a good run for their money.

YoHo Mobile is certainly worth looking into, particularly if you are going to countries in Asia. YoHo Mobile is also ideal for backpackers travelling through multiple countries on a budget.

Regional packages are available for: Asia 21 (21 countries), Asia Pacific (14 countries), Asia Pacific + (19 countries), South East Asia (8 countries/nations), China-Mac- Hong Kong, Europe (26 countries), Europe+(37 countries), North America (2 countries), Latin America (19 countries), Africa (1 country), Oceana (2 countries), Nordic (5 countries).

Offers a wide range of regional packages, particularly for Asia

YoHo Mobile offers short term contracts only. There is also no app available for YoHo Mobile

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Final Thoughts on Finding The Best Travel eSim

eSIMs are the ideal travelling companion and a must on any travel packing list . They take up no space, require very little attention, and provide you with endless entertainment on those long travel days. Of course, just like when choosing any travel partner, it is important to ensure you and your eSim are on the same page.

There are a number of companies providing international connectivity at the click of a button, offering an overwhelming choice of data, voice, and text packages for you to choose from. It is therefore up to you to do your research and ensure you find the perfect match for your pending adventures.

When finding the best travel eSim for you, consider what you will need from your phone while travelling and what you value from your mobile carrier. There is no perfect eSim provider, each performing in some categories better than others.

Whichever one you choose, you’ll at least be safe in the knowledge that you’re reducing single-use plastic whilst staying connected on your trip.

The growing popularity of instant messaging apps such as Whatsapp and Signal means that text and voice plans are less prioritised when choosing an eSim provider. This is reflected in the limited text and voice options available by eSim providers. Ultimately you will need to decide how important data, internet speed, cost and coverage are to you.

While costing a little more than a physical local SIM, eSims provide you with more ownership over your phone connectivity. The flexibility to choose the best plan for you at the touch of a button before you even jet off on your adventures provides peace of mind that many backpackers are starting to prioritise. They also mean you don’t need to decide between a local or international sim , as most have both available through the same app.

eSIMs are a great example of how technology has revolutionised how we travel, removing barriers to our ability to connect with other cultures and countries. Find the best travel eSim for you and tick another thing off your to-do list as you prepare for the trip of your life!

Looking for more data for your laptop? Have a look at our guide to travel internet routers instead.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Aiden Freeborn

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A Complete Guide to e-SIM Cards for Travelers

Whether it’s a remote country in East Africa, Europe or the USA, e-SIM cards have become essential for any of my recent travels abroad.

Let me give you my best tips on how you can maximize their potential too..

Getting a SIM card after arriving in a new country is a routine for frequent travelers. Traveling with constant internet is no longer just for those who do not want to disconnect when traveling, but for those who want to travel smart.

An UBER ride from the airport, a last-minute booking , Google Maps . These are all apps that make traveling less complicated and help me enjoy more time in a country and less time figuring out logistics.

“Today, around 80% of my trips are done only with e-SIM cards “

I do get a SIM card in most countries I travel to. However, e-SIM cards started to play a big role in my travels too. Countries like the Bahamas where a SIM card costs 50 USD or Germany, where you need to consent to so many policies and wait a few days to activate your SIM, make me choose an e-SIM overall.

Today, around 80% of my trips are done only with e-SIM cards , and while there is not a single provider to pick because it is the best, I found a combination of providers and options that help me maximize my budget for internet abroad and make my travels more comfortable.

These are my top picks for e-SIM cards and how I use them for traveling to popular countries, but also remote and isolated places.

Flexiroam – My top choice for Global plans

When it comes to global connectivity at unbeatable prices, Flexiroam takes the crown. At first glance, Flexiroam doesn’t seem like the cheapest program on the market (country packages are cheaper with other companies). However, with great high volume Global Plans (69 USD for 20 GB), Flexiroam is the most budget-friendly option on the market for those who are constantly on the go.

Flexiroam is ideal for short trips to remote countries or for someone with layovers at multiple airports, Flexiroam ensures you’re always connected, no matter where your adventures take you.

When do I use Flexiroam

Flexiroam’s Global Plan is simply the best right now. They provide internet in over 140 countries, and the signal works in the most remote places on earth. I have used Flexiroam in northern Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the mountains of Laos without any problem.

I also find Flexiroam the best plan for those who are often in airport transit. I often have transit in Turkey, UAE, Qatar, or Ethiopia, and Flexiroam works perfectly during those two or three hours I need to kill.

Pros: +140 countries in Global Plans. It is one of the most affordable Global Plans today in the market. Flexiroam automatically selects the quickest connection.

Cons: It may not be as cost-effective for long-term stays in single countries. Flexiroam is not available in a handful of countries, such as Zimbabwe.

How to get an e-SIM from Flexiroam:

Verify if your phone is e-SIM compatible (just Google your phone model and the word “e-SIM”).
Buy a Global Plan here (or a country plan, but it tends to be more expensive if you’re traveling to different countries).
Download the Flexiroam app and create an account.
Activate your e-SIM.
Provide the code of your Global Plan (You will receive the code via email after your purchase).

Airalo – The Giant in e-SIMs

This is a name that every frequent traveler knows or heard about. Airalo is the largest e-SIM provider right now and probably the one that markets itself the best.

I tried Airalo for the first time after I found that the Flexiroam Plan for the USA is way too expensive, and Airalo offered a cheaper and more convenient alternative. Now I’m in love with them, and while in their Global plans, Flexiroam still takes the price, for single destinations like the USA, UAE, or Europe, where obtaining a traditional SIM card can be pricey or inconvenient, Airalo steps in as the ultimate solution. I found Airalo the best option for an e-SIM in the US. I paid 16 USD for a 5GB plan I used while I was traveling for 15 days in the US. It was easy to install, simple, and worked immediately.

Airalo offers plans starting at just 5 EUR for regions renowned for their high connectivity costs. I find them the best option for those traveling in the USA, Turkey, Europe, and the Arab Peninsula. This was my Go-To plan during my USA trip, and I’m completely satisfied while totally recommending it as the best available option.

I also think Airalo is the best e-sim for Europe, especially if your trip starts in Germany or Austria, where getting a regular physical sim-card is really a pain in the ass.

Pros: Easy interface and good prices for single countries and regions.

Cons: There are way better plans for global coverage. Prices can be too expensive in countries that are a bit off-the-beaten track.

Airalo vs. Flexiroam: which provider is the best?

This is a question that I saw a few times online, and instead of seeing Flexiroam and Airalo as competitors, I see them as two providers that compliment each other. I have both e-SIM cards installed on my phone, and depending on where I am, how long I need to stay, and how much data I need, I check which one of them offers the best option.

My recommendation is to have both providers installed and just check for yourself which one is the best for your needs.

What about other providers

Right now, there are dozens of new e-SIM providers online. Unfortunately, I have not tested them all, but after doing some research, these are some that are getting quite a reputation right now and might be worth a try.

Global Coverage: Drimsim offers coverage in 197+ countries.
Pay-As-You-Go: No long-term commitments; pay for what you use.
Free Incoming Calls: Incoming calls are free in most countries.
Data Packages: Offers various data packages at competitive rates.
Limited Voice and SMS: Focuses primarily on data, with limited voice and SMS options.
No Local Number: Assigns a European phone number.

Get Drimsim and benefit from their global coverage.

Pros:

Pay-as-you-go model provides flexibility without long-term commitments or excessive fees; coverage in over 200 countries and regions.

Cons:

May not offer as many bundled data options as other providers; may be less cost-effective for heavy data users.
Offers comprehensive e-SIM solutions tailored for international travelers; provides extensive coverage in over 190 countries and territories; includes high-speed data, voice, and text options.
Pricing may be higher compared to some other providers; limited flexibility in terms of plan customization.
Known for its excellent customer service and reliable connectivity; offers competitive rates for international roaming; available in various countries and regions.
Limited availability compared to larger providers; may not offer as many bundled data options.
Provides e-SIM plans with global coverage; offers flexibility to top up data as needed; includes a convenient app for managing account and data usage.
Limited coverage in some regions; pricing may not be as competitive as other providers for certain destinations.
Offers affordable e-SIM plans with global coverage; provides data-only plans suitable for travelers needing internet access; features an easy-to-use management system.
Limited voice and text options compared to other providers; may not offer as many features for heavy data users.

Note: I recently discovered an e-SIM provider called Instabridge. The prices seem too good to be true, and I’m considering giving it a try on one of my upcoming trips.

E-Sim vs Physical Sim. What about conventional SIM cards?

While global e-SIMs offer unparalleled convenience, they can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. Fear not, savvy travelers, for there’s a cost-effective solution at hand: pairing global e-SIMs with local SIM cards. For example, Airalo’s 20GB plan in Colombia is priced at over 120 EUR—an extremely expensive option. Even with Flexiroam’s Global Program, the price remains quite high.

Now, by complementing it with a local SIM, I traveled to Colombia with the same amount of data for just 4 EUR. This strategy allows you to strike the perfect balance between affordability and accessibility, ensuring you’re always connected without compromise.

In addition to the services that I listed above, try also paying attention to Dreamsim . Although the service offers not a virtual, but a real SIM card, it is not tied to any specific operator. This way, you can travel to multiple countries and your Drimsim card will immediately adapt to a new location.

Read more: How many blank passport pages do you need to travel to each country

Upon arriving in Colombia, I used Flexiroam’s global plan, which provided enough data for essential tasks like using WhatsApp, getting an Uber, and making calls. Once settled in Bogota, I purchased a local SIM for extended internet access at a lower cost.

This approach was also my preferred option when traveling in West Africa and Southeast Asia, where SIM cards are almost free, and internet access is affordable.

During a two-week trip around the Caribbean, I encountered varying prices for internet plans. While some countries like Trinidad offered very affordable options, others had expensive rates. Ultimately, I decided to use Flexiroam’s Global Plan and purchased 5 GB for 35 USD. This was more than enough to cover the whole two weeks. Keep in mind, that I was also very cautious with my video streaming consumption. 5GB is not much when you are streaming Netflix or YouTube constantly.

INSIDE TIP: The cheapest internet provider I’ve seen was in India. Here I paid 30 EUR for 40 GB . During my time there, I used my SIM card on my phone as the internet provider for my laptop.

Read more: 10 steps for finding the cheapest flight tickets

What you can read next

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Packing for a train journey across Europe

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I do interrail alone in Europe – and I love it

6 tips to get to know new place better

Write your story, we accept guest posts from bloggers, journalists or travel enthusiast about anything what motivated you to travel and experience new things, work with me, last year we worked with over 10 different tourism boards from all over the globe. learn more how we can work together and present how awesome your destination is, come and say hi, don't be shy and just drop us an email. it´s free.

How to Choose the Best eSIM for International Travel

Thinking about how to stay connected on your next trip far away from home? Then check out our guide on using an eSim for international travel!

When traveling internationally, one of the most frustrating things for travelers is not being able to access Wi-Fi or cellular data. This feeling is amplified when you arrive in a new country and have no way to book a taxi, WhatsApp your accommodation, or pull up your hotel booking. Luckily, there’s a solution to this problem—an eSIM for international travel!

Putting Yourself on International Roaming With Let’s Roam

Choosing the right eSIM for international travel can make a big impact on your vacation. Not only does it allow you to keep in contact with friends and family, but it also allows you to take advantage of the hundreds of scavenger hunts we have on offer! Just download the Let’s Roam app and pick one of our exciting scavenger hunts, ghost hunts , art walks , or bar crawls . You’ll have a great time getting to know your new destination!

Choosing the Perfect International eSIM

We know eSIMs can be a bit confusing since it’s a relatively new technology. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help break down how to choose the perfect eSIM for your upcoming trip!

What is an eSIM?

eSIMs are exactly what they sound like! Also known as embedded SIMs, they’re industry-standard digital SIMs that allow users to activate cellular plans without having an actual SIM card. Rather than being like the physical SIM cards that many of us have a love/hate relationship with, eSIMs are embedded into your phone when they’re being manufactured. They can then be reprogrammed to connect with different phone plans around the world.

Don’t think about the old-school SIM cards you put into your phone. An eSIM functions more like a simple contract that you’re creating with different local networks around the world. This means you can have a variety of cellular plans and phone numbers on your device rather than the one or two that the SIM card tray on a dual SIM phone would normally allow. You can also keep your normal cellular plan from your home country running in the background while you’re using your eSIM for everyday use.

How do eSIMs work?

International eSIMs can be used in place of physical SIM cards on many different types of Androids and iPhones. Much like a normal SIM card, eSIMs come with mobile data plans that allow you to use a certain amount of gigabytes of data within a particular time period. They can also offer unlimited data. While some eSIMs are tied to a particular country or region, others can be used worldwide. Most eSIMs can be used as hotspots just like a normal SIM card.

To get started, you simply need to go online, find an eSIM card that works for you, and purchase it. You’ll then get a confirmation with a QR code. Scan it, and it will automatically set up the eSIM for you. Easy, right?

What are the advantages of eSIMs?

eSIMs are a wonderful option for frequent travelers or digital nomads who have a lot of international travel coming up. And the best part? You can buy them in advance! That means when you get to your next destination, you simply need to switch on your phone and voila! You’ve got data for your new destination! So you don’t have to worry about constantly switching different types of physical SIM cards, having to waste time buying and installing a new SIM card when you get to your next country, or facing painful international roaming charges when you get home. As the icing on the eSIM cake, not only are they fast and easy, but they’re often more affordable than getting a physical SIM.

You can also buy eSIMs that cover different regions and time frames. This is ideal if you’re looking at bouncing between countries a lot. This may not be such a big deal if you’re staying within the European Union (Italy, France, Germany, etc.) as most local SIM cards will work in multiple countries. However, it can be a huge advantage if you’re hoping to make your way through Southeast Asia, South America, or beyond!

What’s the catch?

It almost sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, with everything else in life, there is a catch. eSIMs are not compatible with all phones. They’ll usually only work with newer (and often more expensive) models of Android or Apple phones. The first eSIM phones were released in 2018, but not all new phones have them. If you purchased your phone overseas (like I did), it may also not be eSIM compatible due to local restrictions.

Luckily, you can easily check whether or not your phone is eSIM compatible. Just search for one of the extensive lists of compatible phone types. Alternatively, you can look at the SIM card setting on your phone. It will generally say eSIM somewhere under that setting. If you see that, it’s a pretty safe bet that you’ll be able to set up an eSIM on your phone.

The other thing you need to check is whether or not your phone is tied to your local provider. This is often the case with American cell phone companies that frequently lock phones to their networks. If this is the case, it may be possible to unlock your phone. Or you can simply purchase another phone.

If you have an iPhone, you can check if your phone is eSIM compatible and unlocked by going to the settings tab and clicking on About. From there, scroll down to the Carrier Lock section. If your phone is unlocked, it should say “No SIM restrictions.” Once you have confirmed that it’s unlocked, you can click on Available SIM or Digital SIM card. On Samsung phones, you can click on the Network & Internet settings. If eSIM cards is listed as an option, you’re good to go!

Is an eSIM better than getting a local SIM?

eSIMs are much more convenient than getting a local SIM in a new destination. However, that doesn’t mean physical SIM cards are obsolete. For example, some countries don’t have eSIM service. This could be surprisingly problematic if you happen to own a phone that doesn’t have a SIM card tray, so keep this in mind when you’re preparing for your trip. If this is the case, you may want to bring an old phone with you that does have a SIM card tray so that you can still be connected to the internet while you’re traveling.

Depending on which countries you’re visiting, a travel eSIM may also end up costing significantly more than a local SIM card. This is something you want to check on a case-by-case basis, though. It can vary a lot between countries and regions.

How do you choose an eSIM?

This is why we’re here to help! There are tons of different eSIMs out there designed for international travel. To get the best use out of it, you want to pick the one that is right for your trip and travel style. A good rule of thumb is to choose an eSIM service provider that is known to have a good customer support system. As with many new forms of technology, you may encounter a few glitches from time to time. As such, having access to a customer support team helps ensure you’ll be back up and running in no time. On the other hand, if you aren’t able to reach anyone, it may feel like you’re simply throwing money away if anything goes wrong!

Also, will you be using your eSIM for data? Or do you want to be able to make normal calls with it as well? Most providers only give data at this point, so finding one that can also support phone calls may be tricky.

The best eSIM really depends on where you need to use it and what you need to use it for. We’ll break down the most popular eSIM options on the market now to help you pick the one that is right for you!

Best eSIM for Long-Term Travelers: Airalo

Airalo is one of the most well-known eSIM providers on the market. They have good international coverage in close to 200 countries and connect with some of the biggest telecom companies in the world, such as T-Mobile in the USA and O2 in England. You can choose which eSIM plans you want based on individual countries. Or you can purchase plans that will work across Europe, Asia, or South America. If you’re really going for it, you can even purchase global plans.

The pricing for these plans is competitive in some destinations but not in others. They tend to be pretty expensive in Africa compared to other eSIM providers. This is one of the many reasons why you want to shop around each time you purchase a new card.

Purchasing an eSIM for Airalo is very straightforward. You can download their app and purchase eSIM data plans using your credit card.

Best eSIM for Heavy Internet Users: Holafly

Another contender for the best eSIM, Holafly is very similar to Airalo except that it offers plans for unlimited data. This is perfect for anyone who plans on using a lot of data, such as remote workers, content creators, etc. You won’t have the hassle of always monitoring your data usage, but it does come at a cost. Holafly tends to be one of the most expensive eSIMs out there.

Best eSIM for Budget Travelers: Nomad

Like Airalo, Nomad is another good choice for long-term travelers. However, the major advantage of Nomad is that they offer both limited and unlimited data plans. The price competitiveness varies quite a bit depending on the destination and the data plan, so once again, it’s a very good idea to shop around before committing to a plan.

Best eSIM for Infrequent Users: Drimsim

If you plan on using your eSIM as a backup data plan, then this one is for you! Drimsim offers internet service in 190 countries. Rather than paying for a prepaid data plan like the other major providers, you just need to pay for the data you use. You can then top up your card as needed.

Best eSIM for Slowmads: Airhub

Anyone who is planning on spending an extended time in a country but doesn’t want to buy a local SIM should take a look at Airhub. Unlike most of the other eSIM providers that rely on data-only plans, Airhub’s plans include data, phone calls, and SMS. That makes them stand apart and also gives you a few more options in case you need to get in touch with someone the old-school way.

Airhub offers up to 15 different plans to choose from for a single country, which is a major selling point. This level of flexibility means you can use it for a month in Australia , then a week in Mexico , and a few days in Thailand without having to worry about purchasing too much or too little data.

The two downsides to Airhub are that you get stung with a few small service fees at checkout. They also don’t have many options for regional plans outside of Europe. This shouldn’t be a deal breaker if you’re planning on staying in one country for a few months. But if you’re thinking about moving around a lot, you may want to opt for a provider that offers better regional plans.

Best eSIM for the Planners: aloSIM

If you’re one of those people who loves to research and plan everything out, aloSIM could be a match made in heaven! aloSIM offers prepaid data plans to use in different countries around the world. Instead of making you guestimate how much data you use, they provide a handy tool on their app that suggests estimated data for you based on your normal usage. This could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.

What makes this even better is that you can also check which local cellular networks they connect to around the world. That’s handy for figuring out whether a mobile network is reliable in the area you’re going to. You can then decide whether you want to download the eSIM automatically, receive a QR code, or install the eSIM manually.

So, Ready to Roam?

We hope this guide to buying the best eSIM for international travel has given you the confidence to take advantage of this technology in your future travels! Global eSIMs are definitely one of the most hassle-free options out there for anyone looking to stay connected while they’re on the road.

If you want to read more great travel tips and tricks or learn about amazing destinations all around the world, head over to the Let’s Roam Explorer blog . Here, you’ll find hundreds of articles written by our very own team of travel experts. They’ve scoured the globe to find the best places for all types of travelers. And before you head out the door, don’t forget to download the Let’s Roam app . This useful app gives you access to all of our fun-filled scavenger hunts as well as tons of great user-generated information for some of the hottest destinations across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

eSIMs are digital SIM cards embedded into your phone. They can then be configured to work with local cellular networks around the world. They’re convenient and relatively inexpensive.

eSIMs will generally only work with newer, higher-end phone models. You can easily check whether an eSIM works for you by looking through your phone settings or searching your phone model online.

The biggest benefit of eSIMs is that they can be purchased in advance. This means you’ll have data as soon as you get to a new country, so you can order an Uber or do a Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt .

The price of eSIM data plans can vary a lot depending on the country you’re traveling to and the amount of data you purchase. It’s important to shop around before purchasing an eSIM .

Many eSIM providers offer services in nearly every country around the world. This means you can easily get tickets to one of our fun-filled scavenger hunts and hit the ground running!

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What’s an eSIM and How Do I Install One?

eSIMs (the e stands for “embedded”) are simply digital versions of the traditional SIM cards that store your cell-phone number and customer data. Rather than making you physically switch cards every time you change networks or numbers, eSIM-compatible smartphones are able to store the data of multiple plans and providers internally.

They’re ideal for travel. Whereas accessing internet in a foreign country used to mean paying exorbitant data fees, buying a physical SIM card from a local store, or just desperately asking random café workers for Wi-Fi passwords throughout your trip, eSIMs allow you to switch to a new cell-phone network without jamming one of those annoying little metal pin things into your iPhone. Starting at around $5 for a week’s worth of cellular data (the plans are usually pay-as-you-go, so you’re not locked into an extensive contract), they tend to be both cheaper and more reliable than the physical SIM cards available for tourists to purchase in airport arrival malls.

I have been buying eSIMs for years now, and for better or worse have been able to use Instagram and Google Maps in rural Turkey, remote Patagonia, and the mountains of Morocco. Not all those who wander are lost, especially if they purchased 30GB of cellular internet before leaving home.

eSIMs let you switch between cell-phone networks more easily

You can toggle between different eSIMs (and also the number on your physical SIM card, if you have one) using your phone’s cellular settings. As with a physical SIM card, some eSIMs give you a new number that lets you send texts and make calls as well as access cellular data, while other cheaper ones just provide internet. Online eSIM stores like Airalo and Holafly simplify the process of purchasing eSIMs for international travel, offering eSIM plans for hundreds of countries within a single hub.

Most newish high-end smartphones are eSIM-compatible

If you’ve purchased an iPhone, Google Pixel, or Samsung Galaxy in the past three years, it’s probably eSIM-ready. In fact, the newest iPhones only work with eSIMs, and don’t have physical SIM-card slots.

To check whether your iPhone is eSIM-compatible, look for “ESIM” in the General>About menu. On Android, dial and call *#06#, which should reveal a “Device Info” screen. On eSIM-compatible Android phones, an eSIM unique identification number will be listed among that info. Note that your smartphone will also have to be carrier-unlocked in order to switch between different eSIM plans.

They’re reasonably easy to install

eSIMs can only be installed once, so if you don’t get it right, you lose whatever money you paid. The process only takes a few minutes but does require a certain degree of concentration; the precise steps required will vary across different models of smartphone. You can purchase an eSIM and begin the installation process before leaving on your trip, but the final step will require Wi-Fi or internet access of some kind — I usually just use whatever’s available at the airport.

I’ve purchased eSIMs from the websites of local carriers while traveling, but most of the time prefer to shop through Airalo, which has a slick app that makes it easy to choose between eSIMs for different countries and regions, and prepaid plans for different lengths of trip. The plans are reasonably priced, and Airalo provides extensive installation guidance each time, which is key. Probably the best thing about Airalo is how easy it is to upgrade your plan on the go should you happen to use to post too many Stories and run out of data — it all happens within the app.

Airalo Moshi Moshi Japan eSIM (3GB, 30 Days)

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Best esim for europe travel | everything you need to know about european prepaid esim data plans.

A guide to everything you need to know about using eSIM data plans while traveling through Europe.

phones and technology

When most people want high-speed mobile data for their phone while traveling to Europe they’ve traditionally bought a physical SIM card. However, many newer phones have an embedded electronic SIM (i.e. eSIM) that allows you to connect to European mobile carriers without needing to install a physical SIM card. These new eSIM data plans offer travelers a ton of convenience but there are a few quirks as well. That’s why in this article I’m going to cover everything you need to know about eSIM data plans in Europe—including tips for finding the best eSIM for Europe travel.

What You’ll See In This eSIM Guide

Do I Even Need Mobile Data In Europe?
Can I Just Use My Mobile Plan’s Internation Data Plan?
What Is an eSIM?

The Benefits of eSIM Mobile Data Plans

What iphones use esim cards, what android phones use esim cards, the best esim data plans for europe, how to activate an esim data plan, how much mobile data do you need when traveling europe, buying an esim in europe, more tips for using an esim data plan in europe, do you need mobile data in europe.

Backpacking Europe packing list - Rain Jackets

Honestly, yes, you need mobile data on your phone when traveling to Europe. Sure, you can sometimes find free wifi hotspots but that’s way more difficult than you’d think (I know from experience).

And so much of modern European life requires high-speed mobile data—train tickets are digital, Google Maps needs reliable data, sporting event tickets are digital, restaurant menus are accessed via QR codes, Uber/rideshare apps require data, some restaurants now want you to pay via your phone, accessing real-time public transportation info relies on mobile data, and the list goes on.

Can You Use Your Mobile Provider’s International Data Plan?

US/Canadian/Australian domestic mobile providers often offer an international data plan (either free or for an extra charge) but they all come with a few major drawbacks:

They’re expensive: Expect to pay $10-$20/day
Slow speeds : You’re often downgraded to 2G/3G speeds so even opening basic webpages could take forever to load (if it even loads). Many apps won’t function. Google Maps won’t work. Forget about social media.
Data caps: These plans might start you off with standard 4G/LTE speeds but once you hit 1-2GB of data you’ll be downgraded to nearly-unusable 3G/2G speeds.
Auto Enrollment: Some plans automatically enroll you in their international data plan the moment your phone tries to access data—which is just about every phone since smartphone apps are constantly running in the background.

For example, the AT&T International Day Pass costs $10/day. They also have their AT&T Passport plan, a monthly plan that’s either $70/month for 2 GB of data or $140/month for 6 GB. Then they charge an insane overage of $30 per GB. Verizon also has a $10/day pass but they knock you down to 3G speeds after 2GB each day.

And many T-Mobile customers get free “unlimited” international data but you’re only guaranteed 2g data speeds after you hit a total usage of 5GB of data… which will struggle to load Google Maps or even email. T-Mobile gives you the option to pay more to get 5GB at better speeds but then you’ll be charged a premium.

These “international data plans” are 5X as expensive as buying a prepaid eSIM data plan from a third-party provider—for example, eSIM data plans from Orange or Holafly will cost you around $2-$4/day.

So do yourself a favor and buy a European mobile data plan.

What Is An eSIM?

In short, an eSIM is an embedded/digital version of the traditional physical SIM card. So instead of installing a physical SIM card to change your mobile provider, you simply connect to a new mobile data service provider using an app.

This is great for international travel because you no longer have to hunt down a new SIM card when you change countries. You simply activate the eSIM service and you’re online in seconds.

Many new phones are dual SIM so you can still use your physical domestic SIM card while also using the eSIM so you can switch back and forth between your mobile data providers.

Some phones are also moving to eSIM only—the USA versions of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 (and future generations) no longer feature a SIM card slot but do support dual eSIM.

Below are some of the many benefits of using an eSIM data plan while traveling.

No Searching For SIM Cards

The biggest benefit of an eSIM is not having to track down a physical SIM card. All you have to do is install the mobile provider’s app to activate the eSIM data service. This means you can order your eSIM, and download the app before you leave. and then activate the service when you arrive at your destination.

Instant Delivery (No Shipping Fees)

Since eSIM cards are all digital you don’t have to pay shipping fees if you want to pre-purchase a European data plan before arriving in Europe.

For example, you can buy a plan from SimOptions or Holafly and they’ll email you a QR code or link to activate the service.

Dual eSIMs Allow You To Use Two Data Plans At Once

Another big benefit to using an eSIM is that you can seamlessly switch between your domestic plan (via the physical SIM) and the travel plan (via your eSIM). In fact, some phones let you have up to 5 eSIM data plans on a single phone—which is overkill for most people but it’s still an option.

Another huge benefit to having dual SIM cards is that many services will send you texts for things like two-factor identification or your bank might text you with fraud alerts and these won’t come through if you don’t have your home plan’s physical SIM card installed.

No Need to Remove Your Current SIM Card

Removing the physical SIM card is a hassle. First, you need the little tool to pop the SIM out of the phone (which is easy to lose). Then you also have to remove your phone case. You also have to keep track of your original SIM card so you don’t lose or damage it (you’ll need to reinstall it to get your service back).

Easier To Add Credit To Your Account

All eSIM data plans require you to download the service provider’s app to activate the service and most allow you to easily add credit to your account via the app.

Not all iPhones have built-in eSIM compatibility but essentially all iPhones made since 2019 should be eSIM compatible—i.e. they’re Dual SIM so they have both a physical SIM and an eSIM.

UPDATE: All iPhone 14 (and newer) sold in the UNITED STATES are eSIM-only so there isn’t a physical SIM Card slot anymore. However, all iPhones sold outside the US have dual SIM with physical SIM and eSIM.

eSIM Compatible Phones:

(The base iPhone X and anything older is not eSIM compatible)
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini & iPhone SE 2020
iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Mini
iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone SE, etc.
iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus

Again, just about every Android sold since 2020 is eSIM compatible.

Samsung Galaxy Fold & Galaxy Fold 2 / Galaxy Z Flip & Z Flip 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra / Galaxy Note 20
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 4a (4G), Pixel 5 (5G), Pixel 6, Pixel 7
Huawei P40 and P40 Pro & Mate 40 Pro

How to buy a SIM card and data plan in Italy

A great thing about traveling to Europe is that the EU outlawed mobile data roaming fees so any EU data plan will work anywhere within the UE—i.e. you can buy a French eSIM and use it in Italy, Germany, Poland, etc.

That said, I recommend sticking with the major European carriers since they’ll have the most comprehensive networks and the fastest mobile data speeds.

NOTE: The UK and Switzerland aren’t in the EU so not all plans will work there (but many still do)—check each plan to see if they cover these countries.

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM 50GB: $59.90

Price: $59.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 50GB
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
Credit validity: 28 day
Data Tethering: Allowed
Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used anywhere in Europe
Service works everywhere in the EU

Need tons of data? Consider the newly released Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM data plan which is a beefed-up version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM. It has 50GB of data and it’s valid for 28 days (compared to 14 days with the Orange Holiday Europe plan). This eSIM also comes with many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that works anywhere in Europe).

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot so you can put that extra data allowance to good use. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

Holafly Europe eSIM with Unlimited Data: Starting at $19.00

Holafly is a new Europe-based eSIM provider that I used in Italy—the service was great and I got very fast data speeds (read my Holafly eSIM Review to learn more). They sell both country-specific and Europe-wide data plans.

Unlike other mobile data companies, Holafly gives you unlimited data and a local phone number with 60 minutes of credit for making/receiving calls from European numbers (with a few exceptions). I also like how Holafly’s plans come in durations from 5 to 90 days—so you don’t have to over/underbuy for your particular trip.

5 Days: $19
10 Days: $34
15 Days: $47
20 Days: $54
30 Days: $64
60 Days: $84
90 Days: $99
Service Speed: 5G/4G/LTE
Call Coverage: 60 minutes of credit to make calls from all of Europe—except Iceland, Norway, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey. Comes with an Austrian phone number.
Texts/SMS: None
Tethering: No

Bouygues My European eSIM: $44.90

Bouygues is a major French telecommunications company and they’ve recently released their own prepaid eSIM data plan to compete with the popular Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. I used a prepaid Bouygues SIM card on a previous trip to Europe so I’m glad they’re finally offering an eSIM.

There’s a lot to like about the Bouygues My European eSIM plan —especially since it comes standard with 30GB of data and unlimited calls within Europe. I also like how this Bouygues eSIM plan is valid for 30 days so it’s a great option for longer trips.

Price: $44.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data Tethering: Allowed
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Calls: Unlimited within Europe
Credit validity: 30 day
Phone Number: This eSIM card comes with a French phone number
Coverage : Anywhere within the European Union (except Switzerland)

Check out my Bouygues European eSIM review for more information about this plan.

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM 30GB: $49.90

Price: $49.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
Credit validity: 14 day
Data tethering allowed
This eSIM card comes with a French phone number

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM data plan is another excellent eSIM plan because it comes with 30GB of data and many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that will work anywhere in Europe). The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

The potential downside to the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is that it’s only valid for 14 days once activated so it’s not great for longer visits (but you can always buy a second plan).

Orange Holiday Zen eSIM: $29.90

Orange Holiday Zen eSIM | Best eSIM For Visiting Europe

Price: $29.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 15GB (recently upgraded from 8GB)
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 30 min outside of Europe.
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 200 outside of Europe.

The Orange Holiday Zen plan is a top pick for travelers for a few different reasons.

First, Orange is one of the largest mobile networks in Europe so they have great coverage basically everywhere in Europe and you won’t have to worry about slow speeds.

Second, Orange Holiday eSIM data plan gives you unlimited calls and texts within Europe and limited (yet still ample) credit for calls/texts outside the EU. A majority of eSIM plans from other providers don’t give you any (or very limited) credit for calls or texts.

This plan comes with 15GB of mobile data which should suffice for most travelers who aren’t heavy data users.

Smart Comfort X eSIM: $17.90

Price: $17.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Calls: None

The Smart Comfort X eSIM is a budget data-only eSIM plan option that gives you 5GB of data but no calls or texts (you can still send iMessage if you’re sending messages between iPhones and make calls/texts via WhatsApp, etc.).

Smart Comfort X eSIM is also what’s considered an “international eSIM” so it’s not backed by a specific data provider (i.e. Orange, O2, etc.). That means it will connect to a specific partner provider in each country—for example, France (Bouygues), Germany (O2), Italy (WIND), Spain (Telefonica), etc.

Because of its limited data limits, the Smart Comfort X eSIM plan is best for light data users.

Do European eSIM Plans Come With A European Phone Number?

Some European prepaid eSIM plans come with a European phone number but many prepaid eSIM plans are data only. You probably don’t need a European phone number but it can come in handy for calling restaurants, hotels, or Airbnb hosts (many use WhatsApp—which only requires a data connection).

Recommended Prepaid eSim Plans with A European Phone Number:

Bouygues My European eSIM : This eSIM plan comes with unlimited calling in Europe.
Holafly Europe eSIM : Holafly eSIM plans include 60 minutes of calling in Europe.
Orange Holiday Europe eSIM and Orange Holiday Zen eSIM : Orange comes with international and Europe calling.

Studies show that the average American uses about 5-7GB of mobile data every week but your rate will vary.

You can easily hit 15GB/week if you’re a heavy user but it’s fairly easy to keep your mobile data usage under 2-3GB/week if you stick to basic web browsing, limit your social media use, and keep app usage to a minimum (or save your heavy usage for when you’re on wifi).

Activating an eSIM is relatively simple.

UPDATE: Apple’s iOS 17.4 update (released late March 2024) now includes an automatic eSIM installation and activation feature—making setting up and managing your eSIM much easier. This is great news!

Step One: Purchase Your Data Plan

I highly recommend purchasing your eSIM before you leave because you’ll need data/wifi to complete the setup.

Step Two: Check Your Email For The QR Code

You’ll get an email from the seller as soon as you make your purchase.

This email will include a QR code that you can scan so you’ll want to be in front of your computer so you can scan the QR code from your screen.

Step Three: Install The Carrier’s eSIM App

The QR code will lead you to download the carrier’s eSIM app. Just follow the directions they send you.

IMPORTANT: Don’t fully activate your eSIM data plan until you’re in Europe. Most data plans only have a validity period of 14-30 days and that countdown begins the second you activate the service. So, for example, if you activate the service a week before your trip then you’ll have lost a full week from your service length (even if you haven’t used any data).

Step Four: Fully Activate Service Once in Europe

Finish the activation process. Your phone should automatically connect to the local data network (it might take a few minutes to get fully activated).

The beauty of eSIM plans is that they’re completely digital so you can buy them online anytime, anywhere (see all the above eSIM options).

Every European country has its own domestic mobile carriers and each is starting to offer its own prepaid eSIM data plans. However, carrier-specific eSIM mobile packages aren’t quite widespread in Europe yet so not every mobile carrier will have options—therefore, not every retailer will have them (or they’ll have a very limited selection).

Furthermore, many European carriers only offer “postpaid” eSIM plans so they’re generally not conducive to short-term visitors and tourists. That’s why I recommend buying one of the eSIM plans I mentioned earlier in this article.

What Countries in Europe Support eSIM?

While not every mobile carrier in Europe has an eSIM mobile plan, there are carriers in every European country that accept eSIM technology—therefore, your phone will automatically connect to a provider (no matter what eSIM plan you’re using).

Simply put: Your eSIM data plan will work anywhere in Europe.

Coverage Note About Switzerland (and Possibly the UK): Switzerland is an outlier because they’re not technically part of the EU so some providers don’t work there. For example, the Orange Holiday plans work in Switzerland but the Smart Comfort X plan won’t work there. There are also rumors that the UK also has (or will have soon) the same issues because of Brexit. Learn more on our Guide on How To Use Data Plans and Smartphone Phones Abroad

Here are a few more tips for getting the most out of using your high-speed eSIM mobile data plan while traveling around Europe. If you want to learn more, check out The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to How To Use Data Plans and Smartphone Phones Abroad

You Need An Unlocked Phone

You need to make sure your phone is unlocked before you can install both a SIM card or eSIM—many American mobile carriers use software to “lock” their smartphones to their network so the phone won’t work if you install a SIM card from another company.

However, you can unlock your phone by calling your mobile carrier and asking them to unlock it because you’re going to travel abroad (you might need to visit a store to get it unlocked).

BUY A PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER

Using apps like Google Maps and taking photos kills your phone battery so a portable battery is a must-have. I use Anker PowerCore 10000 because it’s tiny and affordable but there are multiple options.

Save Heavy Data Usage For When You’re On Wifi

It’s extremely easy to unknowingly burn through a lot of data—especially when you’re using data-hungry apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Therefore it’s highly recommended to save your heavy data usage for when you’re connected to wifi.

USE AIRPLANE MODE AND BLOCK DATA TO SPECIFIC APPS

I’ll put my phone in Airplane Mode because that disables all data (but GPS still works in Airplane Mode). You can also go into the settings and disable data access to each individual app.

DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS

Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. As an added bonus, GPS doesn’t use data so offline Google Maps works fairly well (but not all functionality works). Here is a good YouTube video that explains everything.

Download WhatsApp

WhatsApp is an excellent app for free calling and text messages—I’ve found that many Europeans exclusively use WhatsApp to communicate (including many Airbnb hosts).

Get More Europe Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

Are you heading to Europe soon? Here are some more helpful articles I’ve written to help you plan your European travels.

Backpacking Europe Packing List
Europe Packing List for Women
The Best Travel Shoes
The Best Travel Backpacks and The Best Travel Backpacks for Women
Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in France
Guide to Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Germany
Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Italy
Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Spain
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5 best usa esims for travel [tried + tested] 2024 guide].

When it comes to traveling savvy, eSIMS are my new favorite recommendation.

After years of stressing over finding a local sim *every* time I entered a new county (frustrating when you’re doing a lot of countries in one time period!), I no longer have to worry because of the convenience of eSIMS.

Now that there are SO many eSIMS on offer, it can be a little overwhelming. However, because there is so much competition, the quality and price have gotten better overall.

When in the USA, data can be quite restrictive, but these eSIMS will help make your travels throughout the USA a lot easier.

My current network in the UK (O2) does provide me with some data in the USA (as part of my monthly plan), but I cannot hotspot that data to my laptop, which is imperative to me running an online business.

So let’s have a look at what eSIMS are on offer for the USA!

In this guide I’m going to take you through:

What an eSIM is exactly
The advantages of eSIMs
The best eSIMs for the USA

Let’s get started …

Travellerspoint

What is an eSIM?

We’ve all heard of a traditional SIM card, which has been around for decades and have helped immensely when traveling somewhere new.

However these had their own limitations, such as higher costs and less flexibility.

This is where the new digital eSIM comes in, which are essentially an upgrade in various ways.

They act the same way as a usual SIM card, however everything is stored electronically inside your phone (no external chip needs to be removed or added).

Essentially this means that you can immediately swap to a different mobile phone provider as soon as you arrive in a new country and get a signal, instead of having to manually find a new SIM and install it.

There are also many other benefits to using an eSIM in the USA, such as having low costs and being more versatile (we’ll explore these benefits later in this guide).

What phones are compatible with eSIMs?

iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
iPhone XS, XS Max, XR
iPhone SE (2020, 2022)
Apple watch series 3, 4, 5 and 6
Apple watch SE
All iPads with 4G connectivity that have come out since 2018 support eSIM:
iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068, from 2020)
iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069, from 2020)
iPad Air (model A2123, from 2019)
iPad (model A2198, from 2019)
iPad Mini (model A2124, from 2019)
Galaxy S22, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
Galaxy Note 20, 20+, 20 Ultra
Galaxy Fold, Fold 2, Fold 3
Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 3
Samsung Watch (through Samsung wearable application)
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 4G or 5G is not compatible with eSIM.
Google Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service), 2 XL
Google Pixel 3 (not including phones bought in Australia, Taiwan or Japan. Phones bought with US or Canadian carriers other than Spring and Google Fi don't work with eSIM), 3a (not including phones bought in Japan or with Verizon service), 3a XL, 3 XL
Google Pixel
Google Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
Google Pixel 5, 51
Google Pixel 6, 6 plus

Other ESIM Compatible Devices

Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro (The Huawei P40+ is not compatible with an eSIM)
Oppo Find X5, X5 Pro, X3 Pro
Oppo Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
Sony Xperia 10 IV, 10 III Lite
Honor Magic 4 Pro
Fairphone 4
Motorola Razr 2019
Nuu Mobile X5
Rakuten Mini
Microsoft Surface Duo

So to summarize, pretty much all phones can work with an eSIM.

There’s a good chance they can also work with multiple eSIMs at the same time too (which brings even more benefits), however you’ll want to do some independent research on the type of phone you have before.

If your current phone isn’t on this list, then most likely it will not be compatible with an eSIM.

Can I use my current mobile provider's international data plan?

You’ll find plenty of existing operators that allow you to use their own international plan in the USA.

Also known as Roaming, they allow you to connect to the internet without you having to physically change your SIM card.

The major downside to this is that they typically incur high charges for browsing, where you can easily spend over $15-25 a day if you’re not careful! (can be even more if you will watch videos or do any other activities that require heavy bandwidth usage).

If you’ll be working whilst traveling, then this won’t be ideal in either the short or long term, unless you don’t mind spending so much.

The other issue is that you may not have a good, consistent internet connection, and may find it drops down to 3G at times.

There’s also a cap too on your internet speed, especially if you’re using it frequently (where it can end up taking a while just to do a simple Google search).

Whenever I use O2 abroad, I am capped at around 25 GB and they will throttle my speed if I’m using it a lot.

They will also charge me more if I hotspot my connection to another device.

Advantages of eSIMs when traveling the USA

Lower Costs than Traditional SIMs - By far the biggest advantage of using an eSIM is that it is actually quite cheap. Whilst you would think it might be more (given it’s all electronically stored), the costs work out less. This is mainly due to you only needing just one eSIM for multiple countries , whilst you’d otherwise need to keep buying a new physical SIM card every time you travel to a new country. The other reason is that you won’t be paying for roaming internet fees abroad, whilst enjoying an overall better connection.
You Can Keep Your Own Number - This is another great reason you’ll want to use an eSIM, as you’ll be able to keep your own number and not have to keep re-adding existing contacts to your new sim. This is also important if you’re heading away for a long time (over 6-12 months), since some mobile providers can cancel your number if they see you aren’t using it or are not continuing to pay their usual monthly fees.
Quality and Consistent Internet Connection - As we’ve already mentioned, you’ll be connecting to local internet networks when using an eSIM. This means you’ll be getting the very best connection possible , instead of using an unstable roaming connection from your provider abroad. You’ll find this is also the case when heading to more remote areas of the USA, where there’s a good chance your roaming will have no signal.
Very Quick and Convenient - Usually once you’ve arrived after a long flight, you’ll either be tired or want to start exploring immediately. With an eSIM you can hit the ground running without delay , as you’ll automatically connect to the best local provider possible. This is in contrast with using regular SIM cards, where you’ll need to go out and find local chips in a market, compare between them etc.

BEST eSIMs for USA Travel

1. maya mobile - best esims for the usa with unlimited data.

Maya is one of our personal favorites when it comes to eSIMs, and especially so here in the USA given the variety of benefits they offer.

A US based company, they now operate in 190 countries worldwide and provide some of the most high value eSIMS around.

Their prepaid eSIMs are really useful, where you can select plans between 5-30 days. They’re generous with the data you’ll receive too, and for example on the 30 day prepaid plan (which costs $40) you can receive as much as 40GB!

Those who are heavy internet users can also select from their different unlimited data plans, which are perfect for hotspotting to your laptop or live streaming your favorite shows on the go.

You’ll also always have a really good connection too when in the USA with Maya, using some of the best 5G and 4G LTE roaming networks.

Maya even goes as far as providing a full money-back guarantee in case your SIM fails when out on the road in the USA. We think this makes it a no-brainer since you’ll either have a great eSIM service, or be fully covered in the event that something goes wrong.

Overall Maya is a great option for those who need fast connections as well as flexible data plans. The only downside is that their plans are a maximum of 30 days, and if traveling for longer than the costs can rack-up if buying multiple plans with them.

Advantages of Maya Mobile for the USA:

High-speed connections throughout the USA
Great for heavy data users
Money-back Guarantee in place in case something goes wrong with your eSIM

Disadvantages of Maya Mobile for the USA:

Maximum plan length of 30 Days
More costly than other available plans

2. Airalo - Best Coverage Options for the USA

Another popular eSIM choice for those heading to the USA is Airalo, who provide plans for over 200 countries across the planet.

One of the best benefits of going with them is the fact that they provide not only eSIMS for the USA, but also regional and global plans too which is perfect if you are planning a longer trip to multiple countries .

If you are staying just in the USA, you’ll find options as cheap as $4.50 which includes 1GB for 7 days, all the way to their longest plan of 30 days, where you’ll get 20GB for $21.00.

Their regional plans also last for 30 days, where you’ll be covered in the USA as well as Canada and Mexico. For $46.00 you’ll be gifted 10GB to use throughout all three countries as you wish during your trip.

If you plan on going on a much longer trip, then you can select from their global plans. Their longest plan covers you for a total of 365 days, where you’ll have 20GB to use in over 120 countries as well as the USA for $69.00.

Overall Airalo offers one of the greatest ranges of eSIMs for the USA, which is great if you plan on traveling for longer here (or to numerous other countries on the same trip).

The main disadvantage of using Airalo is that most of their eSIMS only support data, however not local phone calls or messages (although you can easily get around this by using WhatsApp).

Advantages of Airalo for the USA:

They offer a range of local, regional and global eSIM plans
Really intuitive and helpful app

Disadvantages of Airalo for the USA:

Most plans can’t make local calls or send messages to local numbers

3. Holafly - Best eSIM for the USA with Unlimited Calls!

Holafly is another highly rated eSIM provider, who have plenty of great reviews from customers who have used their various plans.

They provide a range of eSIM lengths for the USA, which start from 5 days up to 90 days. By far the biggest advantage of using Holafly is the fact that all of their plans include unlimited data, which means you can really relax and not worry about how you use your data daily.

The costs of Holafly’s eSIM cards are some of the more expensive options on the market, however are still of high value considering their unlimited internet usage. The 5 day plan costs $19.00, whilst those traveling for a month can purchase their 30 day eSIM for $64.00. Lastly we have their 90 day plan which costs $99.00.

The other advantage of using HolaFly is that you will have direct access to their useful and quick-to-respond customer support team, and also that they offer a North American regional plan if you also want to visit Canada or Mexico on the same trip.

Overall Holafly is perfect for heavy data users, although you’ll be limited just to your own device. One of the biggest disadvantages (unfortunately) is the fact that you cannot share or transfer data - which to be honest makes sense since you are getting unlimited data after all!

Advantages of Holafly for the USA:

Unlimited data plans
Very responsive customer service team available in 7 different languages

Disadvantages of Holafly for the USA:

They don’t allow Hotspotting
Plans are more expensive than other options

4. Nomad - Best eSIM App for the USA

Nomad is another eSIM giant who operates in over 135 countries around the planet, and also offers a neat range of plans for those heading to the USA.

One of the major advantages of using Nomad is that you’ll have access to their really useful app , which shows you your usage (and how much data you have left), and also makes it quick and easy to extend your plan.

Their cheapest plan begins at just $6, which includes 1GB for 7 days. Their longest plan runs for 30 days, where you’ll have 20GB included for just $25.

Nomad also allows you to tether and hotspot your connection, making it a great option for those who plan to work on their trip (or share data with friends and family).

Overall Nomad is a solid option for those who will visit the USA for a shorter trip. If you do plan on heading longer, then you may want to look at other options given the costs are higher here (with not as much data included).

Advantages of Nomad for the USA:

Awesome app where you can easily track usage and renew your plan
Great for travelers on shorter trips

Disadvantages of Nomad for the USA:

Plans last a maximum of 30 days, and have low data caps

5. SimOptions - Best eSIM for Reputation and Reliability

Next we have SimOptions, who are another highly-trusted company that offers plans and coverage in over 200 nations worldwide.

One of the biggest benefits of using SimOptions is that they are very flexible, and support the use of multiple eSIMS on the same device . This means you can have one for data and also another for local calls if this is something that you’ll need during your trip.

Their cheapest eSIM starts at just $4.90, which includes 1GB data for a total duration of 30 days. Their longest (and most expensive plan) costs $34.90, which includes 20GB and also lasts for 30 days. All of these eSIM options support the use of hotspotting too which is useful.

Overall SimOptions is a great option for those who want a cheap option or are on a shorter trip, although you won’t receive as much data as other companies (so you’ll need to watch your daily use).

Advantages of SimOptions for the USA:

Cheap eSIM Packages
Support Hotspotting

Disadvantages of SimOptions for the USA:

Short eSIM Durations

Which eSIM will you go for?

And that’s all for our guide on the best eSIMS to use when traveling to and around the USA.

eSIMS are a really useful tool to use when traveling abroad, and we think are a must-have when heading to the USA (or any other country for that matter).

Not only will you have high-speed connections at an affordable price , you’ll also find various plans to have distinct advantages (such as regional bundles or high data plans for hotspotting to your other devices).

In this guide we’ve covered why using an eSIM is much better than a traditional SIM card, as well as 5 of the best eSIM companies you can use when in the USA.

Which eSIM do you think you’re getting for your next trip?

Do you have a particular brand that we haven’t included?

Comment below and let us know your thoughts!

Looking for more eSIM guides?

Best eSIMS for Travel
Best eSIMS for Europe
Best eSIMS for South East Asia

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

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How to Choose an eSIM? 7 Recommended eSIM Options for International Travel

Think of your eSIM as your digital travel key. It unlocks seamless connectivity without the hassle of switching devices or numbers every time you cross borders. What’s more, eSIMs are easily accessible and serve as an economical alternative to traditional physical SIM cards.

For those who prioritise convenience and flexibility when travelling, investing in an optimal eSIM is a decision well worth making. An eSIM is a digitally embedded SIM card, eliminating the need for a physical card that must be replaced each time you change locations.

The eSIM market is packed with numerous providers, including Airalo, Nomads, and GlobleSIMs, vying for the attention of travellers. To enjoy the maximum benefits, it’s crucial to compare the best eSIM options for travel and choose the one that aligns perfectly with your requirements.

What do you need to know before buying an eSIM?

Before you purchase an eSIM, you should understand how an eSIM works. There are several questions to ask.

Is your device eSIM compatible?

Before you purchase an eSIM, you need to ensure your smartphone is up to the task. As a relatively new technology, not all devices support eSIM yet. For eSIM compatibility, there are two ways to check:

iPhone users can simply dial #06# on the iPhone app . If an ‘EID’ appears, you’re good to go.
Alternatively, through the settings app, applicable for both iPhones and Android devices. For iPhones, navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’ > ‘About’ to find the EID . If ‘Carrier Lock’ status indicates ‘No SIM restrictions’, your iPhone is eSIM ready.
For Android devices, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘About phone’ to find the EID . If your device is eSIM-friendly, you’re ready to roll!

Is your device suitable for your chosen eSIM provider?

Choosing an eSIM provider? Ensure your mobile device is compatible. Some eSIM providers may favour certain devices, such as the iPhone XR or the latest models.

So, if you’re tech-savvy with your brand new smartphone, make sure your eSIM provider can keep up with your device’s advanced features. This guarantees a smooth user experience while you’re travelling.

Do you have access to an active email account?

An active email address is essential to switch to your eSIM . This is where your eSIM profile will be delivered. If you’re a digital nomad, having your eSIM profile linked to your email is incredibly convenient. Whether you’re resting in your hotel room or exploring the city, you can access it effortlessly.

Do you have stable Internet connection?

Got a steady and strong connection to the internet? Perfect! You’ll have your eSIM downloaded in minutes. You’ll be back to sifting through emails, streaming your favourite shows, browsing social feeds, or whatever else you fancy doing online, faster than you can say ‘internet’.

Does your eSim provider need you to download a specific app?

Certain eSIM providers may require you to download their specific app to activate your eSIM. This app often serves as a control centre for managing your eSIM and related services. With the app, you can effortlessly monitor your data usage, top up your balance, or even switch plans, all at your fingertips.

If your smartphone isn’t quite suitable for eSIM technology, you always have the conventional option of using a physical SIM card from a local mobile operator.

Here are the 8 best eSIMs for international travel

1) airhub – for all needs.

Airhub boasts a variety of eSIM plans with up to 15 different plans per country, making it a fitting choice for a wide variety of users. It has strong local alliances offering cost-effective deals. They provide monthly subscriptions with unlimited voice and SMS options, ideal for those abroad for the short-term. These non-binding plans offer 4G network reliability.

Airalo: eSIM Travel & Internet - Apps on Google Play

2) Airalo – for Personalised Needs

Airalo stands out due to its capacity to provide tailor-made plans and extensive coverage. This service is particularly beneficial for users seeking flexibility and a wide range of options to cater to their specific needs. Whether users are data-hungry or prefer longer plan durations , Airalo’s flexible plans are able to cater to these preferences.

aloSIM - eSIM Travel Sim Card - Apps on Google Play

3) AloSIM – for Effortless Installation

Distinguished by a unique data calculator, AloSIM allows users to gauge their data needs based on their internet habits. This shows the provider’s commitment to transparency and preventing spending on unnecessary data. Also, they allow users to preview and choose the partner networks to connect with before committing to a purchase.

AloSIM’s eSIM installation process is straightforward with three options:

Immediate use via instant installation
Scanning the QR code
Manual installation with a step-by-step guide

BNESIM: eSIM card, Mobile Data - Apps on Google Play

4) BNESIM – for Cost-Effective Global Travel

BNESIM is a fantastic option when it comes to network coverage. This includes significant coverage in key regions like Europe and Asia, enveloping 30 countries in Europe, 29 in Asia, and a total of 200+ countries with the global eSIM.

Talking about cost, BNESIM shines with its affordability, especially for long-term international travel. The starting price is a mere $0.98 for 1GB of data for 30 days, making it a budget-friendly choice for travellers.

5) Holafly – for Unlimited Roaming

If you’re looking for the liberty of unlimited data, Holafly will be your go-to . This is particularly useful for individuals who stream videos heavily, actively on social media, or require a hotspot for work calls. While their plans might come at a slightly higher cost, the unlimited data allocation significantly outweighs the price difference.

Regardless of the amount of data consumed, whether it’s streaming videos, browsing the web, using navigation apps, or constantly updating social media, users never have to worry about bursting their data limit. Most beneficial for digital nomads, frequent travellers, or people who rely heavily on data for their work or leisure activities on-the-go.

6) Instabridge – for Flexibility and Enhanced Online Security

Instabridge packs a punch with a number of standout features that might just catch your eye. First off, this provider takes online security up a notch with an in-built VPN to scramble your internet connection. Users can keep their online privacy intact and their digital footprint safe and sound.

With VPN, you can shield your personal data from potential cyber bandits. It’ll be a safer alternative as compared to hooking onto public Wi-Fi networks, which are goldmines often for data breaches.

Also, Instabridge presents wallet-friendly, flexible pay-as-you-go plans that are ideal for digital nomads who don’t constantly need a data lifeline with no-strings-attached.

7) GlobaleSIM – For Most Extensive Coverage

GlobaleSIM is a premier choice for those seeking broad international coverage. It’s an invaluable resource for frequent travellers to less populous areas. In this case, you need as much signal as you can get. While other providers cover more countries (200+), GlobaleSIM boasts over 400+ network carriers, ensuring reliable and robust connectivity.

Whether you’re backpacking across South America, Europe or Australia, GlobaleSIM guarantees great connection anytime anywhere – even in the most remote of small towns.

Wherever you find yourself, there’s an army of eSIM providers geared up to keep you in the loop with plans tailored to your needs. What’s the best eSIM to go for? Simply, it’s the one that meets all your needs.

However, it’s always good to have a Plan B for emergency purposes. Keeping a spare physical SIM card ensures you’re always connected, especially when there’s a network hiccup or a technical glitch (more likely to occur in developing countries/smaller towns).

Travelling soon? Send this article to your travel buddy!

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Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to the USA in 2024

Are you planning your trip to the United States and looking for an e-sim card to stay connected? This is a complete guide with everything you need to know before ordering an e-sim card for traveling to the USA.

In this guide you can find a comparison of the best e-sim cards for the United States, up to date prices as per March 2024, all the USA e-sim card specifications, my recommendation and the advantages and disadvantages of e-sim cards. I will show you where and when to order an e-sim card, a comparison with local prepaid sim cards and of course links to directly order your e-sim card for the United States on the internet.

Already since 2012 I am a full time nomadic travel blogger traveling the world continuously and I constantly get to different countries. Pretty much every week I need to look for a new sim card. In 2022 I visited for example 62 different countries and in 2023 I traveled to 34 countries so imagine how many different prepaid and e-sim cards I used over the last two years.

In the past I used to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in every country, but nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards for staying connected when traveling abroad.

Helping fellow travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is how I started writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world.

Of course I also wrote a complete guide for buying a tourist sim card for traveling to USA in 2024 and you can also find guides for buying a sim card on arrival at Miami Airport , Newark Airport , New York JFK Airport .

Traveltomtom also wrote specific guides for buying e-sim cards for: Canada , Turkey , France , Spain , Greece , Germany , Portugal , Italy , Europe , Turkey , Asia , Thailand , China , Australia , Hong Kong , Singapore , international e-sim cards and many more.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends the following e-sim cards for traveling to the USA in 2024:

1. Change e-sim card for the USA from Airalo

10 GB data-only e-sim
Valid in USA only
Valid for 30 days
$2.60 USD per Gigabyte

Airalo is the only e-sim card provider that offers USA e-sim cards that support 5G network. For $26 USD you get 10 GB data, for $16 USD you get 5 GB data and for $42 USD you get 20 GB data. Click on the link for all USA e-sim card plans from Airalo.

Click here for more info or to directly order an Airalo e-sim card for traveling in the USA .

2. Three HK e-sim from SimOptions

20 GB data-only e-sim
Valid in USA, Canada, UK, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand
$1.75 USD per Gigabyte only

SimOptions sells USA e-sim cards that go down as much as $1.75 USD per Gigabyte. There are 2 e-sim cards from Three HK, but the other e-sim gives you only 10 GB data for $24.90 USD best e-sim deal you can find is the e-sim card for $24 USD and you get 20 GB data. These Three HK e-sims that you order via SimOptions are not 5G ready, only 4G/LTE is supported.

The above e-sim cards for the USA are data-only and do NOT support local calls and sms.

If you want an e-sim card for the USA including calls and texting then Traveltomtom recommends looking into buying an e-sim card on arrival in the USA in an official mobile internet store. For $65 USD you get unlimited data, calls & sms in the USA for 30 days. But you can only buy these e-sims in person in the store.

A bummer is that you can NOT buy an e-sim card at any international airport in the USA. You have to locate a phone store nearby your hotel, get in line, bring your passport for registration, etc.

Much more work then just ordering an e-sim card on the internet. It is up to you!

There are 2 very important things to check before ordering an e-sim card for the USA.

Unlocked phones only

Make sure your phone is unlocked. E-sim cards only work in unlocked phones. If you are not sure if your phone is unlocked then contact your mobile internet provider in your home country.

In general phones from Europe, Asia and the Middle East tend to be unlocked. Phones from North America are often locked.

If your smartphone is locked that means it does not allow another prepaid sim card or e-sim card to operate in the device. You can easily unlock your phone, but depending on your mobile internet provider you will be charged a fee for unlocking your phone.

E-sim compatible phones only

Second, and equally important: a-sim cards only work if your smartphone supports e-sim cards, also called e-sim compatible. All newer smartphones support e-sim cards. If you are not sure if your phone is e-sim compatible then simply go to Google and type in your mobile phone model in the search bar and ask if it is e-sim compatible. You will get the answer instantly.

If your phone is NOT e-sim compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an e-sim card for traveling to the USA.

However, you can still order a sim card for the United States on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a sim card for the USA in 2024 or read my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an international sim card for traveling abroad in 2024 .

USA e-sim card comparison for 2024

There are multiple website on the internet that sell e-sim cards for the USA. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for traveling in the USA from one of the well-known e-sim card providers that have proven to be reliable operators.

These are the 3 big e-sim card providers and they sell great USA e-sim card plans:

You can buy an e-sim card for pretty much every country around the world from the above trusted providers. Order directly from one of the above e-sim card providers and instantly receive your e-sim card in your email. But before you buy an e-sim card first read all my tips below.

SimOptions also offers international prepaid sim cards for USA . These are pre-activated physical prepaid sim cards and will be delivered to your home address before your trip to America and it is plug and play when you arrive in the US.

Airalo and Nomad only sell e-sim cards for the USA.

SimOptions is a very reliable e-sim card provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using SimOptions for ordering your USA e-sim card.

Their best USA e-sim card gives you 20 GB data for $34.90 USD. That is $1.75 USD per Gigabyte. But SimOptions has several e-sim card plans for traveling in the USA in 2024.

Why does Traveltomtom recommend SimOptions? They often have a wide array of e-sim cards for sale, including international e-sim cards valid in multiple countries.

Here are the SimOptions e-sim card plans for use in the USA only:

1 GB data for 30 days = $4.9 USD
6 GB data for 10 days = $17.9 USD
10 GB data for 15 days = $19.9 USD

Click here for more info or to order a Simoptions e-sim card for the USA .

SimOptions does not specify which network they use in the USA on the above e-sims and they are also NOT 5G ready, only 4G/LTE network is supported. The SimOptions e-sim cards are data-only and they do not come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls and sms are not supported.

SimOptions also sells international e-sim cards that are valid in multiple countries. These e-sim cards are from Three Hong Kong and are valid in Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and in the USA:

10 GB data for 30 days = $24.90 USD
20 GB data for 30 days = $34.90 USD

Click here to order an international e-sim card for USA from SimOptions .

The best buy e-sim card for the United States from SimOptions is the Three (3) HK e-sim card. The Three HK international e-sim card with 20 GB data for $34.90 USD comes down to $1.75 USD per Gigabyte.

Also the Three e-sim cards for the United States are the only e-sim cards from all the USA e-sim cards available on the internet that come with a phone number from Hong Kong that starts with +852.

Which means you can receive calls and sms. Making calls and sending sms is not supported.

On the Three e-sim cards from Hong Kong, Traveltomtom readers have recently reported that TikTok is blocked, due to regulations in Hong Kong, as it is a Hong Kong based e-sim card.

The Three e-sim cards are valid for 1 year, meaning you have to install/activate the e-sim card within 1 year. Therefore it could be a perfect travel gift for someone traveling to the USA. Once activated the validity of 30 days start immediately, even if you are not yet in the USA.

Having any problems with a SimOptions e-sim card then contact their helpdesk. SimOptions has a live chat on their website during business hours. For more info check out the SimOptions website .

Airalo is another very reputable e-sim card provider that is very much recommended by Traveltomtom. Ordering your e-sim card for the USA through Airalo is done fast and easy. Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times for staying connected when traveling abroad. Very reliable, never an issue and often some of the cheapest e-sim card deals.

Why using Airalo? I found out that Airalo has sometimes cheaper e-sim card deals compared to SimOptions.

Especially if you only use a little bit of data while traveling and need just 1 or 2 GB data to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check your email sometimes and get directions from Google Maps, then Airalo is also great e-sim card for traveling in the USA.

Here are the USA e-sim card plans for 2024 from Airalo:

1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
2 GB data for 15 days = $8 USD
3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD
5 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
10 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
20 GB data for 30 days = $42 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for USA from Airalo .

The above Change e-sim cards are only valid in the USA (and Puerto Rico) and they operate on the 4G/LTE/5G network of Verizon and T-Mobile. Big advantage of the Airalo e-sim cards compared to SimOptions and Nomad is that the Airalo e-sim cards for the USA are 5G ready.

The Airalo e-sim cards do NOT support calling and texting and they do NOT come with a phone number. You can not receive calls and text on these e-sim cards.

The USA e-sim cards from Airalo have to be installed/activated on your phone within 1 month after purchase otherwise they lose their validity. After installing, the e-sim cards starts its validity from the first moment when it connects to a supported network, basically the moment the plane lands. For more info check out the Airalo website .

Nomad has proven to be a reliable e-sim provider and ever since Traveltomtom started using them they have improved their service, products and very important their e-sim card deals.

Nomad has now some of the cheapest e-sim card plans for traveling to the United States in 2024.

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for the USA:

1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
10 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD
20 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for USA from Nomad .

Nomad always has a lot of e-sim card deals and sales on their e-sim card plans. At the moment it looks great to buy an e-sim from Nomad for traveling to the USA in 2024.

However, Traveltomtom has also ran into some concerning issues with Nomad e-sim cards that has put me a bit off to be honest. In general you should not run into problems, but I was unfortunate already 3x and had to wait for about 24 hours until my issues were resolved.

All the Nomad e-sim card plans for the USA are from eSIM Go and they operate on the 4G/LTE network of AT&T and Verizon. These eSIM Go plans are NOT 5G ready and are data-only sim cards. Incoming and outgoing calls are not supported.

The Nomad USA e-sim cards have to be installed/activated on your phone within 1 month after purchase otherwise they are automatically activated. After installing, the e-sim cards starts its validity from the first moment when it connects to a supported network, basically the moment the plane lands in the USA. For more info check the Nomad website .

An e-sim card from T-Mobile can only be bought on arrival in the USA and only in an official store of T-Mobile. The activation fee for a new costumer is $10 USD and on top of that T-Mobile charges another $4.99 USD for an e-sim card and then you can choose from one of the following plans excluding tax:

10 GB data = $40 USD
Unlimited data + 3G hotspot = $50 USD
Unlimited data + 10 GB 4G hotspot = $60 USD

The good thing about buying a T-Mobile e-sim card on arrival in the USA in a phone store is that it comes with unlimited calling and texting in the USA.

Again, a T-Mobile e-sim card is not available online, only in stores in the USA.

An e-sim card from AT&T can only be bought on arrival in the USA and only in an official store of AT&T. The activation fee for a new costumer is $14.99 USD and on top of that AT&T charges another $4.99 USD for an e-sim card and then you can choose from one of the following plans excluding tax:

5 GB data = $30 USD
15 GB data = $40 USD
Unlimited calls/sms and data = $65 USD

The good thing about buying an AT&T e-sim card on arrival in the USA in a phone store is that it comes with unlimited calling and texting in the USA.

Again, an AT&T e-sim card is not available online, only in stores in the USA.

An e-sim card from Verizon can only be bought on arrival in the USA and only in an official store of Verizon. Verizon offer 3 prepaid plans for tourists that are available as e-sim cards. These are the prices exclusive tax:

15 GB data + unlimited calls/sms = $45 USD
Unlimited calls/sms and data + 5 GB hotspot = $60 USD
Unlimited calls/sms and data + 25 GB hotspot = $70 USD

The official registration fee for a Verizon prepaid plan is $25 USD, but is waived away often. A Verizon e-sim card is not available online, only in stores in the USA.

Why did Traveltomtom already use hundreds of e-sim cards? I travel the world full time and I am on the road constantly which seriously means I use about 40 to 50 different sim cards per year.

Traveltomtom is also on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world . As of March 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, still more than 40 to go and there is absolutely no rush!

Personally, traveling is not supposed to be a race or a competition. Enjoy life should be the spirit!

What is the cheapest e-sim card for the USA

The cheapest e-sim card plan for America is a USA e-sim card from Airalo . They have a sim card plan for just $4.5 USD. You only get 1 GB, but for some travelers that is enough. Especially if you only need it for directions and staying in touch through WhatsApp. Top Up is possible, may you run out.

Why ordering an e-sim card for traveling in the USA

E-sim cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to USA in 2024. You arrange everything online in just a couple minutes. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards in your phone. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to USA. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app (Uber is Grab in USA), finding nearby friends, restaurants, bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply stay in touch with family back home, check out social media apps on long bus rides or check your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in the USA with an activated e-sim card is that you are online as soon as the plane lands and you connect to a network. More about when to instal your e-sim card later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to the USA, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to USA so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $2 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 25 MB * $2 USD = $50 USD! Not kidding… it still is reality in 2024.

E-sim cards are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

International data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed, but there is 5G in the USA everywhere!

Uncountable times (mostly American) travel friends asked me: “can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!” Trust me, get yourself an e-sim card or an international prepaid sim card for traveling abroad .

Where to buy an e-sim card for USA?

You can only buy an e-sim card for USA on the internet through an e-sim card provider. There are multiple e-sim card providers for the USA. Traveltomtom compared 6 e-sim card providers and determined that the above mentioned ones ( SimOptions , Airalo , Nomad ) are the best e-sim card providers for traveling to USA in 2024.

None of the mobile internet operators in the USA sell tourist e-sim cards on their own websites.

When buying an e-sim card for the USA through one of the above recommended e-sim providers you only need your email address and the e-sim card is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in USA

When you arrive in the USA and you want to buy an e-sim card for tourists then you will have to find an official retail store of either T-Mobile or AT&T nearby and you will have to go in person to buy an e-sim card in the USA. In the store you can buy a tourist sim card and only in the official retail stores of AT&T and T-Mobile they are able to provide e-sim cards for tourists.

But keep in mind that this takes time and it is NOT cheaper at all! It is in fact even more expensive, hence why Traveltomtom recommends to order your e-sim card for traveling in the USA online.

For the best prepaid sim cards for tourists in the USA in 2024 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in USA, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

How to activate an e-sim card

Installing and activating an e-sim card is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an e-sim card and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email.

When you order an e-sim card plan for the USA you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your e-sim card order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your USA e-sim card.

But installing an activating an e-sim card is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the e-sim card on. The QR contains all the information about your USA e-sim card.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your e-sim card is successfully installed. Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your e-sim card otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an e-sim card with the same phone where you want to instal the e-sim card on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

When to order/install an e-sim card for the USA?

You can order an e-sim card for USA pretty much any time you want. Most e-sim cards have to be installed on a phone within 1-3 months after purchasing, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal the e-sim card. The validity of some e-sims start straight after the installation, other e-sim cards only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your e-sim card on the day departure to the USA at home. Or if you want to maximise your validity then activate your USA e-sim card on arrival after you connect to the free WiFi of the airport on arrival in the USA. All international airports in the USA have free public WiFi.

Things to know before ordering an e-sim card for USA

Here are some general tips for using e-sim cards when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply for USA e-sim cards, but are things you have to know before buying an e-sim card in general.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: e-sim cards only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any e-sim card without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to USA. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a pocket WiFi for staying connected when traveling to the USA or bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to the USA and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support e-sim cards?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an e-sim card is if your smartphone supports e-sim cards. If you have any of the latest mobile phones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones support e-sim cards.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is e-sim compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) e-sim compatible? Simple as that!

Can I trust these e-sim card providers?

All the e-sim card providers for USA recommended above ( SimOptions , Airalo , Nomad ) are reputable e-sim card providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in the USA.

Traveltomtom has successfully partnered for several consecutive years with SimOptions and Airalo. Nomad is a fairly new partner of Traveltomtom, but has so far proven to be a reliable e-sim card provider. All e-sim card providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Traveltomtom does NOT sell USA e-sim cards, only recommends you to use e-sim cards for traveling to the USA.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a USA e-sim card?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an e-sim card to stay connected when traveling to the USA. An e-sim card can be used next to your physical or e-sim card from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an e-sim card.

So you can have multiple e-sim cards installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. The USA e-sim card you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

If your USA e-sim card also allows you to make phone calls and you want to make a local call in USA, you simply switch between the sim cards and make a local phone call with your USA e-sim card.

Switching between sim cards is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings.

Can I make phone calls with a USA e-sim card?

This depends on the type of USA e-sim card that you buy. The Traveltomtom recommended e-sim cards for the USA do NOT support calls and sms, see the above comparison for specifications of every e-sim card. There are few e-sim card providers on the internet that offer USA e-sim cards including calling and texting. Traveltomtom has never tried these specific e-sim cards.

As recommended before if you are looking for an e-sim card for the USA including unlimited calls and sms to local numbers then buy your e-sim card on arrival in the USA in an official phone store from either T-Mobile or AT&T. More hassle, more expensive, but calls and texting is included in these e-sims.

Does a USA e-sim card come with a phone number?

This also depends on the type of e-sim card that you buy. E-sims that support calls and sms they come with a phone number, but also some data-only sim cards that do not support calling and texting but still come with a phone number. These type of e-sim cards can only receive calls and sms, but not make phone calls/send sms.

The Three HK and the AIS Sim2FLY e-sim cards from SimOptions they come with a phone number and therefore these e-sim cards for the USA support incoming phone calls and sms, but unfortunately not outgoing phone calls and sms. In the above USA e-sim card comparison you can find all the specifications per e-sim card.

Can I use 5G on a USA e-sim card?

It completely depends on the type of e-sim card that you order. In my comparison of the best e-sim cards for the USA I specified per e-sim card if you can use 5G or only the 4G/LTE network. Sometimes e-sim operators even specify the max data speed.

Are there e-sim cards for the USA with unlimited data?

Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of data sim cards with unlimited data. Why? Well, there is always a restriction, mostly called FUP (Fair Use Policy). Sometimes that is already 2 GB data per day, which means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down. Other e-sim cards have a FUP of 30, 50, 80 GB data. It depends on the e-sim card specification.

In general, unlimited data is pretty much never unlimited data at max speed. And trust me the reduced data speed will creep you out as it barely works!

So yes, there are e-sim cards for the USA with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions. The recommended e-sim card providers by Traveltomtom do NOT offer e-sim cards for the USA with unlimited data. No hidden fees, no Fair Use Policy. Clear terms & conditions!

Holafly is an e-sim card provider that sells e-sim cards with unlimited data, but does NOT specify what is the exact so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP).

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend USA e-sim cards with unlimited data plans. There are always restrictions. And on Holafly sim cards I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait for 24 hours until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those 24 hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading!

Again, Traveltomtom does NOT recommend e-sim cards for USA with unlimited data. But if you think you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then this might be your favorite e-sim card. However, what is then the point of having an e-sim card with unlimited data, right?

For truly unlimited data on an USA e-sim card it is best to buy your e-sim card in person, in store in the USA. Go to a T-Mobile or AT&T retail store for these sim card deals or check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card for the USA in 2024 .

There are a lot of different specifications per e-sim card. Another reason why I advice you to take a close at my comparison of the best e-sim cards for traveling to USA in 2024.

Best way to stay connected when traveling to USA

E-sim cards are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to USA, but are they also the best way to stay connected when traveling to the USA?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to USA:

Local prepaid sim cards

International prepaid sim cards, e-sim cards.

Let’s compare e-sim cards, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards for you to make understand what is your preferred way to stay connected.

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards are probably the cheapest way to stay connected depending on the length of your trip. Local prepaid sim cards often offer bigger data plans than e-sim cards. However, local prepaid sim cards can only be purchased on arrival in the USA.

If this sounds like something you want then prepare to find a sim card store on arrival because buying a sim card for the USA on an international airport is very overpriced or often not even possible.

On Traveltomtom you can also find sim card guides for: Miami Airport , Newark Airport , New York JFK Airport .

More info about the best USA sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a sim card for USA in 2024.

The advantage of local prepaid sim cards is that you buy them directly from the mobile internet provider. You get the cheapest prices, unlimited local calls & sms included, the biggest data packages and the fastest data speed. Local prepaid sim cards in USA all offer 5G.

international prepaid sim cards for usa 2024

If your smartphone is not e-sim compatible there are many international prepaid sim cards for traveling abroad that you can use in the USA and you can easily order them online.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for USA directly online .

The advantage of an international prepaid sim card is that it often includes calling and texting. E-sim cards are mostly data-only sim cards.

There are two different e-sim cards:

E-sim cards that you buy on the internet through a third party
E-sim cards that you buy in the USA in a mobile internet provider store

The big difference is that e-sim cards provided by the mobile internet operators in the USA: T-Mobile and AT&T can only be purchased at one of their phone stores around the USA.

The e-sim cards that you buy in the United States include unlimited texting and sms in the USA and e-sim cards that you buy on the internet do NOT support calling and texting.

However, on arrival in the United States you will need to find a T-Mobile or AT&T phone store, wait in line, bring your passport for registration, buy a sim card, pay the registration fee and convert it into an e-sim. Precious holiday time will be lost, but on the other hand you get a great USA sim card deal for tourists with unlimited calling and texting included.

You can NOT buy an e-sim card for the USA on arrival at an international airport in the United States.

E-sim cards vs. local prepaid sim cards

Buying an e-sim card on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to USA, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now if you want and you are all set for your trip to the USA. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop. As soon as the plane lands, you are online.

But what is cheaper? An e-sim card or a local prepaid sim card? When we compare USA e-sim card prices with local prepaid sim cards for USA Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that in fact e-sim cards for the USA are better value for money.

On USA e-sim cards you get more data for the same price. However, if you want a sim card for traveling in the USA with unlimited data or you want a sim card that includes calling and texting in the USA then buying a local prepaid sim card in the USA is a better deal.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. Especially since in the USA there are no sim card stores at the international airports.

Therefore a lot of travelers simply get an e-sim card for the USA. Faster, easier and less stress!

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an e-sim card is that e-sim cards are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that e-sim cards through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an e-sim cards is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of e-sim cards can be less compared to a local prepaid sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding an e-sim card for your trip to the USA were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison of the best e-sim cards for America it was easier to make a decision and order your e-sim card right away.

If you still have any questions then please leave me a comment below or reach out to me on social media and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of March 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to USA!

Some links in this article about the best e-sim cards for the USA are affiliate links. If you buy any product after clicking on an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

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At Holafly, we’re committed to reducing our environmental impact and becoming a carbon-neutral company by 2028. You can help us reach this goal by choosing to use our eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. By choosing Holafly’s eSIM, you can travel with peace of mind knowing that you are not only staying connected but also contributing to a more sustainable future.

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Saily: An eSIM for travel 4+

Get mobile data instantly, nordvpn s.a., screenshots, description.

Navigate the world of connectivity with Saily — your gateway to seamless e-SIM services. Say goodbye to physical SIM cards and embrace digital convenience wherever you go. With Saily, you can get internet data with a few taps, avoid costly roaming fees, and travel the world connected. What is an eSIM? An eSIM (or a digital SIM) is embedded into your smartphone but works the same way a physical SIM card does. The difference? You can start using one the moment you realize you need internet data. No shops, queues, or frustration over opening your SIM port — just an easy, instant internet connection. Why choose Saily? Go online instantly • Download, subscribe, install, and welcome aboard! You can now connect to the network and enjoy your internet connection. • Never worry about running out of data in the middle of a hike — get an instant top-up with a few taps and experience uninterrupted connectivity. Travel the world • Get local data plans in over 100 countries and enjoy the convenience of staying connected wherever your adventures take you. • Keep your existing phone number and stay reachable. Receive calls as you usually would, regardless of your location. No strings attached • Experience the freedom of no contracts or long-term commitments. • Avoid expensive roaming fees and unexpected hidden charges. • No need to look for physical shops and overpay for your data. The perfect holiday partner • Set up your eSIM before you even step outside the airport — start your holiday stress free, knowing your connectivity is sorted • Be connected while you travel — stay in touch with your friends and family wherever you are. Seek adventure, not free Wi-Fi • Embrace the digital nomad lifestyle. Travel as much as you want and change plans without hassle. • Have access to the internet everywhere you go without the need to hunt down free Wi-Fi. Secure and reliable • Created by the security-focused team that brought you NordVPN — your digital safety is our top priority. • Enjoy safe transactions and a reliable service. Experience the future of connectivity. Download Saily now and dive into a world without borders!

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The developer, Nordvpn S.A. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

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IMAGES

International eSIM: the best to travel with an Internet connection
How to use an International eSIM for Travel
eSIM vs SIM: What's the best option for travel?
Airhubesim
13 Best International (E)-Sim Cards for Traveling in 2024
Knowroaming eSIM Review: travel with internet connection

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How to Get Cellular Data While Traveling

COMMENTS

Use eSIM while traveling internationally with your iPhone
If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while traveling internationally. eSIM on iPhone isn't offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Learn about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao. For travelers visiting China mainland ...
How to Set Up and Use an eSIM for International Travel
Step 1: Pick an eSIM. The main reason to use eSIM services for travel is to save money. The big U.S. carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer international roaming options, including $10 day passes ...
Best eSIMs for travel of 2024
With Nomad, you can purchase one GB of data for as low as $1.30 (in Asia and the Americas). It has an incredible value proposition in North America, Asia, and Europe. However, when it comes to ...
Travelling with eSIM: Everything you need to know
Yes, you can travel with eSIM. If you have an Australian eSIM, your plan will work overseas exactly the same way a traditional SIM card would. This means you'll pay the standard roaming rates associated with your plan. The same applies if you plan to use a 4G-enabled eSIM smartwatch overseas.
I traveled using an eSIM for my iPhone
The ease of use of eSIMs and travel especially on an iPhone made me a total convert. In the future, all phones might just move to having no physical SIM cards leaving more space for other ...
A beginner's guide to travel eSIMs: How to use eSIMs for travel
Notify your mobile carrier about your travel plans and ask that your SIM card be temporarily deactivated. Your carrier will guide you through the process. Once deactivated, remove your SIM card from your phone and store it in a safe place. Activating an eSIM for travel is even easier than activating/deactivating a physical SIM card. Usually ...
Should Travelers Use eSIMs? International Travel E-sim How To and Tips
Go to the cellular settings on your phone and select the apps that you want to your new plan to work with. Start using your phone like you normally would.*. *See our tips section on best practices later in this post. Once the eSIM is set up, track your data usage and adjust your app data settings as needed.
eSIMs for Travel: The Best Way to Stay Connected, With a Catch
Option 2: Buy a Travel eSIM. Where local carriers have been slow to offer prepaid eSIM options to travelers, global providers have seen an opportunity. Companies like Airalo and AloSIM offer eSIM-based data services in many countries and regions around the world, purchased online and enabled via a QR code or app.
The best eSIM for international travel in 2024
Airalo. One of the most popular eSIM providers for travellers is Airalo and, I can tell you, it's the one that I use most of the time. It's got great coverage across the world and uses major telcos for its connections in almost all cases (for example: Optus in Australia, O2 in the UK, and T-Mobile in the US).
Use eSIM while travelling internationally with your iPhone
What you need. If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while travelling internationally. eSIM on iPhone isn't offered in China mainland. In Hong Kong and Macao, some iPhone models feature eSIM. Find out about using Dual SIM with two nano-SIM cards in China mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
Use eSIM while travelling internationally with your iPhone
This may be helpful if you regularly travel to the same places. What you need. An iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR or later. A network provider or worldwide service provider that supports eSIM. Your iPhone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network* If your iPhone has a SIM tray, you can use both a physical SIM and an eSIM while travelling ...
iPhone 14, eSIM, and international travel: What you need to know
So having bought the eSIM plan, to get the eSIM onto your iPhone, you go to the carrier's site, register, download the app and then: Open the carrier's app and tap on the prompt to download the ...
Complete Guide: Best eSIM For International Travel
Here are the three top eSIM providers for international travel. Airalo: Perfect for travelers looking for short-term and long-term options worldwide. (My pick) Holafly: Great options with several unlimited plans, especially in the United States.
13 Best International (E)-Sim Cards for Traveling in 2024
The Nomad Global e-sim cards are great for traveling in North America, South America and even Pacific as it covers a lot of countries in these continents. For traveling in Europe it is way too expensive. Check out my list of the best prepaid and e-sim cards for traveling in Europe in 2024 for much cheaper deals.
The BEST eSim For Travel and Backpacking in 2024
For example, a 30-day U.S eSim with 10GB of data will set you back $26 USD. Alternatively, for those needing less data, a 3GB eSim with the same validation period will cost a reasonable $11 USD. Airalo eSim plans range from 7-30 days for most local eSims, while regional packages are available up to 180 days.
The Best eSIM for Travel to the United States in 2022
Holafly eSIM. Holafly is a European company that offers prepaid eSIM for tourists around the world, including the United States. According to Trustpilot ratings, this company has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, which makes it reliable for those who need to buy a data plan in the US.
A Complete Guide to e-SIM Cards for Travelers
While global e-SIMs offer unparalleled convenience, they can sometimes come with a hefty price tag. Fear not, savvy travelers, for there's a cost-effective solution at hand: pairing global e-SIMs with local SIM cards. For example, Airalo's 20GB plan in Colombia is priced at over 120 EUR—an extremely expensive option.
How to Choose the Best eSIM for International Travel
Best eSIM for Long-Term Travelers: Airalo. Airalo is one of the most well-known eSIM providers on the market. They have good international coverage in close to 200 countries and connect with some of the biggest telecom companies in the world, such as T-Mobile in the USA and O2 in England.
What's an eSIM and How Do I Install One?
eSIMs (the e stands for "embedded") are simply digital versions of the traditional SIM cards that store your cell-phone number and customer data. Rather than making you physically switch cards ...
Travel like a Local
Travel eSIMs with data plans at local rates in over 170 countries · Download the Nomad app to buy, manage, and top up your eSIMs - anytime, anywhere. ... I first used re:sim. Totally worthless, only Edge connection. Switched to Nomad, always had 4G. M Y. Jan 02, 2024.
Best eSIM For Europe Travel
Holafly Europe eSIM with Unlimited Data: Starting at $19.00. Holafly is a new Europe-based eSIM provider that I used in Italy—the service was great and I got very fast data speeds (read my Holafly eSIM Review to learn more). They sell both country-specific and Europe-wide data plans.
5 BEST USA eSIMs for Travel [TRIED + TESTED] 2024 Guide!]
Get your eSIM here. 3. Holafly - Best eSIM for the USA with Unlimited Calls! Holafly is another highly rated eSIM provider, who have plenty of great reviews from customers who have used their various plans. They provide a range of eSIM lengths for the USA, which start from 5 days up to 90 days.
7 Best eSIM Options for International Travel 2024
4) BNESIM - for Cost-Effective Global Travel. BNESIM is a fantastic option when it comes to network coverage. This includes significant coverage in key regions like Europe and Asia, enveloping 30 countries in Europe, 29 in Asia, and a total of 200+ countries with the global eSIM.. Talking about cost, BNESIM shines with its affordability, especially for long-term international travel.
Best E-Sim Cards for Traveling to the USA in 2024
Nomad has now some of the cheapest e-sim card plans for traveling to the United States in 2024. Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for the USA: 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD. 3 GB data for 30 days = $11 USD. 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD. 10 GB data for 30 days = $16 USD. 20 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD.
Buy International eSIM Online
The 'e' in eSIM stands for 'embedded' - everything you need to be able to use an eSIM likely already exists embedded inside your smartphone or tablet. An eSIM allows you to connect multiple mobile network profiles to one phone and eliminates the need to remove and replace your existing SIM card when you travel. This gives you more ...
What Is an eSIM Card? eSIM vs Physical Sim, How To's & More
An eSIM is a digital version of the physical SIM card—identifying your device virtually to provide network connection. It's programmable remotely via software and is built into newer smartphones, meaning you wouldn't have to go purchase a new SIM card if you wanted to swap phones or wireless carriers. eSIMs are used in tablets, smart ...
Holafly
Buy an eSIM card for travel and don't pay for roaming abroad. Holafly is the highest rated eSIM store by travelers. WhatsApp 24/7: +1 (661) 384-8482. Destinations. About us; FAQs; Reviews; ... Please remember that if you leave your SIM card activated, your network provider may apply data roaming charges to receive or make phone calls as well as ...
How to use two eSIMs in an iPhone at the same time
Apple provides controls in Settings > Cellular and in individual apps that help you manage using two eSIMs (or a SIM/eSIM pair) simultaneously. With two active plans, every feature that relies on ...
Local and regional eSIMs for travellers
I have traveled globally for several years with 45 countries under my belt. Airalo has been, by far, the easiest, most useful, and most cost-effective option for traveling abroad that I have found. No more finding local SIM cards and changing numbers that I then have to communicate to family and friends that might need to reach me while I'm ...
Saily: An eSIM for travel 4+
‎Navigate the world of connectivity with Saily — your gateway to seamless e-SIM services. Say goodbye to physical SIM cards and embrace digital convenience wherever you go. With Saily, you can get internet data with a few taps, avoid costly roaming fees, and travel the world connected. What is an e…

Attention, Travelers: Now Is the Best Time to Switch to eSIM

Step 1: Pick an eSIM

Step 2: Activate the eSIM Service

Optional (but Important) Step: Protect Your Privacy

Bottom Line

How to Make Your Smartphone Better

Best eSIMs for travel of 2024

Best eSIM overall

What is an eSIM?

Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

Top 10 eSIM providers for international travel

Specifications

Best eSIM for customizable plans

Best eSIM for easy installation

Best eSIM for value for money

Best eSIM for security

Best eSIM for network coverage

Best eSIM for unlimited data

Best eSIM for global plans

Best eSIM for Europe

Best eSIM for data-only plans

Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs

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Can I use more than one eSIM provider when traveling abroad?

How to set up and activate an eSIM on iOS

Are eSIM better than physical SIM cards?

Final verdict

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A beginner’s guide to travel eSIMs: How to use eSIMs for travel

Are there any drawbacks to using an eSIM for travel?

Where can I buy a travel eSIM?

How to deactivate your regular SIM and activate your eSIM for travel

Check your network coverage and device compatibility

How much travel data do I need?

How to stay safe when using a travel eSIM

Can I use an eSIM internationally?

Can I get a global eSIM?

Can I get a travel data plan on an eSIM card?

Should Travelers Use eSIMs? International Travel E-sim How To and Tips

Why eSIMs are great for travelers

What are eSIMs?

What is required of my smartphone to use eSIMS for travel?

Why would someone use an eSIM vs. a SIM card?

What happens if you use up your data, need to add more, or renew a plan?

Cost Comparison of eSIMs vs. International Phone Plans

How we used eSIMs on our Southeast Asia Trip

Are eSIMs better than portable WIFI devices?

How much data do I need? What eSIM data plan should I purchase?

How to choose an eSIM plan

How Do eSIMs Work?

Using your phone as a mobile hotspot: Another reason why Digital Nomads love eSIMs

Tips for using an eSIM while traveling

Did we have any issues with our eSIMs while traveling?

Airalo Discount Code

Travel eSIM Review Conclusion

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Best eSIM for international travel

The best eSIM for international travel

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