An eSIM is a SIM card built into your phone that you download instead of insert. For nomads it solves the first problem of every new country: getting online the moment you land, without hunting for a SIM shop or queuing at the airport. It is not always the cheapest option, though, and for a month or more in one place a local SIM usually wins.
This guide compares the main travel eSIM providers, explains when to use a local SIM instead, and covers the details that catch people out: hotspot limits, data routed through other countries, and keeping your home number for bank codes. For a general traveller’s view, see staying connected abroad.
How Travel eSIMs Work#
You buy a data plan online or in an app, scan a QR code or tap “install”, and the eSIM appears in your phone as a second line. Switch it on when you land and you are online. Most phones from about 2019 onwards support eSIM, including iPhone XS and later, Google Pixel 3 and later and most recent Samsung Galaxy models, but your phone must be unlocked.
Your physical SIM stays in the phone, so you can keep your home number for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data. Most phones hold several eSIM profiles, and you switch between them in settings.
The Main Providers#
Prices change constantly and vary by country; the figures below are typical ranges in 2026.
| Provider | What it is best at | Typical price | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | The biggest catalogue: country, regional and global plans in 200+ countries | About $5 to $25 for 1 to 20 GB in a single country | Small data packs run out fast; top-ups needed |
| Holafly | Unlimited-data plans by country or region | About $30 to $70 a month for unlimited | Hotspot sharing is limited; fair-use slowdowns |
| Saily | Simple plans from the makers of NordVPN, with built-in security features | Similar to Airalo | Smaller choice of long plans |
| Nomad | Good-value regional plans and unlimited options | Similar to Airalo | Coverage varies by region |
| Ubigi | Plans from a mobile operator group, with good network deals | Competitive in Europe and Asia | App and plan names can be confusing |
| Maya Mobile, GigSky, Yesim, aloSIM, Jetpac | Alternatives with occasional better deals or bundles | Varies | Compare on eSIMDB before buying |
Regional and global plans cover several countries on one eSIM, which suits trips that cross borders every few days. Single-country plans are cheaper per gigabyte.
eSIM or Local SIM?#
| Travel eSIM | Local SIM or local eSIM | |
|---|---|---|
| Ready when you land | Yes | Need a shop or airport counter |
| Price per GB | Higher, often 2 to 5 times | Lowest, especially in Asia |
| Local phone number | Usually not | Yes |
| Works with local apps (Grab, banks, delivery) | Not for SMS verification | Yes |
| Registration | None | Passport, sometimes fingerprints |
| Best for | The first days, short stays, border-hopping | Stays of a month or more |
The common nomad pattern is to land on a travel eSIM, then buy a local SIM or local eSIM in the first week. Many mobile networks now sell tourist eSIMs directly, including AIS and True in Thailand, which combine low prices with a local number.
Keeping Your Home Number#
Banks, payment apps and some government services still send security codes by SMS. Losing access to your home number can lock you out of your accounts.
- Keep your home SIM active on the cheapest plan that still receives texts, and leave it in the phone for messages while an eSIM handles data.
- Port your number to a low-cost or virtual number service if your home carrier is expensive, and check that your bank accepts it.
- Move your security codes to authenticator apps or passkeys wherever you can, so your number matters less.
Things That Catch People Out#
- Hotspot limits. Many unlimited plans block or cap hotspot use, which matters if your phone is your laptop’s backup. Check before you buy.
- Fair-use speeds. “Unlimited” plans often slow to a crawl after a daily or monthly threshold.
- Data routed abroad. Many travel eSIMs route your traffic through a hub in another country. Websites may then think you are in Singapore or the Netherlands, which can trigger bank security checks or show the wrong content. It also means some local blocks may not apply.
- No local number. Ride-hailing, delivery and banking apps that send codes by SMS won’t work without a local number.
- Deleting the eSIM. Removing an eSIM profile usually can’t be undone without buying a new one. Turn it off instead of deleting it.
- Install before you fly. Installing needs Wi-Fi. Do it at home, then switch the line on when you land.
- Locked phones. Phones bought on contract may be locked to your carrier. Ask them to unlock it before you leave.
Home Carriers and Roaming#
Roaming is usually the most expensive way to get data, but there are exceptions:
- EU and UK numbers roam within the EU at home prices under EU rules (for UK carriers this depends on your plan), so a European SIM can cover a European trip.
- Some US plans, such as Google Fi and several T-Mobile plans, include data in many countries, though often at reduced speeds.
- Daily roaming passes from home carriers, often $10 to $15 a day, add up quickly over a month.
Setup Checklist#
- Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.
- Compare plans for your country on eSIMDB or the provider apps.
- Buy and install the eSIM on home Wi-Fi before you fly.
- Label it clearly in your phone’s settings (for example, “Thailand data”).
- On landing, switch mobile data to the eSIM and turn on data roaming for that line.
- Keep your home SIM active for texts, with data roaming switched off on it.
- Buy a local SIM or local eSIM if you are staying a month or more.
Further Reading#
- eSIMDB: compare eSIM plans by country and data amount.
- Tech and gear for nomads: backup internet, travel routers and the rest of the kit.
eSIM FAQs#
What is the best eSIM for digital nomads?
There is no single best. Airalo has the biggest choice and good prices for small and medium data packs; Holafly suits people who want unlimited data in one country; Saily, Nomad and Ubigi are worth comparing. For stays of a month or more, a local SIM or local eSIM is usually cheaper.
Can I use an eSIM as a hotspot for my laptop?
Usually, but many unlimited plans block or cap hotspot use. If your phone is your backup internet, choose a plan that allows tethering.
Do travel eSIMs come with a phone number?
Most don’t: they are data-only. You can still call and message over WhatsApp and other apps, but SMS codes from local apps won’t arrive. A local SIM gives you a local number.
Is an eSIM cheaper than a local SIM?
No, usually not. Travel eSIMs often cost two to five times more per gigabyte than a local SIM. You pay for convenience and having data the moment you land.