The Best Travel eSIMs
A travel eSIM gives you local data the moment you land, without hunting for a SIM shop or paying roaming fees. Install it before you leave and switch it on at arrival. Regional and global plans cover several countries at once, while local SIMs are still cheapest for long stays.
What is a travel eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into most recent phones. Instead of buying a physical SIM at the airport, you buy a data plan in an app, scan a QR code and your phone connects to a local network as soon as you land. You keep your normal number active for calls and texts, and pay only for data, usually far less than your home carrier's roaming charges.
Which is the best eSIM for travel?
Airalo is the most popular store, with plans for more than 200 countries and regions at low prices. Holafly sells unlimited-data plans, ideal for heavy users who don't want to count gigabytes. Saily, Nomad, Ubigi and Yesim offer competitive regional and global plans, and Maya Mobile and GigSky are good for multi-country trips and hotspot use. Compare plans by price per gigabyte and validity period for your specific destination.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most iPhones from the XS onward, recent Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models, and many other phones support eSIM, but the phone must be unlocked. Check in your phone settings for an option to add an eSIM or mobile plan before buying.
eSIM vs local SIM card
For short trips, an eSIM is simpler: no shop, no passport registration, no swapping SIMs. For long stays in one country, a local SIM card is often cheaper per gigabyte and gives you a local number for calls and messaging apps.
Tips for using an eSIM
- Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, but turn it on when you arrive.
- Turn off data roaming on your main SIM to avoid charges.
- Check whether the plan allows hotspot tethering.
- Top up through the app instead of buying a new plan.