Using an eSim for international travel
The future of Sim cards has arrived! And it’s going global. 🙂
While I love the idea of distraction-free travel, accessing the internet on my phone has become essential to discovering new destinations. All my trip details + itineraries are there. And even though most things can now be accessed offline, including maps, I prefer staying connected. Having a data plan while traveling introduces me to things I might otherwise have missed. Also, as a solo traveler, most of the time, it keeps me safe!
But, staying connected while traveling is usually difficult or expensive. International data roaming charges cost a fortune, and getting a local SIM card is often complicated.
The eSIMs are one of the best ways to get phone data while traveling and take the stress out of arranging a plan with a local provider. They provide travelers, remote workers, digital nomads, and expats with a convenient and cost-efficient way of staying connected wherever they are.
But with so many different eSIM providers out there, it can take time to choose the right one for you.
From global coverage to flexible plans – I have listed the 7 best eSIM providers to use anywhere in the world so you always stay connected.
I used to buy local SIM cards when I arrived at a new destination, and that’s still a decent option. But I now use an eSIM for international travel.
What is an eSim?
An eSIM, or digital SIM card, gives you the capabilities of a traditional SIM card without needing a physical card. It offers greater flexibility, especially when traveling abroad, and most modern phones support multiple eSIMs simultaneously, allowing you to have an eSIM for each country you visit.
Why choose an eSim for international travel?
I’ve been using eSIMs for my international adventures for the past two years, and it’s been a game-changer. The advantages include easy setup and activation, cost-efficiency compared to roaming charges, improved security, and even potential battery life savings due to lower power consumption.
With an eSIM, you can say goodbye to the hassle of buying local SIM cards upon arrival. The entire process is done online, providing instant connectivity as soon as you land in a new country. Additionally, eSIMs offer regional or global plans, making them perfect for multi-country trips.
Advantages of using an eSim for international travel
- No need for a physical SIM card
- Flexible eSIM data plans that can be changed easily
- Have multiple eSIMs at once so you can stay connected in different countries without any issues
- Way more cost-efficient compared to roaming charges
- Easy setup and activation process
- Better security and privacy as the data is stored digitally instead of physically
- Potentially increased battery life due to lower power consumption
Using an eSIM is super convinient. With a physical SIM, you must go into a store when you arrive at a destination to buy it, which can be a hassle and takes precious time from your trip. With an eSIM, everything is done online, and you can connect instantly wherever you are.
What I love the most is that you’re immediately connected. If you’ve arranged your eSIM in advance, you can use the data as soon as you land in a new country and turn your phone on.
Another advantage is that you can get eSIMs with regional plans or even global plans. So if you’re visiting multiple countries on your trip, you don’t need to arrange a new eSIM each time you cross the border.
This is particularly useful for regions like Europe or Southeast Asia, where travelers often do go between countries or for cruises.
You can also choose different data plans, all offered at various price points depending on your trip duration and the data needed.
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 simultaneously.
You can use your foreign eSIM to access mobile data affordably and use 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 organizations still insist on sending).
Disadvantages of using an eSim for international travel
- More expensive than a local SIM card
- Limited device compatibility
- Not as widely adopted in all countries and regions yet
- Possible technical issues with the activation process
An eSIM is usually more expensive than a local physical SIM. Or, at least, you get much less data for the same cost. Also, most eSIMs only offer data, not calls and texts, which may not be convenient. I rarely make phone calls when traveling; if I do, I usually use WhatsApp.
While there might be some downsides, eSIMs are the future of SIM cards, and the pros far outweigh the cons.
Discovering the best eSim providers for international travel
eSIMs are exploding, especially after the Apple iPhone 14, where US iPhones now only support eSIMs. There is also a growing number of eSIM providers all over the world.
With many eSIM providers available, choosing the right one for you can be challenging.
However, after testing numerous options, I have narrowed down the top 7 eSIM providers that offer excellent coverage, competitive rates, and exceptional customer service.
AIRALO
Airalo stands out as the top and most extensive eSIM provider, making it my favorite!
With data packs available in over 200+ countries worldwide, Airalo offers exceptional coverage, ensuring you stay connected no matter where you travel.
Their direct collaboration with local telco companies sets Airalo apart from other eSIM providers. By eliminating intermediaries, they offer more data at lower costs, making their plans highly attractive.
Impressively, Airalo provides better local coverage in each country they serve, enhancing the reliability of their service.
Airalo’s offerings include regional and global eSIM plans, granting access to the internet across groups of countries worldwide. I love their European plan, which, after testing various eSIM companies, I found to be the best for Europe.
Purchasing and installing the eSIM
Purchasing and installing an eSIM through Airalo is a breeze, with a user-friendly interface and a responsive app covering many countries. While the process might take a moment to get used to initially, subsequent installations are effortless.
Airalo’s customer support is always ready to assist with any inquiries or issues. Their chat widget within the app ensures prompt and helpful assistance, contributing to their reputation as an exceptional company.
If you’re choosing just one eSIM provider from the list, I highly recommend Airalo as the best eSIM provider to meet your connectivity needs during your travels.
Recently, Airalo announced a Loyalty Program with cashback rewards for every eSIM purchase. You’ll earn new cashback rewards at every level, and you can level up by purchasing more eSIMs.
NOMAD
When it comes to direct competition with Airalo, Nomad stands out as a strong rival. They offer a wide selection of excellent prepaid plans covering over 112+ countries across the globe.
In terms of pricing, Nomad also proves to be one of the top providers, as they have diligently established partnerships with local telco companies in specific countries, ensuring they offer the most competitive rates possible.
Nomad provides flexibility to its customers by offering smaller plans that span 7 days, ideal for short-term usage. Additionally, if you find yourself running out of data, you have the option to add more to your plan.
Nomad has five regional plans available, namely Global, APAC, Nordic, Europe, and South East Asia & Oceania (SEA-Oceania), catering to different travel needs and destinations.
What sets Nomad apart for me is its exceptional user interface within their app, which makes navigation a breeze. Their installation instructions are also the simplest to follow, guiding users step by step through the process of setting up their new eSIM in a streamlined manner.
Moreover, Nomad’s customer support for eSIM-related matters is very helpful and easily accessible. You can reach out to them through the app, and they promptly respond to assist with any inquiries or issues.
Considering all these factors, Nomad is undoubtedly a valuable addition to your eSIM arsenal, ready to serve you whenever you need seamless connectivity during your travels.
HOLAFLY
Holafly is an emerging eSIM provider that is rapidly gaining popularity. They offer an extensive range of plans that cater to over 160+ different countries.
One of the standout features of Holafly is the generous data allowance they provide. They offer numerous unlimited data plans, making them an excellent choice for travelers needing abundant mobile data.
While Holafly’s plans are pricier compared to those of Nomad and Airalo, they are still a great option, especially if you require a substantial amount of data. However, it’s essential to note that most of their unlimited plans do not support hotspot usage, which can be a significant drawback for some users.
Installing Holafly eSIM
Installing Holafly eSIM is a straightforward process. You can conveniently purchase your Holafly eSIM through their app or website. Upon payment, they will send you a QR code, which you can scan to initiate the installation. The advantage here is that you can purchase the eSIM before your departure and activate it as soon as you arrive at your destination, providing you with instant connectivity. Additionally, Holafly offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring assistance is readily available if you encounter any issues during installation or usage.
AIRHUB
Airhub has an extensive network of over 190+ countries, territories, and regions around the world. They also offer highly competitive rates and a huge data library with voice and SMS plans. The company has established strong partnerships with local companies, enabling them to provide a wide range of plans, including monthly subscription options for those spending extended periods in a particular country.
What sets Airhub apart is the many different eSIM plans they offer. While other top eSIM providers typically offer 3-5 plans per country, Airhub goes above and beyond by offering up to 15 plans for a single country. This gives customers greater flexibility in terms of pricing, data volume, and plan duration. Additionally, in select countries, Airhub even provides unlimited plans.
Though Airhub may not cover the largest number of countries, its offerings are exceptional for the regions they serve, making them one of the top eSIM providers. While most of their plans are prepaid, they also offer monthly post-paid subscription options, especially for travelers heading to the United States.
Their regional plans are also appealing regarding value for money, with well-curated options catering to different traveler needs. The user-friendly Airhub app enhances the overall experience, allowing customers to easily browse and purchase the eSIM plan that best suits their requirements.
Airhub has rapidly emerged as a dominant player in the eSIM industry, attracting expats, business travelers, and holidaymakers alike. With Airhub, you can expect reliable network connections, fast data speeds, and diverse plans to cater to your travel needs.
DRIMSIM
Unique in its approach, Drimsim is not one of my favorite eSIM providers. But it offers something different from all the others, and there is one scenario where it might be a good choice for you. Drimsim charges a monthly fee for worldwide eSIM access, making it ideal for long-term travelers needing occasional data usage across various countries.
This can work for you if you’re traveling long-term through multiple countries and only need a little phone data or if you’re on a cruise with numerous short stops.
GlobaleSIM
Need phone call minutes included in your plan? GlobaleSIM has got you covered with their fully customizable plans designed to fit any budget in over 150+ countries.
In most countries, GlobaleSIM allows you to add voice minutes to your plan, enabling you to make and receive international calls. When you opt for voice minutes, you’ll receive a phone number from the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada. You can then share this number with your friends and family, allowing them to call you while you are abroad. This unique feature is exclusive to GlobaleSIM and sets them apart from other eSIM providers.
While the convenience of including phone call minutes is a significant advantage, it’s essential to consider the pricing. Some individual country plans offered by GlobaleSIM might come with higher costs. However, many of their plans are multi-country plans, which are similar to regional plans offered by other eSIM providers. These multi-country plans can be more cost-effective, especially if you frequently travel to various destinations, but they aren’t necessarily specific to a geographical region.
If you are embarking on a trip that involves visiting multiple countries within a short period, GlobaleSIM is worth considering. Just ensure you carefully review their “special” and “special +” regional plans to check which countries are included and their pricing.
The installation process with GlobaleSIM is straightforward. You select the country or region you are visiting, choose the desired data volume and validity period, and optionally add voice minutes to your plan. Once you make the payment, you’ll receive an eSIM QR code. Simply scan the QR code, and you’ll be connected to the best mobile network within minutes. It’s an effortless process that ensures you stay connected wherever you go.
One downside of GlobaleSIM is that there is no app. To purchase their plans, you’ll need to do so through their website, which requires planning ahead, especially if you prefer buying on a mobile device.
SIMIFY
Best known for physical SIM cards, Simify now also offers eSIMs with phone calls and texts. While their coverage may be less extensive, they excel in the US, Europe, Japan, and parts of SE Asia.
The final choice of the best eSIM for international travel
Ultimately, any of these recommended eSIM providers 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, an eSIM is much easier than a physical SIM card and won’t cost much more unless you plan to use a lot of data.
Our favorite eSIM service provider for international travel
Airalo is our preferred eSIM service provider, and there are compelling reasons why!
Firstly, Airalo offers some of the most extensive coverage, with prepaid data plans available in over 190+ countries worldwide. Not only that, but their plans are also among the most cost-effective and flexible compared to other top eSIM providers.
But what truly sets Airalo apart is their exceptional support and service. If you encounter any issues, their efficient customer support team is readily available through a live chat function within the app, ensuring prompt assistance.
Moreover, Airalo has established partnerships with leading local companies worldwide, guaranteeing fast and reliable service, regardless of the country you are in.
If you want to get started with eSIM and seek a reliable and user-friendly experience, Airalo should be your go-to choice!
Do you have a device compatible with eSIM technology?
The truth is that most modern phones are indeed eSIM compatible. In fact, the US-based iPhone 14 is exclusively eSIM compatible, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot.
Here’s a general guide to help you determine if your phone supports eSIM:
Firstly, your phone must be unlocked. If you currently have a plan with a carrier in your home country, it’s essential to check with them to verify if eSIM functionality will work.
For iPhones, all models from the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and those released afterward support eSIMs. You’re good to go if you own any of these iPhone models.
On the Android front, things can be more complex. Many high-end Android phones now support eSIM. To confirm whether your Android device supports eSIM technology, it’s best to check with your device manufacturer directly.
Additionally, the best prepaid eSIM providers typically list compatible phones on their websites. Double-check there to ensure your device is eSIM-ready in case you need further clarification.
Frequent questions
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that enables you to activate a cellular plan directly on your device without needing a physical SIM card. This modern technology eliminates the requirement for traditional plastic cards, streamlining the process of staying connected. Additionally, eSIMs offer enhanced security, providing better protection against fraudulent activities when compared to physical SIM cards.
Should I get an eSim?
There are advantages and disadvantages to eSIMs for travelers, and whether you should get one depends on your situation and preference. 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 travelers. 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!
How do I know if my device is compatible with an eSIM?
To determine if your device supports eSIM functionality, the most reliable approach is to inquire with your device manufacturer. Generally, most modern phones from Apple, such as iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, and later models, are eSIM compatible. Certain Android devices like Samsung Galaxy S20, Google Pixel 3a or newer, Huawei P40 Pro, and Oppo A12 also offer eSIM support.
Moreover, it’s crucial to ensure that your phone is unlocked to use eSIM. For more comprehensive details on eSIM compatibility, you can visit your device manufacturer’s website.
What are the best eSIM providers?
The top eSIM service providers for international travel are Airalo and Nomad. These reputable companies offer dependable networks and provide access to prepaid data plans in over 190+ countries globally. Airalo caters specifically to travelers, offering attractive data deals regardless of your location. On the other hand, Nomad provides the convenience of an app, allowing you to swiftly activate and manage your plans from any location. Both providers are excellent choices for eSIM services.
Can I use multiple eSIMs at once on one device?
Numerous phones currently offer the capability to utilize two or more eSIMs at the same time. This allows for convenient switching between various plans and carriers without replacing physical SIM cards. However, verifying with your device manufacturer before using multiple eSIMs on your device is essential to ensure compatibility.
Choosing the best eSIM provider depends on your travel plans and data needs. I recommend starting with Airalo and Nomad, as they cover most countries and offer excellent value for money.
eSIMs are paving the way for seamless travel connectivity
The eSIM technology is transforming how we stay connected while traveling. By embracing the convenience of eSIMs, you can access reliable network connections and prepaid data plans in multiple countries, leaving behind the burden of costly roaming charges and local SIM card arrangements.
If you have an eSIM-compatible device, like most modern smartphones, you’re ready to embark on a connected journey. Just ensure your device is unlocked, and you can enjoy the freedom of exploring the world while staying connected. Happy travels!
