Best eSIMs for International Travel

Top 10 eSIM providers for international travel

Although eSIM technology is relatively new, there are many eSIM services available worldwide. In this section, we will look at the best eSIM options for international travel, considering customer support, variety of plans, and pricing.

1. Flexiroam — eSIM with easy data sharing

Flexiroam is an ideal eSIM provider for international traveling, as it offers convenient eSIM plans worldwide. The provider covers 200+ countries, with 4G, LTE, and 5G connectivity. It supports several carrier networks in the area, meaning you won’t be stuck with just one provider; you can select the network that has the strongest signal wherever you are traveling.

Flexiroam is very handy for data sharing. The provider offers a unique FlexiShare feature, which allows you to share data with other devices through the Flexiroam app. This feature is better than tethering via WiFi, as it doesn’t drain your phone battery.

For international travelers, there are nine different global plan offers. However, despite Flexiroam's coverage in over 200 countries, the global plans only include 130 countries worldwide. That said, global deals have a wide range of data allocation, validity period, and price. The cheapest plan starts at $9, includes 1 GB of internet, and is valid for 7 days.

After purchasing a plan, you can use its FlexiStart feature, meaning that you should activate it whenever you want within 3 months. If your trip plan is set in stone, it’s a good feature not to leave things to the last minute.

2. Saily — User-friendly eSIM for international travel

Saily is an eSIM service powered by the same team behind NordVPN. It provides a user-friendly way of communicating while traveling around the world. Its plans have impressive coverage of 180+ countries for international travelers. The provider partners with local network carrier and connects to one with the strongest signal, with 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G connectivity. Read more about coverage and speed in our comprehensive Saily review.

Both Saily's website and the app has user-friendly, clean interface. Users with no experience with eSIMs or who are new to using one will have a straightforward installation. It's easy to purchase, install, and top-up plans through the app. In addition, the Saily app has on-screen, step-by-step instructions for activating their plans smoothly.

Another reason why Saily is a good option for international travel is its global plans. There are six plans with various data allocations, validity, and pricing. The cheapest plan is 1 GB to use over 7 days.

Saily has an auto-activation feature. This means you have nothing to worry about, even if you forget to activate your eSIM plan before your trip. With this feature, the app detects whether you are at your destination and activates the SIM for you. It's extremely convenient, as you won't need to search for free Wi-Fi.

3. Airalo — eSIM with cashback opportunity

Airalo is another alternative international travelers can go with. It's coverage extends over 200 countries worldwide. They offer reliable connectivity and consistent coverage. The data speed is above average, depending on the connectivity type you get. Generally, Airalo's eSIMs cover 3G and 4G LTE connectivity and could go up to 5G in various areas.

With Airmoney, Airalo's credit system, users get cashback with every new purchase. Purchasing eSIMs, topping up plans, and even referring to friends can get cashback. It works very simply; Airalo awards users around 5% Airmoney on each transaction. Budget travelers or finance-conscious flyers may find this feature very useful.

While Airalo has local SIM options, they offer regional and global data plans, too. As for the latter, there are six different plans that cater to both short- and long-term travelers. The cheapest plan also has the shortest validity and lowest data; it starts at $9 for 1GB and is valid for 7 days.

4. Airhub — eSIM with call minutes and text messages

Airhub is an eSIM provider active in more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. Users get 4G LTE and occasionally 5G connectivity with Airhub eSIMs. While it’s not the fastest eSIM on the list, its coverage is quite stable.

However, coverage and speed are not the core aspects of this provider. Differently from its competitors, Airhub offers voice and text features in addition to data plans. Further, Airhub has a feature that allows users to connect to the strongest signal in the area. Instead of being stuck with a single network, you get to choose the strongest one.

Overall, for international travelers who want to have a variety of global plans, Airhub might be a good choice. They have 11 global plans that travelers can benefit from—some even come with text and voice. However, all plans’ validity is above 15 days, so short-term travelers might not find it convenient. That’s said, the cheapest global plan starts at $10.1 for 3 GB that is valid for 15 days.

5. Global YO — Global eSIM bundles for international travelers

Global YO is an eSIM for international travelers with coverage in 200+ countries. The provider promises 4G LTE connections in almost all countries, but 5G availability depends on the country and the user's device.

With its brand image, flashy user interface, and unique perks, Global YO certainly has a different voice in the eSIM scene. That said, it’s easy to top up and activate plans, as the app and website are quite straightforward. Regarding the perks, users earn YOYO$ for every minute they spend in the app. This currency can later be used to get discounts for data plans. 

For international travelers, Global YO has four different global bundles tailored to different needs, each with different coverage. However, the bundle with the widest coverage includes only 112 countries. Said bundle has four different plans, and the data volume starts from 1 GB and goes up to 10 GB. Depending on the data volume, all plans have 7, 15, or 30 days of validity.

As good as it sounds, Global YO has features that might not suit every traveler. They apply a Fair Usage Policy (FUP), which reduces the internet speed after 1 GB of usage per day. In addition, there is no hotspot capability, which might be a dealbreaker for most globetrotters.

6. Nomad — Easy-to-use eSIM for international travel

Nomad offers prepaid eSIM deals for international travelers in 180+ countries worldwide. It is easy to use and has wide coverage. Network speed often depends on the cellular type of the connection. That being said, Nomad supports mostly 4G LTE connectivity, although it’s possible to reach up to 5G.

With Nomad, users can get multiple eSIMs for several countries in one purchase. The best thing about it is that it comes with discounts, which is a plus for international travelers. Besides, users who want to share their data on the go can use Nomad's tethering capabilities and access the internet through their laptops, tablets, and other smartphones.

Nomad offers various regional and three different global plans for travelers. The plans' validity is quite limited to only 7 and 30 days. Travelers who are traveling for a period between those numbers might not find these plans convenient. Their cheapest plan is $19, which consists of 1 GB of internet, valid for a week. Compared to other providers on this list, the pricing is quite astronomical and might not fit budget-conscious travelers well.

7. Instabridge — eSIM with data-saving browser

Instabridge offers prepaid eSIM plans for over 190 countries, which can be another good alternative for international travelers. The provider supports 3G and 4G in most locations but doesn’t guarantee 5G.

With its user-friendly app and sleek web interface, Instabridge is easy to navigate, especially for first-timers. Besides, features like a web browser help save data by compressing it. This way, users can make the most of their data and browse at lower data costs than they would with other providers. It also offers its own VPN, which makes connections more secure on the go.

That said, Instabridge has local, regional, and global plans. As for the latter, it offers four options. While the data amount changes from 1 GB to 20 GB, the validity period is not so flexible. Plans have either 7 or 30 day validity, which might be troublesome for travelers looking for shorter or longer plans. 

The prices match the market the cheapest plan costs $9.5 for 1 GB of internet, valid for a week. Still, it’s slightly more expensive than the other options we listed here. Travelers or those who want to save every penny might want to look at other alternatives.

8. Ubigi — Fast eSIM for international travelers

Ubigi offers various eSIM plans across 200+ countries worldwide, making it a good choice for travelers who want to hop from one continent to another. The network type users typically get is 4G LTE, but it has many countries where 5G is also available. As long as users have a device that supports 5G, they can easily switch to 5G networks.

While Ubigi doesn't offer call minutes or text messages, users can use VoIP apps such as Skype, Messenger, or WhatsApp. In addition, most eSIM providers have set limits on how much users can share through tethering. Yet, Ubigi supports tethering without a data cap. This way, groups, families, or travelers with multiple devices can use one eSIM plan throughout their trip. Find more information about this provider’s features in our Ubigi review.

Ubigi offers various plans, from local to regional to global. For the latter, there are four options to choose from. However, these options are quite limited in data and validity. That's why travelers who prefer flexibility may not find Ubigi's global plans feasible. 

The cheapest global plan starts at $9 for 500 MB, valid for only a day. Ubigi's global pricing is quite expensive compared to its competitors' plans, given the data is only half of what other providers on this list offer.

9. JetPac — eSIM with unique perks

JetPac offers easy connectivity for travelers with its coverage in 100+ countries. While the coverage is certainly not as wide as its competitors, JetPac offers unique benefits and perks that may make up for it. That said, JetPac promises unthrottled data speeds, and it typically offers 4G LTE connectivity as well as 5G whenever it’s possible.

Talking about perks, JetPac has a feature called SmartDelay. This feature allows JetPac users to access airport lounges in case of a flight delay or cancellation. Especially for frequent travelers, it’s likely to encounter delays, and the feature may provide comfort in case of an inconvenience. In addition, JetPac supports tethering so that users can share data with others or other devices. 

For international travelers, JetPac offers global and regional deals. As for the global plans, there are seven of them. Data for these plans ranges from 1 GB up to 40 GB, and there are three different validity periods allocated to each plan: 4 days, 7 days, and 30 days. The cheapest plan is $4 for 1 GB of internet, valid for 4 days. While the plan is cheap, users should remember that the global plan only includes select countries.

10. Holafly — Unlimited eSIM for international travels

Holafly offers unlimited data plans and is available in more than 200+ countries. International travelers who like to use the internet for more data-intensive activities may find Holafly convenient. In addition, the provider supports 3G and 4G LTE connectivity and promises reliable data connection worldwide.

Activating and installing Holafly is pretty easy; however, the process is not dramatically different from that of other providers. The app and the website have a clean structure where information about eSIM plans is transparently displayed. 

For what it’s worth, Holafly’s prices are astronomical. Their global plans are valid for 7, 10, 15, 20, or 30 days, all including unlimited data. However, they state that a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) may apply to unlimited plans. Because of this policy, users may experience occasional slower speeds.

In addition, Holafly limits the hotspot capability to only 1 GB per day. This tethering limit may be troublesome for those who travel in groups or who would like to share their data connection with other devices

Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?

Because it offers hassle-free connectivity anywhere you go, an eSIM is the best option for international travel. Unlike traditional SIM cards, you can connect without visiting a local SIM vendor or switching physical SIM cards. Just download an eSIM profile, and you'll be ready to use data and start calling right away upon arrival. Your travel plans will determine the several eSIM options available to you:

• Local eSIM: Good for only one-country visits since it provides reasonable prices and dependable data for quick stays.
• Regional eSIM: Perfect for exploring several nations in a given area, like Europe or Southeast Asia, without having to change plans.
• Global eSIM: Amazing for regular travelers visiting several countries around the globe and offers constant connectivity across continents.

This flexibility lets you keep in touch free from worrying about data roaming charges or handling several SIM cards. Additionally, it is environmentally friendly since it does away with the need for plastic SIM cards. Keeping in touch across your travels becomes simple, quick, and seamless with an eSIM.

How to choose the best eSIM for international travel 

There is no one size fits all, so it’s hard to say which is the best eSIM for international travel that would suit everyone. 

To choose the best eSIM for your international travel, think about the details of your trip. How long are you planning to travel? Which countries are on your roadmap? Will you need minutes or text messages? How much data are you planning to spend? What’s your budget? Answering all these questions will help you find the perfect eSIM suitable for your travel.

In addition, carefully research carriers that provide flexible choices, including local, regional, or worldwide plans. Remember to double-check the global and regional plans, as some providers might not cover all the countries you are planning to visit. 

In addition, if you plan to work while traveling, look for providers offering uncapped tethering so that you can share your data with your work laptop.

Does my phone support eSIM

Nowadays, all recent releases support eSIM; however, there may be regional exceptions. Your best bet is to check if your phone supports eSIM, which can be done quickly from your phone’s interface.

• For iPhone users, go to Settings > General > About and look for “eSIM” under the “Carrier” section. If you see an option to add an eSIM, that means your phone is compatible. 

iPhone models from XS and newer typically support eSIM. You can also check the Apple website for a full list of compatible models.

• For Android users, go to Settings > Network & Internet and look for “eSIM” or “SIM card manager.” If these options are available, your phone supports eSIM. 

Most newer Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models include this feature. You can also confirm compatibility on the manufacturer’s website.

Are eSIMs better than physical SIM cards?  

eSIMs offer unmatched convenience over physical SIMs: 

• Seamless activation: You can download and activate your plan instantly from your phone’s interface without having to swap physical cards. This eliminates the risk of losing your home SIM.
• Increased security: eSIMs are built into your device, making them harder to steal or tamper with.
• Multiple profiles: Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs allow you to store and switch between different carriers or plans easily.
• Reliable connectivity: Quickly connect to the best available network without interruptions instead of being limited to a single one.
• Environmental sustainability: eSIMs reduce plastic waste by eliminating the need for physical SIM cards.

Final Thoughts

The best eSIMs offer convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for international travel. With seamless activation, multiple profiles, and reliable connectivity, they are a smarter choice over traditional SIM cards.

Ready to experience hassle-free travel? Order your eSIM now and stay connected worldwide.

FAQ

1. How much data will you need?

It depends. The data you will need will vary depending on your usage patterns, such as browsing, streaming, or navigation; on average, travelers might need 1 to 5 GB for a week abroad.

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

Yes, you can use multiple eSIM profiles on a compatible device to switch between providers based on your location and needs.