Best eSIMs for international travel in 2025
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If you’re looking for a way to connect to the internet while abroad, an eSIM is the perfect solution. eSIMs have changed how we stay connected while traveling — no need to depend on Wi-Fi, pay expensive roaming fees, or get a local SIM card.
Unlike regular SIM cards, eSIMs are fully digital: you don’t even need to take out your regular SIM card to use one. With an eSIM, you can stay connected with loved ones, share experiences on social media, and navigate new cities easily.
Regardless of your travel destination, there are many flexible and affordable eSIM plans for you. But with so many travel eSIMs out there, choosing the best eSIM for your travels can be tough. I’ve run tests to identify the best eSIMs based on their coverage, plans, pricing, and customer support. Continue reading to discover the best eSIM for international travel in 2025.
Top 5 eSIM providers for travel – my shortlist
- Saily – overall best eSIM for international travel in 2025
- Airalo – reliable eSIM for traveling worldwide
- Jetpac – budget-friendly eSIM for globetrotters
- aloSIM – best eSIM for calling and texting abroad
- Nomad – best eSIM for data plan options
I worked with the Cybernews research team to thoroughly analyze and test dozens of eSIM services based on strict criteria. The eSIMs that made this list stood out for their coverage, data plans, pricing, and customer support. There is an eSIM for every traveler in my list below, regardless of your budget, travel destination, or the duration of your trip.
Our team of experienced writers and highly skilled in-house researchers stands behind the essential eSIM stories, such as the Saily review and What is eSIM. Our transparent testing process includes analyzing the features of products and services. Discover more about our testing process.
The 10 best travel eSIMs – detailed list
These are the 10 best eSIMs for international travel in 2025:
1. Saily – overall best eSIM for international travel in 2025
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $1.89 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries: | 200+ countries |
Overall rating – 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saily is a fast-growing eSIM service developed by the team behind NordVPN. Many travelers rely on this eSIM thanks to its wide global coverage, affordable data plans, and user-friendly app.
Coverage – excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saily has coverage in over 200 countries worldwide, including popular tourist destinations like Thailand, Turkey, and the United States. Depending on your location, you’ll get 3G, 4G, LTE, or 5G internet with a Saily eSIM.
Compared to other eSIM providers, Saily has decent global coverage, and the company is actively expanding its reach to different parts of the world.
Plans – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saily offers flexible local data plans lasting between 7 and 30 days. Its cost-effective 7-day plan, which gives you 1GB of data, is an excellent solution for short trips. For longer trips, you can opt for its 30-day plan, which comes with either 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB of data.
Saily also offers regional and global eSIM plans, making it easy to stay connected while traveling across multiple countries. You can choose eSIM plans for individual countries or broader regional coverage for seamless connectivity across borders. Saily’s regional and global plans are valid for much longer: while the former is valid for up to 180 days, the latter is valid for up to a year.
Saily has regional plans for Europe, Asia, North America, the Middle East and North Africa, Latin America, Africa, and the Carribean islands. Its global plans cover 105 countries.
Note: Saily is a data-only eSIM, so it doesn’t support calls or SMS.
Pricing – excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saily’s prices vary depending on your travel destination. A 7-day plan with 1GB of data typically starts at $1.89. There are no hidden charges or additional costs. Here’s a breakdown of the starting price of Saily’s local eSIM plans:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB valid for 7 days | $1.89 |
| 3GB valid for 30 days | $4.99 |
| 5GB valid for 30 days | $7.99 |
| 10GB valid for 30 days | $14.99 |
| 20GB valid for 30 days | $25.99 |
Customer support – excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saily is one of the most user-friendly eSIMs available today. To install it, you need to download the Saily app, purchase a plan, and click “activate” on the app. It doesn’t get any easier. You don’t need to provide any ID documents to use this eSIM.
If you encounter any issues, you can reach Saily’s customer support team via 24/7 live chat or email and expect a swift response. The eSIM service also has a help center and FAQ section on its website.
2. Airalo – reliable eSIM for traveling worldwide
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries and regions: | 200+ countries and regions |
Overall rating – 4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airalo is a trusted eSIM service with the widest coverage of all the eSIMs I tested. It has a variety of fixed data plans to suit different travelers.
Coverage – excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airalo has coverage in more than 200 countries and regions globally. Regardless of your destination, there’s a good chance that Airalo has coverage there. Like Saily, it supports 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G, depending on your location and the local network carrier you’re connected to.
Plans – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airalo offers local, regional, and global eSIM plans. If you’re heading to just one country, get a local plan. If you’re traveling to different countries, you can opt for its regional or global eSIM plans.
Airalo’s local plans give you 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. Its regional plans give you 1GB to 100GB of data and are valid for 7 to 180 days. While its global plans offer a maximum of 20GB of data, they’re valid for up to a year.
Airalo has regional plans for Africa, the Caribbean Islands, Latin America, North America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and Oceania. Its global eSIM covers 136 countries. Airalo only supports calling and texting on its Discover+ global plans.
Pricing – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airalo offers flexible data plans without tying you into contracts. Its plans often start at $4.50 for 1GB of data (valid for 7 days). While Airalo’s prices are higher than Saily’s, they’re usually on par with local mobile data prices in most countries. Keep in mind that you can save more by getting a larger data package upfront instead of reloading while on the go.
Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices of Airalo’s local eSIM plans:
| Data plan | Price |
| 500MB valid for 3 days (only available for some locations) | Free |
| 1GB valid for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB valid for 15 days | $8.00 |
| 3GB valid for 30 days | $11.00 |
| 5GB valid for 30 days | $16.00 |
| 10GB valid for 30 days | $26.00 |
| 20GB valid for 30 days | $42.00 |
Customer support – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airalo has various customer support channels, including email and live chat. It also has an FAQ, a knowledge base, and an active blog. During my research for this article, I reached out to Airalo’s customer service team through the contact form on its website, and it took more than 24 hours before I got a response.
You can activate this eSIM via the Airalo app or by scanning the QR code that the eSIM provider emails you. You can also choose to activate it manually. Regardless of the activation method you choose, Airalo provides detailed instructions to guide you through the process.
3. Jetpac – budget-friendly eSIM for globetrotters
| Supports 5G networks: | No |
| Starting price: | $1.00 (1 GB of data, valid for 4 days) |
| Countries: | 200+ countries |
Overall rating – 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jetpac is a top choice for travelers due to its budget-friendly introductory offer of $1.00 for 1GB of data. In addition to its affordable prices, Jetpac offers free lounge access at airports in the event of flight delays and a free 30-day trial of ExpressVPN.
Coverage – good ⭐⭐⭐
Jetpac has coverage in over 200 countries. While it doesn’t cover a large number of countries like Airalo, Jetpac is available in many popular travel destinations, including Mexico, Spain, Canada, the Philippines, China, and France. It supports 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G internet in different locations.
Plans - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jetpac offers local, regional, and global plans. Its local plans give you 1GB to 40GB of data and are valid for 4 to 30 days. So, whether you’re going on a short trip or a longer getaway, there’s an option for you. You can top up and manage your data via the Jetpac app.
This eSIM provider has regional plans for different parts of the world, including Europe, Southeast Asia, Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Caribbean. Its global plan covers 96 countries.
Unlike Saily and Airalo, Jetpac’s regional plans don’t come with more data or have a longer validity period than its local plans. However, its global plans are valid for up to a year and come with a maximum of 100GB of data. Jetpac doesn’t support calling or texting on any of its plans.
One of the overlooked features of Jetpac is that it lets you buy multiple eSIMs at once. Besides Holafly, not many eSIM providers offer this feature.
Pricing - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jetpac’s cheapest plan costs $1.00 for 1GB (valid for 4 days). This beginner plan is only available for new users, and once it runs out, you need to opt for a different plan. The prices of Jetpac’s other plans vary depending on your travel destination. Here’s a quick overview of the typical prices of Jetpac’s local plans:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB valid for 4 days | $1.00 |
| 3GB valid for 7 days | $5.00 |
| 5GB valid for 30 days | $8.00 |
| 10GB valid for 30 days | $13.00 |
| 15GB valid for 30 days | $20.00 |
| 20GB valid for 30 days | $22.00 |
| 30GB valid for 30 days | $28.00 |
| 40GB valid for 30 days | $39.00 |
| 50GB valid for 10 days (only available for some destinations) | $25.00 |
Customer support - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You need to scan the QR code that Jetpac provides and follow the on-screen instructions to install and activate the eSIM. This eSIM service has a dedicated customer support team you can contact via email, WhatsApp, or live chat. It also has an FAQ section and troubleshooting guides. Jetpac’s live chat is run by a bot, so its responses aren’t always relevant.
4. aloSIM – best eSIM for calling and texting abroad
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries: | 200+ countries |
Overall rating – 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Launched in 2022, aloSIM has extensive coverage across the world and offers its plans at competitive prices. Its support for calling and texting on all plans sets it apart from other eSIMs available today.
Coverage – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
aloSIM has coverage in over 200 countries across the globe. This eSIM supports 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G in most countries.
Plans – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
aloSIM offers local and regional plans but doesn’t have any global plans. Its local plans usually offer 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. Its regional plans give you 1GB to 100GB of data and are valid for 7 to 180 days. You can easily top-up through the aloSIM app.
While aloSIM has local plans covering many locations, it can be more convenient to choose a regional eSIM for extended international travel. aloSIM has an array of regional plans for different destinations, including Europe, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, the UK/ Republic of Ireland/ Northern Ireland/ Scotland, the Caribbean, Asia, French Guiana/ Martinique/ Guadeloupe, the Mediterranean, South America, and North America.
Every aloSIM plan comes with a free phone number with a $1 free credit from its sister app, Hushed. However, you need to download the Hushed app to make calls and send SMS.
Pricing – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
aloSIM's prices vary based on your destination, but they are generally competitive. Its prices start at $4.50 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. Here’s a quick look at the prices of aloSIM’s local plans for most destinations:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB valid for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 2GB valid for 15 days | $8.00 |
| 3GB valid for 30 days | $11.00 |
| 5GB valid for 30 days | $16.00 |
| 10GB valid for 30 days | $26.00 |
| 20GB valid for 30 days | $42.00 |
Customer support – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airalo has a dedicated customer support team that you can reach via email or live chat. I contacted the team through email and received a speedy and informative response. You can install the aloSIM app, via QR code, or manually. Both options are easy.
5. Nomad – affordable eSIM with flexible data plans
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.00 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries: | 200+ countries |
Overall rating – 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nomad has impressive coverage in different parts of the world and offers competitive prices. The eSIM has short-term and long-term data plans, making it an excellent option for every traveler. Plus, Nomad offers a free eSIM with 500MB for new users in some locations, like the US. China, Italy, and France, to name a few.
Coverage – excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nomad is available in over 200 countries, including all the top tourist hotspots. It works with local carriers to provide high-speed Internet. You can expect 3G, 4G, LTE, or 5G internet from Nomad eSIM, depending on your location.
Plans – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nomad has an array of local, regional, and global plans. Unlike other eSIMs, it offers Day Plans and Regular Plans. Nomad’s Day Plans give you 500MB or 1GB per day. If you exhaust this data before the end of the day, you can continue browsing at 512kbps before your data resets the next day. Nomad’s Day Plans are valid for 1 to 10 days.
Nomad’s Regular Plans are like the plans of other eSIM providers. These plans give you 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 to 45 days. Its regional and global plans are valid for 7 to 365 days and give you 1GB to 50GB of data.
This eSIM provider has regional plans for Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and North America. However, it doesn’t have any plans for South America. Its global plan covers 113 countries.
As indicated above, Nomad gives new users a free eSIM with 500MB of data. However, this offer is currently only available for 48 countries and regions. This eSIM only gives you data; it doesn’t come with a phone number for calling and texting. Nomad used to have SMS plans, but they’ve been discontinued.
Pricing - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nomad’s eSIM plans start at $4.00 for 1GB of data (valid for 7 days), depending on your location. There are no activation fees. If your current plan is running low, you can easily add more data.
With Nomad’s Day Plans, the longer your subscription, the cheaper you have to pay:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB of data + unlimited 512kbps for 1 day | $4.00 |
| 1GB of data + unlimited 512kbps daily for 3 days | $5.00 |
| 1GB of data + unlimited 512kbps daily for 5 days | $8.00 |
| 1GB of data + unlimited 512kbps daily for 7 days | $10.00 |
| 1GB of data + unlimited 512kbps daily for 10 days | $14.00 |
The price of Nomad’s Regular Plans are comparable to Airalo's prices, but they’re more expensive than Saily's:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 3GB for 30 days | $8.00 |
| 5GB for 30 days | $14.00 |
| 10GB for 30 days | $17.00 |
| 20GB for 30 days | $30.00 |
| 50GB for 30 days | $45.00 |
Customer support - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can reach Nomad’s customer support team via live chat and email. I emailed a question, and they responded within 24 hours.
You need to scan a QR code to activate this eSIM. The process is straightforward, and Nomad provides clear instructions to guide users. Simply download the Nomad app, purchase a data plan, scan the QR code, and follow the instructions to install and activate the eSIM. Nomad will automatically connect to a supported network in each country.
6. Holafly – best eSIM for unlimited data abroad
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $6.00 (unlimited data for 1 day) |
| Countries: | 200+ countries and regions |
Overall rating – 4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holafly has been around since 2018. This eSIM service is known for its customizable, unlimited data plans. If you’re a streamer, remote worker, or you need a lot of data for any reason, Holafly is the perfect eSIM to get for your travels.
Coverage – excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐
Holafly has coverage in 200+ countries, making it on par with other top eSIM providers like Airalo in terms of coverage. This eSIM provider supports 5G speeds in most locations. However, you may also get 3G, 4G, or LTE speeds, depending on your location and the local network that you’re connected to.
Plans – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holafly has local, regional, and global eSIM plans with unlimited data. Unlike other eSIMs that offer you an array of pre-designed plans to choose from, Holafly lets you customize your data plan by selecting the duration of your trip (1 to 90 days) and the number of eSIMs you want. I love the fact that Holafly lets users buy multiple eSIMs at once; this makes it an excellent option if you’re traveling with others.
Holafly has regional eSIMs for Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Africa. Its global eSIM works in 113 destinations, including all the top travel hotspots.
Although Holafly doesn’t throttle the speed of its unlimited data plans, it says local carriers reserve the right to throttle your speed based on their Fair Usage Policy. It’s also worth noting that Holafly limits data sharing to around 500MB to 1GB of data daily, depending on your location. This is one of the biggest downsides of this eSIM service. Also, Holafly is a data-only eSIM; it doesn’t come with a phone number for calls and SMS messages.
Pricing – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holafly’s prices vary by country, but it typically starts at $6.00 for 1GB of data, valid for 1 day. The longer the duration of your plan, the cheaper the total price. Here’s a breakdown of Holafly’s starting prices for a 1 to 6-day plan.
| Data plan | Price |
| Unlimited data for 1 day | $6.00 |
| Unlimited data for 2 data | $9.90 |
| Unlimited data for 3 days | $12.90 |
| Unlimited data for 4 days | $16.90 |
| Unlimited data for 5 days | $20.90 |
| Unlimited data for 6 days | $24.90 |
Customer support – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Holafly has different customer support channels, including live chat, WhatsApp, and email. You’ll get the fastest response when you contact Holafly via live chat or WhatsApp.
This provider uses QR-based eSIM installation. Simply download the Holafly app or visit the provider’s site and purchase a data plan. Then, scan the QR code you’re provided and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup.
7. GigSky – best travel eSIM for fixed and unlimited data plans
| Support 5G: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries: | 200+ countries |
Overall rating – 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GigSky is a perfect eSIM for your travel adventure. Whether you’re on a cruise, on a flight, or visiting a country or region in a distant part of the globe, this eSIM has data plans for you. GigSky offers both fixed and unlimited data plans, ensuring you can access the web without restrictions.
Coverage – excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GigSky has coverage in over 200 countries across the world. This eSIM provider doesn’t disclose which local carriers it works with. However, GigSky says it connects users to the fastest network available. You can expect 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G speeds depending on your location and the local carrier.
Plans – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GigSky offers fixed and unlimited local, regional, and global data plans. It also has plans for cruises. GigSky’s local eSIM plans usually offer 1GB to 10GB of data and are valid for 7 to 30 days. Its regional and global plans have the same allocated data and validity period as its local plans. GigSky also has regional and global plans for cruises.
GigSky has regional plans for Africa, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa. This eSIM doesn’t come with a phone number for calls and SMS messages.
I love that GigSky gives new users 100MB of data for free, with no credit card required. This allows you to try out the service before subscribing. It can also come in handy if you are trying to activate your eSIM in a foreign country and there’s no Wi-Fi connection available.
While GigSky doesn’t have data caps or limit data sharing, the speeds of its unlimited data plans slow down after you consume 2.5GB per day. The connection is reset daily.
Pricing – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
As I mentioned above, GigSky offers new users 100MB for free. This provider’s local plans usually start at $4.50 for 1GB of data, valid for 7 days. Its prices are compatible with those of many top eSIM providers. Here’s a quick snapshot of the prices of GigSky’s local plans in many locations:
| Data plan | Price |
| 100MB valid for 7 days | Free |
| 1GB valid for 7 days | $4.50 |
| 3GB valid for 15 days | $9.99 |
| 5GB valid for 30 days | $14.49 |
| 10GB valid for 30 days | $23.99 |
| Unlimited data for 7 days | $25.99 |
| Unlimited data for 15 days | $37.39 |
Customer support – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
While GigSky doesn’t have a live chat customer service channel, you can reach its support staff via phone or email. GigSky’s customer support team is usually quick to respond to issues and offer assistance.
It’s easy to set up and use a GigSky eSIM. Just scan the QR code GigSky emails you after you purchase a plan to install the eSIM profile on your device. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Then, all you need to do is set the eSIM as your source of cellular data and turn on data roaming to activate the eSIM once you arrive at your location.
8. Roamless – best travel eSIM for pay-as-you-go data
| Support 5G: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $2.45 (1GB of data that doesn’t expire) |
| Countries: | 195+ countries and regions |
Overall rating – 4.4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Roamless is a unique eSIM that breaks the mold with its pay-as-you-go plans that work in all 181+ countries where the service has coverage. Roamless doesn’t just offer pay-as-you-go internet, it also supports calling with a pay-as-you-talk payment structure. And the best part is that Roamless’ plans never expire.
Coverage – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Roamless has coverage in over 195 countries and regions. The company is currently working to expand its coverage to 200+ countries and regions. It provides 5G internet in most locations. But you may also get 3G, 4G, or LTE speeds.
Plans – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Roamless offers pay-as-you-go plans that never expire. Since this eSIM works automatically in different countries, Roamless doesn’t separate its packages into local, regional, or global plans.
Simply load money onto your Roamless wallet, choose a plan, and start browsing. If you don’t exhaust your wallet balance before the end of your trip, rest assured you will be able to continue using the same wallet balance on your next trip because Roamless’ plans don’t expire.
One of the things I love about this eSIM is that new users get 500MB of data for free. This is way more generous than the 100MB GigSky offers. It ensures you can try the service out risk-free before committing.
Roamless doesn’t limit data sharing or throttle your speeds. As indicated above, this eSIM also supports in-app phone calls to 200+ locations. However, it doesn’t support SMS messaging.
Pricing – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Roamless prices vary depending on your location. However, its plans typically start at $2.45 for 1GB of data, while its international calls cost $0.01 per minute. Here’s an overview of the starting prices of Roamless’ local plans:
| Data plan | Price |
| 500MB of data that doesn’t expire | Free |
| 1GB of data that doesn’t expire | $2.45 |
| 2GB of data that doesn’t expire | $4.90 |
| 3GB of data that doesn’t expire | $7.35 |
| 5GB of data that doesn’t expire | $12.25 |
| 10GB of data that doesn’t expire | $24.50 |
Customer support – very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Roamless has a responsive customer support team that you can reach via phone or email. For the fastest response time, it’s best to contact Roamless’ customer support team via phone. If you decide to reach out to them via email, I recommend using the same email address you used to sign up for the service for a fast response.
Roamless eSIM is installed via QR code, like Nomad, GigSky, and some of the eSIMs on this list. Scan the QR code that Roamless emails you after you load money into your wallet. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to finish setting it up and start browsing seamlessly across borders. You don’t have to re-activate your Roamless eSIM every time you enter a new country — it will automatically connect to a supported network.
9. Instabridge – popular eSIM with fixed and pay-as-you-go plans
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $2.00 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries: | 190+ countries |
Overall rating – 4.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Instabridge is a reliable eSIM service for travelers with budget-friendly regular plans and pay-as-you-go plans. This eSIM is perfect for backpackers, digital nomads, and business professionals. In addition to its eSIM service, it also has extras like a Wi-Fi map and a data-saving browser.
Coverage - excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Instabridge has coverage in over 190+ countries, which is quite impressive. This eSIM supports 5G. However, depending on your location, you may get 4G. LTE, or 3G speeds instead.
Plans - good ⭐⭐⭐
Instabridge offers local, regional, and global eSIM plans. These plans give you 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 7 for 30 days. Besides these regular plans, Instabridge also has pay-as-you-go plans for virtually all the countries it operates in.
Currently, this eSIM only has regional plans for Europe, Latin America, and Asia. One of the biggest criticisms of Instabridge is that its plans are relatively short compared to plans from other eSIM providers. On a positive note, its global plan covers 127 countries. Instabridge doesn’t support calling or texting on any of its plans.
Pricing - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Instabridge is one of the cheapest eSIM services on this list. Its prices vary slightly depending on your destination. Its entry-level plan, which costs $2.00, gives you 1GB for 7 days. The cost of Instabridge’s pay-as-you-go plans varies per country, but they range from $1.50 to $19.00 per GB.
Here’s a rundown of the starting price of Instabridge’s local plans:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB of data valid for 7 days | $2.00 |
| 3GB of data valid for 15 days | $4.50 |
| 10GB of data valid for 30 days | $12.00 |
| 20GB of data valid for 7 days | $16.00 |
Customer support - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can reach Instabridge’s customer support team by filling out a form on its website. This eSIM provider also has an in-app live chat channel, which I tested and received quick and detailed responses.
It’s easy to install and activate an Instabridge eSIM via the provider’s app. Simply download the Instabridge app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store, purchase a plan, click activate, and follow the instructions to complete the process.
10. BNESIM – best cheap eSIM provider for long international travels
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $0.97 (1GB of data, valid for for 30 days) |
| Countries: | 200+ countries and regions |
Overall rating – 3.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BNESIM is a good eSIM for extended travels abroad. This provider has an array of data plans, including regular one-time plans, recurring plans, and pay-as-you-go plans.
Coverage - excellent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BNESIM provides internet connectivity in over 200 countries and supports 3G, 4G, and 5G networks in different locations.
Plans - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BNESIM has local, regional, and global data plans. Its local and regional plans give you 1GB to 100GB of data, but the fixed are only valid for up to 30 days max.
Unlike other eSIMs, BNESIM allows you to select a recurring or one-time plan, eliminating the need to top up. There’s also an option to get non-expiry, pay-as-you-go plans. In addition to its fixed plans, BNESIM has pay-as-you-go plans.
BNESIM’s regional plans cover a good portion of the globe. It has regional plans for Europe, Asia, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Oceania. It also has a Mini Global plan, which gives you coverage in 56 countries, while its Global plan gives you coverage in over 170 countries.
BNESIM’s data plans don’t include a phone number for calls and texts. However, it offers virtual SIM cards, which are sold separately.
Pricing - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BNESIM’s prices vary depending on the plan you choose. Its cheapest local plan costs $0.97 and gives you 1GB for 30 days. Here’s an overview of the starting price of BNESIM’s one-time eSIM plans:
| Data plan | Price |
| 1GB of data valid for 30 days | $0.97 |
| 3GB of data for 30 days | $2.36 |
| 5GB of data for 30 days | $3.83 |
| 10GB of data for 30 days | $7.30 |
| 20GB of data for 30 days | $14.20 |
| 50GB of data for 30 days | $30.64 |
| 100GB of data for 30 days | $50.58 |
Customer support - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BNESIM offers customer support via live chat, WhatsApp, and email. The eSIM’s technical support team is known for its fast and responsive service. You need to download the BNESIM app to install and activate the eSIM. The whole process takes less than 5 minutes. Just get the BNESIM app, create an account, buy your preferred data plan, and hit the activate button. It’s that simple.
Comparison of the top eSIM providers
The table below shows our top eSIMs for international travel to help you compare them easily
| Brand | Rating | Countries | Starting price | Compatibility | Networks |
| Saily | 200+ countries | $1.89 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G | |
| Airalo | 200+ countries and regions | $4.50 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G | |
| Jetpac | 200+ countries | $1.00 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G | |
| aloSIM | 200+ countries | $4.50 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G | |
| Nomad | 200+ countries | $4.00 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G | |
| Holafly | 200+ countries and regions | $6.00 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G | |
| GigSky | 200+ countries | $4.50 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G | |
| Roamless | 195+ countries and regions | $2.45 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G | |
| Instabridge | 190+ countries | $2.00 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G | |
| BNESIM | 200+ countries | $0.97 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G |
Unable to decide which eSIM to pick? I recommend making a list of the features you prioritize most in an eSIM. For example, if you’d like an eSIM that supports calling and texting, opt for Airalo or aloSIM, or if you want an eSIM with pay-as-you-go plans, choose Roamless, Instabridge, or BNESIM.
How we tested and ranked these eSIMs for international travel
Here’s a glimpse at the criteria I used to test and rank the best eSIMs for international travel:
- Coverage: I looked at the number of countries each eSIM covers and selected eSIMs with broad coverage in different parts of the world.
- Data plans: I analyzed the data plans each eSIM offers and picked eSIMs with a variety of plans to suit short-term and long-term travel. I also included eSIM providers that offer local, regional, and global plans for light and heavy users.
- Speed: I assessed the speeds of different eSIMs and picked those that provide blazing-fast speeds via 4G and 5G networks.
- Pricing: I compared the prices of numerous providers and selected eSIMs with the most affordable plans and the most useful features.
- Customer support: I assessed the customer service channels of different eSIMs and tested their response times. The eSIMs I selected have multiple customer support options and typically respond to queries within a few minutes to 24 hours.
- Ease of use: I compared the user-friendliness of different eSIMs, assessing how easy they are to install and activate as well as their apps’ overall ease of use. All the eSIMs I selected are user-friendly and have detailed installation guides.
- Compatibility: I compared the list of devices that different eSIMs are compatible with and selected those that work with a large number of devices.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that works with smartphones, smartwatches, smart cars, and other devices. Unlike physical SIM cards, you don’t need to insert or remove an eSIM; instead, it’s installed on your device like an app.
With an eSIM, you can switch between mobile carriers and activate or change your cellular plan directly on your device. It’s a convenient and flexible technology, especially for international travel.
How do eSIMs work?
Think of eSIMs like virtual SIM cards; they connect to a carrier, allowing you to access the web, make calls, and send SMS messages. Instead of inserting an eSIM card into your device, you need to install it — like software. This involves downloading the eSIM provider’s app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store, purchasing a plan, installing the eSIM on your device, and activating it.
You can have multiple eSIM profiles on your device and activate them as needed, whether you’re traveling abroad or require a separate line for work.
The table below highlights some key differences between eSIMs and physical SIM cards:
| Feature | eSIM | SIM |
| Different sizes | ❌ | ✅ |
| Removable | ❌ | ✅ |
| Seamlessly switch carriers | ✅ | ❌ |
| Travel friendly | ✅ | ❌ |
| Join multiple networks and program many data plans | ✅ | ❌ |
| Switch between different devices | ❌ | ✅ |
Advantages of using eSIMs for international travel
Using an eSIM while traveling abroad allows you to access the web easily, save money, and avoid scammers, among other things. Here are a few reasons you should use an eSIM on your next international trip:
- Save money: Opting for eSIM plans is more cost-effective than paying roaming fees, allowing you to save money and stay connected while exploring new places.
- Get instant internet access: With an eSIM, you can connect to the web the moment you land at your destination and skip having to visit phone shops at the airport to get a SIM card.
- Seamless connectivity between countries: If you opt for a regional or global eSIM plan, you’ll enjoy seamless connectivity to different carriers while traveling between countries, ensuring you can stay online throughout your trip.
- Avoid scammers and hackers: Using an eSIM allows you to avoid public Wi-Fi, which hackers often use to snare unsuspecting victims. And, unlike SIM cards, which can be stolen easily, eSIMs are less likely to be stolen. Even if you lose your phone, you can sign into your eSIM provider’s website and suspend your account.
- No juggling physical SIM cards: You don’t have to swap out your regular SIM card to use an eSIM, so it's more convenient and reduces the chances that you’ll lose your SIM card.
- Keep your regular phone number: You can keep your regular phone number when using an eSIM, allowing you to make calls, send text messages, and access other services tied to your SIM card.
Potential drawbacks of using eSIMs
While there are numerous benefits to using eSIMs, there are also some drawbacks that you should know about. Here are some potential issues linked with eSIMs:
- Limited availability: eSIMs are currently not available in every country. The eSIMs on the list above with the widest coverage have their network spanning 200+ countries and regions, but this leaves a large part of the globe uncovered. If you’re traveling to a country where no eSIM provider has coverage, you won’t be able to use an eSIM in the country.
- Compatibility issues: Only phones released after 2018 support eSIMs — even then, not all of them do. This presents a potential hurdle for users who have older phones and want to use an eSIM on their next trip abroad. In comparison, physical SIM cards work with virtually every phone, regardless of whether it’s new or old.
- Switching device: It’s more difficult to switch devices when you have an eSIM than when you use a physical SIM card. With the latter, all you need to do is eject the eSIM and slot it into another device. However, with an eSIM, you need to deactivate it on your old device and go through the process of installing and activating it on your new device. This can be time-consuming and isn’t convenient, especially if you’re on the go.
What to consider when choosing an eSIM for international travel?
It's essential to consider your needs carefully when choosing an eSIM for international travel. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Check eSIM availability in different countries: Confirm if the eSIM is available in the countries you’re traveling to. Ensure it has good coverage in each location so you’ll get a strong signal while traveling. You can use a network coverage map to see how wide an eSIM provider’s reach spans in a country. If you’re traveling to multiple countries, consider getting a regional or global plan, as it’s more convenient than subscribing to multiple local plans.
- Decide if you need an eSIM that supports calling and texting: Most eSIMs offer only data, but a few providers also give users a local phone number for calls and SMS messages. You need to decide if you need a data-only eSIM or one that supports calls and SMS. Remember that you can still make calls and send text messaging on data-only plans using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps like FaceTime and WhatsApp.
- Think about how much data you need: Consider how much data you'll need during your trip. eSIM providers offer different amounts of data with each plan and often give users the option to top up. You can also choose a pay-as-you-go plan and never worry about your data running out.
- Check the validity of your eSIM plan: eSIM plans are valid for a predetermined number of days, weeks, or months. While some eSIM plans are only valid for 7 to 30 days, others are valid for up to 180 days or even a month. Make sure the validity of your eSIM plan aligns with the duration of your trip.Does my phone support eSIMs
- Compare different eSIM providers: I recommend comparing different eSIM providers to find the best deal. Look at the details of each eSIM provider’s plan, including their prices, activation methods, and any promotional offers available.
- Check if your device supports eSIM. Many newer smartphones, including those from Apple, Google, and Samsung, are compatible with eSIMs. But it’s always a good idea to confirm that your device supports eSIMs before buying a plan.
Does my phone support eSIMs
Most new smartphones support eSIMs. The easiest way to determine if your device works with eSIM is by checking your mobile phone settings for an option to add eSIM. You can also check your device specifications. Below, I’ll briefly explain how to determine if your iPhone or Android smartphone supports eSIMs.
How to check eSIM compatibility on iPhones
Apple introduced eSIM support with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR in 2018. Newer iPhones are compatible with eSIMs. To confirm if your iPhone works with eSIMs, go to Settings > General > About, and look for “Available SIM” and a 15-digit IMEI number. If you see this, your device is compatible with eSIMs.
How to check eSIM compatibility on Android phones
Most new Android phones support eSIMs, but this depends on the manufacturer and model of your device. To determine if your smartphone is compatible with eSIMs, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. If there’s an option to add eSIM, your device likely supports eSIMs. These options may vary slightly depending on your Android version and phone manufacturer, but the process is generally the same for all Android devices.
Another way to check if your Android phone supports eSIMs is to look for an Embedded Identity Document Number (EID) in your mobile phone settings. If your device supports eSIM, you’ll see an EID number.
Note: Some carriers lock devices to their network. Even if your phone is eSIM-compatible, you can’t use an eSIM on a carrier-locked device. To check if your iPhone is unlocked, go to Settings > General > About, and look for “No SIM restrictions” in the Carrier Lock section.
Here’s a list of eSIM-compatible smartphones from some of the most popular brands today:
| iPhone | XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 |
| Google Pixel | 2 (with Google Fi), 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Fold |
| Samsung Galaxy | S20, S20X, S21, S22, S23, Fold, Z Flip, Note 30, a54 |
| Huawei | P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro |
| Xiaomi | 12T Pro, 13 |
Check out our comprehensive list of eSIM-compatible phones to see which devices from other brands work with this technology.
How to set up and activate eSIM
Setting up an eSIM card may seem difficult, but the process is simple regardless of whether you’re using an Apple or Android device. eSIM providers usually have on-screen instructions to guide you through the setup.
How to activate an eSIM on iPhones with a QR code
To activate an eSIM via QR code, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan. On the “Set up mobile service” screen, you’ll have two options: transfer from a nearby iPhone or use a QR code. Choose the QR code option, and you will be guided through the process with on-screen instructions.
How to activate an eSIM on Android devices with a QR code
You can activate an eSIM on your Android phone by going to Settings > Mobile data > Add Data Plan. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider and confirm by pressing the “Add Data Plan” button.
How to activate eSIM manually
To activate your eSIM manually, you’ll need some details like your eSIM activation code and SM=DP+ address. The eSIM provider usually provides all this information. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, and choose the manual entry option. If you don’t see a clear option for manual entry, choose other options, and it should show up. Proceed to enter the eSIM details following the provider’s instructions to activate the eSIM.
Troubleshooting common issues
Having difficulties installing and activating your eSIM? I’ve put together this troubleshooting guide highlighting common issues and the ways to resolve them:
- eSIM status is stuck on “Activating”: If you’ve completed all the eSIM installation and activation steps above and the eSIM status shows that it’s still “Activating,” it’s most likely because the eSIM hasn’t connected to a supported network. Once you arrive at your destination, it will connect to a local carrier, and the activation will be completed.
- eSIM isn’t installing: One of the most common reasons an eSIM may not be installing on your system is that your device isn’t compatible with the eSIM. I recommend confirming that your phone supports eSIMs and checking the list of devices with which the eSIM is compatible.
- Nothing happens after scanning the QR code: If you scan a QR code to install an eSIM and nothing happens, the chances are that the eSIM has already been installed on your device. Go to Settings > Cellular and check if you see the eSIM profile.
- eSIM won’t activate: Have you installed your eSIM, and it won’t activate at your destination? You need to set the eSIM as your source of cellular data and turn on data roaming to activate your eSIM.
Pro tip: I recommend installing your eSIM a day or two before you’re scheduled to travel. However, wait until you’re about to set off on your flight or when you land at your destination to activate the eSIM.
Are eSIMs better than physical SIM cards?
Yes, eSIMs have many advantages over physical SIM cards. Some pundits believe that network providers will gradually phase out physical SIM cards in favor of eSIMs. And, if the US version of Apple’s iPhone 15 (which doesn’t have a physical SIM card slot) is any indication of the future, these pundits may be right. Here are a few advantages of eSIMs over physical SIM cards:
- More flexibility and convenience: eSIMs are more flexible and convenient than physical SIM cards. You can purchase an eSIM from the comfort of your home and activate it without having to visit a phone shop. Also, some eSIM providers allow you to easily switch carriers to find a better network signal. You’d have to swap SIMs to change carriers with a physical SIM.
- Immune to damage: SIM cards are prone to being scratched or damaged in other ways, which may impair their functionality. In comparison, since eSIMs are virtual, they’re immune to being damaged.
- Use multiple eSIM profiles: You can install about 7 to 10 eSIM profiles on some devices and switch between them according to your needs. So, if you travel to particular countries frequently, you can have eSIM profiles for each country and hop between them without having to physically change your SIM cards. This is impossible with physical SIM cards.
- More environmentally friendly: eSIMs are more environmentally friendly than physical SIM cards, which are made of plastic and come with a lot of plastic packaging that ends up in the trash. The process of producing and transporting physical SIM cards also creates a lot of pollution. On the other hand, eSIMs are completely virtual, and creating or using one has little to no effect on the environment
- No design limitations: Phone manufacturers have to factor in the physical SIM card slot when designing phones. However, with eSIMs, manufacturers would be free to come up with new, possibly slimmer phones. The extra space could perhaps be used to fit larger batteries or add new features to phones.
Do I need a different eSIM for each country I visit?
No, you can use the same eSIM when traveling in different countries. Most eSIM providers offer regional plans that you can use if you’re visiting countries in the same region or continent. You can also choose to use different eSIMs. Android phones allow users to install 3 to 7 eSIM profiles, while iPhones allow you to have 5 to 10. This means you can set up multiple eSIM profiles and access them when needed.
For example, if you’re traveling to Africa and North America within a short span, you can purchase eSIM plans from different providers for both locations and activate them during your trip. As long as you use these plans before they expire (typically 1 to 3 months), you should have no problems.
With that said, if you choose the right eSIM for international travel, you may not have to use different eSIM providers. Instead, you can buy different eSIM plans from the same provider or even opt for a global plan.
Final thoughts
eSIMs have simplified travel, offering affordable plans, strong connections, and flexible validity. They represent the future of telecommunication.
While all the eSIMs I’ve tested have their perks, Saily is the overall best eSIM for international travel in my books. It has coverage in 150+ countries and has plans for both short (7-day plans) and long (30-day plans) trips. It also supports 5G, has an easy-to-use app, provides 24/7 customer support, and enables tethering via a mobile hotspot. It's an all-around great eSIM for traveling.
More eSIM guides from Cybernews:
Best global eSIM plans: Global eSIM plans for flawless connectivity
Best eSIM for Europe: Top eSIMs for traveling in Europe
Best eSIM for the USA: Top eSIM providers for the United States
Best eSIM for Asia: Top eSIMs to stay connected in Asia
Saily vs Airalo: Which eSIM is better?
FAQ
Is eSIM good for international travel?
Yes, eSIMs provide unmatched flexibility and convenience when traveling abroad. For example, you can easily switch between local carriers in different countries, ensuring you have a reliable connection at all times.
Can you call internationally with an eSIM?
Yes, you can make calls with an eSIM. However, you must ensure the eSIM you’ve chosen supports calling. Some eSIM providers only provide data, while others, such as Airalo, include a phone number for calls and SMS.
How do I get an eSIM card for international travel?
You can buy a prepaid data or pay-as-you-go eSIM plan from the website or app of your preferred eSIM provider. Simply choose a plan based on your travel destination, how much data you need, and the duration of your trip.
Which eSIM is best for traveling?
Saily is the overall best eSIM for international travel. I’ve tested different providers, and Saily has proven to be the most reliable on my travels. It offers broad coverage, flexible plans, and excellent customer service.
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