Best eSIMs for international travel in 2024
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Nijolė Simaitienė
Content Operations Team Lead
If you’re looking for a way to connect to the Internet while abroad, an eSIM is the perfect solution. eSIMs have changed the way we stay connected while traveling — no need to pay expensive roaming fees, depend on Wi-Fi, or get a local SIM card.
Unlike regular SIM cards, eSIMs are fully digital, and 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 can be tough. I’ve run tests to identify the best eSIMs for travelers based on their coverage, plans, pricing, and customer support. Continue reading to discover the best eSIM for international travel in 2024.
Top 5 eSIM providers for travel – my shortlist
- Saily – overall best international eSIM in 2024
- Airalo – reliable eSIM for traveling worldwide
- Nomad – affordable eSIM with flexible data plans
- Jetpac – budget-friendly eSIM for globetrotters
- aloSIM – best eSIM for calling and texting abroad
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. The list below has an eSIM for every traveler, regardless of your budget, travel destination, or the duration of your trip.
The 7 best travel eSIMs – detailed list
These are the 7 best eSIMs for international travel in 2024:
1. Saily – overall best eSIM for international travel in 2024
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $1.99 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries: | 150+ |
Saily is a fast-growing eSIM service developed by the team behind NordVPN. Many travelers rely on this eSIM thanks to its wide coverage, affordable data plans, and user-friendly app.
Coverage - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saily has coverage in over 150 countries worldwide, including popular tourist destinations like Thailand, Turkey, and the United States. Depending on your location, you’ll get either LTE, 3G, 4G, or 5G connectivity with a Saily eSIM.
Compared to other eSIM providers, Saily doesn’t have the widest coverage, but the company is actively expanding its reach to different parts of the world.
Plans - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Saily offers flexible data plans lasting between 7 to 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's biggest downside is that it doesn’t currently offer regional or global eSIM plans. However, you can purchase eSIM plans for different countries and enjoy seamless connectivity as you hop across borders. Saily is a data-only eSIM; 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 $1.99. There are no hidden charges or additional costs.
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.” It doesn’t get any easier. You don’t need to provide an I.D. 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+ |
Airalo is a trusted eSIM service with the widest coverage of all the eSIMs we tested.
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 LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G, depending on your location and device.
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 and global plans give you 1GB to 100GB of data and are valid for 7 days to up to a year.
Airalo has regional plans for Africa (36 countries), the Caribbean Islands (24 countries), Latin America (16 countries), North America (3 countries), Asia (18 countries), Europe (39 countries), the Middle East and North Africa (14 countries), and Oceania (8 countries). Its global eSIM covers 124 countries. This eSIM provider only supports calling and texting on its Discover+ global plan.
Pricing - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Airalo offers flexible eSIM 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. Keep in mind that you can save more by getting a larger data package upfront instead of reloading while on the go.
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 our research for this article, we reached out to Airalo’s customer service team through the contact form on its website, and it took more than 24 hours before we got a response.
You can activate this eSIM via the Airalo app, by scanning a QR code, or manually. Regardless of the method you choose, the company provides detailed instructions to guide you through the process.
3. Nomad – affordable eSIM with flexible data plans
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.00 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries: | 170+ |
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.
Coverage - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nomad is available in over 170 countries, including all the top tourist hotspots. It works with local carriers to provide high-speed Internet. You can expect LTE, 3G, 4G, or 5G connectivity 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 60 days and give you 1GB to 30GB 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 137 countries, which is a bit more than Airalo’s global plan.
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. Nomad’s prices are fractionally lower than Airalo's, but more expensive than Saily's.
Customer support - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You need to scan a QR code to activate this eSIM. The process is straightforward, and Nomad provides clear instructions to guide users.
You can reach Nomad’s customer support team by filling out a form on its website. We had a question, and they responded within 24 hours. Unfortunately, this eSIM doesn’t have a live chat option.
4. Jetpac – budget-friendly eSIM for globetrotters
| Supports 5G networks: | No |
| Starting price: | $1 (1 GB of data, valid for 4 days) |
| Countries: | 100+ countries |
Jetpac is a top choice for travelers due to its budget-friendly eSIM plans, starting at $1. In addition to its affordable eSIM plans, Jetpac offers free lounge access at airports in the event of flight delays.
Coverage - good ⭐⭐⭐
Jetpac has coverage in over 100 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 LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity in different locations.
Plans - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jetpac offers local, regional, and global plans. These 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 (28 countries), Southeast Asia (5 countries), Asia Pacific (15 countries), North America (2 countries), Latin America (16 countries), and the Middle East and North Africa (8 countries). Its global plan covers 100 countries.
Jetpac doesn’t support calling or texting on any of its plans.
Pricing - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jetpac’s cheapest plan costs $1 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.
Customer support - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
To install this eSIM, scan the QR code that Jetpac provides and follow the on-screen instructions. This eSIM service has a dedicated customer support team you can contact via email or live chat. It also has an FAQ section and troubleshooting guides.
5. aloSIM – best eSIM for calling and texting abroad
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $4.50 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries: | 175+ |
Launched in 2022, aloSIM has extensive coverage and competitive prices. Its support for calling and texting on all plans sets it apart from many other eSIMs available today.
Coverage - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
aloSIM has coverage in over 175 countries across the globe. This eSIM supports LTE, 3G, 4G, 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, and 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 (35 countries), Western Europe (4 countries), Eastern Europe (11 countries), Scandinavia (4 countries), UK/ Republic of Ireland/ Northern Ireland/ Scotland (2 countries), the Caribbean (16 countries), Asia (13 countries), Asia Five Pack (5 countries), French Guiana/ Martinique/ Guadeloupe (3 countries), the Mediterranean (6 countries), South America (9 countries), and North America (3 countries).
Each aloSIM plan comes with a free phone number (with 30 minutes for calls and 50 text messages) 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.
Customer support - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can install the aloSIM app via QR code or manually. Both options are easy. This eSIM provider has a customer support team you can reach via email or live chat. I contacted the team through email and received a speedy and informative reply.
6. Instabridge – popular eSIM with pay-as-you-go options
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $2.00 (1GB of data, valid for 7 days) |
| Countries: | 190+ |
Instabridge is a reliable eSIM solution for travelers, digital nomads, and business professionals. It offers budget-friendly regular plans and pay-as-you-go plans. This eSIM provider also has additional perks like a Wi-Fi map, cloud storage, VPN, 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 or 3G instead.
Plans - very 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 (34 countries), Latin America (17 countries), and Asia (21 countries). Its global plan covers 127 countries.
Instabridge doesn’t support calling or texting on any of its plans.
Pricing - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Instabridge offers affordable plans for different locations, and prices vary depending on your location. Its cheapest 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 generally range from $1.50 to $2.50 per GB.
Customer support - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can reach Instabridge’s customer support team by filling out a form on its website. They also offer live in-app chat, which we tested and received quick and detailed responses.
7. BNESIM – cheap eSIM provider for longer international travel
| Supports 5G networks: | Yes |
| Starting price: | $0.97 (1GB of data, valid for for 30 days) |
| Countries: | 200+ |
BNESIM is a good eSIM for extended travel abroad. Like Instabridge, this provider has regular 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. These plans give you 1GB to 20GB of data and are valid for 30 days. Unlike other eSIMs, BNESIM allows you to select a recurring or one-time plan, eliminating the need to top up.
In addition to its fixed plans, BNESIM also has pay-as-you-go plans. These plans give you 1GB to 20GB of data and never expire.
BNESIM’s regional plans cover a good portion of the globe. It has regional plans for Europe (31 countries), Asia (19 countries), North America (3 countries), South America (10 countries), the Middle East (11 countries), and Oceania (2 countries). 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 plan costs $0.97 and gives you 1GB for 30 days.
Customer support - very good ⭐⭐⭐⭐
You need to download the BNESIM app to install and activate the eSIM. BNESIM offers customer support via live chat, WhatsApp, and email. The eSIM’s technical support team is known for its fast and responsive service.
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 | 150+ countries | $1.99 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | |
| Airalo | 200+ countries and regions | $4.50 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | |
| Nomad | 165+ countries | $4.00 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | |
| Jetpac | 100+ countries | $1.00 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G | |
| aloSIM | 175+ countries | $4.50 | All iPhones and Android devices that support eSIMs | LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G |
Unable to decide which eSIM to pick? I recommend focusing on 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 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 and 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 on your device. 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 | ❌ | ✅ |
Why should I choose an eSIM 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 travel:
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Are eSIMs better than physical SIM cards?
Yes, eSIMs have many advantages compared to 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.
Can I use more than one eSIM provider when traveling abroad?
Yes, you can use multiple eSIMs when traveling abroad if you wish. Most 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.
If you purchased an eSIM online Airaloand want to activate it manually, go to Settings, tap Mobile Data, and then 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, which is the easiest way. Choosing the QR code option will guide you through a quick process to set up the eSIM.
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 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 in my travels. It offers broad coverage, flexible plans, and excellent customer service.
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