Best holiday eSIMs for 2025
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eSIMs are revolutionizing the way people stay connected while traveling. These digital SIM cards offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional ones. Therefore, they eliminate the need for expensive roaming fees or unreliable Wi-Fi connections.
With an eSIM for travel, you can easily connect to cellular networks in various countries, ensuring you stay in touch with your loved ones. Aside from this, the list of holiday eSIM benefits continues with sharing your experiences on social media or even navigating unfamiliar destinations with ease.
Whether you’re exploring crowded cities or the calm countryside, an international travel eSIM is the perfect way to stay connected during your holiday adventures.
Today, we’ll learn more about the best holiday eSIM by exploring the top 5 providers in depth. You’ll also learn more about what an eSIM is, its benefits, and how to use it. Of course, we’ll discuss the installation and usage, along with some crucial considerations for making the right choice. So, let’s begin right away!
Top 5 eSIMs for holidays – our recommendation
- Saily – best overall eSIM for a holiday 2025
- Airalo – budget-friendly eSIM provider
- Jetpac – fast eSIM provider
- aloSIM – flexible eSIM provider for travelers
- Holafly – reliable eSIM provider
Factors to consider when choosing the best holiday eSIM
Choosing the best holiday eSIM requires considering a few factors. By following the ones in the complete list below, you should be able to make an informed decision:
- Coverage. The first thing to do is check the eSIM’s coverage in the country or countries you’ll be visiting. This is crucial for having strong and stable connections at all times. To do this, you should look for local plans in at least 100 destinations. However, if you plan to travel to more countries, you may want to get regional or global offers instead of subscribing to multiple local plans.
- Data plans. Considering holiday eSIM data plans are a must. While most of the eSIMs offer only data, you may find providers that include calls and texts. Still, keep in mind that you can always call or send messages via VoIP apps, even with data-only eSIMs.
- Compatibility with devices. One of the best eSIM features is its broad compatibility with devices, which shows how many devices you can use the eSIM on without an issue. Although many newer smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and other big companies support eSIM technology, it’s crucial to verify your device’s compatibility before purchasing an eSIM plan.
- Pricing. Price plays a huge role in your final decision. That said, you need to make a travel eSIM comparison, in which you’ll put head-to-head the most prominent aspects of each provider and the price. As a result, you’ll be able to determine which holiday eSIM comes with the best value for your money.
- Customer support. The last factor you should consider when choosing eSIM providers is customer support. This refers to the responsiveness and the availability of the customer service. Always go for eSIMs with 24/7 customer support via multiple channels, like live chat, email, help center, or even a phone line. Due to this, you’ll manage to solve any issue in no time.
The best eSIMs for holiday – our detailed list
Now, let’s move on to the detailed list of the best eSIM providers for the holiday. We’ll review their most prominent aspects, such as plan options, coverage, pricing, activation, customer support, and additional features.
1. Saily – the best holiday eSIM in 2025
| Supported networks: | 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 190+ |
| Starting price: | $2.99 |
Saily is a highly secure eSIM developed by the NordVPN team. You’ll find everything you need from one eSIM, such as affordability, local, regional, and global plans.
Plan options. Saily offers data-only and prepaid eSIM plans. Although you won’t be able to make calls or texts, you can still use its 1GB data plan or the 20GB offer.
Plans and pricing. You can enjoy Saily’s plans for as low as $2.99/week. However, this depends on the country you plan to visit. For example, the US eSIM starts at $3.99/week for 1GB of data, while the 20GB data plan costs $36.99 for 30 days.
Network coverage. Recently, Saily updated its coverage range. Now, you can enjoy 190+ local, regional, and global plans, making your holiday trip as seamless as possible. Also, you can expect fast internet connections, as Saily supports 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
Activation process. Saily has an app-based application. Therefore, you need to download the Saily app and purchase a plan. You don’t need to complete any KYC verification. Ultimately, you can pay with a credit or debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
Customer support. If you encounter an issue, feel free to contact Saily’s responsive support team. You can do this via its 24/7 live chat or email. However, you can also browse its help center with numerous guides or go through the FAQs.
Advanced features. Currently, Saily allows you to get up to 5GB of free data with its 5GB, 10GB, and 20GB data plans.
2. Airalo – holiday eSIM with coverage in 190+ countries and regions
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 190+ |
| Starting price: | $4.50 |
Airalo is the second-best eSIM provider you can get. It offers eSIMs for over 200 countries and regions, and you can now even get it for free.
Plan options. Airalo’s plans are all prepaid. However, you can go for data-only plans or ones that include calls and texts. Regardless of which kind of eSIM you go for, you’ll enjoy 1-20GB of data.
Plans and pricing. Almost all Airalo plans start at $4.50/week for 1GB of data. However, if you want the 20GB data plan, you may pay $42 for 30 days (for the US). Its eSIM plans are valid for 7, 15, and 30 days.
Network coverage. Airalo is available in 190+ countries and regions. But there’s also the Discover+ global plan. With Airalo, you’ll get ultra-fast internet speeds wherever you are. This eSIM supports LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G connections.
Activation process. To activate Airalo, you can choose from several methods: app, QR code, or manual installation. Regardless of which method you choose, the process is very straightforward, with detailed instructions throughout. The KYC verification depends on the location you want to visit, and you can pay with a credit/debit card, PayPal, Google or Apple Pay, or Alipay.
Customer support. Airalo offers 24/7 support via live chat. You can also email the team or visit its help center or blog.
Advanced features. In addition to the free eSIM, Airalo offers $3 for every referral you make to a friend.
3. Jetpac – budget-friendly eSIM for holiday
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 150+ |
| Starting price: | $1 |
Jetpac is third on this list because it offers the most affordable eSIM for holidays. However, this doesn’t affect its services.
Plan options. Jetpac offers prepaid data-only plans that offer 1GB to 50GB of data, depending on your destination.
Plans and pricing. Jetpac stands out from the competitors due to its cost-efficient plans. New users can enjoy 1GB of data for $1 for 4 days. But even the 50GB data plans aren’t expensive. For instance, the US one costs $25 for 10 days. When it comes to the validity, you can get eSIM offers for 4, 7, 30, and 31 days.
Network coverage. You can find Jetpac eSIM plans for over 150 countries and regions. Although there’s not a global plan, you shouldn’t experience any drawbacks. Ultimately, you’ll get LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G internet speeds, depending on the coverage.
Activation process. Installing and activating Jetpac is easy. Download the app, select your preferred plan, and follow the installation prompts. This eSIM accepts credit cards, debit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Unfortunately, there is no information about whether there is a KYC verification.
Customer support. Jetpac offers 24/7 live chat support, but you can also contact customer service via email. You can also browse its help center, blog, or FAQ section.
Advanced features. Last but not least, Jetpac has a special offer for new users: all of its starting plans cost $1 for four days.
4. aloSIM – eSIM provider with a free phone number
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 190+ |
| Starting price: | $4.50 |
aloSIM is a great alternative eSIM for holiday trips. You’ll enjoy excellent internet speeds and a free phone number for staying in touch with your loved ones.
Plan options. aloSIM is another prepaid eSIM provider. In addition to the data-only plans, it offers a free phone number for making calls and sending text messages. Its plans usually offer 1-20GB of data.
Plans and pricing. The lowest price of aloSIM’s plans is $4.50/week for 1GB of data. Still, you can pay $42 for 30 days for its plans that offer 20GB of data.
Network coverage. Like Airalo, aloSIM offers eSIM plans for 190+ destinations. These plans are available in local and regional formats, allowing you to visit multiple countries with the same eSIM. It also supports LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
Activation process. You can install the aloSIM app manually or via a QR code. Then, select your desired plan and make a purchase. You can pay with a credit or debit card. Unfortunately, there is no transparent information about KYC verification.
Customer support. This eSIM has a customer support team you can reach via email or live chat. They’re incredibly responsive and helpful. You can also review its guides or FAQ section.
Advanced features. One of the best extras is aloSIM’s free phone number. But there’s also their referral program, which lets you get $3 for your recommendations to friends.
5. Holafly – holiday eSIM with unlimited data plans
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Country coverage: | 190+ |
| Starting price: | $6.90 |
Holafly is the last eSIM on this list. Still, it’s worth it, especially because of its unlimited data plans.
Plan options. Holafly comes with prepaid eSIM plans. However, they offer only data, meaning you won’t be able to make free calls or send texts with the eSIM. The best part is that each eSIM comes with unlimited data.
Plans and pricing. One of the things that sets Holafly apart from its competitors is its validity of 1-90 days. Most of its eSIM plans cost $6.50 for 1 day of usage, while the 90-day plans may reach $139.90.
Network coverage. Holafly covers over 190 countries and regions. Although there aren’t any global eSIMs, this isn’t a huge disadvantage. When it comes to its internet speeds, you’ll enjoy LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G speeds, depending on the coverage.
Activation process. Holafly’s app makes using and activating this eSIM easy. To install it, scan the QR code you’ll receive via email and select your plan. There is no information about KYC verification. You can make a payment with a credit or debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.
Customer support. If you have an issue, you can contact customer support via 24/7 live chat or email, or you can browse its guides and FAQs.
Advanced features. Holafly doesn’t come with specific features, but you can always top up your data plans. This refers to some of the eSIMs with a limited amount of data.
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is a digital version of a traditional SIM card. It allows you to connect to cellular networks without the need for a physical SIM card. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are installed onto your device, making them extremely flexible and convenient.
eSIM technology also cuts roaming costs, offers unlimited data, and allows you to switch between mobile plans easily. Due to this, digital SIM for holidays might be the right solution for you. But are you wondering how eSIM works?
The eSIM activation is an effortless process. To activate it, you need to download the eSIM provider’s app, purchase a plan, and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your device. After you do this, turn on roaming, and you’ll be able to browse online when you connect to a carrier in the country you’re visiting.
Key benefits of using an eSIM for holidays
You can enjoy numerous eSIM benefits by utilizing this innovative technology for your holiday trip. Here’s a complete list of the key perks:
- Avoiding roaming fees. No roaming fees eSIM providers lower your travel costs significantly. Thanks to them, you won’t pay as with your regular network provider and still stay connected at all times.
- Multiple country coverage. If you’re traveling to a few countries, you can benefit from the multi-country eSIM plans. These are regional plans that cover a few countries instead of just one.
- Instant activation. Another incredible perk is the effortless activation. Most eSIM providers allow you to install them at home. That said, you’ll have an internet connection as soon as you arrive at your destination, regardless of whether it’s the UK, France, or Mexico.
- Not having to swap physical SIM cards. Last but not least, eSIMs won’t affect your holiday travel connectivity. This is because you don’t need to swap between physical SIM cards anymore, providing you with hassle-free holiday travel.
How to set up and use an eSIM for holidays
Setting up eSIM providers may sound challenging, but it’s actually pretty simple. Let’s follow this step-by-step holiday eSIM guide to complete the process. We’ll explore how to do this both on Android and Apple devices.
- Open your iPhone’s Settings
- Then, go to Mobile Data and then click on Add Data Plan
- On the Set up mobile service screen, you’ll see: transfer from a nearby iPhone or use a QR code
- Choose the QR code option and follow the installation prompts to activate eSIM for travel
However, keep in mind that Apple supports eSIMs on models after the iPhone XS. In order to confirm the compatibility, go to Settings > General > About and look for Available SIM and a 15-digit IMEI number. If you see this, your iPhone is compatible with eSIMs.
- Open the Settings on your Android phone
- Then go to Mobile data and navigate to Add Data Plan
- Scan the QR code and confirm by pressing the Add Data Plan button
To determine which eSIM-compatible devices are supported by Android, you can check your device settings. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager. If you see an option to add an eSIM, your device is compatible. Alternatively, you can look for an Embedded Identity Document Number (EID) in your phone’s settings. The presence of an EID indicates eSIM support.
Here’s a brief overview of the most popular devices that are compatible with eSIMs:
| 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 |
Tips for maximizing your holiday eSIM
After reviewing everything you need to know about eSIMs, let’s examine some helpful eSIM tips for travelers.
First of all, you should always choose the right plan for your destination. Not only that you’ll receive the required coverage, but you’ll also benefit from travel data optimization. This is because you’re aware of both the places you’ll visit and the duration of your trip.
Also, managing holiday eSIM comes in handy. This refers to being aware of how long you’ll stay and whether you need more or less data. By knowing how to manage it, you can easily top up your plan if you need more data.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to learn about holiday eSIM troubleshooting. This method will help you identify potential issues, explain them to customer support, and prevent miscommunication.
Best eSIM for holiday – key takeaways
If you consider traveling around Christmas, you may need the best eSIM for the holidays. There are numerous travel eSIM advantages, but some of the best are the constant connectivity, no roaming costs, and flexibility.
So, pick your preferred eSIM provider, select one of its holiday eSIM plans, and try it on your next trip.
FAQ
Can I use an eSIM in multiple countries?
Yes, you can use an eSIM in multiple countries. However, this depends on whether the provider offers regional or global plans.
What happens if I run out of data?
You can top up your data with any of the eSIM providers on this list. Just pay attention to your consumption and purchase additional GB of data at any time.
Is my device compatible with eSIMs?
Most new devices are compatible with eSIMs. To check whether your device is compatible, contact your network carrier, check your model online, explore your phone’s settings, or go directly to the eSIM’s website.
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