Best cheap holiday eSIM plans and providers in 2025
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When planning your next holiday, the last thing you want is the hassle of dealing with expensive roaming charges or hunting for a local SIM card. Enter eSIMs – the modern, cost-effective solution for staying connected while traveling.
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a rewritable chip inside your phone that lets you download and activate a mobile plan without installing a physical SIM card. It's a simple, affordable way to keep your phone connected in multiple countries, all while saving money. With eSIM technology, you can switch between local networks without the trouble of swapping physical cards. This ease of use makes it perfect for travelers.
If you're looking for cheap eSIMs for holiday plans, many providers offer affordable eSIM plans designed specifically for short-term trips. These plans let you enjoy data and calls without the hefty price tags of traditional roaming charges. The best eSIM providers make it easy to choose a plan that fits your needs.
Stay connected effortlessly with some of the best eSIM plans for your next holiday.
Top 5 cheap eSIMs for holidays – our recommendation
- Saily – best overall eSIM for holiday 2025
- Airalo – budget-friendly eSIM provider
- Jetpac – fast eSIM provider
- aloSIM – flexible eSIM provider for travelers
- Holafly – reliable eSIM provider
Top factors to consider when choosing a cheap holiday eSIM
When choosing a cheap holiday eSIM, it's important to consider several key factors to ensure you're getting the best value for your money and staying connected throughout your trip.
- Coverage: Ensure the eSIM works in the countries or regions you visit. Not all eSIMs cover the same areas, so check the provider's coverage map to ensure you stay connected wherever you go.
- Data limits and speeds: Check the data plan options. Some eSIMs offer limited data, while others offer more extensive packages. Ensure the speeds are good enough for smooth browsing, streaming, and app usage. Compare holiday eSIM plans to find one that suits your needs.
- Pricing and hidden fees: Look for affordable travel eSIMs with transparent pricing. Be aware of extra costs like activation fees or high charges if you go over your data limit.
- Device compatibility: Not all devices support eSIMs, so make sure your phone or tablet is compatible before choosing a plan. Most modern smartphones work with eSIMs, but it's always worth confirming first.
- Customer reviews and support: Check what other users are saying about the provider. Good customer support is important, especially if you need help activating your eSIM or dealing with issues while traveling.
Best cheap holiday eSIM providers – our detailed list
Check out the best budget-friendly eSIM providers for your 2025 holiday. These affordable options offer great coverage, easy setup, and flexible plans so you can stay connected without the high roaming costs.
1. Saily – best overall eSIM for holiday 2025
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Countries and regions: | 190+ |
| Starting price: | $1.89 for 1 GB (7-day plan) |
Saily is a new eSIM service from the creators of NordVPN. It offers reliable and affordable internet in over 150 countries.
Plan options: Saily offers prepaid, data-only plans, from 1 GB for 7 days to 20 GB for days. Depending on your traveling needs, you can pick between a country-specific or a regional plan with coverage in multiple countries. It does not support voice calls or SMS but allows internet calling through apps like WhatsApp and Skype.
Plans and pricing: Pricing starts at $1.89 for 1 GB, valid for 7 days. Depending on location, options include 20 GB for $24.69 for 30 days. Popular destinations like Turkey offer 5 GB for $9.99, valid for 30 days.
Network coverage: Saily provides coverage in 190+ countries, including the U.S., Thailand, and the UAE. It offers LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G connectivity depending on local infrastructure.
Activation process: Activation is fast and easy. Simply download the Saily app, select a plan, and activate your eSIM via a QR code or directly on the app in under five minutes.
Customer support: Saily offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. It also has a comprehensive help center with FAQs, though phone support is unavailable.
Advanced features: Saily supports mobile hotspots, allowing you to share your data connection with other devices. The app is user-friendly, with clear instructions for managing your plan.
2. Airalo – budget-friendly eSIM provider
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Countries and regions: | 190+ |
| Starting price: | $4.50 for 1 GB (7-day plan) |
Airalo is a popular eSIM provider offering affordable and flexible plans for travelers. With coverage in 200+ countries, it's a convenient way to stay connected without roaming fees.
Plan options: Airalo offers Local, Regional and Global plans. Local plans start at $4.50 for 1 GB (7 days), while Global plans include options with calls and SMS, such as 1 GB data with 10 mins/10 SMS for $15 (7 days). Most plans are data-only, and all plans are prepaid with no contracts.
Plans and pricing: Airalo's plans are affordable, such as 10 GB for $26.00 (30 days) or 5 GB for $16.00 (30 days) in Regional plans. Global plans go up to 20 GB for $69 (1 year).
Network coverage: Airalo works in 190+ destinations with 5G, 4G and LTE connectivity. This ensures fast and reliable internet access globally.
Activation process: Airalo activation is quick and easy via app, QR code or manual setup. No physical SIM or identity verification is required.
Customer support: Airalo offers 24/7 live chat, email support, FAQs and guides. However, phone support is unavailable.
Advanced features: Airalo supports mobile hotspots, rewards programs and compatibility with popular devices. It also allows seamless data sharing.
3. Jetpac – fast eSIM provider
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Countries and regions: | 150+ |
| Starting price: | $1.00 for 1 GB (4-day plan) |
Jetpac is a great option for travelers looking for budget-friendly, reliable internet. It offers data-only plans with no phone calls or SMS but makes up for it with perks like free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed by more than one hour.
Plan options: Jetpac offers prepaid global, regional, and local plans. These are data-only and do not include phone numbers. Plans are valid for up to 30 days and offer flexible options for frequent travelers.
Plans and pricing: Global plans start at $1.00 for 1 GB (4 days) or $25 for 10 GB (30 days). Regional plans for areas like Europe or North America cost $8.50 for 3 GB (7 days). Local plans, such as for the U.S. or U.K., begin at $1 for 1 GB (4 days).
Network coverage: Jetpac covers 150+ countries with reliable 4G and 5G speeds, though coverage in remote areas can be limited.
Activation process: Purchase online or via the app, receive a QR code, scan it and activate it within minutes.
Customer support: 24/7 support via live chat, email and FAQs ensures quick assistance.
Advanced features: Enjoy SmartDelay lounge access, fast-track immigration and discounts on travel services.
4. aloSIM – flexible eSIM provider for travelers
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Countries and regions: | 190+ |
| Starting price: | $4.50 for 1 GB (7-day plan) |
aloSIM offers travelers data-only eSIM plans for seamless internet in 170+ countries, avoiding roaming charges and physical SIM hassles.
Plan options: aloSIM provides local and regional prepaid plans with durations from 7 to 30 days. Local plans start at $4.50 for 1 GB (7 days) in the U.S., while regional Europe plans cost $5.00 for 1 GB (7 days). It supports data-only services, with outgoing calls and SMS available via the Hushed app.
Plans and pricing: aloSIM offers flexible data packages ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB. For instance, a U.S. plan costs $4.50 for 1 GB (7 days) or $26.00 for 10 GB (30 days).
Network coverage: aloSIM supports 5G and LTE in 190+ countries, ensuring reliable speeds for most destinations.
Activation process. Purchase a plan via the app, scan the QR code and activate it in minutes. Options include automatic, manual or QR-based activation. No physical SIM is required.
Customer support: 24/7 live chat, email, and an FAQ section provide timely assistance.
Advanced features: Enjoy hotspot sharing, the Hushed app for calls and SMS and easy data top-ups.
5. Holafly – reliable eSIM provider
| Supported networks: | LTE, 3G, 4G, 5G |
| Countries and regions: | 190+ |
| Starting price: | $6.00 for unlimited data (1-day plan) |
Holafly makes staying connected while traveling easy by offering unlimited data plans in over 197 destinations. With coverage in top locations and 5G support, it's a great option for anyone looking for reliable internet without the expensive roaming fees.
Plan options: Holafly offers a range of plans, including data-only and voice plans with data in select destinations. Depending on the country, eSIMs with phone numbers can receive calls and SMS but may not support outgoing calls or texts.
Plans and pricing: Holafly's pricing varies by destination, offering plans like 5-day, 10-day, 30-day and 90-day bundles. For example, a 5-day plan for Europe starts at $19. Prices decrease as the plan duration increases, with the 30-day plan costing $64.
Network coverage: Holafly provides coverage in 190+ destinations globally, offering 3G, LTE, 4G and 5G speeds in many areas. The type of network depends on the country, with 5G available in select locations.
Activation process: You scan a QR code sent to your email or via the app after purchase. No physical SIM card is required, and eKYC is not needed for activation.
Customer support: Holafly offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, email and WhatsApp. Their response time is quick, and they provide clear answers and helpful guides.
Advanced features: Holafly allows you to create multiple eSIM profiles, offers free access to popular apps in some regions and supports mobile hotspot usage in select countries.
Benefits of using eSIMs for holidays
eSIMs offer a range of eSIM benefits for travelers, making them a smart choice for your next holiday. One of the top reasons for using an eSIM is the cost savings. With eSIMs, you can access cheap data plans tailored to your travel destination, avoiding the high costs of international roaming or buying new SIM cards.
Another major advantage of eSIMs is their convenience. You can activate your eSIM instantly without swapping out a physical SIM card. This means no more hunting for local SIM cards or worrying about unlocking your phone. Whether you're on a short getaway or a long vacation, it's quick and hassle-free.
Holiday eSIM advantages go beyond just making life easier – they keep you connected across borders. Their ability to work in multiple regions makes them perfect for globetrotters. Switch networks without a hitch and enjoy steady coverage wherever your adventure leads you.
In summary, eSIMs offer travelers benefits such as cost-effective plans, greater convenience, and the flexibility to stay connected without stress. They're ideal for both short and long trips.
How to activate and use a holiday eSIM
Setting up a holiday eSIM is easier than you think. Follow this setup guide for holiday eSIM to stay connected while traveling.
1. How to activate eSIM:
- QR code method: Go to your phone's settings, choose "Add an eSIM," and scan the QR code provided by your eSIM provider. Follow the steps on your screen to activate.
- Manual entry: If your provider gave you an SM-DP+ address and activation code, enter them in your device settings under "Carrier Details."
- Provider's app: This is the easiest option. Download your provider's app, follow the instructions, and let it handle the setup for you.
2. Enable data roaming:
Turn on data roaming in your phone's settings to ensure your travel eSIM installation works smoothly.
3. Verify the connection:
Once installed, check for a network signal to confirm the setup is complete.
Troubleshooting tips:
- If you experience no signal, make sure Data Roaming is on and restart your phone.
- If your eSIM is not working, re-scan the QR code or re-enter the activation details.
Best cheap eSIM for holidays – key takeaways
Holiday eSIMs are a budget-friendly and convenient way to stay connected while traveling. Instead of dealing with expensive roaming charges or searching for local SIM cards, you can easily activate an eSIM for fast, reliable internet. Providers like Saily, Airalo and Holafly offer flexible plans with global coverage. Explore your options with this affordable eSIM for holiday plans, and check out travel eSIM recommendations to find the best holiday eSIM for your next trip.
FAQ
Are eSIMs cheaper than roaming?
Yes, eSIMs are often much cheaper than traditional roaming charges. With eSIMs, you can buy data plans tailored to your travel destination, avoiding the high costs of international roaming fees.
Can I use the same eSIM for multiple trips?
Yes, you can use the same eSIM for multiple trips if the provider supports reactivation or top-ups. Many eSIM providers offer flexible plans for reusing or topping up for future trips.
Are there any free eSIM plans?
While most eSIM plans require payment, some providers offer limited free plans for specific regions or trials. However, these plans usually have limited data or duration and are intended for short-term use.
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