Nomad eSIM review
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If you’re tired of juggling multiple physical SIM cards every time you travel, Nomad eSIM offers a more convenient way to stay connected. It provides a wide range of flexible prepaid plans, including fixed-data, unlimited, regional, and longer-validity options across more than 200 destinations.
For this Nomad eSIM review, I put the provider to the test to see how well it performs for international travel. I evaluated its features, coverage, pricing, setup process, and customer support. I paid special attention to plan flexibility and ease of use.
So, is Nomad eSIM the right provider for you? Keep reading to see what I found and whether it’s worth trying for your next trip.
| Rating: | |
| Overall rank: | #4 out of #12 |
| Price: | From $4.00 |
| Countries: | 200+ countries |
| Offered cellular networks: | 4GB and 5GB |
| Does it allow phone calls? | ✅ Yes, on selected UK and Thailand plans |
| Does it support mobile hotspots? | ✅ Yes |
Nomad eSIM pros and cons
How does Nomad eSIM work?
eSIMs function similarly to traditional SIM cards, but there’s no need to insert a physical card. Instead, the eSIM is installed directly on your device, enabling it to connect to a mobile network.
Once you purchase the Nomad eSIM via the official website or mobile app, you receive a QR code or installation link. The mobile app is modern and easy to navigate, with available plans shown in a simple menu. Most plans activate automatically when they first connect to a supported network at your destination.
Nomad eSIM offers fixed-data, unlimited, short-term, and longer-validity plans, although availability varies by destination. Selected UK and Thailand plans also include calls and SMS, while eligible plans can be topped up with add-ons. Hotspot and tethering are supported.
Most plans support 4G and 5G networks, although availability depends on the specific plan and destination. To check what technical specifications are available, you should review the specific plan you’re interested in. At the time of publication, Nomad eSIM supported more than 200 destinations and provided local, regional, and global plans.
What type of plans does Nomad eSIM offer?
Nomad eSIM offers a range of plans to suit different travel needs across more than 200 destinations. If you’re traveling to a specific destination, you can choose a local eSIM plan, while regional and global options are available for trips across multiple destinations. For instance, if you’re planning to visit the US, you can choose between fixed-data, unlimited, short-term, and longer-validity plans supported by T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.
Unsurprisingly, longer plans can offer better value per day. For example, in the US, you can get a 1GB data plan for 7 days for just $5.00. In comparison, a 10GB data plan for 30 days costs $25.00 ($0.83/day or $2.50/GB).
For heavy users and remote workers, there are also unlimited data plans available. If you’re looking for a plan in the US, the cheapest option is an unlimited data plan for 3 days at $11.00. Just like with regular plans, longer options can provide even better value.
If you plan to travel across multiple countries, Nomad offers 15 regional and global data plans:
- CN-JP-KR: China, Japan, and South Korea
- SG-MY-TH: Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand
- Greater China: China, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan
- Europe: Two plans that cover 35 or 36 countries, including Italy, Spain, and the UK
- APAC: Two plans that cover 14 or 21 countries, including Cambodia and New Zealand
- North America: Canada, the US, and Mexico
- SEA-Oceania: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
- Africa: Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia
- MENA: Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the UAE
- Caribbean: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Turks and Caicos
- Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey
- GCC: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE
- Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
- Global: Two plans that cover 101 or 119 destinations, including Brazil and Ecuador
Nomad eSIM accepts credit and debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. You can also use Nomad points, which are available through activities such as purchasing eSIM plans or referring friends.
What additional features does Nomad eSIM offer?
Beyond its range of travel eSIM plans, Nomad offers several features that can add value, especially for first-time users and frequent travelers looking to get more from their eSIM purchases:
- Free 1GB trial: New users can get 1GB of free data for 3 days in 76 destinations. No credit card is required, and the trial also supports hotspot tethering.
- Weekly Wins: Nomad’s weekly check-in program lets users unlock rewards, including Nomad Points, data add-ons, and discounts.
- Nomad Points: Users earn points from eligible eSIM purchases and can redeem them toward future plans and other rewards.
- Nomad Membership: This is a free loyalty program that automatically enrolls users and rewards eligible purchases with points back and additional perks as users move through membership tiers.
How much does Nomad eSIM cost?
Let’s take a look at Nomad eSIM prices in some of the most popular destinations (data-only plans):
| Country | 1GB plan (available for 7 days) | 5GB plan (available for 30 days) | Unlimited data plan (available for 3 days) |
| The US | $5.00 | $16.00 | $11.00 |
| Mexico | $5.00 | $11.00 | $10.00 |
| Japan | $4.00 | $10.00 | $11.00 |
| The UK | $4.50 | $12.00 | $11.00 |
| France | $4.00 | $9.00 | $11.00 |
| Spain | $4.00 | $9.00 | $11.00 |
| Italy | $4.00 | $11.00 | $11.00 |
Does Nomad eSIM allow phone calls?
Yes, selected Nomad eSIM plans support phone calls and SMS, although availability depends on the destination and plan. For example, some UK plans include up to 450 minutes and 450 SMS.
If you’re traveling to Thailand, you can even get a data plan with unlimited calls.
For plans without calling or SMS, you can use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Meet, or Messenger. These apps use mobile data instead of traditional cellular calling, so consider opting for a plan with enough data for your expected usage.
In short, Nomad eSIM can support calls and SMS on selected plans, while data-only plans can still be used with VoIP apps for communication while traveling.
Customer support
Nomad eSIM offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, which is available through its website and mobile app. The company says the first response should arrive within an hour. Compared to some other top eSIM providers, Nomad eSIM’s support is competitive. For example, Saily also offers 24/7 live chat support.
Moreover, Nomad eSIM users can also refer to the extensive Help Center on the official website, which includes guides on setting up and using an eSIM, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and managing plans.
What devices support Nomad eSIM?
Nomad eSIM works with mobile phones that support eSIM technology. Most newer smartphones, including iPhones sold in the US, are eSIM-compatible.
However, older phones released before 2018 may not support eSIM because they lack the required hardware. In some cases, upgrading to a newer smartphone may be the only way to use an eSIM.
To check whether your device supports eSIM, refer to the manufacturer’s official specifications. You can also check the list below for some of the most popular smartphones compatible with Nomad eSIM:
| iPhone | 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 mini, 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, 16e, 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 17e, 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, Air, 18 Pro, 18 Pro Max |
| Samsung | Galaxy S20 FE, S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S26, S26+, S26 Ultra, Z Fold4–Z Fold8, Z Flip4–Z Flip8, Note 20, Note 20 Ultra |
| Pixel 4, 6, 6 Pro, 7, 7 Pro, 8, 8 Pro, 9a, 9, 9 Pro 9 Pro Fold, 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, 11 Pro Fold | |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 11, 12, 13 |
| Huawei | P40, P40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro, Pura 70 Pro, Pura 80 Pro |
How to use and activate Nomad eSIM
You can purchase and manage your Nomad eSIM through the official website or mobile app. After purchasing a plan, install the eSIM on your device before traveling. Once you arrive at your destination and your device connects to a supported network, the eSIM should activate automatically. Here are step-by-step instructions for setting up and using your Nomad eSIM.
How to buy Nomad eSIM card
Before you can activate an eSIM card, you need to choose your preferred data plan and complete your purchase. Here’s how to do it via the website and the mobile app.
Buy Nomad eSIM via the website
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Go to the official Nomad website and select your desired destination.
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Select your preferred data plan and click Buy Now.
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At checkout, you can sign up or log in, or simply continue as a guest. Enter your billing and payment details and complete the purchase.
Buy Nomad eSIM via mobile app
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Download the Nomad eSIM app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
- Create a new account or log in with your existing credentials.
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Find your desired destination, choose your preferred plan, and then click Buy Now.
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Select your currency, add a payment method, and complete your purchase.
How to activate Nomad eSIM card
Once you purchase your eSIM, install it on your device before traveling. You don’t need to activate the plan immediately, as some plans activate when you’re ready to use them. Nomad recommends activating the plan when you’re ready to use the data to avoid using up its validity period unnecessarily.
When activating, enable Data Roaming and make sure to set Nomad eSIM as the primary for cellular data. You can use your regular SIM card as the primary option for calls and texts. Once you’re ready, click the Activate Data Now button on your account via the Nomad app or website.
Activate Nomad eSIM on Android
- Open the Settings menu and find Connections
- Tap SIM manager > Mobile data (under Preferred SIMs)
- Select Nomad eSIM
- Back in the Connections menu, select Mobile networks
- Make sure Data roaming is turned on
Activate Nomad eSIM on iPhone
- Open your Settings menu
- Go to Mobile Data
- Choose Nomad eSIM
- Make sure Data roaming is turned on (scroll down to find the option)
Final thoughts
Traveling with an eSIM offers the freedom and flexibility that you cannot enjoy with physical SIM cards. You can purchase and install an eSIM before your trip, so you don’t need to waste time finding a SIM card vendor as soon as you land. eSIMs can also help you save money, as you can compare plans in advance and choose an option that fits your needs.
Nomad eSIM is a flexible option for travelers, with coverage across more than 200 destinations and a range of local, regional, and global plans. Depending on your destination, you can choose from fixed-data, unlimited, short-term, and longer-validity plans. For trips across multiple destinations, regional and global plans can help you stay connected without purchasing a separate local plan for each destination.
With its wide range of plans, app-based management, and hotspot support, Nomad eSIM is a convenient option for travelers who want flexible connectivity without relying on a physical SIM card.
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FAQ
Is Nomad eSIM good for travel?
Yes, Nomad eSIM is a good option for travel, with coverage across 200+ destinations and local, regional, and global plans. It also supports hotspot and tethering, allowing you to share your data connection with other devices.
Is Nomad eSIM safe?
Yes, Nomad eSIM is safe to use. Nomad works with established mobile network partners and provides eSIMs that connect to supported networks in each destination. As with any eSIM provider, the exact network and available features depend on the plan and destination.
Can you hotspot with Nomad eSIM?
Yes, you can use hotspot and tethering with Nomad eSIM. This allows you to share your eSIM's mobile data connection with other compatible devices.
