Nomad eSIM review
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If you’re tired of juggling multiple physical SIM cards every time you travel, Nomad eSIM comes to the rescue. With this eSIM, you can enjoy the convenience of a virtual SIM card that enables you to activate data plans wherever you go.
For our Nomad eSIM review, we put this provider to the test and analyzed whether or not it’s good for international travels. Undeniably, it ensures freedom from physical SIM cards, making traveling hassle-free and efficient. But is Nomad eSIM the right provider for you? Can it offer flexibility and ease of use?
We answer these and many other questions in our Nomad eSIM review. We tested the provider’s features, coverage, pricing, and customer support to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information. By the time you’re done reading, you will be able to decide whether or not to try Nomad eSIM yourself.
| Rating: | |
| Overall rank: | #3 out of #11 |
| Price: | From $4.00 |
| Countries: | 180+ countries |
| Offered cellular networks: | 5G, 4G, 3G, LTE |
| Does it allow phone calls? | No |
| 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 activated directly via your device, enabling it to connect to a mobile network.
Once you purchase the Nomad eSIM via the official website or the dedicated mobile app, you receive a QR code or a link to activate it. The interface of the mobile app is very modern and easy to navigate. You can access all the available eSIM plans in a simple menu, and the process of ordering and activating the eSIM is very simple.
Although Nomad’s eSIM plans do not cover phone calls, there are some plans that enable SMS communication via a dedicated phone number. With Nomad eSIM cards, it’s easy to top-up when data runs out as well as share data via hotspots. Conveniently, Nomad also offers Per Day Plans to cater to short-term travelers.
Most plans support 4G and 5G networks, but LTE and 3G options are available in some cases as well. To check what technical specifications are available, you must review the specific plan you’re interested in. At the time of publication, Nomad supported more than 180 countries and provided both local and regional plans.
What type of plans does Nomad eSIM offer?
Nomad eSIM offers a range of plan options tailored to various travel needs. If you plan to travel to a specific destination, you might be looking for a local eSIM plan.
Nomad covers 180+ countries with local data plans in many of them. For instance, if you’re planning to visit the US, you can choose from Day and Regular plans that are supported by AT&T and T-Mobile carriers.
Unsurprisingly, the 1-day plans with 1GB of data are the cheapest. In the US, you can get a 1-day/1GB plan for just $6.00. However, with longer plans, you can save more money per day – a 10-day plan with a 1GB/day allowance will cost you $22.00.
However, if you plan a longer trip but don’t require a lot of data, you might want to consider Regular plans. The cheapest 7-day plan (1GB) costs $6.00, while the 30-day plan (20GB) is $28.00. Nomad provides multiple plans that differ in time ranges and data options.
If you plan to travel across multiple countries, Nomad offers 12 regional data plans:
- CH-JP-KR: China, Japan, and South Korea.
- SG-MY-PH: Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
- IT-FR-DE: Italy, France, and Germany.
- Europe: Two plans that cover 30 or 36 countries, including Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
- APAC: Two plans that cover 20 or 21 countries, including Cambodia and New Zealand.
- North America: Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
- Global: Two plans that cover 106 or 109 countries, including Brazil and Ecuador.
- Nordic: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
- SEA-Oceania: This plan covers 8 countries, including Australia and Indonesia.
- SEA-Plus: This plan covers 14 countries, including Japan and Sri Lanka.
- Africa: This plan covers 12 countries, including Egypt and South Africa.
- Middle East: This plan covers 8 countries, including Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.
Nomad accepts credit and debit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Alternatively, you may also use Nomad points which you can get by purchasing eSIM plans or referring friends.
How much does Nomad eSIM cost?
Let’s take a look at the prices of Nomad eSIMs in some of the most popular destinations (data plans only):
| Country | 1-day plan (Day Plan) | 7-day plan (Day Plan) | 30-day plan (Regular Plan) |
| USA | $4.00 (1GB) | $16.00 (1GB/day) | $11.00 (3GB) |
| Mexico | $4.00 (1GB) | $35.00 (1GB/day) | $14.00 (3GB) |
| Japan | $4.00 (1GB) | $21.00 (1GB/day) | $9.00 (3GB) |
| UK | $4.00 (1GB) | $10.00 (1GB/day) | $9.00 (3GB) |
| France | $4.00 (1GB) | $13.00 (1GB/day) | $12.00 (3GB) |
| Spain | $4.00 (1GB) | $13.00 (1GB/day) | $12.00 (3GB) |
| Italy | $4.00 (1GB) | $13.00 (1GB/day) | $12.00 (3GB) |
Does Nomad eSIM allow phone calls?
No, Nomad eSIM doesn't support traditional phone calls. However, it offers prepaid SMS plans in the United States and Canada with a virtual phone number. Prices range from $4 for 100 texts in 30 days to $19 for 500 texts in 90 days.
To make calls, users can also utilize Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or Messenger. These apps use data instead of cellular networks, enabling users to communicate effectively while traveling. If you plan to use VoIP apps, consider opting for plans with more data.
In short, while Nomad eSIM lacks native calling functionality, its support for text messages and compatibility with VoIP services ensures seamless communication options for users on the go. At least for those who travel to the US or Canada.
Customer support
The major downside of Nomad is that if you run into problems, the only active way to seek help is via ticket support, which is available via Nomad’s website or app.
Compared to some other top eSIM providers, Nomad is falling behind. For example, one of the most promising eSIM providers of 2025, Saily, offers 24/7 live chat support.
Fortunately, Nomad users can also refer to an extensive blog page on the official website that offers guides about traveling with Nomad eSIM. Moreover, there’s a Nomad help center where you can find additional information on how to set up and use eSIM while traveling.
What devices support Nomad eSIM?
Nomad eSIM is supported by all mobile phones that support eSIM technology. Most newly-released smartphones, including iPhones sold in the US, are eSIM-compatible.
However, older phones manufactured before 2018 may not support eSIM since they lack the required hardware. Upgrading to a newer smartphone may be the only option to enjoy the benefits of eSIM technology.
To confirm if your device supports eSIM, refer to the manufacturer's official specifications. Or check out the list below to find some of the most popular smartphones that support the Nomad eSIM technology:
| iPhone | 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 13 Mini |
| Samsung | Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra |
| Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro | |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 9, OnePlus 9 Pro |
| Huawei | Mate 40, Mate 40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro+ |
How to use and activate Nomad eSIM
There are two options for activating and using your Nomad eSIM. You can buy, install, and activate eSIMs via the official website, or you can do that via the mobile Nomad app. Here are in-depth step-by-step instructions on how to do it.
How to buy Nomad eSIM card
Before you can activate an eSIM card, you need to choose the preferred data plan and make the purchase. Here’s how to do it via the website and the mobile app.
Buy Nomad eSIM via website
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Visit 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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Sign In with your login details if you have an account already or click Sign Up at the bottom to create your account via Apple, Facebook, or Google accounts
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Select Payment Method (Apple Pay, credit or debit card, or PayPal) and click Complete Purchase
Buy Nomad eSIM via mobile app
- Download the Nomad eSIM app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and create your account
- Find your desired destination, choose your preferred plan, and then click Select a plan
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Click Checkout and provide payment information. You can pay using credit and debit cards, PayPal, or another available method
How to activate Nomad eSIM card
Once you purchase your eSIM card, do not forget to activate it. In some cases, it might be best to do so before your travel. This way, you will avoid any issues in case you cannot use mobile data or connect to a public Wi-Fi network and activate the eSIM.
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 activate an eSIM with the best plan before your trip, so you do not need to waste time finding a SIM card vendor as soon as you land. eSIMs not only save time but can also save money, as you can plan in advance and find the best deals.
Nomad eSIM stands out as an excellent choice for travelers because of its extensive coverage across 180+ countries, offering both local and global plans. If you plan to visit one country, you can choose from an array of Day and Regular plans that range in price and data availability. And if you plan to visit more countries during one trip, you can choose from one of 12 regional plans that cover several countries, a chosen continent, or even the globe.
With Nomad eSIM, you can enjoy uninterrupted connectivity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use during travels, making it a perfect companion for all types of journeys, whether local or international.
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Airalo review: find out if this is the eSIM for your travels
Best eSIM providers: check out the top European eSIM providers
FAQ
Is Nomad eSIM good for travel?
Yes, Nomad eSIM is great for travel because it covers 180+ countries and can offer regional plans to save money. Additionally, it enables sharing data with travel companions via a personal hotspot for more flexibility. Moreover, Nomad is budget-friendly, with prices starting from just $4.00/day.
Is Nomad eSIM safe?
Yes, Nomad eSIM is safe to use, operating on reliable networks and adhering to strict security protocols to protect user data and ensure privacy throughout your travels. Nomad eSIM prioritizes user security by partnering with established network providers and implementing robust security measures.
Can you hotspot with Nomad eSIM?
Yes, you can hotspot with Nomad eSIM, enabling other devices to connect to the internet using your eSIM's data connection. This feature enhances connectivity options while traveling, offering flexibility and convenience.
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