- What a travel eSIM does
- Check your phone before you buy anything
- The main travel eSIM providers compared
- Fixed data or unlimited: which should you pick?
- Single country, regional or global
- What decides your speed abroad
- How to set up an eSIM without stress
- When a travel eSIM isn't the right choice
- Pack the rest of your trip
- Frequently asked questions
The best eSIM for international travel depends on your trip. Airalo suits multi-country trips, Holafly suits heavy data users who want unlimited plans, and Saily, Nomad, Ubigi and GigSky are worth comparing. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked before you buy.
Landing somewhere new and having no data is a special kind of stress. You can't book the taxi, find the hotel or answer the client who's waiting on you. A travel eSIM fixes that before you leave, and once you've used one you won't go back to hunting for a SIM shop at the airport.
What a travel eSIM does
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of swapping a plastic card, you download a data plan by scanning a QR code or tapping a link in an app. Your normal SIM stays in place, so your home number still receives calls and texts if you want it to, while the travel eSIM handles your data abroad.
Most travel eSIMs are data only. That means no local phone number, but WhatsApp, FaceTime, Teams and every other internet calling app work as usual. For most business trips, that's all you need.
Check your phone before you buy anything
- eSIM support. Most recent iPhones, Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy flagships support eSIM. On an iPhone, look under Settings, then Mobile Service or Cellular. On Android, look under Network or Connections settings.
- Carrier unlocked. If your phone is locked to your home network, a travel eSIM won't connect. Ask your provider if you're not sure.
- Dual SIM settings. You'll need to choose which line handles data. Set the travel eSIM for data and switch data roaming on for that line only, so your home line doesn't run up roaming charges.
The main travel eSIM providers compared
| Provider | Best known for | Plan style | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | A huge catalogue of country and regional packs | Fixed data amounts | Good for hopping between many countries |
| Holafly | Unlimited data plans | Unlimited for a set number of days | Check hotspot and fair use rules |
| Saily | A simple app from the team behind NordVPN | Fixed data amounts | Includes extra privacy features in the app |
| Nomad | Regional and global plans | Fixed data amounts | Lets you top up in the app |
| Ubigi | Network partnerships in many countries | Fixed amounts and monthly plans | Some plans also work on laptops and tablets |
| GigSky | Long-running travel data brand | Fixed data amounts | Also offers plans for some cruises and flights |
Plans, coverage and networks change often, so check each provider's current page for the exact country you're visiting before you buy.
Fixed data or unlimited: which should you pick?
Fixed data packs
You buy a set amount, such as a few gigabytes for a week. It suits short trips where you mostly use maps, messages and email. If you run low, you top up. The trick is to download offline maps and playlists on hotel wifi so your data goes on the things that need it.
Unlimited plans
These suit longer trips, heavy video calls or anyone who'll use their phone as a hotspot for a laptop. Read the small print, because many unlimited plans slow your speed after a daily amount or limit hotspot use. If you work from your laptop on the road, that detail matters more than anything else.
Single country, regional or global
If you're only visiting one country, a local plan usually gives the best coverage. If you're crossing borders, a regional plan, such as Europe or Asia, saves you from buying several. Global plans are handy for long trips with lots of stops, though they can connect to fewer local networks in each place.
What decides your speed abroad
A travel eSIM doesn't own a network. It rents access to local networks in each country, so your speed depends on which partner network it connects to and how busy that network is. Before you buy, look for the list of networks a plan uses in your destination and whether it supports 5G there. If you'll be outside big cities, a plan that can switch between more than one local network is worth more than a slightly bigger data allowance. Reviews from people who've used it in the same country tell you more than any headline speed.
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How to set up an eSIM without stress
- Buy the plan a few days before you travel, while you're still on reliable wifi.
- Install it at home by scanning the QR code or using the provider's app, but don't switch it on yet.
- Label the line something obvious, such as Travel, so you don't mix up your lines.
- When you land, turn on the travel line for data and switch on data roaming for that line only.
- Keep the email with the QR code or installation details somewhere you can find offline, in case you need to reinstall it.
When a travel eSIM isn't the right choice
If you need a local phone number, perhaps because local customers or venues will call you, a physical local SIM or a plan with a number is better. If your home provider includes roaming in your bundle, check what it covers before you pay for anything extra. And if your phone doesn't support eSIM, a pocket wifi device or a local SIM is the fallback.
Pack the rest of your trip
Data is one part of travelling well for work. My business trip packing list covers the rest of what goes in a carry-on. If a flight goes wrong, read what airlines are responsible for during cancellations. And if you're thinking about longer trips, there's a lot to like about the slow way to travel as a founder.
Make a travel eSIM? See how to get it featured on this list.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best eSIM for international travel?
It depends on your trip. Airalo suits people visiting many countries, Holafly suits heavy data users who want unlimited plans, and Saily, Nomad, Ubigi and GigSky are all worth comparing. Check coverage for your exact destination before you buy.
Do travel eSIMs give you a phone number?
Most don't. They're usually data only, so you'd use WhatsApp, FaceTime or another internet calling app. Your home SIM can stay active for calls and texts if you want it to.
When should I install a travel eSIM?
Install it a few days before you fly, on reliable wifi, then switch it on when you land. Installing at home means you're connected the minute you leave the plane.
Can I keep my normal SIM while using an eSIM?
Yes, on phones with dual SIM support. Set the travel eSIM as your data line and leave your home line on for calls and texts, with data roaming switched off for the home line.
