by | Last updated Dec 12, 2022 | SIM Cards, Travel Tips
eSIMs are becoming more and more popular as people become more and more mobile. But with so many eSIM providers to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is the best for you.
This guide will help you find the best eSIM provider for your needs.
We’ll look at what to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, and then we’ll recommend our top picks for international travels.
So whether you’re looking for the best eSIM for travel or just need a basic plan, we have you covered.
Looking for a quick answer? Here are the three top eSIM providers for international travel.
Before we dive deeper, if you’re new to eSIM, let’s see what an eSIM is.
eSIM is a type of SIM card that is embedded in your device. You don’t need a physical SIM card, which makes it more convenient for people who travel frequently.
eSIMs are also becoming more common in smartphones, so if you’re looking to buy a new phone, eSIM might be an option for you.
There’s a catch! eSIMs are not yet universally supported. So before you switch to an eSIM, make sure your device is compatible.
Read our guide to learn the main differences between SIM cards and eSIM.
eSIM is currently supported on a few devices, including:
To verify if your device is compatible with eSIM, go to Settings and locate your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This will tell you if your device supports eSIM.
Here’s how to do it add an eSIM on a Pixel device:
Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s look at how to choose the best eSIM provider for you.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, including:
eSIMs can be bought from a variety of places, including:
So, how do you pick an eSIM provider?
Let us help! We’ll review the best eSIM for international travel below.
Airalo is the most popular eSIM store and offers eSIMs in 190+ countries at affordable prices.
I’ve been using Airalo for a while now, and you can read our complete Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM provider.
Here’s how Airalo works:
Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Airalo.
Pros:
Cons:
Get $3 off on your first purchase on Airalo by using my referral code: MELISS2943
Holafly is an eSIM provider with eSIM plans for more than 130 destinations.
I tried Holafly in the past, so you can read our complete Holafly review to learn more.
Here’s how Holafly works:
Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Holafly.
Pros:
Cons:
Get 5% off on your first order on Holafly with my referral code ABROKENBACKPACK.
Nomad offers data plans in 100+ countries. Their plans are in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They also have a few regional plans (global, Nordic, APAC, and Europe).
I’ve tried Nomad and it worked well. Although, it’s definitely not my favorite because they only have short-term plans (up to 30 days).
Here’s how Nomad works:
Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Nomad.
Pros:
Cons:
There are no offers at the moment.
SimOptions offers prepaid traditional SIM cards, and eSIM plans. They have plans everywhere around the world, including regional plans.
How SimOptions works:
Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of SimOptions.
Pros:
Cons:
There are no offers at the moment.
BNESIM is an eSIM provider that was founded in 2017. They offer plans in 200+ countries. You’ll also find other options like international phone numbers, unlimited data packages, and monthly subscriptions.
To learn more, you can read our complete BNESIM review.
Here’s how BNESIM works:
Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using BNESIM.
Pros:
Cons:
Get a EUR 4 discount on your first purchase over EUR 10 with my BNESIM promo code: MELISSA4OFF.
Yoho Mobile is an eSIM provider offering plans in 190+ regions and countries. You’ll also find plans in individual countries, and you’ll find regional plans for Europe and Asia.
Here’s how Yoho Mobile works:
Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Yoho Mobile to purchase an eSIM.
Pros:
Cons:
Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my Yoho Mobile promo code: abrokenbackpack5. To add a coupon code, click on View Cart and paste the coupon code there.
Surfroam offers eSIM and SIM cards for travelers so that you can have data as soon as you arrive at your destination.
How Surfroam works:
This one obviously works differently. Every country has its own fees, but it’s supported in over 200 countries.
Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Surfroam.
Pros:
Cons:
There are no offers at the moment.
Now that you know some eSIM providers, let’s see what eSIM global plans are available. Having an international eSIM is excellent when you travel a lot!
In my opinion, Airalo is the best eSIM for international travel because they offer more plans, but Nomad does offer coverage in more countries.
I love Airalo Discover Global because it covers 87 countries, making my life easier. Here’s an overview of the plans available:
Nomad also offers a global plan that works in 112 countries. Here’s an overview of the plans available:
As you can see, Airalo provides better options if you want a global plan, but Nomad offers coverage in more countries.
If you’re traveling to Europe, here are the top options for regional eSIM plans in Europe.
Note that it might already be included if you decide to go for a global plan instead.
Eurolink offers coverage in 39 countries. I used it this year during my travels in Europe. Here’s an overview of the plans available:
Holafly has great European plans that work in 32 countries. It’s interesting because they come with unlimited data. Here’s an overview of the plans available:
Nomad also offers plans in Europe. Here’s an overview of the plans available:
BNESIM offers a European plan that includes coverage in 30 European countries.
Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe:
Yoho Mobile offers a European plan that includes coverage in 29 countries.
Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe:
SimOptions offers plans from different carriers, including O2 and Orange. Here’s an overview of the plans available:
If you’re traveling to North America, here are the top options available.
Note that it might already be included if you decide to go for a global plan instead.
That said, if you travel only to one country in North America, you might want to consider a local plan instead.
You’ll find lots of suitable options on Airalo and Holafly.
Holafly offers one plan that covers the United States, Canada, and Mexico:
SimOptions offers two plans to facilitate your travels in North America:
If you’re traveling to Asia, here are the top options for regional eSIM plans in Asia.
Note that some countries might already be included if you decide to go for a global plan instead.
Asialink offers coverage in 14 countries. I used it this year during my travels in Asia, and it works fine.
Here’s an overview of the plans available:
Holafly has great Asia plans that work in 12 countries. Holafly only offers one plan in Asia for the time being.
Nomad also offers plans in Asia. Here’s an overview of the plans available:
BNESIM offers an Asia plan that includes coverage in 28 countries.
Here’s an overview of the options available in Asia:
Note that BNESIM has a wide range of plans, so you might want to take a look at their website to compare the options available.
Yoho Mobile offers an Asia plan that includes coverage in 19 countries.
Here’s an overview of the options available in Asia:
SimOptions offers plans from different carriers. Here’s an overview of the plans available:
eSIMs offer many benefits, which is excellent news if you’re a frequent traveler.
Here are the main reasons why I love using eSIM:
There are many eSIM providers out there, but not all of them offer the same coverage.
I’ve used Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad, and I can say that they’re all excellent eSIM providers with great global plans.
If you’re looking for the best eSIM provider for international travel, I highly recommend Airalo. They offer great plans at reasonable prices, and their coverage is excellent.
If you’re looking for an eSIM provider with unlimited data, Holafly is a great option (but it depends on the destination).
Want more travel tips? Read one of the following guides:
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