The Pros and Cons of eSIMs for International Travel
If you travel often, you’ve probably heard about eSIMs. They basically do the same job as a regular SIM card, but without the tiny piece of plastic.
Everything’s digital, built into your phone. You just scan a QR code, and boom... You’ve got data! Super handy, especially when you land in a new country and don’t want to deal with local SIMs.
For a lot of digital nomads, it’s a lifesaver for international travel. But it’s not always perfect. Some phones don’t support eSIMs yet, and setup can be a bit annoying sometimes.
In this article, I’ll break down the pros and cons I’ve come across using eSIMs while traveling, so you can figure out if it’s actually worth it for you.
What's an eSIM, Exactly?
It’s basically your regular SIM card but digital. No little plastic chip, no fiddling with SIM trays. It’s built into your phone and gets activated with just a few taps (or a QR code). Once it’s set up, you’ve got data, and sometimes even a phone number, depending on the plan.
One of the best things is that you can store more than one eSIM on your phone. That means you can switch between networks when you're traveling without swapping anything out.
Most newer phones, like iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, and even the old Pixel 3, support eSIM. If your phone is a few years old or newer, you’re probably good to go.
What I Like About eSIMs for Travel
They're easy to set up
One of the best things about eSIMs is how fast you can get connected. Just scan a QR code or download an app, and you’re online in a few minutes. No need to find a SIM shop at the airport or deal with language barriers just to get a local number.
You can keep your regular number
With an eSIM, you can keep using your regular number for WhatsApp or those annoying two-factor authentication texts, and use the eSIM just for data (sometimes unlimited!). It's super handy when you need to get a bank code or just want to stay reachable on your usual number.
Multiple data plans on one phone
If you’re changing country often, eSIMs are a dream. You can save multiple plans (up to 10 on some phones), and switch between them without swapping anything out. Some global eSIM providers even offer regional (like Europe or North America) or worldwide coverage, so you can stay connected across multiple countries with one plan.
No ridiculous roaming fees
Roaming charges are a rip-off. Period. eSIMs let you skip all that by connecting to local networks at local rates. It’s way more affordable, especially for long-term travelers or digital nomads who spend months abroad.
It's easy to switch providers (if needed)
If your data is slow or the price isn’t great, just switch. No physical cards, no store visits. You can jump to a new provider on the go, which is super useful when you’re traveling through different countries.
You always have a backup
We’ve all been there: the café Wi-Fi crashes, or your Airbnb router is hanging by a thread. Having an eSIM with mobile data means you’ve always got your own connection in your pocket. No need to rely on dodgy public Wi-Fi.
They're great for short trips or fast travel
If you're doing a quick loop through Southeast Asia or Europe, eSIMs save you from buying (and wasting) a new SIM in every country. Just grab a regional plan and go. It’s one less thing to think about.
The Not-So-Great Stuff About eSIMs
Not all phones support them
This is where most people get tripped up. If your phone’s older, there’s a good chance it doesn’t support eSIMs at all. A lot of iPhones and Androids from 2018 onwards are fine, but if you're not sure, check before you waste money on a plan that won’t work.
Coverage can be dodgy in remote areas
eSIMs are great in cities... Not so much in the middle of nowhere. If you’re heading somewhere rural or off-grid, you might end up with no signal at all. Been there with regular SIMs too, though.
You’ve gotta do some research
Some eSIMs don’t work in certain countries. Or they work, but badly. Before you buy, you’ll need to check if the plan covers where you're going. It’s not complicated, but it’s one more thing to deal with when you’re prepping for a trip.
No calls or texts on most plans
Most eSIMs are data-only. That’s fine if you’re using WhatsApp or Telegram, but if you need to make a regular phone call or get a text (like from your bank), it gets tricky. You can set up VoIP apps, but it’s not plug-and-play.
You can’t always top up
Some providers won’t let you just add more data when you run out. You have to buy a whole new plan. Kinda annoying when you're mid-trip and your data disappears.
Sometimes pricier than physical SIMs
Local SIM cards are usually cheaper, especially if you’re staying in one place for a while. But honestly, eSIMs win when it comes to convenience. No lines, no language barriers, no fiddling with SIM trays. You’re paying a bit more to save yourself the hassle.
Best eSIMs Providers for International Travel
There are tons of eSIM providers out there these days, but only a few are actually worth using if you're traveling long-term or hopping between countries. Here are some of the ones that digital nomads keep coming back to:
1. Airalo
Airalo’s been around for a while and has become the go-to for a lot of travelers. Their coverage is massive (over 200 countries and regions, like North America!) so whether you’re heading to Argentina, Thailand, or South Africa, they probably have a plan for it.
Prices start super low (like $4–5 USD), which is perfect if you just need a few gigs to get by. Setup is quick, the app is simple, and it just works. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done. And that’s why so many nomads use it.
2. Holafly
If you hate running out of data, Holafly might be your best bet. Most of their plans come with unlimited data, which is amazing if you're streaming, hotspotting, or working online every day.
They’ve got plans that run from 5 days to 90 days, so they work well for both short trips and longer stays. Tethering is allowed (up to 1GB/day), and setup is very straightforward through their app or a QR code. Solid coverage too: around 160 countries and regions, like the US, Europe, the UK, China, and Japan.
3. Saily
Saily is the new eSIM brand from the people behind NordVPN. It’s pretty similar to Nomad in terms of setup and pricing, but it adds a layer of privacy that’s nice if you’re into cybersecurity.
They even have a “virtual location” feature inside the app, a nice extra if you care about masking your location. Still new, but worth keeping an eye on if you’re a privacy-conscious traveler.
4. Nomad
Nomad is a newer player, but it’s made specifically with travelers and digital nomads in mind. The app is clean, easy to use, and their prices are pretty competitive.
Coverage spans over 100 countries, and they’re starting to offer bundles that can save you a bit if you’re hitting multiple places. It’s not as established as Airalo or Holafly, but it’s growing fast and getting great feedback.
My Take After Using eSIMs Around the World
At this point, I’ve used eSIMs in more countries than I can count... and honestly, I don’t see myself going back to physical SIMs anytime soon.
You avoid the SIM card hunt entirely: you just scan a QR code, and you're good. Even when I stay longer somewhere, I still start off with an eSIM. It gives me immediate data when I land, which is all I care about after 10+ hours in the air. If I’m going to be somewhere for a month or two, maybe I’ll grab a local SIM later, but that initial eSIM setup gives me time to breathe and figure things out.
Yeah, they’re not always cheaper than local SIMs, but I’d still argue the tradeoff is worth it, especially if your time or sanity matters!
A few tips I have are:
- Set it up before you leave: don’t be the person trying to download an eSIM with zero airport Wi-Fi. I speak from experience.
- Check that your destination is actually covered: sounds obvious, but yep, I’ve bought a plan that didn’t work where I was going. Won’t do that again.
- Go small unless you know your data needs: most of us overestimate. I used to always grab 10GB “just in case” and barely used 3. Now I start small and top up if I need to.
- Look into which networks the eSIM connects to locally: some plans piggyback off better networks than others. It’s not always easy to find, but it’s worth checking.
eSIMs FAQs
Can I use eSIM and my physical SIM at the same time?
Yep, as long as your phone supports dual SIM (most modern ones do). I usually keep my regular SIM in for WhatsApp and texts, and use the eSIM just for data while I travel.
Do eSIMs support hotspots?
Most do. For example, Holafly lets you tether, but they’ll throttle it after about 1GB a day. Just check the plan details as some are stricter than others.
Are eSIMs safe?
Totally. They’re actually more secure than physical SIMs in some ways, since there’s nothing to physically steal or swap. If privacy is a big deal for you, Saily is a good option: they’re backed by NordVPN, so they take security seriously.
Which phones support eSIMs?
Most iPhones and newer Androids from 2018 onwards. If your phone is older than that, you might run into problems. Best to double-check before buying a plan!
What happens if I run out of data abroad?
Usually, you’ll have to buy a new plan. Most eSIM providers don’t let you top up the same one, which is kind of annoying but not a huge deal. I just buy a fresh pack through the app.
Do eSIMs work in every country?
They work in most places. Some providers, like Airalo, cover over 200 countries and regions, which is wild. But not every plan includes every country, so it’s always worth double-checking your destination before you buy. Better safe than stuck with no signal.
Are eSIMs better than roaming?
Almost always, yes. Roaming with your home provider usually costs way more. eSIMs give you access to local rates without the scary phone bill later.
Ready to Give eSIMs a Try?
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