eSIMs are a traveler’s best friend. In fact, we believe that an eSIM is a must-have in any traveler’s arsenal. Even though we are huge fans of finding local SIM cards wherever we go, this is only a possibility for us since we tend to travel to countries at least one month at a time. Even still, we use eSIMs regularly, as we like to use them for the first 7 days of arriving in a new country so that we don’t have to run around like headless chickens looking for a local SIM card on the first day in a new country when we have a lot more admin to do beyond that.

So, whether you are doing the same thing as us and looking for an eSIM for a portion of your trip or simply looking for an overall eSIM to cover your entire travels, we’ve got you. There are so many eSIM brands out there that it can be overwhelming, but through trial and error, we’ve narrowed down the 10 best eSIMs for international travel.

Disclaimer: This blog post includes affiliate links, which means we receive a tiny commission – at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry; this doesn’t affect our recommendations whatsoever. It just helps us keep the lights on.

10 Best eSIMs for International Travel

  • Airalo: Best overall eSIM
  • Holafly: Best eSIM for unlimited data
  • Yesim: Best eSIM for additional features
  • Nomad: Best eSIM for variety of plans
  • Roamless: Best pay-as-you-go eSIM
  • aloSIM: Best easy-to-use eSIM
  • Gigsky: Best eSIM for flying and sailing
  • Jetpac: Best eSIM for frequent flyers
  • Saily: Best eSIM for security
  • Ubigi: Bet budget-friendly eSIM

1. Airalo

Best overall eSIM

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 200+ countries
  • Price: From $4.50
  • Data plans: 500MB to unlimited
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android, Windows (laptop)

Pros:

  • It’s very budget-friendly.
  • It is easy to top up the eSIM whenever needed with the app.
  • You can accumulate Airmoney, which you can use to discount future purchases.

Cons:

  • There are not many unlimited data plans.
  • There is no ability to call or text with a local number.

We have tried different eSIM companies over the years, but we keep coming back to Airalo. This eSIM app has yet to fail us. It is super easy to set up, user-friendly, has amazing coverage, and is incredibly budget-friendly. What more could you ask for?

Whether you are simply visiting one country and only need coverage for that, or you’re visiting an entire region and want to stay connected the whole time, Airalo has got you covered. The app also offers a global plan, although that is more expensive and is not necessary if you know where you are going.

While we tend to only use eSIMs for the first 7 days of our travel, we’ve often ended up simply using Airalo for the entire trip, as, sometimes, the app offers better prices than even local SIMs. We also love that you can accumulate 5% of what you pay for your eSIM as Airmoney, which you can then, in turn, use to pay for other Airalo eSIM packages down the line.

For more helpful travel resources, check out our list of the best apps for for digital nomads!

2. Holafly

Best eSIM for unlimited data

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 200+ countries
  • Price: From $6.90
  • Data plans: Unlimited
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android

Pros:

  • There are unlimited data plans.
  • There is 24/7 customer support.

Cons:

  • There is no ability to call or text with a local number.
  • It is on the more expensive side.

Holafly is the option for you if you don’t want to worry about your data running out during your trip. They are one of the only options that offers unlimited data. Of course, unlimited data comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s definitely worth it for the peace of mind, in our opinion. This means you can stream your videos and scroll through Instagram and TikTok as much as you want without worrying about wasting your data. And for digital nomads like us, Holafly is a godsend, as you can work on the go without worry, meaning you can even work from that cute cafe you found down the road – even if they don’t have wifi!

Like Airalo, Holafly covers more than 200 destinations around the world, so you can stay covered wherever you go. You can opt for a country-specific plan, region-specific plan, or global plan if you plan to hop around often.

We love that Holafly is very easy to install, and you can quickly purchase the plan you need for up to 90 days, so you can basically set and forget your data for your trip. If you are a remote worker or traveler who uses a lot of data, Holafly’s unlimted eSIM is definitely a digital nomad essential!

3. Yesim

Best eSIM for additional features

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 200+ countries
  • Price: From $0.91
  • Data plans: 500MB to unlimited
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android

Pros:

  • Hotspotting is available.
  • It comes with a free VPN.
  • There are both standard and unlimited data plans.
  • There is an option to buy a virtual phone number.

Cons:

  • The data-only plans don’t come with a phone number.
  • It is on the more expensive side.

Yesim is the eSIM for you if you’re looking for an eSIM provider that offers a bit more than providing an internet connection while abroad. Let’s start off with the basics. Yesim, like any decent eSIM for international travel, has coverage in over 200 countries. They offer various plans, including standard fixed data plans and unlimited plans for heavy data users.

However, what makes Yesim stand out from the pack are its additional features, which are a HUGE plus in our book. First of all, Yesim allows hotspotting, which is not the case for all eSIM providers. This is perfect if you want to use your phone as a portable hotspot when using your laptop while travelling. Second, Yesim provides the option to purchase a virtual phone number, which is handy when traveling to countries where calling numbers is the norm (think: New Zealand and the USA), not via Whatsapp or other similar apps.

And finally, Yesim also offers a free VPN (for iOS devices). Yep – you read that right. That means you can turn on the VPN via the Yesim app whenever you need to – whether you need to protect your data while using public wifi or simply want to watch a Netflix show that is only available in a certain country.

4. Nomad

Best eSIM for variety of plans

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 190+ countries
  • Price: From $4
  • Data plans: 1GB to 50GB
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android

Pros:

  • It is well-priced.
  • Hotspotting is allowed.

Cons:

  • It is only suitable for data roaming.
  • No unlimited data plans are available.

Nomad offers wide global coverage in over 190 countries. This eSIM is a great option for those who aren’t worried about getting unlimited data but are instead focused on cost-saving. Beyond the country-specific eSIMs, if you will be traveling a bunch, Nomad also offers regional and global plans that may be better suited to your needs.

Like most of the other eSIMs on this list, it does have the disadvantage of not offering a local phone number with the eSIM plan, so that’s something to keep in mind. However, with plans starting as little as $4 in some countries, it’s hard to beat these prices!

Furthermore, we found the Nomad app pretty user-friendly – even for those who have never used an eSIM for international travel before. You can track exactly how much data you are using so that you can top up accordingly if need be.

5. Roamless

Best pay-as-you-go eSIM

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 180+ countries
  • Price: From $2.45
  • Data plans: 1GB to 10GB
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android

Pros:

  • It’s a flexible pay-as-you-go model.
  • It is a single eSIM that works everywhere.
  • It’s possible to make international calls.
  • There are no limitations on hotspotting.

Cons:

  • You need to use the app to make calls.
  • It is not the most affordable eSIM.

Roamless is the most flexible eSIM option out there, offering a pay-as-you-go model where you simply top up money into your account. That means you never pay for more than you actually use, saving you money in the long run. Plus, the money in your account doesn’t expire, so you never have to worry about wasting money.

This is a global eSIM, meaning you use a single eSIM that keeps you connected around the world in more than 180 countries. So, once you download the eSIM onto your phone, which is a super easy process, you’re connected as long as you have money in your account.

In addition to standard data, Roamless offers a few more perks that place it ahead of the pack. The funds you add to the account can also be used to call international numbers, which is a huge plus in our books. However, keep in mind that in order to make the calls, you have to use the Roamless app. Furthermore, there are no limits on how much you can hotspot, which is handy for digital nomads who work on the go like us.

6. aloSIM

Best easy-to-use eSIM

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 200+ countries
  • Price: From $4.50
  • Data plans: 1GB to unlimited
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android

Pros:

  • It comes with a free international number.
  • It is very budget-friendly.
  • It is very easy to use.
  • It supports hotspotting.

Cons:

  • There is no regional plan for Africa.
  • Not all countries have unlimited data plan options.
  • There is no global plan.

A travel SIM and app made for travelers by travelers, aloSIM is one of the best budget-friendly eSIMs for international travel. Plus, it is incredibly easy to use, as it boasts a very user-friendly app that makes buying plans, checking data usage, and installing eSIMs as easy as 1-2-3.

This is the only app we’ve seen so far that has a data usage calculator that estimates how much data you need for your trip, so you can save money by not unnecessarily purchasing a 20 GB or unlimited plan when it’s not necessary.

We absolutely love that aloSIM partners with HUSHED in order to provide a free international number to call and text around the world. With this partnership, the first 30 calling minutes or 50 texts are free!

Although aloSIM may lack in terms of regional plans and a global plan, it more than makes up for it with the many advantages it offers, including its lower price point. The ability to hotspot on the go is a huge plus as well.

7. Gigsky

Best eSIM for flying and sailing

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 200+ countries
  • Price: From $3.49
  • Data plans: 1GB to unlimited
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android

Pros:

  • There is a free 100MB trial plan.
  • There are eSIM plans for flying and sailing.
  • There are a wide range of plans.

Cons:

  • There is no ability to call or text with a local number.
  • It comes at a more premium price point.

Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to stay connected in the middle of the sea or sky? That’s where GigSky comes in. At its core, this eSIM provider provides coverage in over 200 countries and offers a wide range of plans, ranging from 1GB to unlimited in some countries. If you’re not sure if this eSIM is for you, they also offer a free 100MB that you can use anywhere.

Of course, the big selling point of GigSky is the fact that it offers service in more unique and remote locations as well, including on cruise ships and in-flight.

Its superior service doesn’t stop there. While many eSIM apps require you to be connected in order to top up, with GigSky, topping up doesn’t require internet. In other words, if you run out of internet in the middle of nowhere with no wifi, you can easily pop onto the app to top up your data. Phew!

8. Jetpac

Best eSIM for frequent flyers

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 150+ countries
  • Price: From $1
  • Data plans: 1GB to 100GB
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android

Pros:

  • Free lounge access for users if a flight is delayed 2+ hours.
  • It is pretty budget-friendly.
  • There is a subscription-based global plan.

Cons:

  • There are no unlimited data plans.
  • There is no ability to call or text with a local number.
  • The list of countries is more limited than other eSIM providers.

Jetpac is a relative newcomer to the eSIM market, but they’ve managed to hold their own through their variety of plans and numerous travel perks. Whether you’re traveling for just a weekend or for an extended months-long trip around the world, Jetpac offers a plan for you. While they may not have any unlimited data plans, their plans generally range from 1GB to 40GB, with some options even up to 100GB!

Probably our favorite thing about Jetpac is its SmartDelay service. With this service, if you register your flight, you get complimentary airport lounge access if your flight is delayed or canceled. This is super handy for frequent travelers, as flight delays are more common than you may think!

Jetpack is relatively easy to use, with a user-friendly app and a simple installation process. Even better – once you download their eSIM, you can endlessly top up as needed. Their customer support is pretty stellar as well, which is always a huge plus!

9. Saily

Best eSIM for security

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 190+ countries
  • Price: From $2.99
  • Data plans: 1GB to 20GB
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android

Pros:

  • It comes with a built-in VPN, ad blocker, and web protection.
  • It offers both global and regional plans.
  • One eSIM for all countries, so there is no need to install a new eSIM every time.

Cons:

  • There are no unlimited data plans.
  • Some popular travel countries have limited data plans.
  • There is no ability to call or text with a local number.

Saily is another newcomer to the eSIM market that has taken the world by storm. Created by Nord Security, Saily is the best eSIM if protecting your online presence is important to you. Of course, the standout feature of this eSIM is that it comes with built-in security features, such as a VPN, ad blocker, and web protection. So, with this eSIM, there’s no need to purchase these necessary protection services from other providers.

Beyond security, Saily provides service to travelers in more than 190 countries, offering country-specific plans as well as regional and global plans. As a newer eSIM, we did notice that some of their plans are pretty limited, even for popular travel destinations, such as Guatemala (they only have a maximum of 3 GB). But we are certain their offerings will expand as they continue to grow.

Thinking about getting a VPN for all of your devices? We use Surfshark, which we highly recommend. It’s budget-friendly and easy to use, and you can connect it to unlimited devices, which is super handy.

10. Ubigi

Best budget-friendly eSIM

esims for international travel

Specs:

  • Coverage: 200+ countries
  • Price: From $2
  • Data plans: 500 MB to unlimited
  • Devices supported: iOS, Android

Pros:

  • It is affordable.
  • Hotspotting is available.
  • There are country-specific, regional, and global plans.

Cons:

  • No international phone number is included.
  • The app is not as user-friendly.

Ubigi has been a top eSIM for users around the world since 2017, making it a pioneer in the eSIM market. It is popular for travelers who are always on the move, as it offers service to more than 200 countries with packaging ranging from as little as 500MB to 10GB, 20GB, or even unlimited plans! If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly for your data needs while you’re on the go, Ugibi is the way to go, as their prices start as low as $2 in some destinations.

As with other budget-friendly eSIMS, no international phone number is included, but for most travelers’ needs, this shouldn’t be an issue. It’s also worth mentioning that the Ubigi app is not as user-friendly as other eSIMs on this list.

But if you can get over the app design, Ubigi has competitive pricing with plans ranging from country-specific and region-specific to global plans that you can pay as a one-off payment or subscription-based, which is perfect for long-term travelers like us!

Get the Perfect eSIM for You

Whatever eSIM you end up going for, there’s no denying the advantage of having one downloaded on your phone when you travel internationally. There is no more need to run around blindly in a foreign country, trying to get connected. Instead, you’ll be connected from the moment you land on the plane, which makes it easier for you to figure out how to get to your accommodation and simply enjoy your trip instead of being stressed. So, what are you waiting for? Get that eSIM!

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