Imagine this: Sarah and Mark were on a dream vacation, hopping between Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. They thought they would handle their phone service the old-fashioned way — just keep roaming on their regular plan and use Wi-Fi when possible. But between navigating unfamiliar streets, booking last-minute tickets, and sharing photos of their adventures, they ended up relying heavily on mobile data. Fast forward to the end of their trip, when they returned home to a phone bill that was nearly as jaw-dropping as the Eiffel Tower — hundreds of dollars in roaming fees they did not see coming.

If only they had used an eSIM! With affordable data plans and seamless connectivity, they could have avoided the shock altogether. In 2024, savvy travelers are switching to eSIMs to stay connected without the hefty price tag.

Curious about how it works?

Here is everything you need to know about choosing the right eSIM to keep you connected wherever your adventures take you.

What Is An eSIM

Credit. Business Travel. What Is An eSIM.

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into your phone or device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. Instead of swapping out tiny plastic cards when you travel, you can simply download a mobile plan from a carrier directly to your phone. This makes it incredibly convenient for international travel, as you can activate a local or global data plan in minutes without having to find a store or deal with inserting new SIMs. eSIMs work just like traditional SIM cards, offering access to calls, texts, and data, but with the added flexibility of being able to switch plans or carriers quickly — often right from an app. With eSIMs becoming standard in many smartphones, they are an easy, efficient way to stay connected no matter where you go.

Is My Phone eSIM Compatible

Credit. Business Travel. Is My Phone eSIM Compatible.

Before diving into eSIM options, it is important to check whether your phone is eSIM compatible. Most newer smartphones, especially flagship models from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google, come with built-in eSIM functionality. For example, iPhones from the XS and newer, Google Pixels from the Pixel 3 onward, and Samsung Galaxy models from the S20 series and later all support eSIMs. Some devices, like the iPhone 14 in the U.S., have even completely eliminated physical SIM slots, making eSIM the only option.

To find out if your phone is eSIM compatible, you can usually check the settings of your device. On most phones, go to “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” settings and look for the option to “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan.” If it is there, your phone supports eSIM. If you are not sure, a quick search of the phone model should give you the answer. Having an eSIM-compatible phone is the first step toward unlocking the convenience and flexibility of eSIM technology for your next trip.

The Best eSIM Options For International Travel

Now that you know what an eSIM is and whether your phone supports it, let us explore some of the best eSIM options for international travel. These providers offer flexible data plans, reliable coverage, and easy setup to keep you connected no matter where your travels take you.

Related: The 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

Airalo

Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers for international travelers, offering affordable and flexible data plans across a wide range of countries. With an easy-to-use app and a variety of regional and global plans, Airalo makes it simple to stay connected while you travel. Known for its competitive pricing and broad coverage, it is a go-to option for many budget-conscious travelers.

• Coverage: Available in over 200 countries
• Devices Supported: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, select Huawei models
• Data Plans: Country-specific, regional, and global options; 1 GB to 20 GB data-only plans
• Plan Length: 7, 15, 30, or 60 days
• Price: Starting at $4.50 for 1 GB; regional/global plans from $20–$50+
• Pros: Affordable, easy setup via app, broad coverage, flexible plans
• Cons: Data-only (no calls or SMS), coverage quality varies by region
• Notable Features: Instant data top-ups, manage multiple eSIMs, referral program for credits
• Best For: Budget travelers, frequent flyers, digital nomads needing global coverage and flexibility

Saily

Sailly is an emerging eSIM provider that focuses on offering affordable and flexible data plans for international travelers. Sailly is known for its simple, no-frills approach, providing budget-friendly data options with broad global coverage. With an emphasis on cost savings and convenience, Sailly is ideal for travelers who want to stay connected without breaking the bank.

• Coverage: Available in over 100 countries
• Devices Supported: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later
• Data Plans: Country-specific and global plans; 1 GB to 10 GB data-only options
• Plan Length: 7, 15, or 30 days
• Price: Plans start at $4 for 1 GB; larger data plans range from $12–$40+
• Pros: Very affordable, simple setup, decent global coverage
• Cons: Data-only plans, less coverage in remote areas, limited app functionality
• Notable Features: Low-cost data plans, quick activation, straightforward user interface
• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, those looking for simple, affordable data options in major travel destinations

Nomad

Nomad is a growing eSIM provider that offers flexible data plans with excellent coverage across various regions, including many popular travel destinations. Known for its competitive pricing and reliable service, Nomad makes it easy for travelers to purchase, activate, and manage their eSIMs through a user-friendly app. With regional and global data plans, Nomad is ideal for travelers who need consistent, affordable connectivity on the go.

• Coverage: Available in over 100 countries
• Devices Supported: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, select Huawei models
• Data Plans: Country-specific, regional, and global plans; 1 GB to 20 GB data-only options
• Plan Length: 7, 15, or 30 days
• Price: Plans starting at $5 for 1 GB; larger data plans range from $15–$50+
• Pros: Easy-to-use app, wide regional options, affordable pricing, reliable connectivity
• Cons: No support for voice/SMS, limited customer service response times
• Notable Features: Data-sharing feature, easy top-up option, regular promotions and discounts
• Best For: Travelers seeking affordable regional or global data plans, frequent travelers who need simple, reliable connectivity in popular regions

Ubigi

Ubigi is a well-established eSIM provider known for offering reliable, high-speed mobile data in numerous countries around the world. With a focus on providing seamless connectivity and a robust app experience, Ubigi caters to both casual travelers and business users. Their plans are often competitive, making it a strong choice for those seeking consistent coverage with minimal hassle.

• Coverage: Available in over 190 countries
• Devices Supported: iPhone XS and newer, iPad with eSIM, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, laptops with eSIM support (like select Lenovo and Microsoft Surface models)
• Data Plans: Country-specific, regional, and global plans; 500 MB to 10 GB options
• Plan Length: Varies by country, typically 30 days
• Price: Plans start at $3 for 500 MB; higher data plans range from $10–$50+
• Pros: Fast and reliable data, supports a wide range of devices, flexible data plan sizes
• Cons: No voice or SMS services, fewer low-cost options for large data needs
• Notable Features: Supports laptops with eSIM, fast setup, strong app interface for plan management
• Best For: Business travelers, those needing eSIMs for laptops and tablets, users prioritizing fast, reliable data speeds across multiple regions

Holafly

Holafly is a popular eSIM provider that focuses on offering unlimited data plans for international travelers, making it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid worrying about running out of data. With strong coverage in key travel regions and a reputation for ease of use, Holafly provides travelers with seamless connectivity, especially in countries where data usage tends to be higher.

• Coverage: Available in over 160 countries
• Devices Supported: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, select Huawei models
• Data Plans: Unlimited data for specific countries or regions; no tiered data plans
• Plan Length: 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, or 60 days
• Price: Starts at $19 for 5 days of unlimited data; longer plans range from $47–$99
• Pros: Unlimited data, easy setup via QR code, strong coverage in many regions
• Cons: No option for tiered data plans, slightly higher price point, data-only (no calls or SMS)
• Notable Features: Unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, easy-to-use app for quick setup
• Best For: Travelers needing unlimited data, those visiting data-heavy regions, users who want simple, all-inclusive plans

Flexiroam

Flexiroam is a versatile eSIM provider offering extensive global coverage and flexible data plans, making it a great option for frequent travelers and digital nomads. Flexiroam stands out with its ability to roll over unused data and its focus on providing reliable connections across a wide range of countries. It is ideal for those who want flexibility in both pricing and usage while traveling internationally.

• Coverage: Available in over 150 countries
• Devices Supported: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, select Huawei models
• Data Plans: Country-specific, regional, and global options; 1 GB to 10 GB data plans
• Plan Length: 7, 15, 30, or 90 days
• Price: Starting at $5 for 1 GB; larger plans range from $15–$100 depending on data size and duration
• Pros: Rollover unused data, competitive global coverage, flexible plan options
• Cons: Data-only plans, higher prices for larger data packages, app could be more intuitive
• Notable Features: Data rollover, multi-country data packages, can link multiple devices to one account
• Best For: Frequent travelers, digital nomads, those needing data flexibility and the ability to roll over unused data

Instabridge

Instabridge is an innovative eSIM provider that focuses on offering free and affordable data plans through a combination of paid plans and community-shared Wi-Fi hotspots. Known for its unique approach, Instabridge allows travelers to access both mobile data and millions of Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide, making it a versatile and budget-friendly option for those looking to stay connected while traveling.

• Coverage: Available in over 190 countries, including millions of Wi-Fi hotspots worldwide
• Devices Supported: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later
• Data Plans: Free Wi-Fi access; paid data plans ranging from 1 GB to 10 GB
• Plan Length: 30 days
• Price: Free Wi-Fi; paid data plans starting at $5 for 1 GB, with larger plans ranging from $10–$50
• Pros: Access to millions of Wi-Fi hotspots, affordable data plans, free Wi-Fi option, easy app setup
• Cons: Data-only plans, Wi-Fi hotspots can vary in quality, paid data plans are limited in size
• Notable Features: Free Wi-Fi access, community-driven network, option to mix mobile data with Wi-Fi
• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, those who want access to free Wi-Fi hotspots, light data users

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right eSIM provider for international travel can make a world of difference when it comes to staying connected, avoiding hefty roaming fees, and enjoying seamless coverage across multiple countries. Whether you prioritize affordability, unlimited data, or access to Wi-Fi hotspots, there is an option tailored to your travel needs. Airalo and Nomad offer budget-friendly plans with wide global coverage, while providers like Holafly give you the peace of mind that comes with unlimited data. Ubigi and Flexiroam stand out for business travelers and digital nomads, thanks to their flexibility and device compatibility, while Instabridge offers a unique mix of free Wi-Fi and affordable data.

Each of these eSIM providers brings something unique to the table, so think about your data needs, travel destinations, and budget when making your decision. With the right eSIM in hand, you’ll be able to explore the world without ever worrying about losing connection.