Not too long ago, staying connected while travelling meant buying a physical SIM card in every country I visited. I’d have to swap out my UK SIM, losing access to my phone number – making it tricky to access important banking sites abroad.
Thankfully, I can now install an eSIM electronically onto my phone while keeping my UK SIM active for phone calls and texts. And both work in harmony!
I can access internet-based apps anywhere, keep in touch with family via WhatsApp and never get lost – well, except when my map-reading skills fail me. My phone also doubles as a hotspot, letting me work from anywhere and binge my favourite Netflix shows.
But one thing I’ve learned from my travels? Not all eSIMs are created equal. That’s why I’ve put together this handy guide to the best eSIMs for travellers. Whether you’re off on a city break, a cruise, or even staying connected in the air, there’s an option to keep you online wherever you go!
Please note: Not all phones are compatible with eSIMs! Here is how to check:
- Check your phone settings:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add eSIM.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and look for an option to Add eSIM.
- Look up your phone model:
- Check your manufacturer’s website or search for “[Your Phone Model] eSIM support.”
- Check with your carrier:
- Some carriers provide a tool to check eSIM compatibility.
My top picks
- Best global coverage & speeds: GigSky | Skip to review
- Best for affordability: Maya Mobile | Skip to review
- Best for international calling: Roamless | Skip to review
- Best unlimited data plans: Holafly | Skip to review
- Best loyalty scheme: Airalo | Skip to review
GigSky
- Coverage: 200+ countries, plus 200+ cruise ships and some airlines
- Data: 100MB free and plans from 500MB to unlimited
- eSIM downloads: One eSIM for all plans
- Pros: Best coverage and free data
When it comes to staying connected pretty much anywhere you are, GigSky has got you! Not only do they offer destination plans for 200+ countries, but they also offer data plans for cruise ships and a handful of airlines.
Bonus points if you are visiting Cuba because GigSky is one of the only companies with coverage there! I know it would have been extremely useful to have an eSIM when I visited Cuba because of the WiFi issues.
Their plans typically go from 500MB to 50GB (for between 1 to 30 days) with high-speed data (5G and LTE) where possible. They also offer unlimited data plans which slow after 2.5GB each day – but are never capped. They also offer a pretty affordable world plan if you happen to be moving around to lots of places in 30 days.
I really like the fact that they offer you a free 100MB of data when you sign up, with no credit card required, which means you can test out the service in your location before you make a purchase!
Get 10% off your GigSky order using code: VEGANTRAVELS10
Maya Mobile
- Coverage: 200+ countries
- Data: From 1GB to unlimited (depending on destination)
- eSIM downloads: One eSIM for each destination/plan purchase
- Pros: Global eSIM plan, up to 180 days of use, and unlimited data plans
Some of the most affordable data plans come from Maya Mobile. They also have longer expiry dates than most other eSIM companies, meaning you can use your data for up to 180 days. This is particularly great if you don’t plan on using your data extensively but are travelling for longer periods.
Most of their plans range from 1GB to 40GB, each for 180 days in the destination you pick. They also offer unlimited data plans, priced by day, for up to 180 days.
Maya Mobile also recently launched a global eSIM that gives you data in 119 countries, with the option to auto-renew the data plan without a contract.
Affordability doesn’t mean you miss out on great connectivity though. The speeds are great and 5G is used where possible.
Roamless
- Coverage: 195 destinations
- Data: Pay-as-you-go with unlimited hotspot
- eSIM downloads: Single global eSIM
- Pros: International calling & one global eSIM
One of the biggest downsides of most eSIMs is that they only offer internet plans. Roamless is different, it is an eSIM company with international calling functionality. Simply use their phone app to dial any number for cheap!
On top of this, they have pay-as-you-go data that can be used globally (in over 195 destinations). And unlike most other eSIMs, you only need to download one eSIM to your phone for use in any of their advertised destinations. I like how much faff you avoid because of this!
Their data never expires, so there is never any waste. Plus you can easily top it up whenever you need it using their app. You are charged per MB and the cost will depend on the destination you are using it in.
Holafly
- Coverage: 200+ destinations
- Data: Unlimited data plans
- eSIM downloads: One eSIM for each destination/plan purchase
- Pros: Global eSIM plan and unlimited destination plans
If you are after unlimited data and want some flexibility on the dates you want it for, then you’ll love Holafly. Their country and regional plans are all unlimited and you select how many days you want it for, with discounts for the longer you buy.
They also offer a rolling global eSIM plan with three data options: 10GB for $39.90 pm, 25GB for $49.90 pm, and unlimited for $64.90 pm. All but the 10GB plan allows you to use it as a hotspot. This means just one eSIM download anywhere you travel and effortless billing!
Whilst the data is unlimited I do sometimes experience throttling after using my data for a while. It is never throttled enough to stop me from messaging, using Google Maps, or doing video calls.
Find out more by reading my full Holafly review here.
Airalo
- Coverage: 200+ countries
- Data: From 1GB to 20GB
- eSIM downloads: One eSIM for each destination/plan purchase
- Pros: A great loyalty scheme means you can get free data and global eSIM plans
Airalo was one of the first eSIM companies that I first tried. And because I’ve been using them for quite some time I regularly rack up a lot of loyalty points and get money off future eSIM purchases.
They offer data plans for over 200 countries and you can select from their pre-made packages. Typically from 1GB to 20GB, and each varies in length (between 7 to 30 days). However, their global eSIM varies between 7 to 365 days, still with a max of 20GB (sort of limiting the desirability of a year).
I’ve always found the internet speeds to be decent. But I’ve sometimes found it hard to connect to a network when first arriving in a new destination and setting up the eSIM.
eSIM comparison table
I have compiled all the key information into this comparison table so you can find the most suitable eSIM for you!
| Provider | Coverage | Avg. price per 10GB | Plan type | Throttling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roamless | 194 destinations | $24.50 (no expiry) | Global pay-as-you-go | None |
| GigSky | 200+ countries, plus airlines & cruises | $20.79 (30 days) | Local, regional, cruises, & airlines | Only on unlimited plans after 2.5GB per day |
| Maya Mobile | 200+ countries | $16.19 (up to 180 days) | Long-term local, regional, & global plans | None |
| Holafly | 200+ destinations | $39.90 (monthly subscription) | Unlimited local, regional, & global plans | Throttling depending on data provider |
| Airalo | 200+ countries | $26 (30 days) | Local, regional, & global plans | Only on some unlimited plans |
Please note that some eSIM brands advertise the number of destinations they cover rather than countries. So they may offer all the European countries and Europe as a destination. Which makes it sound like they have a larger offering than others. This is why I have specified the number of destinations or countries each advertises.
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