One of the first things I want when I arrive in a new country is a working internet connection.
Whether it's finding directions to my accommodation, booking a ride, checking hotel reservations, contacting someone, or looking up a place to eat, having mobile data makes traveling much easier.
In the past, getting connected abroad usually meant buying a local SIM card, dealing with roaming charges, or relying on public Wi-Fi. Today, there's another option: travel eSIMs.
An eSIM lets you download a mobile plan to a compatible phone without inserting a physical SIM card. You can usually purchase a plan before your trip, install it on your phone, and connect when you arrive at your destination.
I've been interested in eSIM services because they make international travel simpler, especially if you're visiting multiple countries or traveling for weeks at a time.
But there are plenty of eSIM companies out there, and choosing one isn't always straightforward. Some focus on prepaid data plans, some offer unlimited-data options, and others use a pay-as-you-go model.
So, which one should you choose?
In this guide, I'll cover six eSIM companies worth considering for international travel: Saily, Drimsim, Yesim, Airalo, NXTL, and Holafly.
I'll explain what makes each service different, who might benefit from using it, and what you should check before purchasing a plan.
What Is an eSIM and Why Do Travelers Need One?
An eSIM is a digital SIM that's built into a compatible device. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you install a mobile plan electronically.
For travelers, this can be much more convenient than searching for a SIM card shop after arriving in another country.
Here are a few reasons to consider using a travel eSIM:
- Get connected before your trip: You can often purchase and install your eSIM before leaving home.
- Avoid expensive roaming: A prepaid travel plan can be more predictable than using your regular carrier's international roaming service.
- Keep your physical SIM: Many phones let you use your existing SIM alongside an eSIM, depending on the device and plan.
- Choose a plan for your destination: You can look for a local, regional, or global plan depending on where you're traveling.
- Manage your connection digitally: You can usually purchase or manage your plan through an app or website.
First, your phone must support eSIM technology and generally needs to be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party travel eSIM. Second, not every plan includes calls and text messages. Many travel eSIMs are designed primarily for mobile data.
If you need a local phone number, check the plan details carefully.
1. Saily: A Travel eSIM With Built-In Security Features
If I were making a shortlist of eSIM services to explore first, Saily would be my starting point.
Saily is a travel eSIM service developed by the team behind NordVPN. It offers mobile data plans for international travelers, allowing you to purchase a plan for your destination instead of relying entirely on your regular mobile carrier's roaming service.
One thing that makes Saily interesting is that it goes beyond providing mobile data.
Its app includes security features such as web protection, an ad blocker, and a virtual location feature. These tools can be useful when you're traveling and regularly connecting to different networks or browsing unfamiliar websites. Availability and functionality depend on the feature and your setup. Saily's official security page explains how these features work.
Why Consider Saily?
Here are a few reasons Saily is worth considering:
- Travel eSIM plans for destinations around the world
- An app-based purchasing and management experience
- Security features built into the app
- Options for travelers who need different amounts of mobile data
- A convenient way to arrange connectivity before leaving home
Of course, an eSIM's security features don't replace common-sense precautions. You should still use strong passwords, keep your devices updated, and be careful with sensitive information.
Before buying, check the available plans for your destination, including the data allowance, validity period, network support, and whether hotspot sharing is included.
Who Should Consider Saily?
I'd consider Saily if you want a straightforward travel eSIM with additional app features rather than just a data connection.
It may be particularly useful for travelers who want to purchase their plan in advance and manage their connectivity through one app.
Get your travel eSIM from Saily here.
2. Drimsim: A Pay-As-You-Go Option for International Travelers
Drimsim takes a different approach to international connectivity.
Instead of relying only on the usual fixed-data travel packages, Drimsim offers a pay-as-you-go model in which charges depend on your destination and data usage.
This can be useful if you travel frequently and don't always know exactly how much data you'll need.
For example, imagine you're visiting several countries over a few weeks. You might use mobile data heavily on some days and barely use any on others. A usage-based model is worth considering if you'd prefer to pay for the data you actually use rather than selecting a fixed allowance for every trip.
However, pay-as-you-go doesn't automatically mean cheaper. The price per megabyte or gigabyte can vary significantly by country, so you should check the rates for every destination before using the service.
Why Consider Drimsim?
Drimsim may be worth exploring if you:
- Travel internationally more than once a year
- Visit several countries during one trip
- Prefer a usage-based charging model
- Want an alternative to purchasing a new fixed-data package for every destination
A service that works well for occasional messaging and navigation might become expensive if you stream videos, upload large files, or use your phone as a hotspot for a laptop.
Who Should Consider Drimsim?
I'd look into Drimsim if I wanted a pay-as-you-go alternative and was comfortable checking the rates for my destination.
Compare the expected cost with a prepaid eSIM package before deciding.
3. Yesim: Another Option for Travel Connectivity
Yesim is another eSIM provider worth checking when planning an international trip.
It offers digital mobile connectivity for travelers, with plan options and availability depending on the destination.
One reason to include several providers in your search is that pricing and plan structures differ between companies. The service that offers a suitable deal for one country might not be the best choice for another.
For example, you might find that one provider offers a better data allowance for a week in Japan, while another has a more suitable package for a month in Europe.
That's why I wouldn't choose an eSIM company based only on its advertised starting price.
What Should You Check Before Buying Yesim?
Before purchasing a plan, I'd look at:
- Whether your destination is supported
- How much data you get
- How long the plan remains valid
- Whether the plan offers fixed or unlimited data
- Whether hotspot sharing is allowed
- Whether calls or SMS are included
- What happens when you run out of data
Who Should Consider Yesim?
Yesim is worth comparing with other travel eSIM providers if you're looking for another way to arrange mobile data before departure.
Check the current plans for your destination and compare the total price with the amount of data and validity you actually need.
4. Airalo: Travel eSIM Plans for Individual Countries and Regions
Airalo is one of the best-known travel eSIM providers and is worth considering when you want to browse plans for a specific destination.
Its eSIM store offers local, regional, and global options covering more than 200 locations, according to the company. The available data allowances, prices, and validity periods depend on the plan you choose.
For example, if you're planning a trip to Italy, you can look for an Italy-specific plan. If you're traveling across several European countries, a regional plan may be more convenient than purchasing separate plans for each destination.
Airalo also offers plans with different data allowances, including unlimited options in supported destinations.
Why Consider Airalo?
A few things make Airalo worth checking:
- Local plans for individual destinations
- Regional plans for multi-country trips
- Global plans for supported destinations around the world
- Different data allowances and validity periods
- An app for purchasing and managing eSIMs
- Top-up options on supported plans
For example, if you're spending two weeks in France and Spain, a suitable regional plan could be simpler than managing separate eSIM packages.
However, always compare the price and included data. A regional plan isn't automatically cheaper than buying two local plans.
Who Should Consider Airalo?
Airalo is worth considering if you want a range of local, regional, and global eSIM packages in one place.
It can be especially convenient when you're planning a multi-country trip and want to compare your options before leaving home.
5. NXTL: A Pay-As-You-Go eSIM With a Reusable Balance
NXTL is another option to explore, particularly if you prefer a usage-based approach to buying mobile data.
Its Global eSIM service uses a pay-as-you-go model, with a prepaid balance that can be used for supported destinations. NXTL says its unused prepaid balance doesn't expire, which is a feature worth considering if you travel occasionally and don't want unused data tied to a short validity period.
This is a different approach from buying a fixed package that expires after a certain number of days.
Imagine you take a short trip this month, then don't travel internationally again for several months. With a conventional package, unused data may expire. A reusable prepaid balance can offer more flexibility, subject to the provider's terms and destination rates.
Why Consider NXTL?
Here are a few reasons to look into NXTL:
- A pay-as-you-go approach to mobile data
- A reusable eSIM for supported destinations
- A prepaid balance that NXTL says doesn't expire
- A different option for travelers who don't want to select a fixed data allowance for every trip
A reusable balance is convenient, but the total cost still depends on how much data you use and the applicable rates. It's worth comparing the expected cost with a fixed-data plan before buying.
Who Should Consider NXTL?
NXTL may suit travelers who take occasional international trips, visit multiple destinations, or prefer to pay according to usage rather than buying a new fixed-data package each time.
6. Holafly: An eSIM Provider Known for Unlimited-Data Plans
If you don't want to spend too much time calculating how many gigabytes you'll need, Holafly is another provider worth considering.
Holafly is known for offering unlimited-data travel eSIM plans in many destinations. This can be appealing if you use your phone frequently for navigation, browsing, social media, and other online activities.
Instead of estimating whether 5GB, 10GB, or 20GB will be enough, you can look for an unlimited-data plan that covers the duration of your trip.
However, there's an important detail to understand.
Unlimited data doesn't always mean unlimited high-speed data or unlimited hotspot use. Depending on the destination and local network conditions, speeds may be temporarily reduced under a fair-use policy. Hotspot allowances can also be limited. Holafly explains these conditions in its official unlimited-data FAQ.
Why Consider Holafly?
Holafly may be worth considering if you:
- Use a lot of mobile data while traveling
- Prefer an unlimited-data plan where available
- Don't want to keep track of a small data allowance
- Want to arrange connectivity before arriving at your destination
For others, a fixed-data plan may be more economical, especially if they mostly use hotel Wi-Fi and only need mobile data for maps, messages, and occasional browsing.
Who Should Consider Holafly?
I'd look at Holafly if I expected to use a lot of mobile data during my trip and wanted to explore unlimited-data options.
Before buying, check the price for your destination, the plan's validity, hotspot rules, and any fair-use conditions.
How to Choose the Best eSIM Company for Your Trip
Now that we've covered six eSIM companies, how do you decide which one is right for you?
I wouldn't automatically choose the cheapest service or the company with the biggest advertising campaign.
I'd start with my destination and travel habits.
1. Check Whether Your Phone Supports eSIM
This should be your first step.
Not every phone supports eSIM technology, and support can vary by device model and the region where it was purchased.
Your phone may also need to be carrier-unlocked to use a third-party travel eSIM.
Check your device's specifications and the provider's compatibility information before purchasing anything.
2. Check Coverage in Your Destination
Don't assume that every provider supports every country.
Even when a country is supported, the available networks and service quality may vary.
Check the exact destinations included in the plan. If you're traveling across multiple countries, make sure every country on your itinerary is covered.
3. Estimate How Much Data You Need
Think about how you'll use your phone.
For example:
- Light use: Messaging, email, maps, and occasional browsing
- Moderate use: Social media, frequent navigation, web browsing, and photo uploads
- Heavy use: Video streaming, video calls, large uploads, and frequent hotspot use
If you mainly use hotel Wi-Fi and need mobile data when you're out exploring, a small prepaid plan might be enough.
If you work remotely, make frequent video calls, or use your phone as a hotspot, you'll probably want a larger allowance or a suitable unlimited-data plan.
4. Compare the Total Price, Not Just the Starting Price
You might see an eSIM advertised at a low starting price, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best value for your trip.
Compare plans with similar data allowances and validity periods.
For example, a 3GB plan lasting seven days isn't directly comparable to a 10GB plan lasting 30 days.
Look at how much data you're getting, how long you can use it, and whether you'll need to buy additional data.
5. Check Hotspot Support
This is particularly important if you work while traveling.
Hotspot or tethering support lets you share your phone's mobile data connection with another device, such as a laptop or tablet.
However, not every eSIM plan has the same hotspot rules. Some may restrict tethering or impose a separate hotspot allowance.
If you plan to work remotely, confirm that the exact plan supports your intended use.
6. Understand What Happens When Your Data Runs Out
Different services handle unused data and exhausted allowances differently.
A fixed-data plan may require you to buy a top-up or another package. A pay-as-you-go service may charge according to usage and the remaining prepaid balance.
Also, check the expiration rules. A plan may expire after a specified number of days even if you haven't used all the included data.
These details can make a significant difference in the total cost of your trip.
7. Check Calls and Text Messages
Many travel eSIMs are data-only.
That means you can use apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, and other internet-based communication services, but the eSIM may not provide a regular phone number for traditional calls and SMS.
If you need a local number, check whether the provider offers one and whether incoming and outgoing calls and texts are included.
You may be able to keep using your regular SIM for calls and texts while using the travel eSIM for data, depending on your phone and carrier plan.
Should You Buy Your eSIM Before Traveling?
In most cases, buying and setting up your travel eSIM before departure is a sensible idea.
You can research your options while you have a reliable internet connection instead of trying to find a suitable plan after landing.
However, pay attention to the installation and activation instructions.
Some plans start their validity period when installed, while others begin when they connect to a supported network or are activated under the provider's rules.
Read the instructions carefully so you don't accidentally use part of your plan before the trip begins.
It's also a good idea to keep your eSIM installation details accessible and follow the provider's advice about whether you should install the eSIM before leaving or wait until closer to departure.
Can You Keep Your Regular SIM and Use a Travel eSIM?
Many compatible phones support using a physical SIM and an eSIM together.
This can be convenient because you may be able to keep your regular phone number for calls and texts while using the travel eSIM for mobile data.
However, dual-SIM behavior depends on your device, carrier, and settings.
Before traveling, check which SIM is selected for mobile data and review your regular carrier's roaming settings. Otherwise, your home SIM could still incur roaming charges.
If you don't want unexpected charges, check your carrier's international roaming policy before you leave.
My Advice for Choosing an eSIM
If I were choosing an eSIM for an upcoming trip, I'd start by checking Saily, then compare its available plans with the other providers in this guide.
I'd look at the amount of data I need, the length of my trip, and whether I was visiting one country or several.
I'd also compare the cost of a fixed-data package with an unlimited or pay-as-you-go option, depending on how much data I expected to use.
There isn't one eSIM provider that's automatically the best choice for every traveler.
The best option depends on your destination, your phone, your data needs, and your budget.
For someone who wants extra app-based security features, Saily is worth checking first. For someone interested in pay-as-you-go data, Drimsim and NXTL are alternatives to explore. Airalo is useful to consider for local, regional, and global plans, while Yesim offers another option for destination-specific connectivity. If unlimited data is your priority, check Holafly's available plans and their terms.
Take a few minutes to compare the options before buying. It can help you avoid paying for more data than you need or choosing a plan that doesn't fit your trip.
Final Thoughts
Having mobile data while traveling internationally can make a trip much easier.
You can find your way around unfamiliar cities, book transportation, check reservations, stay in touch with family, and look up information whenever you need it.
A travel eSIM makes it possible to arrange that connection digitally, often before you even leave home.
In this guide, I've covered six eSIM companies worth exploring: Saily, Drimsim, Yesim, Airalo, NXTL, and Holafly.
I'd start with Saily, then compare the alternatives based on your destination and how you plan to use your phone.
If you're interested in pay-as-you-go connectivity, take a look at Drimsim and NXTL. If you want to explore different local, regional, or global plans, check Airalo and Yesim. And if you're looking for an unlimited-data option, see what Holafly offers for your destination.
Remember to check compatibility, coverage, data allowances, validity periods, and hotspot rules before purchasing.
A little preparation before your trip can save you time, money, and the hassle of trying to get connected after you arrive.
Happy travels!
