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Hunting for a SIM card in a new country is the worst. Not anymore. These eSIM websites have become part of my travel ritual—and honestly, I don’t know how I ever traveled without them.
My favorite comparison website
eSIMDB is my first port of call when traveling to unfamiliar territory. As the name suggests, it is a comprehensive database of over 70 eSIM providers, boasting more than 70,000 data plans between them.
Simply click on your destination from a list of continents and countries, and you are presented with a selection of data plans from its top providers. There’s a handy ranking of the most popular products and filters allow you to sort by your data, validity, and pricing preferences.
Why You Should Still Buy a Phone With Physical SIM Slot
eSIMs are getting more popular, but that doesn’t mean you should buy an eSIM-only phone.
eSIMDB is an indispensable resource for eSIM packages. It has saved me much time and effort researching data plans or finding the best deal. For example, I remember recently transiting through Ho Chi Minh City’s airport with a 5-hour flight delay and a two-hour limit on in-terminal WiFi. A Global Yo eSIM cost me $1.99 for a 24-hour, 1GB plan, allowing me to catch up with work and message friends while I waited.
I recommend that all regular travelers have eSIMDB bookmarked, as it will inevitably come in handy. However, if you are looking for specific features from your eSIM, one of the following services should fit the bill.
My favorite overall eSIM service
I have previously written aboutmy high regard for Airalo, and it remains my go-to eSIM for data-only plans when I visit Europe and North America.
Airalo collaborates with reputable local telecom companies in 200 countries (for example, in my native UK, it is partnered with EE, which has the widest network coverage). This keeps costs low and significantly improves the service.
Airalo offers customizable plans and a global option for true jet setters. This option covers an impressive 136 countries and is valid for up to one year. Payment and installation are easy via credit card or Apple Pay, and there are credit rewards for regular users.
Excellent network coverage
Receiving efficient network coverage can be a gamble when traveling to unfamiliar places, but Airhub offers high-speed internet in most countries. Like Airalo, it is partnered with local companies and offers decent data and validity offers that might give local plans a run for their money.
Unlike Airalo, Airhub offers a good mix of voice, SMS, and data plans. It is an excellent choice for places with undeveloped cellular infrastructure, where landline connections are still prevalent, or when you need to receive SMS notifications on your device.
Good unlimited data options
If unlimited data is your priority, consider Holafly, as few providers offer this service. Its unlimited plans make it an excellent choice for those like me who use a lot of data for work, intend to use streaming services, or download large files while traveling.
Understandably, Holafly’s unlimited data plans cost more. However, they are still great value when factored into the cost of a trip and the added convenience of not worrying about data usage. I usually rely on WiFi for work when traveling, but for my upcoming trip to the Indian Himalayas, I will purchase the Holafly $39.90 seven-day unlimited plan for peace of mind.
Good for frequent travelers
I only recently heard about Jetpac, but I have been itching to try it for several reasons. As a frequent traveler, I will undoubtedly appreciate its global and regional plans, 5G connectivity, and generous data allowances.
However, a couple of features caught my eye. Firstly, the eSIM offers hotspot sharing. This means I can use it with my laptop and tablet while on the go, boosting productivity when I’d otherwise likely be fiddling with my phone.
Secondly, if you register your flight details with Jetpac, you are given complimentary lounge access in case of a delay. Like the aforementioned occasion in Ho Chi Minh City, lousy luck often intervenes and leaves me sitting in a rugged metal airport chair for hours when Jetpac would have me in a plush lounge reading the news with a refreshing drink.
Best value
If you’re looking to save money on your data plan or don’t intend to use it enough to warrant spending much, Nomad might be your best option. It offers several regional and country-wide plans for shorter durations of between 7 and 15 days.
If you are on a business trip that involves several close-knit countries, backpacking around Southeast Asia, or Interrailing in Europe, Nomad would be an invaluable resource. Two global plans, starting at $12 per GB and valid for one week, are also available.
I Switched to an eSIM in 2024 and I’m Never Going Back
Upgrading to an eSIM helped me realize the downsides of carrying a physical SIM card.
The eSIM has revolutionized the way I connect while traveling abroad. There are no longer long queues for overpriced tourist SIM cards at airport arrivals. An eSIM is farsafer than a physical SIM card. If I run out of data, I only have to top up my account using the nearest available Wi-Fi connection. And my connection is right there when I need it, as soon as I arrive at my destination.
Given the convenience and practical benefits, I’d choose any of these suggested eSIM providers over a physical SIM card while I’m on the move.
