If you’re planning a few trips this year, you need to know about the best eSIM for international travel.
The best eSIM providers are the ones that offer you the cheapest eSIM plan and an excellent connection as you travel.
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Furthermore, the best eSIM plan takes just minutes to download.
Without a doubt, an eSIM that covers you in multiple countries is the best eSIM for international travel. Choose from various data packs to keep you connected as you travel to different destinations and regions worldwide.
Read more about how to how to buy sim card for international travel and how to get eSIM card on your phone (it’s super quick and easy).
I’ll explain below how to choose the best eSIM plan for your trip from the cheapest eSIM plans and data packs available.
Ok, let’s go! Read more about the best eSIM for international travel
This post will explain why an eSIM is the best choice for international travel, not to mention how convenient it is to download it within minutes to your device. Gone are the days of wasting precious holiday time trying to get connected once you’ve arrived in a new country.
Several providers offer eSIM; however, Airalo offers the best eSIM for international travel.
So let me explain why Airalo Global eSIMs are your cheapest and most convenient option to stay connected on your travels worldwide. You can choose from either a Data Only Global eSIM or one that offers Data/Calls/Texts.
What is eSIM? Is eSIM better than SIM card?
eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of your physical chip SIM card. An eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan from a local carrier without using a physical SIM.
Most devices already have a microchip that allows you (or your newly purchased Airalo eSIM ) to install numerous eSIM profiles.
It’s comparable to having multiple material SIM cards with phone numbers and data plans logged into your phone simultaneously.
Technology does make our lives so much easier!
Important: Your device must be compatible with eSIM. Please check this list to see if your device supports eSIM before purchasing a Croatian eSIM.
This is the best eSIM for international travel
The best eSIM plan for travellers exploring the world is to choose one of these Airalo Global eSIMs or Regional eSIM data packs.
These data packs are also some of the cheapest eSIM plans you’ll find out there. If you buy SIM card for international travel with Airalo, the benefits are unlimited:
- eSIM Data Packs for international travel are AFFORDABLE. View all available plans here.
- eSIM is swift and convenient to download to your device within minutes (check here to see if your device is compatible with eSIM).
- You can easily top up within moments whenever you’re running low on data and receive a message from Airalo to advise that you’re low on data too. This is incredibly convenient.
- When you buy an Airalo best eSIM for international travel, you don’t need to remove your original physical SIM card from your device – because it’s all virtual. You can receive calls and messages from friends and family at home with your actual phone number (the one that everybody knows) while data roaming on your Airalo digital eSIM.
As a world traveller myself and having completed my goal to visit every country in the world in November 2022, you can imagine how convenient an eSIM for international travel has been for me over the years.
It was a total game-changer and it continues to save me time, and money. And, it removes the stress of knowing I won’t run out of data – which is one of my tips for safe travel.
How to choose the best eSIM for international travel?
Before buying an eSIM for international travel, firstly, you need to know what region of the world you’re planning to discover. The best eSIM plan also depends on the duration of your trip and how much data you suppose you will need.
There are 6 x Global eSIM DATA ONLY Packs to choose from. All Global data packs are well-suited for international travel.
The Global data packs start from $9 for 1GB (valid for 7 days), and the largest data pack is $69 for 20GB (valid for 365 days).
All 6 data-only packs listed below will get you connected in 130+ countries!
CHOOSE FROM 6 x GLOBAL ESIM DATA ONLY PACKAGES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL:
- 1GB data for 7 days – $9
- 2GB data for 15 days – $17
- 3GB data for 30 days – $24
- 5GB data for 60 days – $35
- 10GB data 180 days – $59
- 20GB data for 365 days – $69
Before you buy a sim card for international travel, it’s worth considering how much data you are likely to use to get the best value from your eSIM for international travel.
Suppose you regularly use wifi during your travels (hotels and restaurants usually offer these complimentary), then I recommend going with the smaller plan ($24 for 3GB of data, valid for 30 days).
Yet, if you depend on phone coverage for your data, you may want a plan that includes more data. I’d recommend either this $35 for 5GB eSIM or the $59 for 10GB eSIM.
Global eSIM including Data/Calls/Text is now available
EXCITING UPDATE!
Airalo has recently introduced 6 NEW Global eSIM packages for Data/Calls/Text Included!
CHOOSE FROM 6 x GLOBAL ESIM DATA/CALL/TEXT PACKAGES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL:
- 1GB data/calls/text for 7 days – $15
- 2GB data/calls/text for 15 days – $27
- 3GB data/calls/text for 30 days – $36
- 5GB data/calls/text for 60 days – $60
- 10GB data/calls/text for 180 days – $79
- 20GB data/calls/text for 365 days – $89
Planning to travel to a particular region only? Consider a Regional eSIM
If you’re searching for the best eSIM for Europe travel or want to go island hopping in the Caribbean, then it’s worth checking out Airalo Regional eSIM.
Say you’re planning to travel around South East Asia on an overland journey spread over a couple of weeks or months; there’s no point in buying separate eSIMs for each country. In this case, an AsiaLink Regional eSIM is perfect for this trip. It would cover up to 13 countries in Asia on your adventure.
There are eSIM data packs for international travel available in 6 world regions.
VIEW ALL 6 REGIONAL DATA PACKS BELOW:
These Regional eSIM Data packs will save you money and keep you connected as you travel in multiple countries worldwide.
Is eSIM easy to download to my device?
100% yes! But before you go ahead and buy an eSIM for international travel or even a Regional eSIM for travel (that includes a specific region you’ll be travelling to), remember to check that your eSIM is compatible with your device here.
Want to download the best eSIM for Italy? I guarantee you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to do.
How to Download International eSIM to your device
Step 1: Download the Airalo App.
Step 2: Purchase your selected Global eSIM or Regional eSIM data package and follow the steps to activate your international eSIM just before your arrival.
Before arriving at your destination, switch from your home mobile provider to the eSIM provider in the SETTINGS menu on your device.
Once your international eSIM is activated, I recommend turning off data for all apps you don’t use daily. Furthermore, apps that use lots of data, like TikTok, Netflix, and Instagram, will quickly consume your data.
Your best bet is to leave your social media posting/uploading for when you get connected to Wi-Fi at your hotel or a cafe. Trust me; your data will last much longer.
Top up your international eSIM within minutes, effortlessly
One of the pros of buying eSIM for international travel is that you can readily top up your data package with more data whenever you’re about to reach your limit. And it will literally take you less than a minute to do so.
Is eSIM reliable? Why eSIM for international travel is the best option
If you regularly travel, buying an eSIM as you move through different countries is the best option because it’s just so convenient (and affordable). And, as I mentioned earlier, you get to keep your original phone number! That’s such a bonus!
From my experience of travelling to every country in the world, the journey would have been easier if international eSIM were around.
For my future travels (which include many of the 21 cheapest countries in the world to visit), an eSIM to stay connected is something I always travel with now.
But, of course, you still have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card at any major airport or phone store/provider after your arrival.
This option will allow you to send text messages and make calls within the country where you purchased the SIM card. It gives you access to local calling rates and data too.
However, buying an eSIM for international travel is a much better option than buying countless SIM cards as you travel to multiple countries. It just makes sense.
Remember: You can download an eSIM for international travel before your departure from home. If you do this, your Global eSIM or Regional eSIM allows you to connect to the local provider as soon as you touch down at your destination!
It also means you can avoid the crowds at the airport, get online and order that Taxi, Uber, or Grab Ride straight away and explore!
Receive a 15% DISCOUNT off your first eSIM
Give eSIM a try and get 15% off your first eSIM purchase! Use my referral code: NOMAD15, to claim your discount.
For existing Airalo users, get a 10% discount on your next Airalo eSIM purchase. To claim this discount, use my referral code: NOMAD10.
More Travel Tips
We have so many tips to help you travel more!
These 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you stretch your hard-earned dollars further.
Read our top 6 travel hacks to save money and the 20 best travel apps to make travel easier!
For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies. And, if history is your thing, these 30 amazing historical places worldwide will fascinate you!
We have many tips to save money for travel and consider these 20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world to help you travel longer.
If you become a trusted housesitter, you can also get FREE accommodation worldwide. Read more about how this works.
Check out our ultimate packing list for travellers, and remember to pack travel insurance! We recommend these two travel insurance companies for excellent coverage.
Our 12 essential tips for safe travel in any country are worth a read.
You’ll need to stay connected while travelling the world. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a Global eSIM if you travel to multiple countries or regions. This eSIM connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM.
The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.
If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour.
Check our Group Tours first for any upcoming trips you may be interested to join, or view these deals on worldwide group tours with Tourradar.
Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.
Travel Planning Resources
✈️ Flights: We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.
🏥 Travel Insurance: We recommend Heymondo (Get 5% off Heymondo) & SafetyWing
🚌 Transportation: Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.
🚘 Car Rental: We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.
👫 Group Tours: We now offer Group Trips; view them here! Alternatively, we recommend G Adventures OR Tourradar. For Europe, Expat Explore is a good choice. *Get 5% off when you quote code VERYHUNGRYNOMADS to your Expat reservations agent. (*Valid for new clients only).
📸 Day Tours & Trips: GetYourGuide & Viator are the only two platforms you need.
📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks, and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)
🎒 Luggage: Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack or Samsonite Luggage Range.
🛄 What to Pack: Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good power bank. To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers.
🐶 Become a House Sitter: Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.
💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE & Revolut are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.
📶 Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use code RACHEL5045 to get $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.
✅ Check out our Travel Gear and Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!
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8 Comments. Leave new
Your discount code for Airalo – NOMAD15 – doesn’t work.
Hi Liz,
We’ve checked the code and it works. This code is only applicable to new Airalo accounts (available on your first eSIM purchase). If you’ve got an existing account, then you can use our NOMAD10 promo code to receive 10% off any Airalo eSIM purchase.
It doesn’t work for me either, first time user.
Hi Liz,
It’s disappointing to hear you’re having issues with this code.
We just checked the code from our end and it’s still valid and active for first-time users. If you’re still experiencing an issue with it, please contact Airalo Support Centre for assistance or alternatively, you can try NOMAD10 for a 10% discount if you need an eSIM ASAP.
Hi, I found your article about eSIMs very informative. Thanks for posting.
Just being curious here, do you use iOS or Android devices ? Do you have a preference ?
Safe travels
Hi James,
Glad to hear you found this post informative. We both use iOS device – and have done for many years now.
Thanks for the discount!
Do you have any advice on how to use WhatsApp using the second global eSim? As far as I see WhatsApp doesn’t allow switching between SIM cards.
Hi Chantal,
You don’t need to change your WhatsApp number when you switch between SIM cards, just keep your original one.