International eSIM: the best to travel with an Internet connection

According to TechRound, as of 2024, the eSIM market is currently valued at $4.7 billion. 

But it’s predicted that, by 2027, the eSIM market will grow to an immense $16.3 billion. This expected boom in eSIM popularity is just one of the reasons you should invest in one in 2024. 

International or global eSIMs are simply digital versions of a physical SIM card that enable you to activate a cellular plan while traveling internationally. 

eSIMs aren’t just affordable alternatives to international roaming plans; they also enable you to switch between providers and data plans without the need to remove and replace them, as you would normally have to do with physical SIM cards. 

In today’s guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about international eSIM cards, including what makes a good international eSIM and where to find the best eSIM providers. 

What Makes a Good International eSIM? 

To get ahead of the curve, you need to know how to spot the best eSIMs and here’s what to look for. 

1. Multiple mobile network profiles.
2. Remote usage capabilities.
3. User-friendly, accessible user interfaces.
4. A quick, painless activation process. 
5. An excellent network coverage. 
6. Affordable pricing models. 
7. Robust security measures. 
8. Reliable customer support services. 
9. Realistic validity periods.
10. Most importantly, the best travel eSIMs will be compatible with your mobile device. 

After all, how can you enjoy all of these features if your eSIM isn’t compatible with your phone? 

The Best Global eSIM Providers: A Brief Comparison 

Now that you know what to expect from your travel eSIM, it’s time to see how some of the leading eSIM providers measure up against those expectations. 

Having read through our comparative table, you’ll start to get an idea of the right eSIM provider for your needs. But, in order to feel confident in your choices, you’ll need to explore each eSIM provider more thoroughly. To help you make the right decision, we’ve shared our insights on the top ten eSIM providers below. 

1. Holafly: The Best eSIM Overall For International Travels 

Coverage: 190+ countries.

Price: Starting from $6.

Validity Period: 5-90 days. 

Value Proposition: Perfect for travelers who use a lot of data. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS. 

Holafly is our top pick for the best global eSIM because you don’t have to worry about constantly monitoring your data usage. 

With Holafly, you have the freedom of unlimited data. Think endless streaming, downloading, and gaming, completely hassle-free. 

What’s more, Holafly has excellent 24/7 customer support that’s available in six languages. It’s not hard to see why Holafly has a rating of 4.6/5 with over 38,000 users. 

Read more about this eSIM provider on our Holafly review. 

2. Airalo 

Coverage: 200+ countries. 

Price: Starting from $4.50.

Validity Period: 7-30 days. 

Value Proposition: Perfect for travelers who require versatile plans that can accommodate both short and long trips. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS. 

The wide range of data plans and vast coverage is what makes Airalo a brilliant eSIM provider. 

This is definitely something to keep in mind when traveling to remote or rural areas. 

As an added bonus, you can gain loyalty points with every purchase, which you can use for different Airalo data plans. 

That, combined with its quick customer support, has earned Airalo a 4.5/5 rating from over 300,000 reviews. 

Read more about this eSIM provider on our Airalo review.

3. Airhub 

Coverage: 80+ countries. 

Price: Starting from $36. 

Validity Period: 7-30 days.

Value Proposition: Airhub offers 15 eSIM plans per country, making them incredibly flexible. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS.

With a 4.5 rating across various app stores, Airhub celebrates reliability and cost-effectiveness. 

Airhub also stands out as one of the few eSIM providers that provide unlimited voice calling and text messaging features across multiple regions. 

Despite the notes from users who say they experienced minor technical issues during the activation process, Airhub’s customer support team is a testament to responsiveness and helpfulness. 

4. GigSky 

Coverage: 190+ countries. 

Price: Starting from $5.99

Validity Period: 7-90 days. 

Value Proposition: GigSky excels at off-land connectivity, perfect for flying and sailing. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS.

As the first Apple eSIM partner, it’s no surprise that GigSky has a glistening reputation. 

With over 4000 five-star reviews, Gigsky is known for their extremely reliable coverage and flexible data plans.

Best of all, GigSky is a full MVNO (mobile virtual network operator). This means that they will monitor and reroute your data if needed to ensure you always enjoy a stable internet connection. 

Read more about this eSIM provider on our GigSky review. 

5. Instabridge

Coverage: 190+ countries. 

Price: Starting at $6. 

Validity Period: 7-30 days.

Value Proposition: You can purchase multiple plans with the same eSIM. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS. 

Sporting a respectable 4.5 customer rating, Instabridge accommodates the budget-conscious traveler. 

By watching in-app ads, you can earn small mobile data packages, making it ideal for when you’re strapped for cash. 

Combine that with a breezy activation process, excellent data speeds, and helpful manuals, and you see why Instabridge made our list. 

The only impactful drawback to using Instabridge is that their customer support team doesn’t always have the quickest response times. 

6. aloSIM 

Coverage: 175+ countries. 

Price: Starting from $4.50. 

Validity Period: 7-30 days. 

Value Proposition: aloSIM is perfect for budget-conscious travelers. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS. 

If there’s any eSIM provider that knows about affordable pricing models, its aloSIM. For as little as $16 (in the US), you can get 5GB for 30 days! 

When you take this into account, it’s not hard to imagine why aloSIM has a four-star customer rating. 

AloSIM also prioritises the user’s complete control over their data usage, allowing you to see the partnering networks your device will be connected to, as well as, the speed availability within your destination. 

As an added bonus, you’ll also have access to 24/7 support via email and live chat. 

7. Nomad 

Coverage: 170+ countries. 

Price: Starting from $1.40.

Validity Period: 7-30 days.

Value Proposition: They offer 170 country-specific plans. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS. 

Like Holafly, Nomad also offers unlimited data plans which is one of the factors that has earned Nomad its four-star rating. 

Nomad also focuses on ease of use, sporting a modern, intuitive and navigable user interface that makes the activation process incredibly simple to understand. 

What’s more, with 24/7 support and the option for SMS-only plans, Nomad demonstrates its ability to adapt to its users’ needs. 

8. Jetpac 

Coverage: 100+ countries.

Price: Starting from $18. 

Validity Period: 30 days. 

Value Proposition: They offer incredibly fast data speeds. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS. 

Jetpac is the place to go for rapid data speeds, thanks to its partnerships with big-name carriers like AT&T and Verizon. 

Thye also provide flexible data plans, ranging anywhere from 1GB to over 40 GB! 

With a 4.5 ease of use rating from its customers, Jetpac stands as a testament to going the extra mile. 

Just look to Jetpac’s SmartDelay service, which enables its users to gain access to airport lounges upon flight delays or cancellations. 

9. BNESIM 

Coverage: 200+ countries. 

Price: Starting from $0.98

Validity Period: 1-30 days.

Value Proposition: They enable you to get local numbers within your destination. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS. 

Thanks to BNESIM’s value proposition, you won’t have to deal with bank-breaking roaming fees. 

Considering BNESIM’s Support section (which is jam-packed with multiple installation guides and instructional images) and reliable bandwidth, its four-star rating is well-deserved. 

With live support chats via link, phone call, or email, BNESIM is a good choice for those who require additional technical assistance. 

The downside – BNESIM will automatically renew your data plan once it reaches the end of its validity period, meaning you’ll have to manually cancel your plan. 

10. Yesim

Coverage: 120+ countries. 

Price: Starting from $9.90

Validity Period: 1-30 days. 

Value Proposition: They offer a referral program where you can earn rewards for future data plans. 

Supported Devices: Android, iOS. 

One of the greatest things about Yesim is that, provided you have access to the internet, you can purchase and use virtual phone numbers to contact anyone in the world at any time. 

24/7 support, 4.2 customer ratings, painless activation processes, unlimited, high-speed data plans – these are just some of the features that make Yesim a great eSIM provider. 

Read more about this eSIM provider on our Yesim review. 

How We Tested The Best eSIM Services 

Here at Roami, our team consists of seasoned travelers who value the practical approach of testing eSIMs.  

Our reviews and advice stem from our hands-on testing methods, which allow us to provide our readers with reliable insights and honesty. 

As travelers ourselves, we know how frustrating it can be to deal with spotty internet connections during our adventures. 

To help our readers avoid the problems we’ve experienced, we have a rigorous testing methodology for every eSIM we try. 

Here’s a brief overview of our testing criteria: 

• We evaluate each eSIM provider’s value proposition so you can determine the most impactful benefits of choosing that provider. 
• We use maps to help you visualize the coverage of a particular eSIM. 
• We run a comparative analysis of the top eSIM provider’s rates and data packages to see if the eSIM’s advertised performance matches its actual performance. 
• We experience the activation process of a particular eSIM and evaluate its instructional quality, convenience, and physical SIM card conversion options. 
• We personally test an eSIM’s connectivity speed so you know exactly how your eSIM’s speed will affect things like downloading and video calling. 
• We personally experience an eSIM provider’s customer service and seek out crucial features like availability and communication channels.

Device eSIM Compatability 

Device eSIM compatibility is very important. 

After all, knowing how we test the best eSIM plans won’t help you much if you don’t first know whether your eSIM is compatible with your device. 

We’ll discuss which devices are compatible with eSIM technology (and which ones aren’t), but you need to know a few things first. 

For starters, eSIM compatibility isn’t as straightforward as traditional, physical SIM cards. 

With eSIMs, even where you bought your device can have an impact on your eSIM’s compatibility. 

In other words, your phone model could support an eSIM in one country but not work at all in another. 

Let’s say you bought your phone somewhere in Europe and have had no problems using your eSIM in Romania or France. 

That very same phone model may not be able to support an eSIM in the United States. 

So, when you embark on your international travels, it’s crucial that you check the compatibility within your destination. 

Another thing you need to consider is your phone carrier. 

If your phone has a carrier-imposed lock, then your phone won’t work on another network. This means that if you want to use another provider’s eSIM, you won’t be able to. 

You can combat this by contacting your phone carrier’s support team and asking them to unlock your phone for you. The thing is is that most phone carriers take at least a week to complete this process. 

Alternatively, you can purchase an already-unlocked phone, but of course, this isn’t the most affordable option. 

Compatible Devices 

To help you navigate the challenges we mentioned above, we’ve listed some of the eSIM-compatible devices below. 

• iPhone XS + XS Max 
• iPhone XR 
• iPhone 11 + its variants 
• iPhone 12 + its variants 
• iPhone 13 + its variants 
• iPhone 14 + its variants 
• iPhone 15 + its variants 
• iPad (7th – 10th generation) 
• iPad Air (3rd – 5th generation)
• Samsung Galaxy (S20 – S23+)
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 + Ultra 
• Samsung Galaxy Fold (1-4) 
• Samsung Galaxy Flip 1, 3, and 4 
• Google Pixel (2-8) 
• Google Pixel XL (2-4)
• Google Pixel Pro (6-8)

Incompatible Devices 

Just as you need to know which devices are eSIM compatible, you also need to know which ones aren’t. 

For Apple devices, you can expect that models older than the iPhone XR/XS and the iPad Pro (2018) won’t be compatible with eSIMs. 

As for Samsung devices, most models that precede the Galaxy S20 series generally don’t support eSIM compatibility. 

If you prefer Google Pixel phones, steer clear of any models that were released prior to the launch of the Google Pixel 3 models. 

Ultimately, if you have an older phone model, the likelihood is that it won’t support your eSIM. 

How to Find Out If Your Device is eSIM Compatible 

Let’s look at how you can find out if your iPhone model supports eSIMs 

1. Go to your Settings, then General, and then to the About section. 
2. Scroll down to the Carrier Lock option. 
3. Here, you’ll see the phrase ‘No SIM restrictions’, provided that your device is unlocked. 
4. Scroll down to the Available SIM/Digital SIM option. 
5. You’ll find a 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number if your phone model supports eSIM technology. 

If you own a Samsung phone, this process looks a little different. 

1. Go to your Settings and find the Connections section. 
2. Tap on the ‘SIM Card Manager’ option. 
3. If you can see an option that is titled ‘Add Mobile Plan’ then your Samsung is eSIM compatible. 

Lastly, let’s shift focus to Google Pixel phones. 

1. Go to your Settings and then find the Network & Internet section. 
2. Tap on the ‘eSIM Cards’ option. 
3. If ‘Connect to a Mobile Network’ has an alternative ‘Download a SIM instead?’ option, you know that your Google Pixel model supports eSIMs. 

How to Choose The Right eSIM Provider 

Now that you know more about eSIM compatibility, it’s time to find out more about choosing the right eSIM provider. 

Although perusing our list of eSIM companies is a great place to start, you may need some additional tips and tricks to find the best eSIMs for travel. 

To help you out, we’ve revealed these tips and tricks below. 

• Look into your potential eSIM provider’s coverage maps and partnerships with local network operators to ensure adequate connectivity. 
• Base your ideal provider’s pricing model on your expected data usage. 
• Keep an eye out for any additional fees that are attached to your prospective provider’s data plans. 
• If you think you’ve found a good eSIM provider, compare their rates and pricing models to other providers to make sure you’re getting the best value for your needs. 
• Reflect on how frequently you use data and how much data you use every day. This will help you determine if you need an eSIM provider who offers unlimited data. 
• You should also reflect on what you use your data for, as certain activities consume more data than others. This is another way to find out which providers offer suitable international data eSIMs. 
• Assess the quality of your provider’s customer support, including the communication channels they use, their availability, response times, and the knowledge of their support teams. 
• Investigate your eSIM provider’s social proof, including testimonials, reviews, and ratings. 
• Consider the steps of your provider’s eSIM activation process. Nearly every provider will prioritize straightforwardness, speed, and user-friendliness, but of course, some providers master these priorities better than others. 
• Evaluate the robustness of your provider’s security measures. 
• Review the terms of your contract. You should especially look for termination clauses and associated penalties. 
• Research/Contact your provider to find out if they offer multi-device support. 
• Measure your provider’s value-added features (like two-factor authentication or data plan switching) against your unique needs. 

The Benefits of Traveling with International eSIMs 

You know a lot about testing your device’s eSIM compatibility and finding the right eSIM provider. 

But one thing we haven’t addressed is how you’ll benefit from traveling with an international eSIM in the first place. 

Until now. 

Below, we’ve listed some of the most significant advantages of having an international eSIM at your disposal. 

• Unlike physical SIM cards, you can rest easy knowing eSIM can’t be stolen or lost. 

• You no longer have to carry, swap, or wait on postage to have access to your eSIM. 

• With an eSIM, international roaming packages, and – more importantly – their hefty costs are a thing of the past. 

• If you prefer, you can use multiple eSIMs on your phone at once, which makes switching between countries much simpler. 

• In an age of sustainable tourism, eSIMs are a great tool for reducing one’s impact on the environment. 

• You can activate eSIMs remotely and easily, saving you the time you would’ve otherwise spent searching for a SIM card vendor upon your arrival. 

The Disadvantages of Traveling with International eSIMs 

It would be great if technology were indisputably flawless. But, sadly, that just isn’t the case, and eSIMs are no exception. 

As we mentioned earlier, we value honesty. 

In that spirit, we want you to know the drawbacks you could encounter when using an international eSIM. 

• If you have a phone that’s older than the models we discussed earlier, you’ll have a difficult time finding a compatible eSIM. 

• The usefulness of your eSIM relies on the signal coverage in your area. If you travel to a location with practically no internet access, you won’t get much out of your eSIM. 

• The activation process also relies on a stable internet connection. Without one, it could take a while for you to be able to use your eSIM. Worst of all, if you have a spotty internet connection, your carrier profile download could contain errors. 

• If you’re concerned about network providers tracking your movements, an unremovable eSIM won’t calm those worries. 

• If your phone gets damaged and is difficult to operate, transferring your data plan to another phone can prove tricky with an eSIM. Since you’d need to use your phone to transfer your data via an online download, you’ll likely lose your data plan entirely. 

As you can see, the pros definitely outweigh the cons when it comes to eSIM technology. 

How to Start Using a Global eSIM 

After everything you’ve learned about eSIMs, you’re probably eager to start using one. 

To help you, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide below that you can apply to any device. 

1. Check Your Device’s eSIM Compatibility 

Before you do anything else, you must make sure your device can support eSIM technology. 

Looking at our list of compatible devices is a good place to start, but it isn’t an exhaustive list. 

You can follow our advice on how to find out if your device is eSIM-compatible. Alternatively, you can contact your phone carrier. 

2. Choose an eSIM Provider 

From our exploration of eSIM providers, we do not doubt that at least one of them will accommodate your needs. 

But whether you choose an eSIM provider from our list or not, we recommend conducting your own research. 

After all, you know your needs better than anyone. 

Evaluate crucial features and specifications, such as coverage, data plans, validity periods, and security measures. 

Once you’ve found the perfect provider, be sure to download their app. 

3. Purchase Your eSIM Plan

When you’ve downloaded your provider’s app, you should register your account. 

After doing that, you can peruse the provider’s available eSIMs and find the one that best suits your circumstances. 

Once you’ve found the right plan, you simply need to add it to your cart and complete the payment process. 

4. Install Your eSIM 

After purchasing your eSIM, you’ll receive installation instructions, often alongside a QR code or an activation code. 

Here, you’ll open your device’s Settings, navigate to the Cellular/Network & Internet section, and add your cellular plan/carrier. 

Once you’ve done that, you can either scan the QR code provided or enter the activation code manually. 

5. Activate Your eSIM 

Now, you just need to make sure your eSIM is enabled in your device’s Settings, and you’re all set up. 

To test your eSIM’s connectivity, turn off the Wi-Fi. 

If you see signal bars and the carrier’s name, you know your eSIM is connected to the mobile network. 

6. Tips & Tricks 

We’ve also provided some tips for new eSIM users below. 

1. If you’ve purchased several eSIMs, you can switch between networks in your settings. All you need to do is select the eSIM you wish to use. 
2. Make sure to back up your eSIM’s details in case you to reinstall it. 
3. Label your eSIM profiles so it’s easier to identify them. 
4. If you’re relying on public Wi-Fi to use your eSIM, consider investing in a VPN so your data is secure. 
5. Regularly update your device and eSIM app so you’re not missing out on vital security or performance updates. 

How to Start Using International eSIMs on Android Devices 

It’s time to get a little more specific; below, we’ve discussed how to start using international eSIMs on Android devices. 

1. Open your device’s Settings. 
2. Go to the Connections or Network & Internet section. 
3. In this section, you’ll find the SIM Manager option – tap this option. 
4. Tap on the Add eSIM option. 
5. Scan the QR code or manually enter the activation code you received in your installation kit. 
6. Wait for the eSIM to load and tap the Add option to complete the installation process. 
7. Label your eSIM. 
8. Toggle your eSIM off until you’re ready to activate it. 

How to Start Using International eSIMs on iOS Devices 

Now, let’s look at using international eSIMs on iOS devices. 

1. Go to your iPhone’s Settings. 
2. Find and tap on the section titled Cellular. 
3. Tap on the Add Cellular Plan option. 
4. Scan the QR code or enter your activation code manually. 
5. Tap on the Add Cellular Plan option again to confirm your eSIM plan. 
6. Once activated, you’ll find your plan in your overall list of cellular plans. 

International eSIM Alternatives 

If, after reading our guide, you don’t think an international eSIM is right for you, don’t worry – you have other options. 

Consider the following international eSIM alternatives. 

• Local eSIMs: These eSIMs provide you with network coverage within a single country. 
• Regional eSIMs: Regional eSIMs offer you network coverage across multiple countries within a particular region. 
• Pocket WiFi: Pocket WiFi refers to portable WiFi routers that provide wireless internet access while you’re on the go. 
• VoIP Services: Voice over Internet Protocol services enable you to make voice calls via an internet connection rather than a cellular network. 
• Local Phone Rentals: You also have the option to rent mobile phones that contain local SIM cards from a rental service, like musicMagpie. 
• Physical SIM Cards: SIM cards are small chips that allow you to connect to your phone carrier’s cellular network. As physical cards, you can insert and remove SIM cards from your mobile device. 

International eSIMs vs. Local eSIMs

Given the multiple options available for eSIMs, you may wonder if an international eSIM is truly the best choice. 

But the only way to to know for sure is to compare international eSIMs with local eSIMs. 

Let’s start by addressing the biggest difference between international and local eSIMs – the coverage. 

Needless to say that international eSIMs knock local eSIMs out of the park when it comes to coverage, since local eSIMs only provide coverage within one country. 

On the other hand, as you know, international eSIMs are ideal for multi-country trips. 

Additionally, local eSIMs are generally cheaper than international eSIMs, but that’s only if you travel to one country. 

If you want to use local eSIMs across your travels, you’ll need to pay and activate a new eSIM for each country. 

This is especially important if you don’t speak the language of the country you’re visiting – seeking technical assistance under these circumstances can pose a real challenge. 

Obviously, with international eSIMs, you won’t have to deal with this problem. 

Ultimately, international eSIMs are ideal for multi-country adventures, while local eSIMs are perfect if you’re staying in one country for a while. 

International eSIMs vs. Physical SIM Cards 

Of course, we can’t discuss eSIM comparisons without also discussing the differences between eSIMs and physical SIM cards. 

As you know, eSIMs are more secure than SIM cards since you can’t lose them. 

While this fact does make eSIMs seem like the superior choice, there are still notable benefits to using SIM cards. 

For starters, SIM cards celebrate wide availability and compatibility. You can easily purchase and activate a SIM card in any mobile store around the world. 

As an added bonus, you’ll receive immediate assistance from the mobile vendor, unlike eSIM support teams, which may have long response times. 

That being said, SIM cards are often more costly than eSIMs. Where you’d pay a one-time setup fee for an eSIM, you would pay for the SIM card itself, the SIM card activation, roaming, and data packages. 

But are the additional costs worth it when it comes to data speeds? 

Well, the truth is that the data speed of an eSIM or SIM card relies on network coverage. 

If your destination can’t support a stable internet connection, your eSIM’s data speed will suffer. 

At the same time, SIM cards depend on the provider’s network coverage. This means that if you want to visit remote/rural areas that have limited network coverage, you’re likely to experience slower data speeds. 

Despite the issue of internet access, eSIMs are a lot more convenient than SIM cards. You can store multiple eSIMs on your device, making it incredibly simple to switch between different networks. 

FAQs

After reading our guide, you’re bound to have some questions. 

Before we leave you to consider your options, we’d like to answer some of those questions. 

Let’s look at some of our most frequently asked questions and see if we can address your queries.

Cintia Soto Tomeu

Adventurer, passionate traveler, and tech enthusiast. On Roami, I aim at sharing the best solutions to help you navigate the complexities of staying connected abroad, ensuring a hassle-free experience. I enjoy playing chess, reading Brian Greene, and exploring different cultures!