As a full-time traveler, one of my biggest challenges is finding affordable cellular data plans while abroad. Buying local SIM cards has been my go-to strategy, as they usually offer better rates than the $10/day charges from my U.S. provider.

With Apple eliminating SIM card slots in the iPhone, I had to adapt to eSIM technology. Initially, I kept my old iPhone 13 as a backup, but now eSIMs have truly become indispensable.

Over the past three years, I've explored and tested various eSIM options worldwide, from Southeast Asia to Southern Africa. Keep reading for insights on eSIM cards for international travel and some discount codes to save you money!

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Overview of This Post

What drawbacks are there to using an eSIM card for travel?

Can you get unlimited data with eSIMs?

Are eSIMs more affordable than traditional SIM cards for travel?

Do eSIMs function in the U.S. while traveling?

Can you use eSIMs for personal hotspots?

Are there safety and privacy concerns with eSIMs?

Which eSIM card is best for international travel?

Understanding eSIM Cards

An eSIM card is essentially a digital SIM integrated into newer smartphones. With Apple removing the SIM tray from U.S. models starting with the iPhone 14, eSIMs are now the sole option for these devices. This innovation simplifies the process, eliminating the need to visit a store for a physical SIM and the hassle of inserting it into the device. The primary advantage of an eSIM is its capability to operate in multiple countries, making it unnecessary to buy numerous SIM cards during your travels. It is also generally more affordable than purchasing an international plan through a U.S. carrier.

In some Asian regions, you can still purchase the latest iPhone models featuring a physical SIM tray. However, keep in mind that AppleCare for devices bought abroad doesn’t cover theft.

Drawbacks of eSIM Cards for Travel

eSIM cards can be more challenging to activate and may not be compatible with all smartphones or plans. I faced issues with my prior iPhone 13 Pro, which was locked to Verizon, but have had no complications with my current device. Nowadays, most eSIM applications inform you about your phone's compatibility before you make a purchase.

One significant drawback is that eSIM cards often lack coverage in remote areas. Availability can be limited or costly. For instance, I had trouble finding an affordable eSIM for my trip to Laos in Southeast Asia last year but managed to acquire a reasonable one from a local provider at the airport. Similar issues arose in Africa.

Learn from my experiences: if you're purchasing a regional or global eSIM card, confirm that your plan covers all countries you will visit.

Genuine eSIM Reviews for Travelers

Traveling full-time, I regularly evaluate eSIM options worldwide. Here are my findings:

How to Obtain an eSIM Card

To set up an eSIM on your device:

1. Download the app from an eSIM provider, such as Airalo, Saily, GigSky, or Truely.

2. Select and purchase a global, regional, or local eSIM card based on your needs. The apps will indicate if your phone is compatible before you finalize your purchase!

3. Follow the on-screen prompts to install, ideally before your trip.

4. In your phone's cellular settings, ensure the eSIM card is selected for cellular data.

Important Note: The plan won't activate until you reach your destination. If it doesn't connect automatically, try toggling Airplane mode on and off.

Sarandë, Albania // Recently, I utilized an Airalo 10 GB Europe eSIM for seamless connectivity while traveling through Greece, Croatia, Albania, and Montenegro. This was particularly helpful as the latter two are outside the EU, and I had faced issues with a physical SIM purchased in Greece.

Can eSIMs Provide Unlimited Data?

Yes, several eSIM providers offer unlimited data options, but it's essential to read the fine print. The term "unlimited" can be misleading because there's typically a "fair use" data limit where you receive a certain amount of high-speed data (around 3-5GB) each day. Once that limit is reached, data speeds may be throttled, which is particularly significant for users relying on hotspots. Some brands restrict hotspot data to a mere half a gig per day, which is quite limiting.

Many unlimited plans are customizable, allowing you to select the number of days you require, but they tend to be more expensive than those with fixed data limits.

Currently, Airalo, Saily, GigSky, and Truely provide unlimited data plans in select regions worldwide, while Holafly focuses exclusively on unlimited plans globally.

Are eSIMs More Affordable than Traditional SIMs for Travel?

It varies. While eSIMs can be more affordable than U.S. international plans, they often cost more than local physical SIM cards.

With providers like Airalo or Saily, prices range from $16 to $20 for 5GB in various regions, which is a solid deal for travelers visiting multiple countries. However, if you're staying in one location for an extended period, purchasing a local SIM card is typically cheaper. For instance, in Thailand, I pay about $10/month for unlimited data, and in Laos, I spent $4 for 30 GB from a local provider.

Always avoid buying SIM cards at the airport—prices are usually inflated! I've generally found physical SIMs to be slightly less expensive than eSIMs, but many modern phones lack the option for a physical SIM.

Top eSIM Discount Codes

  • Airalo: New customers can use 15% off and existing users can use AIRALOESIM10.
  • Saily: Use code ANNA10 for a 10% discount.
  • GigSky: Offers free 15-day plans and up to 30% off for select Visa cardholders in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
  • Truely: Enjoy 15% off all plans with code ANNA15.

Do eSIMs Work in the U.S. While Traveling?

Yes, eSIMs are functional in the U.S. for travelers. Almost all leading eSIM companies provide plans for the U.S. Last spring, I ran out of data on my Verizon plan just before a three-month European trip, so I opted for a three-day Airalo plan, which worked flawlessly. This is ideal for individuals traveling within the U.S. or expats returning for a brief visit. Check out a list of their U.S. plan options.

Can eSIMs Be Used for Personal Hotspots?

Yes, eSIMs can support personal hotspots, although not all do! This feature is essential for me since I often work while traveling, and public WiFi can be unreliable. I depend on my personal hotspot for my laptop during Zoom meetings.

Recently, I've successfully used my personal hotspot with regional and country-specific Airalo eSIMs in Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Airalo states it depends on carrier support, so it can be unpredictable, but I’ve had good luck. (I still carry my old iPhone 13 Pro for backup in remote areas.)

I’ve managed to hotspot my computer using plans from Airalo, Saily, GigSky, and Truely.

Are eSIMs Secure? Are There Privacy Issues?

eSIMs are as secure as any online activity. Providers often require their app for activation and usage, which means some level of tracking can occur. Apple users should enable the “ask app not to track” setting for added privacy. Android devices likely have similar options. In many respects, eSIMs can enhance security.

If your phone gets stolen, you can swiftly disable the service to prevent number theft. For extra security, consider using a VPN. Saily eSIMs even include a virtual location feature. Personally, I use NordVPN for my phone and Mac while traveling. For more on VPNs, check out my article about two-step verification while traveling.

During a recent two-month trip to Africa, I used Airalo’s plans in South Africa and Botswana without any issues, which I detailed in a comprehensive review.

Which eSIM Card is Best for International Travel?

While pricing is fairly similar across eSIM brands, the quality of an eSIM card largely depends on the local partner network. Regional packages might utilize different networks than local packages.

Research which brand collaborates with the most reliable network in your travel destination. For remote locations like Laos and Namibia, it’s often best to opt for a local provider. Purchase your SIM upon arrival.

Airalo is the oldest eSIM store globally, offering a wide range of plans, while Saily includes built-in security features and virtual locations. My experiences with both have been excellent. GigSky provides great discounts for select Visa cardholders, while Truely ensures smooth connectivity with the option to pause plans. If you choose these brands, remember to use the discount codes mentioned earlier.

Other brands worth considering include Holafly, Flexiroam, and Nomad. Apple also offers a comprehensive webpage listing wireless carriers worldwide that provide eSIM services.

What is the Cost of an eSIM Card for iPhone?

eSIM plans can start as low as $4 USD. While prices generally remain consistent across brands, some companies offer a broader variety of plans than others. Generally, Europe and Southeast Asia are cheaper compared to Africa.

Seven-day plans typically start around $4 USD in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, while five-day unlimited data plans begin at approximately $18.99 USD. Prices vary based on duration (ranging from three to 60 days) and data limits (1GB to unlimited).

Use these eSIM discount codes to save:

  • Airalo: New customers can use 15% off using code NEWTOAIRALO15 for existing users AIRALOESIM10.
  • Saily: Apply code ANNA10 for a 10% discount.
  • GigSky: Offers free 15-day plans and discounts of up to 30% for select Visa cardholders in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
  • Truely: Get 15% off with code ANNA15 on all plans.

Loyalty programs can also be beneficial. For example, Airalo offers 5% to 10% back on purchases, while Saily gives 3% credit and a 15% discount for students. While you usually can’t combine discount codes with loyalty programs, I prefer using discount codes for better savings.

My Approach to Mobile Data While Traveling Long-Term

For nine months of the year, I’m on the move. Keeping my U.S. phone number has been challenging without incurring high costs. I switched to a Verizon prepaid plan that allows me to retain my number by paying every 60 days (for instance, I only paid for two months during my last six-month trip).

Since Verizon’s international plan costs a fortune and rarely worked for me, I rely on travel eSIM cards for the regions I visit. The exception is Thailand, where I buy a local eSIM from AIS during my extended winter stays.

During my two-month European trip last fall, I exclusively used Airalo eSIMs, including a regional Europe plan and a Greece-specific option, both of which performed excellently.

Final Thoughts on eSIMs

Overall, eSIMs represent the future of mobile connectivity—whether we’re ready or not. They offer convenience and are generally more affordable than U.S. international plans, especially if you don't have T-Mobile. Regional eSIM plans are fantastic for short trips across multiple countries.

If you're planning to stay long-term in one area, opting for an eSIM or a local SIM card from a cellular provider often proves more economical, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia. After two months in Africa last year, I feel more confident about the viability of eSIMs for travel in remote areas.

Wishing you safe and enjoyable travels!