Whether you work remotely from cafes, zip between business meetings, or just need Google Maps to work, your eSIM choice really impacts the trip. The right one finds a good balance: solid coverage, fair cost, and simple setup, matching your specific travel style. Finding the best eSIM for international travel depends on what you need most.
We’ll check out top eSIM providers for 2025. We’ll see what each does well. This should help you pick the right one for your next phone before you head overseas.
What Makes an eSIM the Best Choice for Travelers?
Physical SIM cards worked fine before. But eSIMs offer clear perks for travelers going abroad:
- Activate instantly. Skip hunting shops or waiting at airport kiosks. Your eSIM turns on digitally in minutes.
- Keep multiple profiles ready. Most new phones let you store several eSIMs. Switch between local data plans without swapping tiny cards.
- No risk of losing it. Physical SIMs are small and easy to misplace. eSIMs live safely on your phone – one less worry.
- Set up before you fly. Buy and install your eSIM from home. You’re connected the moment you land.
- Use two numbers at once. Keep your home number active for calls and texts. Use your eSIM for local data. Handle both easily on one phone.
These advantages make eSIMs simpler and more reliable abroad. That’s why many consider them the best eSIM for international travel today.
Top 7 Best eSIMs for International Travel
Airalo — Best eSIM for International Travel on a Budget
Airalo has become a favorite among cost-conscious travelers who don’t want to sacrifice quality. With coverage in over 200 countries, they’ve built a reputation for reliability while keeping prices reasonable.
Key features:
- Data plans starting from $4.50/GB
- Country, regional, and global plans available
- User-friendly app with straightforward activation
- Strong partnerships with local carriers worldwide
While not the absolute cheapest option for every destination, Airalo consistently delivers a balance of quality and affordability that’s hard to beat. Their “Discover” global plan works in 125+ countries, making it ideal for multi-country trips.
Ubigi — Best eSIM for Europe and Beyond
Ubigi has perfected the art of seamless connectivity across multiple countries, making it the best Europe eSIM for travelers exploring the continent. Their standout feature is their single eSIM approach – you install it once and can use it forever, simply purchasing data as needed.
Key features:
- Coverage in 190+ countries
- No need for multiple eSIM profiles
- Competitive regional pricing
- Excellent 4G/5G speeds where available
The Ubigi app provides detailed usage stats and easy top-ups, while their customer service responds quickly if issues arise. For travelers planning to explore multiple European destinations, Ubigi eliminates the hassle of juggling different eSIMs for each country.
Holafly — Best eSIM for Unlimited Data
For travelers who hate counting megabytes, Holafly’s unlimited data plans provide peace of mind. Stream, share, and browse without worrying about hitting data caps or facing unexpected charges.
Key features:
- Truly unlimited data in 160+ countries
- Plans ranging from 1 to 90 days
- Fixed pricing with no surprise charges
- Simple activation process
For content creators, remote workers, or anyone who streams video regularly, Holafly’s unlimited plans provide excellent value despite the higher upfront cost. Their longer-term options (up to 90 days) also make them a good choice for extended stays.
Nomad — Best Travel eSIM for Global Coverage
Nomad has established itself as the go-to option for truly global travelers in 2025. With the most extensive coverage network of any provider, Nomad ensures you stay connected even in remote or less-visited destinations.
Key features:
- Coverage in 200+ countries and territories
- Strong performance in off-the-beaten-path locations
- Flexible plan durations from 7 to 30 days
- Regular promotional discounts (including their famous “eSIM Tuesdays”)
The best travel eSIM for adventurous explorers, Nomad excels in regions where other providers struggle. While their prices aren’t always the lowest, their reliability in remote locations makes them worth the premium for certain trips.
Saily — Best eSIM for Easy Setup
Launched by the team behind NordVPN, Saily has quickly gained popularity for its incredibly user-friendly approach. The newest major player in the eSIM market, Saily focuses on simplifying every aspect of the experience.
Key features:
- Minimalist, intuitive interface
- Coverage in 150+ countries
- Competitive pricing (starting at $3.99/GB)
- Lightning-fast activation
Saily’s standout quality is its effortless setup process. Even travelers with limited technical knowledge can have their eSIM up and running in minutes. The streamlined app eliminates confusion, showing only essential information and walking users through each step.
GigSky — Best eSIM for Flexible Plans
GigSky pioneered the eSIM concept and continues to innovate with the most flexible plan structures available. Their pay-as-you-go model combined with traditional data packages gives travelers unprecedented control over their connectivity costs.
Key features:
- Mix of daily, monthly, and data-based plans
- Coverage in 190+ countries
- Integration with major device manufacturers
- Business-focused options with team management
The best international eSIM for travelers with unpredictable data needs, GigSky lets you choose exactly how you want to pay. Their daily plans are perfect for brief layovers, while data packages work better for longer stays. You can even combine approaches for maximum flexibility.
Jetpac — Best eSIM for Group Travel
Jetpac has carved out a unique niche by optimizing the eSIM experience for families and groups traveling together. Their innovative shared data pools and multi-device management make them ideal for keeping everyone connected.
Key features:
- Shared data plans for up to 10 devices
- Family dashboard for monitoring usage
- Parental controls and usage limits
- Group discounts on larger data packages
Coverage extends to 175+ countries, with particularly strong performance in family-friendly tourist destinations. For family vacations, school trips, or friend groups traveling together, Jetpac simplifies connectivity while reducing overall costs.
Best eSIM for Europe: Tailored Solutions for Your Trip
Traveling across Europe brings special connection challenges – and chances. With many countries packed close, frequent border hops, and different networks, picking the right eSIM takes some thought. Getting the best eSIM for international travel here means weighing a few things.
For multi-country trips, Ubigi stands out in 2025. One eSIM works everywhere. No swapping needed as you cross borders. Partnering with top European carriers means you get reliably fast speeds. Their plan covers all EU nations, plus the UK and Switzerland, in one single data package.
Watching your budget in Eastern Europe? Check out Saily. They offer the lowest prices. Their simple approach saves money. Rates can be up to 30% better than others in places like Poland, Hungary, and Croatia.
Staying longer mostly in one country? Airalo’s country-specific deals often give more value than their regional ones. They have strong networks in Germany, France, and Spain. Good coverage reaches even rural spots.
Need unlimited data across Europe? Holafly’s EU plan covers all 27 member states with truly no caps. It costs more than limited options, sure. But heavy users love not counting megabytes. Finding the best eSIM card for Europe really depends on your specific trip.
Picking an eSIM for Europe means thinking about your trip details. Start with your itinerary. How many countries will you hit? Regional plans usually win for multi-country hops, while sticking to one place? Country-specific eSIMs often give better value.
Trip length matters too. Longer journeys benefit from bigger data bundles or unlimited plans – these usually cost less per day.
Consider your typical phone use. Will you stream video, rely on maps constantly, or just check email now and then? Your data habits should steer your choice.
Heading into countryside areas? Focus on providers with strong local network partners there. Good coverage off the beaten path isn’t guaranteed.
Generally, European eSIMs offer great value versus old-school roaming or physical SIM cards. Many providers have dedicated EU packages that work smoothly across the whole region. Finding the best eSIM for travel in Europe comes down to matching these factors to your plans.
How to Use an eSIM When Traveling: Step-by-Step Guide
Setting up an eSIM might seem technical, but the process has become remarkably straightforward in 2025. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to use eSIM when traveling, from purchase to activation:
Before Your Trip:
- Check compatibility First, verify that your device supports eSIM technology. Most smartphones released after 2018 (including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer) are compatible. Check your device settings or the manufacturer’s website to confirm.
- Choose a provider Based on your destination, budget, and data needs, select an eSIM provider from our recommendations above. Each excels in different areas, so match their strengths to your travel plans.
- Purchase your plan Visit the provider’s website or download their app. Select your destination(s) and the amount of data you’ll need. Most providers accept credit cards, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency for payment.
- Download the eSIM profile After purchase, you’ll receive either a QR code or an activation link. If you receive a QR code:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile > Add Cellular/Mobile Plan > Scan QR code
- On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > + Add > Scan QR code
If you receive an activation link, simply click it on your device and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Verify installation Once installed, your new eSIM should appear in your network settings. It will remain inactive until you turn it on, so there’s no harm in setting it up well before your trip.
During Your Trip:
- Activate your eSIM When you arrive at your destination, go to your phone’s settings and enable your travel eSIM. On most phones:
- Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile
- Tap your new eSIM profile
- Toggle it to “On” or “Active”
- Enable “Data Roaming” for this eSIM
- Set data preferences Configure which SIM should be used for data:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile > Cellular/Mobile Data > Select your travel eSIM
- On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > Select your travel eSIM for data
- Monitor your usage Most eSIM providers offer apps that allow you to track your data usage in real-time. Check periodically to ensure you don’t unexpectedly run out.
- Manage dual SIM settings To receive calls and texts on your home number while using your eSIM for data:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile > Default Voice Line > Select your home SIM
- On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Calls & SMS > Default SIM for calls > Select your home SIM
- Top up if needed If you’re running low on data, purchasing additional gigabytes is typically quick and easy through the provider’s app.
After Your Trip:
- Deactivate your eSIM When returning home, disable your travel eSIM to prevent any background data usage:
- Go to your phone’s network settings
- Select your travel eSIM
- Toggle it to “Off” or “Inactive”
- Save for future trips With most providers, you can keep the eSIM profile installed for future travel to the same region. Some profiles expire after a certain period, while others remain valid indefinitely.
- Remove if necessary If you want to free up an eSIM slot on your device:
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile > [Your travel eSIM] > Remove Cellular/Mobile Plan
- On Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > [Your travel eSIM] > Delete
This process may vary slightly depending on your device model and operating system version, but the general flow remains consistent across most smartphones. If you encounter any issues, most eSIM providers offer 24/7 customer support through their apps.
Comparing the Best Travel eSIMs: Which One Suits You?
With so many quality options available, choosing the best eSIM for international travel comes down to matching a provider’s strengths with your specific needs. Let’s break down which travelers should consider each option:
Airalo is perfect for:
- Budget-conscious travelers who still want reliable service
- People visiting popular tourist destinations
- Those who know exactly how much data they’ll need
- First-time eSIM users looking for a straightforward experience
Ubigi works best for:
- Multi-country European itineraries
- Travelers who prefer managing a single eSIM long-term
- Those who value network quality over absolute lowest price
- People who travel to the same regions repeatedly
Holafly is ideal for:
- Heavy data users who stream video or conduct video calls
- Travelers who hate monitoring their data usage
- Longer trips (1-3 months) where unlimited data adds value
- Content creators who need to upload large files on the go
Nomad excels for:
- Globe-trotters visiting multiple continents
- Adventure travelers heading to remote locations
- Those willing to pay slightly more for the broadest coverage
- People who value specialized customer support
Saily works wonderfully for:
- Technology novices who want the simplest possible setup
- Budget travelers focused on popular destinations
- Short-trip travelers who need minimal data
- Former Nord VPN users who trust the brand’s reputation
GigSky is perfect for:
- Business travelers with unpredictable schedules
- Those who need flexibility in plan structure
- People with devices from multiple manufacturers
- Corporate travelers managing team connectivity
Jetpac shines for:
- Family vacations where everyone needs to stay connected
- Friend groups traveling together
- Parents who want to monitor children’s data usage
- Those looking to save through shared data plans
When comparing providers, consider these key factors:
- Coverage – Do they serve all your planned destinations?
- Data needs – How many gigabytes will you realistically use?
- Duration – How long is your trip, and does the plan match?
- Budget – What’s your priority: lowest cost or highest quality?
- Technical comfort – Do you prefer simplicity or advanced features?
- Device compatibility – Is your phone fully supported?
User Reviews and Insights on Top eSIMs
When choosing an eSIM provider, real-world experiences often reveal strengths and weaknesses that specifications alone can’t capture. We’ve analyzed thousands of eSIM reviews from travelers worldwide to identify patterns in user satisfaction.
Airalo consistently earns praise for its straightforward approach and reliable service. Sarah K., a digital nomad who used Airalo across Southeast Asia, notes: “The app is incredibly intuitive, and I never experienced unexpected charges. Coverage was solid even in smaller towns in Vietnam and Thailand.” Some users mention occasionally slower speeds compared to local SIMs, but most find the performance more than adequate for everyday use.
Ubigi users particularly highlight its seamless border-crossing experience. Marcus T., who drove through six European countries, shares: “I never had to think about connectivity once. The eSIM automatically switched to the best local network at each border without any input from me.” Business travelers frequently recommend Ubigi for its consistent performance in urban centers worldwide.
Holafly’s unlimited data plans generate the most passionate reviews. Content creator Jenna M. explains: “Being able to upload videos and join Zoom calls without watching my data usage was liberating. The slightly higher cost was absolutely worth the freedom.” The main criticism centers on hotspot restrictions, which limit some users’ ability to share their connection with laptops or tablets.
Nomad receives glowing feedback from adventure travelers. Hiking enthusiast Carlos R. reports: “I had signal in remote parts of Patagonia where my travel companions had no service at all. For off-the-grid destinations, Nomad is unmatched.” Some users note that Nomad’s prices can be higher than competitors for common destinations, but those who venture beyond tourist areas find the premium justified.
Saily earns top marks for user-friendliness. Technology-averse traveler Margaret W. shares: “I’m not tech-savvy at all, but I had my eSIM working in minutes. The visual instructions were crystal clear.” While some power users wish for more advanced features, Saily’s straightforward approach resonates with the majority of casual travelers.
GigSky appeals particularly to business travelers. Consultant David K. notes: “The flexible daily plans saved my company money during a multi-city European trip with scattered meeting days. I only paid for connectivity when I needed it.” Some users mention that GigSky’s app interface could be more intuitive, but most appreciate the flexible plan structures.
Jetpac’s family-friendly approach receives enthusiastic praise from parents. Mother of three Emily R. explains: “Managing the kids’ data usage through a single dashboard was a game-changer for our family vacation. No more complaints about siblings using all the data!” The main feedback for improvement centers on expanding coverage to more family-friendly destinations.
Ready to Travel? Get the Best eSIM for Your Journey
As we’ve explored the top eSIM options for 2025, one thing becomes clear: there’s never been a better time to switch to digital SIM technology for international travel. With providers catering to every need and budget, finding the best eSIM for travel has become simpler than ever.
Before making your final decision:
- Check your phone’s compatibility – Most newer smartphones support eSIM technology, but it’s worth confirming your specific model’s capabilities.
- Estimate your data needs realistically – Consider how you’ll use your phone abroad. Will you be relying heavily on navigation apps, uploading photos to social media, or primarily checking email? Your usage patterns should guide your data package selection.
- Consider your destination’s connectivity landscape – Urban centers typically offer excellent coverage across all providers, while remote areas may be better served by specialists like Nomad.
- Think about your technical comfort level – If you want the simplest experience, providers like Saily and Airalo offer streamlined setup processes. More technically confident users might appreciate the advanced features of GigSky or Ubigi.
- Plan for multiple trips – If you travel frequently, consider providers that allow you to keep your eSIM profile active between trips or offer advantageous rates for returning customers.
As you prepare for your next adventure, take the time to select the right connectivity solution. The best eSIM for international travel isn’t necessarily the cheapest or the one with the most features—it’s the one that aligns perfectly with your unique travel style and needs.
Safe travels, and stay connected!
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