The Best Travel eSIMs for Digital Nomads (2024)

Editor’s Take

One unique advantage of Holafly is the ability to customize your plan. While most eSIM data packages are sold with pre-set expirations after a certain number of days  (one day, 7 days, 14 days, etc.), Holafly allows you to specify the time period. We like that the company sells unlimited data packages by country and region at competitive prices (currently $75 for Europe). 

✅90-day refund policy.

✅Unlimited data plans are available. 

✅You can set the expiration date of your prepaid plan. 

❌Prices for small amounts of data are higher than competitors. 

❌Holafly doesn’t offer a global plan. 

❌SMS is not included in Holafly’s packages. 

💰Discount: Use code NOMADDEALS to get 5% off your Holafly purchase

Editor’s Take

Nomad is a solid choice for short-term eSIM needs. With some packages starting at just $1.20 for a single gigabyte, Nomad’s base price decisively beats most other eSIM providers. Nomad is also known in the digital nomad community for extremely low-cost data packages in select countries. For example, you can get a 10-day package of 50 GB in Thailand for just $8, or 16 cents per gigabyte. 

✅Low base price for data packages. 

✅Nomad’s sales prices in some countries are much better than competitors. 

✅High customer satisfaction ratings. 

❌No unlimited data plans. 

❌Calling isn’t available on most plans. 

❌Nomad only offers technical support via email. 

Editor’s Take

We like that Instabridge boasts a high customer satisfaction score (4.8 on the App Store), as well as affordable prices for short-term plans. One unique benefit of Instabridge is its pay-as-you-go option. When you turn this feature on, the company will automatically recharge your data whenever you run out – a major convenience for those who don’t remember to check their data levels. 

✅Pay-as-you-go option available.  

✅Competitive base prices. 

✅The company boasts high customer satisfaction scores.  

❌The app/website can be confusing to navigate. 

❌Instabridge doesn’t offer calling or SMS. 

❌No unlimited data packages. 

💰Discount: Use code INSTA10 to get 10% off your first Instabridge purchase

Yesim

Other eSIM Providers to Consider

Airhub

Airhub stands out for its ultra-cheap eSIMs. For one global coverage package, you can get 50 GB of data for just $45.90 – an astonishing value compared to other providers. Airhub also offers monthly unlimited data plans in several countries, with the U.S. plan starting at just $38 a month. The one downside is that customers frequently complain about reliability, so there’s a bit of a risk in that regard. 

Check out Airhub’s plans

💰Discount: Use the code NOMAD5 to save 5% on your first purchase.

AloSIM

Available in over 175 countries, AloSIM provides both eSIM packages for individual countries and regions. Starting at $4.50 for 1 GB lasting seven days, the company’s prices generally fall in the middle of the pack, but good deals can be found in regions such as Asia. A free local number is also provided with many plans. 

Check out AloSIM’s plans.

BNESIM

BNE offers local, regional, and global plans for over 200 destinations. We like that the company offers low base prices and flexibility around duration. For example, you can get 1 GB of data in the U.S. for $2.49, with no expiration date. The company also offers additional discounts if you subscribe to an automatic renewal plan (e.g. $1.62 per gigabyte in the U.S.) Cons noted by some users include a complicated setup process and reliability issues. 

Check out BNESIM’s plans.

GlobalYO

GlobalYO’s eSIMs provide coverage in over 200 countries, with numerous regional and global packages available for purchase. The company boasts affordable data packages and a generous loyalty program, offering up to a 50% discount using accumulating points (“YOYO$”). GlobalYO garners a respectable 4.5 rating on the App Store, indicating a decent level of customer satisfaction. 

Check out GlobalYO’s plans.

Saily

Saily comes from the makers of NordVPN, one of the most popular VPNs for digital nomads, As a relative newcomer on the eSIM scene, Saily emphasizes user friendliness. While many competitors sell a wide variety of data packages, sometimes from different wireless carriers, Saily offers five straightforward options for each individual country starting at $3.99 per gigabyte. The app features a clean setup and easy installation, making a solid option for users who value simplicity. 

Check out Saily’s plans.

Orange

Orange is best-known as a French telecom company with a major presence in parts of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. It also runs a travel eSIM division that offers prepaid call, text, and data packages to customers around the world. Although prices are a bit higher than other providers on our list, you get the benefit of a major wireless brand name that (in many cases) owns its own infrastructure. 

Check out Orange’s plans.

Ubigi

Ubigi offers a wide variety of affordable eSIMs in over 200 countries. With a 4.6 rating on the App Store, Ubigi is often mentioned as a reliable provider on digital nomad forums. Data-only packages start at $4 per gigabyte. The company also offers annual plans that automatically refresh your unused data balance every month. 

Check out Ubigi’s plans.

eSIM Buying Guide

What is an eSIM? 

An eSIM (short for “embedded Subscriber Identity Module”) is a digital version of the physical smart card that provides secure access to a cellular network. Rather than physical insertion into a SIM card tray, eSIMs are chips built into the smartphone’s hardware. An eSIM can be programmed remotely, and many eSIM-enabled devices allow users to switch between multiple cellular networks. 

Who offers eSIMs?

eSIM providers fall into two categories: MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) and wireless carriers. 

• Most travel eSIM providers, such as those on our list, are MVNOs. These companies use the infrastructure of wireless carriers to repackage and sell cellular services. Prepaid eSIMs sold by MVNOs can be purchased and activated at home, which makes them more convenient.

• Wireless carriers own the network infrastructure. These companies, such as AT&T, Vodafone, China Mobile, and Claro, are major national and/or global brands. Many of them offer plans for both eSIM and physical SIM users, usually at a lower price than MTVOs. Oftentimes, however, they often must be purchased and activated within the country of use.

Physical SIM vs. eSIM

Both physical SIMs and eSIMs unlock a smartphone’s access to a cellular network. However, there are several key differences. 

Is it possible to get a local eSIM as a foreigner?

Most of the time, buying data directly from a local wireless carrier is much cheaper than purchasing an eSIM from a third-party MTVO. However, local eSIMs are often difficult to obtain for travelers. Many countries maintain laws that prevent foreigners from buying eSIMs without a local ID, whereas prepaid physical SIM cards can be purchased from airport kiosks, street vendors, grocery stores, and many other retail outlets. 

If you do decide to go this route, check out Apple’s list of mobile carriers that offer eSIMs, including prepaid options. 

What’s cheaper for digital nomads, an eSIM or a physical SIM?

Due to restrictions that many countries place on foreigners signing up for postpaid eSIM plans, it’s usually more cost-effective to go with a prepaid physical SIM from a local carrier. This means that you will need a device with a physical SIM card tray. 

Tip: For digital nomads that prefer physical SIM cards, the free Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki offers a comprehensive overview of options around the world.

Choosing an eSIM provider

Check compatibility before you buy

Not all devices support eSIMs. Verify yours by dialing *#06# on your phone. If an eSIM ID (EID) appears, you’re good to go! Android users can also check their settings under “Network & Internet” or “SIM Card Manager” for “Add eSIM” options.

iPhones with eSIM compatibility include:

• iPhone XR and later models, including iPhone 15 series, iPhone 14 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 12 series, iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE (3rd generation 2022), and iPhone SE (2nd generation 2020).

Note: iPhones from only Hong Kong and China mainland regions are not eSIM compatible.

Android phones with eSIM compatibility include: 

• Samsung Galaxy S20 and later models, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series, Samsung Galaxy A55 5G, Xiaomi 13 and later models, Google Pixel 5 and later models. 

Note: Some exceptions apply; always check to ensure that a device purchased in your country contains eSIM features. 

Understand your data needs

How much data do you typically use on a weekly or monthly basis? Will you have access to WiFi in your accommodations, or will you rely on your phone’s hotspot to access the web on other devices? Before you buy a package, it might be useful to calculate your data needs by checking your historic usage. 

iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on Cellular or Mobile Data.
3. You’ll see your current data usage period displayed at the top. This might not necessarily align with your billing cycle.
4. Below that, you’ll find a list of apps and how much cellular data each has used during this period.
5. To see the data usage since your last reset, scroll all the way down and tap Reset Statistics.

Android:

The steps to check data usage can vary slightly depending on your specific Android device and operating system version. Here’s a general guideline:

1. Open Settings.
2. Look for options related to Network & internet, Data Usage, or Mobile Data. These terms might differ slightly depending on your device’s manufacturer.
3. You should see your current data usage period and total data used displayed.
4. You might also find options to see data usage by app and set data usage warnings or limits.

Think about your long-term plan

Oftentimes, it is cheaper for long-term digital nomads to purchase data directly from local mobile operators, rather than the MTVOs on this list. In that case, it might be a better idea to only buy a small amount for your first few days while you shop around for a longer term potion. 

If you’re only staying for the short-term, though, using an eSIM from one of the providers on our list usually makes more sense. This will ensure that you don’t stress about roaming charges, and that you don’t need to use valuable time searching for a phone plan. 

Check out user reviews

Although our guide provides a comprehensive overview of the best eSIM providers, it is impossible to know how each of them will perform in every single country. Some eSIM operators provide clear coverage in a few regions, while struggling in others. That’s why it’s important to seek out first-hand experience from others who have used eSIMs in your destination. Consider buying the minimum amount of data to test out the service before committing to a larger package.