This list will give you the best eSIM providers for international travel. Doesn’t matter which country you’re about to fly to, I guarantee you’ll find your eSIM here. We have listed 10 eSIM companies that will help you when you’re traveling abroad.
In fact, some of these providers offer nearly 280 countries/regions to choose from. For each provider, we’ve also discussed the technicalities such as 4G/5G capabilities, hotspots, calling/SMS features, and so on.
Worried about the budget? You’ll find options starting as low as $0.69. I’m sure you’ve got one extra dollar to spare on that international trip budget, haven’t you?
In case you’re very new to eSIMs, I’ve also included informative sections and FAQs towards the end of the piece.
Let’s get started then!
Table of Contents
Which features should the best eSIM providers offer?
I understand it may be your first time dealing with eSIMs and you’re confused. You can simply go with any one of the providers listed below and things should be fine.
However, if you wish to learn which features you must look for, here’s a list:
- Supported countries: The most important factor to consider is the list of countries your eSIM supports. Always verify that it supports the countries you wish to visit.
- 4G/5G network support: Not all providers support 5G by default. Some providers only support it in specific countries. Hence, verify the plan for your country specifically so that it supports at least 4G and preferably 5G.
- Hotspot abilities: Not all eSIM providers let you use your eSIM for tethering. Check that your provider and package do so if you need a hotspot.
- Call and SMS features: Only the absolute best eSIM providers offer the calling or SMS features. I generally look for the feature although you may skip it if you’re okay with calling over WiFi or social networks.
- KYC: Almost no eSIM will ask you for documentation. If they do, just look for an alternate provider.
- Pricing: This of course is an important factor. On this list, you’ll find providers starting as low as $1.00 and going up to $30+.
1. Airalo
Best eSIM for those who need calling/SMS features.
When I landed in China, I knew I needed a new SIM. I realized you can’t exactly walk up to a shop and buy a new local SIM in China. That’s when I started searching for solutions and found Airalo.
I was set to fly out of China to India and then Canada. So I needed a SIM that supports all three countries.
Well, Airalo supports over 200+ countries and regions! This was my biggest “yes” factor for the company. Although, the second factor was that it doesn’t require KYC for any country!
It also has “regional” eSIMs. These work in more than one country, throughout the entire region for which you bought them.
If you have a world tour coming up, it’s one of the few global eSIM providers. The “Global” plan covers even more countries than the regional eSIMs and reduces the hassle of having to get a new eSIM in each country. The global plan also includes SMS and calling packs.
The cheapest plans I found cost me around $4.50 for all the countries. The pricing changes depending on the data and validity of your eSIM.
Primary features:
- 200+ countries
- No KYC
- Individual country, Regional, and global eSIMs are available
- Easy and fast installation
- IP routing available for some countries
- Plans start from $4.50/month.
2. Nomad
Best for those who need only data and SMS eSIMs.
Once I used Airalo, I knew it was a new world for me. I began researching other best international eSIM providers.
I’ll be honest, Nomad offers slightly fewer features than Airalo. For starters, it gave me 170+ countries as compared to Airalo’s 200+.
Similarly, it has eSIMs for individual countries and regions but no global options. Hey, Nomad is great. I just feel you deserve to know why it didn’t make the #1 spot here.
I loved its pricing models. You can go for the normal data-based plans, which charge you according to the amount of data being offered. But, it also has “day” plans. You can choose the number of days you need data for and be billed accordingly.
If you run out of data, some of its plans allow you to add extra data. It also has a 60-day retention period. Meaning, it’s not mandatory to activate your eSIM as soon as you purchase it. You can activate your eSIM up to 60 days after purchase.
It does have an SMS plan for the U.S. and Canada (for now). No calling eSIMs are available as of now.
Primary features:
- 170+ countries
- No KYC
- Regular and day-based plans
- Data and SMS packages are available.
- Plans start from $5.00.
Cons:
- No global packages
- No calling feature
3. Alosim
Best for those who need international numbers and calling features.
If you ever wondered how to get a foreign international number, Alosim is your answer. It has this unique feature of offering an international number through its sister company “Hushed”.
Alosim offers us international SIM cards from 175+ countries. This of course means that all Alosim plans allow calling and texting along with offering data. It also allows hotspot tethering without limits. No KYC is required either.
It has countries and regional packs. While no direct global plan is offered, the “Europe” regional plan covers 35 countries which does make it global, doesn’t it?
Plans start at about $4.50. They vary depending on the country, data, and validity.
It also has a business plan that lets you get multiple eSIMs for your employees and accepts unlimited users.
Primary features:
- 175+ countries
- No KYC
- Free international numbers
- Individual and regional plans
- Plans start at $4.50.
4. JetPac
Best for budget travelers.
I wasn’t a JetPac fan when I first used it. I got it for a friend who came to visit me from Germany and at the time it only offered 50 countries. However, today, as of July 2024 it now offers 100+ countries which made me include it in this list.
My friend still loved it though for a very unique policy. JetPac offers free lounge access if your flight is delayed. And her flight was delayed! Not just she, but the 3 friends who came with her loved it too, as the policy covers up to 5 friends!
Oh, JetPac doesn’t allow direct calling or texting! But then, we’ve got all these social media apps that can do that for us using the data from JetPac right?
It does have regional as well as Global plans though.
Its pricing plans are an attraction as well. They start as low as $1.00. This ensures you aren’t forced to overbuy data or validity and can pay for the bare minimum that you need.
It even offers a 30-day free ExpressVPN trial! Oh, you’ll need it if you’re traveling and wish to access your bank account or stream region-specific content.
Primary features:
- 100+ countries
- Free lounge access in case of delays
- Individual, regional, and global plans are available.
- Plans start at $1.00
Flaws:
- No calling or texting features.
5. Maya
Do you think a company offering 200+ countries should be on this list of the best eSims for international travel? If you do, you’re on the right page. For most countries, it also supports 5G connectivity for most locations.
Calling and texting aren’t possible directly. VoIP calls are possible by enabling “calling over WiFi” which most phones and networks support these days.
It does allow hotspots but only on selected plans and regions. It’s one of the few providers that also has a money-back policy! If the eSIM doesn’t work with your phone for any reason, you get a refund. Plans start as low as $5.00.
It does have individual plans as well as continent-based plans if you’re traveling to more than one country.
Primary features:
- 200+ countries
- No direct calls/texts
- Some plans allow hotspots.
- Moneyback policy
- Plans start at $5.00
- Countries and continent-based plans
6. BNESim
Best for long-term (1-month/6-month) plans or unlimited data plans.
BNESim offers connectivity in over 200 countries. Its primary feature however is that it offers long-term plans. You can get plans for a month or even 6 months. In fact, it even has “unlimited daily data” plans.
It offers both country plans, as well as plans for entire regions. It’s compatible with the 5G network in most countries.
Do note that calling isn’t supported. BNE does offer a separate package for phone numbers but it’s not related to your eSIM package in any way.
Primary features:
- Long-term plans
- 200+ countries
- Country-specific and broader regional plans available
- 5G ready
- No calling supported.
7. Yesim
Best for maximum country coverage.
Yesim offers eSims for travel as its tagline states- prepaid virtual sim cards for travelers.
It offers almost the maximum number of countries we’ve seen so far and is compatible with nearly 200+ countries/regions.
It also supports over 800+ networks in these countries. Then there are unlimited as well as standard plans for almost all countries.
It does have 5G connectivity but that depends on your country and plan. Plans start as low as $1.5/GB.
So, it has 3 packages to choose from. The individual countries, regional or global.
It doesn’t offer calling or SMS features but you of course can make calls over the internet. It does however allow hotspots and internet sharing via the app.
Primary features:
- 200+ countries/regions
- 800+ networks
- Hotspot allowed.
- No direct calling/SMS
- Individual/regional and global packages.
- Plans start at $1.5/GB.
8. Saily
Saily has my heart for one specific reason, it’s from the creators of NordVPN. I’ve been using NordVPN for over 6 years now, it’s the best VPN I’ve ever come across.
It has 150+ countries you can connect to. That’s a pretty decent number, isn’t it?
The problem is, that it doesn’t have regional or global plans. That is why I didn’t list it higher up on this list.
You must choose individual countries to get data for. Also, calling or texts aren’t supported as of now and it’s data-only.
The cheapest plans start at $1.99.
Primary features:
- Made by the NordVPN team
- 150+ countries
- No calling/text features
- Plans start at $1.99
9. Global Yo
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers.
Global Yo offers a coverage of over 200+ countries. You can choose either individual nations or regions or there’s even a broader global plan.
It only offers data plans though. No numbers are offered and hence direct calls aren’t possible. The same goes for texts.
Of course, documentation isn’t needed. Hotspot is offered but it’s specific to some plans and hence may or may not be available for you. While we’ve verified 4G availability, 5G availability may or may not be possible.
The cheapest plan goes for $0.69 and offers 500MB on the U.S. plan.
Primary features:
- 200+ countries
- No KYC/documentation
- 4G verified
- No numbers/calls/texts
- Hotspot allowed on some plans
- Cheapest plan: $0.69/500 MB.
10. InstaBridge
I’ll be honest, I haven’t personally used InstaBridge yet. However, I’ve heard of it from friends. It lets us choose from 190+ countries.
The website is pretty minimal. It has no fancy bells and whistles, or a lot of information either. On the order page, you can select 1 package, it can either be for a country or an entire continent.
Plans differ primarily based on location. I’ve seen it offer plans as cheap as $1.5/GB (U.S.) and as high as $11+ for some regions.
It doesn’t offer a calling or text feature.
InstaBridge is known for its generosity though. For every 1GB of purchased data, it offers 1GB of free data to some developing nations.
Primary features:
- 190+ countries
- Minimalistic website
- Plans starting at $1.5/GB
How to use an eSIM?
Step #1: Download the app for your eSIM. Each provider will have its own app.
Step #2: Select your package and plan.
Step #3: Digitally install your eSIM! (Generally, you just have to scan a QR code like when accessing Whatsapp Web or follow a link).
What are eSIMs and how are they better for international travel?
I have learned of eSIMs only on my last few trips. I regret not having researched it earlier and all the added frustration, complexities, and network issues I let myself go through.
The reason this section is here is, that maybe you just heard of eSIMs and you aren’t sure if it’s the thing for you.
If you plan on traveling to foreign lands anytime soon, eSIM is for you. The simplest I can explain it is- “it’s like an app, that offers you data and sometimes calls/text features even in foreign nations”.
Yes, even though it’s a SIM, it doesn’t really affect your current number or SIM. Purchase and activation only take a few minutes at best and there’s no documentation or paperwork involved.
Of course, not everything is rainbow and sunshine with these eSIMs. Not all eSIMs allow hotspots, or even calling. Similarly, not 100% of devices support eSIMs yet.
To clear more of your doubts, I’ve added a FAQ section next.
FAQs
Q. Are all devices compatible with eSIMs?
Not all, but most devices today are (unless of course, you’re using your granny’s cell from the 90s). Almost all the best international eSIM providers listed above have a “compatibility” page. They’re generally pretty obvious too. Simply check compatibility for your phone from the provider’s page.
Q. Will installing eSIM give me a new number?
Generally, no. eSIM doesn’t give you a new number unless you’re using specific companies such as AloSIM (only during the promotional period).
Q. Can I use eSIM with my existing SIM and number?
Absolutely. eSIM doesn’t require you to eject or remove your physical SIM in any way.
Q. What if the data on my eSIM is fully used up?
Most eSIM providers allow you to get a data add-on if your data expires. Some also let you set up auto-renewals.
Q. How many eSIMs can I have on my cell phone?
The number of eSIMs your phone supports will depend on the exact phone. Apple devices allow around 5-10 eSIMs, while Samsung is capped at about 5. Google Pixel allows up to 7 eSIMs.
Q. How many eSIMS can I use at the same time?
While you can X number of eSIMs saved/stored on your device, do note that in most cases you can’t activate or use more than one eSIMs simultaneously. Google Pixel however does allow 2 simultaneous eSIMs.
Which is the best eSIM provider for international travel?
In my opinion, Airalo offers some of the best features. I say that because of its country coverage, calling feature, IP routing, and pocket-friendly pricing.
Although if “new number” is your priority I’ll recommend Alosim. Lastly, if you’re very tight on the budget and ‘foreign data’ is your sole priority, nothing beats Global Yo ($0.69/500MB) and JetPac. JetPac’s 100+ countries should still cover your country and $1.00 plans should fit your pockets.
All the other options are more like middle-grounds and they have their strengths and weaknesses.
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