The Best eSIMs for International Travel: Top Providers in 2025

With so many options available, choosing the best eSIM for international travel can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re in the middle of planning a complicated trip. Since you’ll probably spend most of your effort booking accommodation and flights, we’ll help you save time by listing some viable options and exploring their features and pricing. 

Key Takeaways

• To get the most value for your money, choose an eSIM provider with extensive global coverage, flexible data plans, and seamless connectivity for optimal travel experience.
• Consider various data options, as well as the price of global and regional plans, the responsiveness of customer support, and ease of use. 
• Opting for eSIMs provides more flexibility when traveling, enhances security, and contributes to sustainability by reducing waste associated with traditional SIM cards.

Top eSIM providers for international travel

Although the market is brimming with an extraordinary number of eSIM providers, not all were created equal. Some of them may not be bad, per se, but different solutions have different advantages that could have a positive impact on your overall experience. 

To make it easier for you, we carefully crafted a list of eSIMs ideal for international travel that outlines the key strengths of each solution.

1. Saily: Best overall

Starting price	$3.99 for 30 days
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	180+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G
Coupon	5% off any Saily plan >

Saily may not have any bells and whistles, but if you want a reliable international SIM with amazing performance at an affordable price range — it may be the best choice. Created by the team behind the famous NordVPN, this service also hits all the marks of a quality solution.

For starters, the coverage is extensive and it will serve you well in famous and more niche traveling destinations. Not only that, users report that the quality of connections is top-notch, noting they rarely experienced significant connection drops. The only exception is rural areas, which is to be expected with all eSIMs as the connection ultimately depends on the local cellular carrier.

Saily excels in other areas too. Setting up is a breeze, and the app is super intuitive, even for those who may struggle with technology. If you do encounter a technical issue, you’re safe as you can always contact Saily’s excellent 24/7 customer support via live chat. In our observation, a human agent is reachable within just a few minutes.

What about the price?

Despite not being the cheapest, Saily won’t make a dent in your wallet. This is what you can expect to pay for a global plan (one that includes all the countries in the provider’s network):

• 1GB (7 days) $8.99
• 2GB (15 days) $16.49
• 5GB (60 days) $33.99
• 10GB (180 days) $56.99
• 20GB (365 days) $66.99

However, Saily sadly doesn’t offer unlimited plans and there’s no voice call support. You can circumvent these limitations by using VoIP services like WhatsApp or by simply topping up your data if you feel you require more. 

2. Airalo: Best for voice calls

Starting price	$4.50 for 7-day plans
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	190+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G

For those itching for traditional voice call support, Airalo is the perfect solution. With an extensive network of over 190 countries, it will meet your connectivity needs wherever you go. Considering you’ll also have voice call and SMS support, you’ll never have a feeling you’re missing out. 

In addition to easy installation and an intuitive app, Airalo is famous for its friendly pricing and flexible data plans. Our favorite thing about Airalo, though, is its loyalty program. For each new eSIM you purchase, you’ll get 5% cashback, making Airalo a cost-efficient solution for frequent travelers.

Even if you never take advantage of the loyalty program, the regular pricing is also something to be excited about. 

Here’s how much a global plan will run you:

• 1GB (7 days) costs $9.00
• 2GB (15 days) $17.00
• 3GB (30 days) $24.00
• 5GB (60 days) $35.00
• 10GB (180 days) $59.00
• 20GB (365 days) $69.00

While a few cents more expensive than Saily, Airalo will hook you up with a phone number, so it’s really a non-issue. 

3. Holafly: Best for unlimited data

Starting price	$6 per day
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	200+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G, LTE

If you anticipate using the internet extensively on your trip, including social media or streaming, Holafly’s unlimited plans are just what you need. Although more expensive than other services outlined here, there is plenty of value in knowing that you won’t need to worry about running out of data.

Holafly is decent in other areas too:

The app is a joy to use, the setup is straightforward, and the customer support is available 24/7. 

Pricewise, here’s the score for the global plan:

• 5 days – $37.90 
• 7 days – $45.90
• 15 days – $97.90
• 30 days – $162.90
• 90 days – $353.90

Do note that you can customize the length of the plans, meaning you can completely tailor them in accordance with the length of your trip.

4. Jetpac: Best for savings

Starting price	$1 for 4 days
Platform compatibility	Android and iOS
Number of countries	150+
Supported mobile networks	3G, 4G, 5G, LTE

Jetpac is an eSIM that spares your wallet and makes your entire trip much more convenient with a set of interesting perks. 

The basic package is more than capable. With a network consisting of 100 destinations and plenty of variability between plans suited for various trip lengths and data usage habits, you won’t have to make any sacrifices in terms of functionality.

Where Jetpac shines are the complementary features. For example, SmartDelay lounge access allows you to register your flight, and if it gets canceled or delayed, you can relocate to the airport lounge free of charge. The Fast Track pass, on the other hand, provides you with priority boarding in some airports. 

Let’s break down the pricing for Jetpac’s global plan:

• 1GB (4 days) costs $1 (available only to new users)
• 3GB (7 days) $16
• 5GB (30 days) $25
• 10GB (30 days) $45
• 10GB (180 days) $49
• 15GB (30 days) $59
• 20GB (30 days) $67
• 30GB (30 days) $95
• 40GB (30 days) $140
• 50GB (365 days) $249
• 100GB (365 days) $499

The only drawback is what some describe as inconsistent customer support. While the majority of users dealing with Jetpac’s support team report a positive sentiment, a few users also found it to be unresponsive.

Key Features to look for in an eSIM provider

Finding an eSIM provider goes well beyond a good price. You should consider everything from the flexibility of plans to the network coverage. It’s also wise to consider the quality of the customer support as you never know if you’ll need expert help.

Here are all the critical considerations in a bit more detail:

Data options

All providers mentioned here offer you the choice of different plans with various lengths and amounts of data. By carefully evaluating the data expenditure on your trip, you can avoid any interruption in connectivity while you’re abroad. 

Generally speaking, data amounts range from as little as 1GB to as many as 100GBs with some providers. Similarly, a data plan may last from just one day to as much as 180 days (and even more in some cases). Providers like Holafly also offer unlimited data for more demanding users who aim to use eSIM for heavier tasks like streaming. 

Fortunately, even if you exceed your limit, eSIM companies allow you to top up data within the app.

Customer support

In spite of the overall reliability of eSIM technology, it’s not uncommon for users to run into smaller connectivity issues. This is why 24/7 customer support is an absolute must when choosing a provider, as experts can help you resolve any problems that may arise. 

All the providers listed in this article have 24/7 customer support you can reach via live chat through the website or app. 

Easy installation process

To make things convenient for yourself, you should also go with an eSIM that’s easy to set up. In most cases, this process will be straightforward, requiring you only to register, provide payment details, and scan a QR code or enter an activation number. 

How to choose the right eSIM for your needs

Once you narrow down the selection to vendors that meet the basic criteria, you should start assessing your personal needs. The choice will ultimately depend on your traveling habits, data requirements, and what type (or no type) of extras such as voice call support you require. 

Understanding data usage

The amount of data you’ll need depends on how you use your mobile device. Most activities that involve the internet will burn through your mobile data, with the majority of users typically requiring anywhere between 1 and 3GBs per month for general browsing. 

Nonetheless, nothing is set in stone. For instance, streaming YouTube videos uses up approximately 500MB per hour, and Spotify on default settings will eat around 40MBs of data per hour (150MB when streaming in high quality). If you’re a heavy social media user, you should account for that as well. Anticipate that general social media use will quickly burn through data as an hour of scrolling burns about 600MBs per hour. 

Checking device compatibility

Before putting down money for an eSIM, first make sure that your device supports the technology. Don’t worry though — if you own a newer model (that was released any time in the last few years), you’ll probably be able to use an eSIM.

It doesn’t hurt to check, so google your exact model and verify it’s eSIM compatible. 

Comparing pricing and plans

Once you take into account all the other factors, it’s time to assess the cost of the eSIM plan. More precisely, you should weigh the amount of data, the length of the plan, and any extras with the price. For example, Holafly is the most expensive, but it also comes with unlimited data. Saily may not have unlimited data options, but its customer support is the best in the biz. 

Doing so will help you identify the best value and ensure your eSIM meets your travel needs.

Setting up your eSIM: A step-by-step guide

The phrase that best describes setting up an eSIM is “easy-peasy”. It usually involves scanning a QR code and requires an active internet connection, so make sure you do it before you touch down. 

Activating an eSIM on iOS devices

Once you download the app from Apple’s App Store and complete the purchase process, you’ll receive a QR code via email.

Then, navigate to ‘Settings’, then ‘Cellular’, and select ‘Add Cellular Plan’. Scan the QR code and you're good to go.

Activating an eSIM on Android devices

On Android phones, the process is more or less the same. Go to ‘Settings’ of the ‘Network & Internet’ options, followed by navigating to ‘Mobile network’. Tap ‘Add carrier’ and scan the provided QR code to get started.

Troubleshooting common issues

Some users go through setbacks when setting up an eSIM. These include not receiving a QR code or getting one that can’t be scanned. In such a scenario, you should contact customer support and they’ll help you resolve the issue in a few minutes.

Arguably the most common hiccup is not being able to connect to the internet after the activation process. This is easy to resolve by rebooting the device. If that doesn’t work, again, all major providers offer 24/7 customer support who can assist you in getting online in no time. 

Advantages of using eSIMs over physical SIM cards

When traveling internationally, eSIMs are a godsend. Their ability to receive a local data plan without buying a physical SIM is huge on its own, but there are also other benefits when making a switch to this technology. Let’s cover all of them in detail. 

Flexibility and convenience

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a global, regional, or country plan, an eSIM will suit your traveling needs. You can easily switch between plans without the hassle of dealing with local cellular data providers. 

Plus, there’s the fact data plans vary both in length and amount of data itself, ensuring that you always maintain connectivity when traveling internationally.

Cost savings

Roaming costs and a plethora of hidden fees are the rules of the game when it comes to physical cards. With eSIMs, the opposite is true. You pay for online access alone without worrying about any other expenditures, making the whole experience much more transparent and fair.

Environmental impact

If you care about the environment (as you should), eSIMs will make you happy. Doing away with physical cards eliminates plastic waste, which may over time help in reducing the annual generation of said waste. eSIMs are simply more sustainable than traditional solutions and will help you sleep better knowing you did your part by minimizing your carbon footprint. 

Summary: Seamless global connectivity at your fingertips

eSIM technology is by far the most flexible way to stay connected while traveling abroad. The biggest “problem” is which provider you’ll go with as all of them come with unique sets of strengths. This also means that the choice is somewhat personal.

For a solid experience across the board, Saily is a great choice. If you want voice call support, you’re better off purchasing Airalo’s global plan. 

Either way, all the providers we mentioned today will get the job done, delivering seamless global connectivity and all the benefits associated with eSIM technology. 

Here’s to more enjoyable traveling!

Other eSIM Guides:

• Saily Review
• Airalo Review
• Jetpac Review
• Nomad Review
• aloSIM Review
• Holafly Review
• Ubigi Review
• Best eSIM Providers
• Best eSIM for Europe
• Best eSIM for Japan
• Best eSIM for USA

Frequently Asked Questions

This Best eSIM for International Travel guide was last updated on February 15, 2025.