Which eSIM Card is Best for Travel Abroad & Internet Access? TOP eSIMs & Plans Compared

You need mobile data the moment you land — for the map to the hotel, the message to the host, the ride-hailing app, the boarding pass on the way back. An eSIM gives you that without a plastic card, an airport kiosk or a roaming bill: it is a digital SIM already in your phone that connects to a local network when you switch it on. More than 40% of international travelers now use one, most paying under $15 a trip.

The problem is choice. Dozens of eSIM brands compete for the same trip, prices for the same country vary five-fold, and the questions that matter — does it actually connect, is hotspot allowed, what happens to your traffic on public Wi-Fi — rarely appear on the pricing page.

So we narrowed it to seven: the good eSIM provider deals with the strongest user ratings on Trustpilot and the app stores, each of which we have used ourselves in Europe, Thailand, Japan, Dubai and Turkey. We are on the road constantly and need data every day as well as good VPN deals, which is a harsher test than a two-week holiday.

First, what is an eSIM & how does it work?  

An eSIM—embedded SIM—is a digital version of the standard SIM card you place on your phone. It provides a connection to a network, enabling you to make calls, send and receive texts, and access data bundles to use apps and surf the web.  

One of the most significant advantages of eSIMs is that they’re not beholden to one network, as is usually the case with standard SIMs. So, when you travel, you can connect your eSIM to the local network in the country you’re visiting, giving you affordable and effortless internet access.  

However, you must ensure your phone is eSIM enabled to buy a package from a provider. All iPhones from the XR/XS onwards (including the latest iPhone 16 & 17 models) have eSIMs, while Android phones like the Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy series, and several Huawei phones have this tech enabled.  

So, before proceeding with our recommendations below, ensure your phone has an eSIM enabled. This will be hugely beneficial if you plan to travel worldwide.  

What’s new in eSIMs and VPNs in 2026

The eSIM market is where things got interesting this year. Everyone travels.

Maya Mobile launched TravelMode in May — and instead of buying a new plan every time you go somewhere, it sits dormant on your phone and just switches on whenever you’re abroad, $3.33 a day, unlimited data, 165 countries. It’s how everyone will probably do this in a couple of years.

Truecaller (yes, the caller ID app) also got into the game in May with eSIM plans across 29 countries, riding on top of their 500-million-user base.

And eSIM Prime rolled out specific plans for the World Cup 2026 — useful if you’re flying in for matches and dreading US roaming charges.

Saily (already in the quiz) got an upgrade too: their new Ultra Plan bundles 30GB of data with NordVPN, a password manager, and identity-protection tools all in one $60/month subscription — basically the all-in-one travel kit you used to need four apps for.

Travelers in 2026 care about different things than they did in 2024

Instant Activation (eSIM Quick Transfer): Mention that on newer phones, activation is now often automatic (no scanning QR codes needed for some apps).

5G Support: Ensure you mention which providers offer 5G specifically. In 2026, 4G feels slow. Airalo and Ubigi are great at this; others sometimes stick to cheap 4G roaming.

“Keep Your Number” Feature: Many travelers hesitate to use eSIMs because they lose iMessage/WhatsApp access. Remind readers that with all these providers, they can keep their primary SIM active for calls/texts while using the eSIM for data.

The Best eSIMs apps and cards with internet data for travel in 2026

As our writers cover stories from Idaho to Iceland, accessing an eSIM and compatible network saves much hassle. We can effortlessly use data no matter where we are and call and message our loved ones to let them know we’re safe.  

Each year, more and more eSIM packages become available on the market, so we asked our writers for their recommendations. Below, we reveal the best eSIM mobile card and data providers to consider, explaining what features you can expect from each:  

1. Airalo – The best eSIM app for international travel, according to reviews

• More information 

• Global data-only bundles from $9.00 for 1GB 

Airalo works in over 200 countries worldwide, making it the best all-rounder for an eSIM cards and internet providers with data (also unlimited) for international travel in 2026.  

If your phone is eSIM enabled, download the Airalo app for free, choose which destination you’re visiting, browse the packages, and install your SIM.  

Numerous packages are available from Airalo. If you’re staying in a specific place, you can opt for a local or regional eSIM or the global eSIM if you’re traveling to numerous destinations. Data-only and call, data, and text bundles are available.  

Though you can select from several different packages, you can use the table below for an idea of the costs of an Airalo global eSIM:   

We think the 3 GB data package for 30 days is more than sufficient for most people. When you’re in your hotel or Airbnb, you can switch to WiFi to save on your data usage.  

Here is our Airalo review and promo codes.

2. Saily – Best for eSim in-app security features and affodable esim 

• More information  

• Country-specific data-only bundles from $3.99  

Granted, security might not be top of your list of priorities when using an eSIM, but it’s still important. Saily, from the company behind NordVPN, is highly secure and available in over 150 countries.  

We love that Saily comes with an ad blocker feature to save your data. You can also toggle on web protection, which keeps you safe when browsing on public WiFi. As you might expect from NordVPN, you can also set any virtual location that you like.  

Like Airalo, Saily is super easy to download. Find it on the Apple or Google Play Store and follow the instructions. You can then browse the destinations you would like to visit and buy the appropriate package.  

One thing we noticed with Saily is that the price of data varies hugely, depending on where you go. For instance, it only costs $3.99 monthly in Albania, but a package in American Samoa will set you back at least $59.90.  

Assuming you’re planning a summer trip to Paris, France, here’s how much a Saily eSIM subscription would cost:  

Read our Saily review and get a discount promo code.

3. Nomad eSIM – Flexible eSIM plans for different trips and data needs

• Regional and local data plans across 200+ destinations
• Fixed-data and unlimited options

In Europe, the countries sit so close together that one trip easily becomes several. When we travel, we’ll often combine places that happen to share a border — the French Riviera and Liguria in northern Italy, for instance, which are barely an hour apart by train. That’s exactly where a regional eSIM earns its keep: you install it once and it keeps working as you cross from one country into the next, with no new plan to buy at each border.

Nomad eSIM covers both single countries and whole regions, and the plans vary by destination, coverage, data allowance and how long they last. There are smaller packages if you mostly need maps and messages, and larger ones for longer trips or heavier use. Most plans are data-only, so you’ll keep in touch through WhatsApp, Messenger and other internet-based apps rather than a local phone number.

If you run low, you can top up with an add-on on the eSIM you already have instead of installing a new one. And if you’d like to try it first, eligible new users can get a free 1GB plan across 76 destinations — no credit card needed.

Here’s a general idea of what Nomad eSIM’s Europe regional plans cost:

1GB for 3 days FREE
1GB for 7 days From $4.00
3GB for 30 days From $7.73
5GB for 30 days From $10.73
10GB for 30 days From $13.74
20GB for 30 days From $17.17
50GB for 30 days From $38.64

Prices vary by region and change from time to time, so check the plan for your destination before you buy. If your trip takes in several countries in the same region, a regional plan is usually simpler — and often cheaper — than buying a separate local eSIM for each one.

Explore plans and promotions at Nomad eSIM. Use exclusive promo code LOCALS for 15% OFF on your first purchase.

Also, read what Nomad eSIM GM had to tell us about how people use esims abroad.

4. Holafly – Best for unlimited e-sim data packages  

• More information  

• From $6.90 per day for unlimited internet  

If you’re a digital nomad, streamer, or vlogger, you probably need unlimited data on your device when you travel to different parts of the world. This is the biggest advantage that Holafly has over Airalo and Saily, with unlimited packages available in different countries.  

We also love that you can buy regional plans rather than country-specific ones, which makes it much easier to use if you’re island hopping in the Caribbean or traveling around Europe by train.  

Holafly is also fully customizable, so you can specify how many days you would like the eSIM for and how many SIMs you need (perhaps one for you and your partner).  

Most Holafly eSIMs include unlimited data as standard, with fast and reliable internet all over the world.

While Holafly does allow hotspotting now on many plans, it is often strictly capped (e.g., 500MB or 1GB per day) even on “Unlimited” plans. Maya Mobile or dedicated hotspot devices are often better for this. The best “Premium/Family” option.

Below is an indication of how much Holafly’s unlimited data bundle costs when you travel to Europe:  

As you can see, unlimited data for one month in Europe costs $74.90 with Holafly. The fact that you can hotspot makes this a great option for digital nomads and remote workers, as you can get your work done without worrying about running out or finding a safe public WiFi network.  

Check out our review of Holafly and find their discount code.

4. Drimsim – Universal SIM with Pay-as-You-Go Internet Data Plan

Drimsim works in 190+ countries with one physical SIM or eSIM. Pricing is transparent: around €10 per GB (about $11), or as low as €0.01 per MB. There are no monthly fees — you top up once (€25 minimum) and use what you need.

The app shows costs before you call or text, tracks expenses in real time, and even includes free Drimsim-to-Drimsim calls. Customer support is 24/7 with real operators. For many, the flexibility is the main appeal: one SIM, no contracts, and full control.

It uses a “single wallet” concept. You load $20, and it works in 160+ countries instantly. The data never expires. If you don’t use it this trip, it’s there for the next one. This is a huge trend for 2026.

5. Yesim – Swiss eSIM App with flexible global plans

Yesim is built for international travelers who want one eSIM for 200+ destinations, and Locals Insider readers get 15% off their first purchase with promo code YESLOCALS (valid until October 29, 2027). Daily unlimited packages start from $1.68 in Thailand, $1.80 in the USA, $2.28 in Europe (France, Germany, Turkey), $2.20 in Japan, $2.52 in China and $3.52 in the UAE. For lighter or irregular use, Pay & Fly lets you pay only for the data you use, from $1.10 per GB in 170+ countries, and the balance never expires.

It has smart network switching (including 5G), free hotspot support and one-click setup. Unused plans can be refunded within 30 days, but installing the eSIM counts as activation, so buy now and install only when you need it. Reviews highlight its reliability: Sandra J. noted strong coverage in Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Turkey, while Mohammed H. praised fast internet across six countries. Rated 4.7 from 60K+ App Store and Google Play ratings, Yesim has become one of the most trusted options for digital nomads and frequent flyers. Read our full Yesim review.

Which eSIM Provider Should You Choose?

What is the best eSIM provider? Locals Insider’s opinion:

There’s no single best eSIM. The right one depends on where you’re going, how long you’re away and how much data you use. Here’s where each provider earns its place:

Best for most travelers: Airalo. Coverage in 200+ countries, clear local, regional and global bundles, and global plans from $9. New users take 15% off their first eSIM with NEWTOAIRALO15. For an alternative, see the Revolut eSIM.

Best for multi-country trips: Nomad eSIM. Its regional plans keep working as you cross borders, from the French Riviera into Liguria, say, with no new plan to buy at each border. Fixed-data and unlimited options cover 200+ destinations, and you can top up the eSIM you already have instead of installing a new one. Eligible new users can try a free 1GB plan across 76 destinations, with no credit card needed.

Best for security and casual users: Saily. It’s built by the NordVPN team, with an ad blocker, web protection on public Wi-Fi and the cheapest single-country plans here.

Best for heavy data users and nomads: Holafly. Unlimited daily packages, country or regional, suit long trips and remote work. Hotspot is often capped per day, though, so check before you rely on it for a laptop.

Best for flexibility: Drimsim. One universal SIM or eSIM with pay-as-you-go rates, no contracts and credit that never expires.

Best for daily international travelers: Yesim. Reliable coverage with smart network switching and the lowest daily unlimited rates.

Best for groups and hotspot sharing: Maya Mobile. Power users often prefer it to Holafly because its unlimited plans have more generous, transparent hotspot rules. TravelMode, launched in May 2026, is one permanent eSIM that switches on abroad for $3.33 a day, hotspot included.

Before you buy, check that your phone supports eSIM. That means iPhone XR or later, Pixel 4 or later, or Galaxy S20 or later; US iPhone 14 and newer are eSIM-only. Install the eSIM on home Wi-Fi before you fly, and keep your home SIM active for calls so iMessage and WhatsApp keep working while the eSIM carries your data.

Save on data plans with these e-SIM discounts and promos.