An eSIM helps you avoid extortionate roaming charges while on the road. It also means you don’t need to locate and visit a SIM kiosk in a new country to connect to the local network.
Before leaving home, you can download and activate your eSIM and pay a pre-agreed amount for a data bundle for your entire trip. This way, unfair roaming fees won’t catch you out, and you can stay connected to loved ones back home at a reasonable cost.
We’ve identified Airalo, Saily, Nomad, Holafly, and Flexiroam as the five best eSIM apps for international travel in 2026. Find out why — and discover which eSIM suits you best.
Airalo eSIM: Number One App with Internet Coverage in 200+ Countries
Unlimited data packages from $12 (for three days)
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Over 20 million people use Airalo, a go-to eSIM thanks to its unmatched coverage in 200+ countries.
You can choose multiple plan types depending on your travels: local (country-specific plans with good-value data), regional (cross-border plans for backpacking in Asia, Europe, the Americas, etc.), or global, which is a single plan covering 130+ countries.
Airalo is almost always cheaper than using your home mobile provider when travelling, and its flexible plans let you pay only for data for the duration of your trip (three- to 30-day plans are available).
To illustrate Airalo’s great value for money, you can purchase an unlimited data plan for 30 days covering 42 countries and networks across Europe for just $74.
No need to worry about roaming or hunting for local SIM cards in every country you visit — simply register for Airalo and browse, stream, and connect as you move between destinations.
The main downside? Most Airalo plans don’t include minutes or texts. We recommend using WhatsApp or another web-based messenger to stay in touch.
Verified Reviews
Trustpilot Rating: ⭐️3.9/5.0 (20,730+ reviews)
“Excellent coverage and easy to install. Airalo has excellent packages with great coverage. I have used their eSIMs for Europe and Latin America. You only need to install the eSIM once and then renew the package at the start of your travels (…) our coverage with data has been fantastic.” — Stephen Spragge, CA, Trustpilot
Saily: Ideal eSIM Card for Digital Nomads & Remote Business Owners
Unlimited data packages from $18 (for five days)
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Saily is an eSIM from Nord Security that offers several extra features you won’t find in many competing products. For instance, Saily includes ad blocking, web protection, and virtual location services to help safeguard your data when using public Wi-Fi abroad.
Like Airalo, Saily offers coverage in over 200 countries with country-specific, regional, and global plans available.
If you’re a digital nomad or running a remote business, Saily’s eSIM for business plan may appeal. The business dashboard lets you add team members, purchase individual plans, and monitor data usage to optimise your remote workflow. You also qualify for priority customer support from a dedicated account manager.
Another USP of Saily is its Ultra package at $56.99 per month. You get 30GB of high-speed data, airport lounge access at selected locations, and premium online security tools from Nord, including a VPN and password manager.
Saily Ultra is particularly well suited to digital nomads, combining premium perks with mobile data in 200+ countries at a competitive price.
Verified Reviews
Trustpilot Rating: ⭐️4.7/5.0 (19,370+ reviews)
“Love this app. So useful for travelling to different destinations, reasonable prices, and very easy to use.” — Sarah Lawley, GB, Trustpilot
Nomad: Cheaper eSIM for Backpackers
Unlimited data packages from $33 (for ten days)
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Nomad is a good-value eSIM popular among budget travellers and backpackers. If you’re travelling around Europe, you can get a 10GB plan for 30 days for just $18 — more than enough for WhatsApp, Google Maps, and everyday browsing.
You’ll also find regional plans for the Balkans, Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa at similar price points.
If you’re travelling globally and don’t want to switch plans in every country, Nomad’s global eSIM is competitive. Valid in 123 countries, you can get 10GB or 20GB of data for $59 or $99 respectively.
Nomad also runs a rewards programme, which is a handy way to earn points and unlock savings as you travel. Every $5 spent earns 25 Nomad points. Once you reach 100 points, you save $1 on your next purchase.
If you’re travelling in a group, share your Nomad referral code with up to five companions — you’ll both receive a $5 discount on your next purchase.
Verified Reviews
Trustpilot Rating: ⭐️4.3/5.0 (28,650+ reviews)
“Worked flawlessly. Just finished a trip to Barbados. My Nomad eSIM gave great service on the FLOW network. Much better than my hotel WiFi, and not too expensive.” — Stephen Gane, GB, Trustpilot
Holafly: Top eSIM App for Streamers, Gamers & Content Creators
Unlimited data plan from $64.90 (for one month)
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Holafly keeps things simple by offering either a light or unlimited plan based on your usage needs. The light plan costs $49.90 per month and includes 25GB of data valid in 160+ destinations.
The unlimited plan, priced at $64.90, provides unlimited data in the same countries. This makes it particularly attractive for streamers, gamers, and content creators who need a constant, high-volume internet connection.
While Holafly is typically billed monthly, you can save 22% by paying annually. Once active, both plans allow hotspot use, so you can share your connection with other devices.
Another standout feature is Holafly’s “always on” benefit. If you cancel your subscription, you retain 1GB of free data for life.
There isn’t an option to buy country-specific bundles, but if you’re travelling within Holafly’s 160-country network, the light or unlimited plan will keep you reliably connected.
Verified Reviews
Trustpilot Rating: ⭐️4.6/5.0 (78,440+ reviews)
“Great value and service. Easy to install, and great pricing compared to my US carrier. I travelled through three Asian countries, and the carriers switched seamlessly without me having to do anything except the initial activation.” — Karyn Anastasio, IL, Trustpilot
Flexiroam eSIM App: Good for Country Hoppers
Unlimited data packages from $31 for five days
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Flexiroam often flies under the radar compared with better-known eSIM providers, but it’s worth considering if you’re planning a relatively short trip that involves multiple destinations.
Its regional data plans for Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia are competitively priced, so you don’t need to buy separate plans for every country. For example, you can get 50GB for 10 days in Europe for $39, or travel across Asia for 60 days with 5GB per month for $44.
Another useful perk is in-flight data. You can purchase 2GB of in-flight connectivity valid for 24 hours for $12.60 — ideal for emails or WhatsApp during long flights.
Like most providers, Flexiroam offers a global plan valid in 150 countries, though it is slightly pricier than some competitors. The cheapest global option is $53 for 60 days, providing 6GB of data.
Verified Reviews
Trustpilot Rating: ⭐️4.5/5.0 (2,635+ reviews)
“Great customer service and product. The second time I have used Flexiroam for an eSIM while travelling. I had an issue with loading the eSIM, and the response from the service team to resolve the issue was prompt and first-class. Highly recommended provider of travel eSIMs.” — Gregory Evans, US, Trustpilot
Which eSIM Is Best for Your Travels?
| eSIM | Price | USP |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | From $11 for a three-day unlimited data package | Best global coverage in 200+ countries |
| Saily | From $18 for a five-day unlimited data package | Ideal for digital nomads & businesses (Ultra plan) |
| Nomad | From $33 for a ten-day unlimited data package | One of the cheapest options with rewards programme |
| Holafly | From $64.90 for a 30-day unlimited data package | Excellent for streamers, gamers & creators |
| Flexiroam | From $31 for a five-day unlimited data package | Strong regional plans for multi-country trips |
Each of these eSIMs can help you get reliable, affordable mobile service while abroad.
AQs About eSIMs for International Travel
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone or device. Instead of inserting a physical SIM, you download a mobile data plan directly to your device and activate it via QR code or app. Once installed, your phone connects to local partner internet and wifi networks automatically when you travel.
Will an eSIM work in every country?
Most leading providers like Airalo, Saily, Nomad, Holafly and Flexiroam cover 160–200+ countries, but not every destination is included. Always check the provider’s coverage map before buying. If you travel frequently between countries, a regional or global plan usually offers the best value.
Can I keep my normal phone number with an eSIM?
Yes. In most cases, your physical SIM remains active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles mobile data. This means you can still receive SMS verification codes and calls on your usual number while using cheaper travel data.
Do eSIM plans include calls and text messages?
Usually not. Most travel eSIM plans are data-only, which is why many travellers use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram or other internet-based apps for communication. A few providers offer voice options, but they are less common and often more expensive.
Is eSIM better than international roaming?
For most travellers, yes. eSIM plans are typically far cheaper than standard roaming fees from home mobile providers. They also offer more flexibility, instant activation before departure, and no need to hunt for local SIM cards when you arrive.
In which countries can I use an eSIM (e.g. Thailand, China)?
Most major travel eSIM providers support popular destinations such as Thailand, China, Japan, the USA, and most of Europe. However, coverage and speeds can vary by country and local network partner. In places like China, some eSIMs route traffic through international networks, which may help you access services normally restricted on local networks. Always check the provider’s country list and any specific limitations before purchasing.
