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As a frequent traveler, you might always want to explore different countries, experience new cities, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. In such a lifestyle, using an eSIM for international travel can be a highly convenient choice. But with so many eSIM options available in the market, which one is the best for you? Do you need to test each one?
In this article, we’ll compare six leading eSIM brands and evaluate them across key factors like coverage, network stability, and pricing. Our goal is to help you find the best eSIM for international travel, so you can stay online smoothly wherever your journey takes you.
Note:
Before you start, check the articles below to learn what an eSIM is, ensure that your phone supports eSIM services, learn about how eSIM helps you, and more.
Top 1. MicroEsim
Microesim is dedicated to the philosophy of "Save on costs, enjoy your travels," and aims to be the best for international travel eSIMs. Microesim offers extensive network coverage across all continents with multi-country plans. We partner with reliable local carriers to ensure stable signals and fast internet speeds. This means the network stability is still good.
So, is Microesim’s pricing actually reasonable?
From what we’ve found, Microesim’s rates are generally 60–70% lower than most eSIM providers on the market. They also offer different plan options based on data allowance, validity period, and data type (daily, total, or unlimited). This means travelers can easily choose the right plan according to their own needs.
Tip: Even if you use up all your data, some plans will remain active with reduced speeds, ensuring that travelers never lose connection. And since this comes with free eSIM data, it’s actually a pretty good deal — don’t you think?
Using Microesim is incredibly convenient. The entire process, from purchase to activation, is straightforward: buy the plan, scan the QR code, install, and activate the eSIM. There's no need for eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) verification.
Additionally, Microesim supports hotspot functionality, allowing you to share your connection with other devices and save on roaming fees.
Here are some of the hot plans that MicroEsim offers:
| Asia/Pacific | Europe/Middle East | Americas/Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | France | United States |
| China | Italy | Canada |
| South Korea | Spain | Brazil |
| Thailand | United Kingdom | Mexico |
| Singapore | Germany | Argentina |
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Top. 2. Airalo
Airalo’s eSIM products cover over 200 countries and regions and generally provide reliable performance. Their prices are slightly above the market average, typically around 10–15% higher.
Reviews for Airalo are mixed. Some common issues reported by users include:
- Poor or slow customer service
- Occasional disconnections in busy areas
- Unexpected data usage or minor tracking inaccuracies
Despite these issues, Airalo has a large user base and a strong brand presence. It can be a solid choice for those who prioritize extensive coverage and are willing to pay slightly above the market average.
Top 3. Nomad
Nomad stands out for its extensive global coverage, supporting data access in over 200+ countries, which makes it a convenient choice for frequent international travelers.
Nomad Internet provides 4G LTE connectivity, primarily targeting rural and remote areas. Most user reviews indicate that the service works well in such locations, with users reporting smooth signal reception. However, performance can vary significantly depending on the distance to nearby cell towers and local network congestion. In some rural regions, users experience reliable connections, while others encounter intermittent service interruptions. Due to potential instability in remote areas, Nomad may not be the best choice for travelers planning to spend extended time in very isolated locations.
Due to potential instability in remote areas, Nomad may not be the best choice for travelers planning to spend extended time in very isolated locations.
Nomad eSIM offers a simple pricing structure with two main options: total-data packages and unlimited-data plans. Prices are moderately high but offer some flexibility. While the plans are competitive, users should note that hitting certain data limits can lead to throttling, affecting activities like video streaming, live browsing, or large downloads—so it’s not truly “unlimited” data.
Top 4. Holafly
Holafly is a unique eSIM provider that offers only unlimited data plans, with coverage that nearly spans the entire globe. Its pricing is mid-range among unlimited data plans (with the average price previously around $6.9 and now approximately $3.79).
Although Holafly provides unlimited data, a key issue is that they do not clearly specify the actual speeds, which may make users concerned about whether the connection is sufficient for downloading large files or streaming videos smoothly.
Additionally, many heavy data users have reported noticeable slowdowns once a certain usage threshold is reached.
Furthermore, many users have reported that Holafly's service fails to work upon arrival. A common issue is with Wi-Fi calling, which requires a specific setup: both a physical SIM and an eSIM must be installed, with the physical SIM set to airplane mode and Wi-Fi calling enabled. This setup makes Wi-Fi calling unusable for anyone who needs to remove their physical SIM, as their phone won't be able to handle two active cards at once.
But it is undeniable that unlimited data packages are indeed very tempting, especially for users with large usage.
Top 5. Saily
Saily is an innovative eSIM provider supported by Nord Security, delivering integrated VPN services and robust online privacy protections for travelers.
- Coverage: Saily offers access in over 190 countries and regions, which is sufficient for most international travelers. While this places it among the widely available eSIM providers, it’s not the absolute broadest coverage on the market.
- Stability: Saily does not disclose which local operators it partners with, only stating that it provides internet access through its partners. This lack of transparency makes it harder to evaluate expected performance in advance. In actual use, network speed can vary: while many locations offer solid 4G or 5G connections, some users have reported falling back to 3G, which impacts the overall experience.
- Pricing: Saily’s plans generally start around $3–4 per GB, which puts it in the mid- to higher range compared to some competitors. All plans are capped at 30 days, meaning long-term travelers will need to renew frequently.
Top 6. ETravelSim
eTravelSIM is a provider of globally covered, prepaid eSIM data plans, focusing on convenient purchase and flexible usage.
-
Coverage
eTravelSim offers eSIMs that cover approximately 150 countries, including major cities and popular travel destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Its coverage meets the needs of most international travelers. -
Network Stability
eTravelSim eSIMs support 4G/LTE networks and are compatible with most eSIM-enabled devices. The company does not explicitly state whether dual-network support is available, so network stability may vary depending on the region and local carrier coverage. -
Pricing
eTravelSim offers a variety of data plans, with prices varying by region and data package. Overall, its eSIM products are considered to be mid-to-high in the market, which may not represent the best value for money. Users should consider their budget and data needs when choosing a plan.
FAQs About Using eSIM Cards for International Travel
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Is eSIM Better for International Travel than Physical SIMs?
When it comes to eSIM vs SIM, eSIMs are generally better for international travel than physical SIMs, offering instant activation, multiple carrier profiles, cost savings, and greater convenience. They enhance security by being non-removable, allowing supported iPhones to use two eSIMs simultaneously for home and travel networks, and making switching between plans easy for frequent travelers. -
Which devices support eSIM for international travel?
Most recent iPhones (XS and later), iPads with cellular, some Android phones (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, etc.), and certain smartwatches support eSIM. Always check your device’s compatibility -
How do I activate an international eSIM?
Usually, you purchase a plan, scan a QR code or use an app to download the eSIM profile, and follow the setup instructions. Activation is often instant -
Can I have multiple eSIMs on my device?
Yes. Many devices allow multiple eSIM profiles, though only one can be active for cellular data at a time. This is useful if you travel between several countries -
Do I need the internet to install an eSIM abroad?
Yes. You need the internet initially to download the eSIM profile. After that, you can use mobile data from your chosen plan without relying on Wi-Fi
The Best eSIM Card for International Travel: Top eSIM Brand Comparisons
To determine the best eSIM card for traveling around the world, let's compare the options based on key factors:
| Factor / Brand | MicroEsim | Airalo | Nomad | Holafly | Saily | eTravelSim |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Coverage & Speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Coverage in 150+ countries with fast, reliable networks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Global coverage in 200+ regions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Coverage in 160+ countries, decent speed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Covers 190+ destinations, focuses on unlimited data | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Covers 200+ countries, stable network | ⭐⭐⭐ Broad coverage, but limited transparency |
| Data Plan Flexibility & Pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plans start as low as $0.7–$0.8/GB, highly flexible | ⭐⭐⭐ Wide variety, but activation timing can cause issues | ⭐⭐ Avg $2/GB, some $4+, not cost-effective | ⭐⭐⭐ Avg $3.5/day, “unlimited” has FUP/throttling limits | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low starting prices, strong value | ⭐⭐⭐ Flexible, but not clearly presented |
| Customer Support Efficiency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 24/7 chat & email support, fast responses | ⭐⭐ Mostly automated support, slower human help | ⭐⭐⭐ Average support, standard response times | ⭐⭐⭐ Support acceptable, moderate response times | ⭐⭐⭐ Support slower than ideal | ⭐⭐⭐ Limited customer info, moderate reliability |
| Refund Policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clear and straightforward | ⭐⭐ Refund policy unclear, common complaints | ⭐⭐⭐ Some refund options, limited transparency | ⭐⭐ Refund policy unclear, some restrictions | ⭐⭐ Refund policy unclear | ⭐⭐ Refund terms unclear |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Best value with highly competitive pricing | ⭐⭐ — Excellent coverage, but weak support & refunds | ⭐⭐⭐ — Decent coverage, but pricing not competitive | ⭐⭐⭐ — Good for heavy data users, but watch for throttling | ⭐⭐⭐ — High value, but support & refunds need improvement | ⭐⭐ — Transparency lacking, use with caution |
Based on these considerations, I recommend MicroEsim as the best option for traveling around the world.
Here's why MicroEsim stands out:
- Stay Connected Globally: No more worrying about finding a signal. MicroEsim provides extensive coverage in over 170 countries, so you can share your journey with friends and family from anywhere.
- Enjoy a Fast, Stable Connection: Forget slow speeds and dropped calls. Our users consistently report excellent network stability and performance, letting you stream, navigate, and video call without interruption.
- Save on Roaming Fees: Why overpay for data? We offer a variety of flexible and affordable plans that give you a great connection at a price that won't break the bank.
- We've Got Your Back: Our responsive customer support team is always ready to help, ensuring a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
- Designed for Your Journey: With convenient features like easy profile switching, MicroEsim is a smart choice for any traveler. Additionally, our clear refund policy ensures you can make purchases with total confidence.
Final Verdict
After evaluating eSIMs from six different providers, I found MicroEsim to be the best choice for international travel. It offers broad global coverage, reliable connectivity, affordable data plans, and responsive customer support. With its simple setup and transparent refund policy, MicroEsim ensures a smooth, worry-free experience abroad—making it a smart option to keep you connected on your next trip.
