This site uses affiliates. Thank you for buying through our links and supporting this blog.
The Ultimate Guide to eSIM for International Travel
Traveling without a reliable internet connection is like navigating a new city without a map. Sure, you’ll get there eventually, but not without frustration. Whether you’re trying to navigate a new city, book a last-minute hotel, or Google how to say, “I am allergic to peanuts.” staying connected is essential.
But staying connected abroad can often feel like a choice between steep roaming fees, hunting for decent Wi-Fi, or wrestling with local SIM cards that might require a local ID to acuire. Stressful, expensive, and just plain inconvenient.
That’s where eSIMs come in: a tiny tech revolution that makes staying connected abroad easy —no fiddling with tiny plastic cards, no crazy fees, just seamless connectivity with a few taps on your phone.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about eSIMs—what they are, how they work, why they’re a game-changer for international travel, and how to set one up step by step.
Believe me, I’ve tried more eSIM providers than I can count during my travels (let’s just say not all are created equal). After all that experimentation, Saily by NordVPN takes the crown as my favorite. It’s secure, easy to use, and has even saved me in some of the trickiest, patchiest locations (looking at you, rural Brazil).
What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work?
In simple terms, an eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a built-in, reprogrammable chip in your phone. Unlike the traditional SIM card, there’s no fiddling with tiny pieces of plastic. Everything is done digitally, whether you scan a QR code, download a plan, or make changes through an app.
An eSIM is the no-fuss way to switch carriers or activate a local number without swapping any hardware.
Plus, an eSIM lets you use multiple plans on a single device — perfect for having both a local travel number and your regular one. On top of that, you can switch plans in seconds!
In short, an eSIM is a travel game-changer, combining convenience, security, and flexibility in one tiny chipless chip. However, if your phone came before the “TikTok era,” it might be time to upgrade before your next adventure.
If you’re wielding an iPhone XS or better, a Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, or a Google Pixel 3 or up, congratulations — you’re eSIM-ready! Apple Watches, some Samsung wearables, and certain laptops are also part of the eSIM club.
Benefits of Using an eSIM for International Travel
Traveling should be about soaking up epic sunsets, savoring mouthwatering street food, and exploring cobblestone alleys—not worrying about staying connected and wasting time queuing up at a phone store at the airport.
With an eSIM, you can leave the stress behind and focus on the fun!
1. No Need to Swap Physical SIM Cards
Gone are the days of popping out tiny SIM cards in airports or trembling trains. With an eSIM, you can switch between plans digitally, right from your phone. No tiny pieces of plastic to fiddle with, nothing to lose, no need to stand in line at a phone store.
2. Easy to Activate and Manage Plans
Activating an international eSIM is a breeze. Download a provider’s app or scan a QR code, and voilà—you’re connected in minutes.
You can shop for plans, set up international data, or top up without needing to leave your hotel room (or your pj’s).
3. Keep Your Primary Number While Using Local Data Plans
Need to keep WhatsApp, two-factor authentication texts, or calls from home active? An eSIM lets you do that. Y
our primary number stays linked to your device, so you can use local data plans for navigating or Instagramming without losing touch with the fam.
4. Perfect for Multi-Country Trips
eSIMs make switching between regions effortless. Many providers offer plans that cover multiple countries, or you can install and easily switch between individual plans as you go.
How to Choose the Right eSIM Provider when Travelling Internationally
Just like picking the right pair of travel shoes, choosing an eSIM provider can make or break your trip.
Get it right, and you’ll be Instagramming Hvar’s secluded beaches or streaming Spotify playlists ona a New Zealand Trip without a glitch. Get it wrong, and you’ll either overspend or, worse, be staring at “No Service” when you’re trying to book a last-minute cab.
Here’s what to consider to find your perfect eSIM match:
1. Coverage
Let’s face it—having stellar coverage is non-negotiable, especially when you’re in remote areas. Make sure your eSIM provider offers great coverage in the countries you’re visiting.
Not all providers are created equal—some thrive in Europe but will drop the ball in South America or parts of Asia.
Check eSIM reviews for specific destinations to avoid surprises and check what local network they connect to.
2. Pricing
Nobody wants to blow their budget on data alone, no matter how many TikToks you’re uploading. Compare pricing across providers, and pay close attention to whether data plans are charged per MB, per GB, or split by region.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best—look for plans with generous data allowances that are still cost-effective.
3. Flexibility
Travel plans change. Flights get delayed. Spontaneous detours happen. Your eSIM provider needs to keep up with you.
Seek out flexibility—providers that offer pay-as-you-go options, easy top-ups, or region-specific plans are a lifesaver if your itinerary shifts mid-trip.
4. Customer Support
When you’re in a poorly connected spot (hi, rural Brazil) and your data mysteriously runs out, responsive customer support can be the difference between calm problem-solving and tossing your phone into the nearest river.
Choose providers that offer 24/7 support with human agents (no shade to chatbots, but they’re often useless when you’re frustrated and jetlagged).
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up an eSIM
Setting up an eSIM might sound techy and intimidating, but trust me, it’s as simple as ordering your favorite coffee (once you know the steps). Follow this guide, and you’ll be all set to stay connected anywhere from a mountaintop in the Dolomites to the neon streets of Kuala Lumpur.
1. Check if Your Phone Supports eSIMs
Before you get too excited, let’s double-check this. Not all devices are eSIM-compatible—it’s mostly a feature on newer phones.
If you have an iPhone XR or later, Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer, or Google Pixel 3 and above, you’re good to go. Some wearables, like certain smartwatches, also support eSIMs!
If you’re unsure, a quick Google search for your phone model + “eSIM support” will clear it up.
2. Choose a Provider and Purchase a Plan
Next, pick your eSIM provider. Depending on where you’re traveling, compare options like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, and Saily by NordVPN (my personal fave!).
Look at coverage, pricing, customer support and region-specific options. Once you’ve decided, purchasing a plan is usually as simple as heading to their website or app, selecting how much data you want, and checking out.
3. Download and Install the eSIM Profile
After purchase, you’ll likely receive a QR code or activation instructions. Keep this handy.
- Open your phone’s settings:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
- Android: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan.
- Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code, or manually enter the activation code provided by your eSIM provider. In seconds, the eSIM profile will be downloaded and ready to go.
4. Activate the eSIM Before Your Trip
Now, to avoid any “uh-oh” moments when you land, make sure your eSIM is active and ready before you board that plane. Once installed, go back to your cellular settings and switch to the eSIM as your active data plan.
Most providers allow you to set it up and specify when it should activate (e.g. the moment you touch down). Or just toggle it on right then and there—it works instantly!
In some cases you might need to restart your phone.
5. Deactivate Your Regular SIM (Optional)
If you don’t want to use your regular SIM for calls or texts while traveling, you can deactivate it.
- On iPhone, disable Cellular Data for your primary number in Settings > Cellular.
- On Android, go to SIM Card Manager and toggle off your regular SIM.
Deactivating isn’t mandatory (especially if you want to keep your number active for emergencies or two-factor codes), but it helps avoid sneaky roaming charges.
Why I choose Saily by NordVPN
Now, there are a lot of solid eSIM providers out there, but my go-to is hands down Saily by NordVPN. Here’s why:
- Top-Notch Security: Coming from NordVPN, Saily offers an extra layer of security for your connection. When you’re hopping on public Wi-Fi to upload beach snaps or book tours, this comes in clutch. Let’s just say I breathe easier knowing no one’s sneaking into my data while I’m enjoying a mojito.
- User-Friendly Interface: Setting up plans, managing data, and switching between countries? Saily nails it all. Everything is clean, intuitive, and quick—making it perfect for impatient travelers like me.
- Competitive Rates: I’ve saved a good chunk of change with Saily’s competitive pricing, especially on their multi-country data packages. And for the service they provide? Worth every penny.
- Consistent Coverage: On my last trip to Brazil, Saily’s eSIM was the only option that worked in some of the more patchy, unconnected parts of the country. To be fair, Brazil’s networks are a bit of a mess, but Saily kept me connected when others fell short.
eSIM FAQ
Do I Need a New eSIM for Every Country?
Many eSIM providers offer regional or global plans that cover multiple countries, making them perfect for multi-country trips. For example, if you’re hopping across Europe or Southeast Asia, a regional plan will allow seamless connectivity without requiring individual country-specific eSIMs.
However, if you’re spending extended time in one country or traveling somewhere more remote, a local eSIM might give you better coverage and pricing.
Are eSIMs Secure?
Yes, eSIMs are very secure! Since they don’t need a physical card, there’s no risk of losing or misplacing your SIM. Additionally, major providers—like Saily by NordVPN—offer added layers of encryption and security, ensuring your connection stays protected against prying eyes.
Saily, in particular, shines when it comes to privacy, leveraging its parent company NordVPN’s reputation for safeguarding data. Just remember to activate privacy settings, such as “Ask App Not to Track” on iPhone or using a VPN for an extra shield against potential data breaches.
Is eSIM Data Slower Than Regular SIMs?
eSIMs connect to the same networks as traditional SIM cards. This means that the speed and performance depend on the local carrier you’re using rather than the eSIM itself.
If you’re in a location with strong network coverage, your eSIM will perform just as well as a traditional SIM card. However, like any mobile connection, you might experience slower speeds in remote or poorly connected areas (looking at you, rural Brazil).
Do eSIMs Support Personal Hotspots?
Most eSIMs do support personal hotspots, allowing you to tether your connection to other devices. This is especially handy for travelers who work on the go.
However, hotspot functionality depends on the carrier and the plan you select, so it’s always worth double-checking beforehand.
Are eSIMs Cheaper Than Buying a Regular SIM Card for Travel?
eSIMs are usually cheaper than paying for international roaming or daily fees from your home carrier. But, in some countries, buying a local physical SIM card can still be the most cost−effective choice.
The convenience and flexibility of eSIMs, however, make them an excellent option for country-hopping or short-term travelers who can’t commit to a long-term local SIM plan.
