eSIM technology is rapidly gaining traction as a preferred choice for international travellers. Unlike traditional SIM cards, which require physical swapping and can be prone to misplacement or compatibility issues, eSIMs are embedded directly into your device.

The benefits of using eSIM while travelling abroad are numerous:

• Travellers no longer need to juggle multiple physical SIM cards or worry about finding a local carrier upon arrival.

• eSIM allows for seamless switching between different mobile networks, providing instant access to local data plans without the hassle.

• Many eSIM providers offer cost-effective international plans that cater to specific regions, ensuring broader coverage and better rates compared to traditional roaming.

With the rise of eSIM usage, more travellers are discovering the flexibility and convenience that comes with it. Whether you're hopping between countries or regions, eSIM makes staying connected simpler and more efficient than ever before.

Fortunately for us, there are plenty of options available that cater to various travel needs and destinations. Let’s dive into the top 5 global eSIM providers for international travel, each offering a range of plans designed to keep you connected no matter where you are.

Top 5 eSIM Global Providers for International Travel 2024

1. Airalo

Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers, offering a wide range of data plans for international travellers. They provide eSIMs for over 200 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive global eSIM services available.

Regions Covered:

Airalo covers virtually every continent, with eSIM plans available in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.

How Airalo eSIM works:

Pros of Airalo eSIM:

Airalo offers a convenient and global solution for travellers by providing eSIMs in over 200 countries, eliminating the need to switch physical SIM cards. Their eSIMs allow users to access affordable local data plans, often at rates cheaper than international roaming. The platform is user-friendly, making it easy to purchase and activate eSIMs directly from their app or website. Additionally, Airalo provides flexible data packages, so users can select plans based on their data needs without long-term contracts or commitments.

Cons of Airalo eSIM:

A key consideration when getting an Airalo eSIM is that most of them only provide data plans and don’t include voice minutes. If you rely heavily on voice calls during the day, you might want to explore other options. However, you can still make use of internet-based calls when necessary.

2. Nomad

Nomad offers a variety of eSIM data plans focused on affordability and simplicity. Its global reach makes it an excellent choice for international travellers.

Regions Covered:

Nomad provides coverage in over 100 countries across multiple continents, including Europe, North America, Asia, and more.

How Nomad eSIM works:

Pros of Nomad eSIM:

Nomad eSIM is an excellent choice for short trips when you need an affordable travel eSIM. It's recognised for its 7-day and 15-day short-term plans, which are available as both regional and individual country options. Additionally, Nomad offers unlimited data plans for certain individual countries, like the UK, a feature not available in regional plans. You can also get data for as low as $1.30 per GB in regions like Asia and the Americas.

Cons of Nomad eSIM:

Although it offers great value in North America, Asia, and Europe, there are more affordable options for Latin America. For instance, Nomad charges $9 for 1GB of data with a 7-day validity, while Airalo provides the same plan for $6.50, covering the same three countries: Canada, the USA, and Mexico.

3. Saily

Introduced in 2024 by Nord Security, the creators of the renowned NordVPN, Saily delivers appealing pricing and a simple-to-use app, making it a great option for eSIM newcomers.

Regions Covered:

Saily provides coverage across more than 150 countries, including major travel hotspots. By collaborating with local carriers, Saily ensures dependable connections and fast data speeds in many regions.

How Saily eSIM works:

Pros of Saily eSIM:

A key highlight of Saily is its budget-friendly data plans, with rates beginning as low as $1.65 for 20GB of data, making it an ideal choice for travellers seeking affordable connectivity options. Saily definitely excels in its focus on UX simplicity. The app features a minimalist design and an intuitive interface, making it easy for even first-time eSIM users to navigate. The setup process is hassle-free, with clear, step-by-step on-screen instructions that guide users through purchasing plans and activating their eSIMs.

Cons of Saily eSIM:

One limitation is that Saily provides country-specific plans only, meaning travellers need to purchase separate eSIMs for each country they visit, which can be less convenient for those travelling to multiple destinations. Additionally, Saily's coverage is slightly more limited compared to some of its competitors, which offer broader regional or global plans. This narrower coverage may not suit travellers looking for a one-size-fits-all solution for multiple regions.

4. Holafly

Holafly is known for its unlimited data plans across multiple regions, making it perfect for travellers who want constant internet access without worrying about data limits.

Regions Covered:

Holafly covers over 130 destinations worldwide, with a focus on regions like Europe, Asia, and Latin America.

How Holafly eSIM works:

Pros of Holafly eSIM:

One of its key advantages is the ability to make payments in multiple currencies, including Euros, US dollars, and Mexican pesos, catering to a global audience. Holafly also provides unlimited data with most of its eSIMs, making it an excellent option for heavy data users who want to stay connected without worrying about data limits. Additionally, their app includes practical features such as validity tracking, ensuring that users can easily monitor the duration of their eSIM and stay informed about their remaining access without hassle.

Cons of Holafly eSIM:

One drawback of purchasing an eSIM from Holafly is the inability to share data between devices, which can be inconvenient for users who need to connect multiple devices, such as tablets or laptops, while travelling. Additionally, Holafly is one of the more expensive eSIM providers in the market, which may deter budget-conscious travellers. While the higher price might be justified for some due to the convenience of unlimited data, those looking for more affordable options might find better deals with other providers, especially for shorter trips or lighter data usage.

5. aloSIM

aloSIM is a free eSIM app created by AffinityClick — the Canadian software development team that also created the top-grossing Hushed app.

Regions Covered:

AloSIM offers prepaid eSIM data in 175+ countries and as many as 11 regional plans — one of the highest compared to everything else in the list.

How aloSIM eSIM works:

Pros of aloSIM eSIM:

A unique feature of the app is its Data Calculator, which helps you estimate the amount of data you'll need based on your daily, weekly, and monthly internet usage. Once you've determined your data requirements, you can browse the eSIM section and choose a plan that suits you. Additionally, the app lets you view the partnering networks you'll be connected to before making a purchase, ensuring you're linked to a reliable provider. You can also check the available speeds in the area, such as 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE—an option that many eSIM providers don't offer.

Cons of aloSIM eSIM:

The limitation of aloSIM is the absence of phone or SMS plans, meaning users can only access data, which may be inconvenient for travellers who also need voice calling or texting capabilities during their trip. Additionally, aloSIM does not offer an unlimited period plan.

Which eSIM is right for you?

eSIMs have undeniably revolutionised travel by offering affordable plans, reliable connectivity, and a range of validity options, making them the future of telecommunications. If voice call minutes aren’t a priority (and for most, they likely aren't), Airalo is an excellent choice. With a wide range of plans, including validities up to 180 days, and affordable local plans across 200 countries, plus 7 regional options and a cost-effective global plan, it provides dependable connectivity through partnerships with local providers.