Best eSIM for International Travel in 2025

Introduction

If you’ve ever landed in a new country and scrambled to find Wi-Fi or buy a local SIM card, you’ll understand how valuable having an eSIM for international travel can be. eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected abroad. No need to swap physical SIM cards or worry about losing them, nor finding a place to top them up.

Whether you’re a long-term traveler, digital nomad, or someone heading out on vacation, the right travel eSIM can save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. But with so many options available, choosing the best eSIM for travel can be tricky.

We’ve tested and compared the most popular ones on the market to help you pick what fits your needs best — from unlimited data to regional coverage and even calling options.

Let’s dive into the best eSIMs for international travel in 2025.

Overview

Here’s a quick look at our top picks for the best eSIM for international travel in 2025:

• Airalo – Best travel eSIM for overall coverage and value
• Holafly – Best travel eSIM for unlimited data
• Saily – Best travel eSIM for budget with long-duration plans
• Airhub – Best travel eSIM for phone calls

Each one works a bit differently — some focus on affordability, others on unlimited data or voice options. Below, we’ll break down what makes each of them stand out and help you decide which one fits your travel style best.

Best eSIM for Travel: Our Top Picks

Airalo — Best eSIM for Travel Overall

Airalo is often considered the best travel eSIM overall, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. It’s affordable, reliable, and works in nearly every country you can think of. We’ve personally used Airalo in several places around the world, from Europe to Southeast Asia, and it’s always been smooth and straightforward to set up.

Number of countries available: Airalo covers more than 200 countries and regions, making it one of the widest-reaching eSIM providers. You can buy a single-country plan (like France or Vietnam), or choose a regional or global option if you’re visiting several countries.

Group or regional plans: Airalo’s “regional eSIMs” are perfect for multi-country trips. For example, the “Eurolink” plan covers 42 countries in Europe, while “Asialink” covers 18 countries in Asia. There’s also a “Global eSIM” that works in over 137 countries — great for long-term travelers or digital nomads.

Pricing examples: Prices vary by destination and data size, but the flexibility is what makes Airalo so appealing. You can easily top up your data directly from the app.

• France: from around €4.00 for 1GB, valid for 3 days.
• Vietnam: from around €4.00 for 1GB, valid for 3 days.

Duration of plan: Airalo plans range from 3 days, 7 days, 15 days to 30 days. Each with multiple options of data size from 1GB to 50GB.

Options and flexibility: You can buy additional data at any time through the Airalo app, and activation takes only a few minutes. We often saw ourselves with multiple eSIMs activated on our phones. Airalo, also offers the option to have unlimited data if you are a digital nomad and need to work on your eSIM

Airalo is, overall, the most convenient and reliable travel eSIM for frequent travelers. It’s affordable, covers almost every country, and offers plans that suit everything from weekend city breaks to long backpacking trips, making it the best eSIM for international travellers.

Tip: Get your Airalo eSIM right now from this link.

Holafly: Best Travel eSIM for Unlimited Data

If you’re someone who uses a lot of data while traveling, for navigation, uploading photos, working on your blog, uploading video to YouTube, or staying connected on social media, then Holafly is most probably the best eSIM for you.

What makes it stand out is its unlimited data in most destinations, which means no more worrying about running out of gigabytes halfway through your trip.

Number of countries available: Holafly offers eSIMs for more than 200 destinations, covering most of Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. In the past years, they added many destination, making their coverage as big as Airalo.

Group or regional plans: You’ll find regional options such as Europe, Asia, Latin America, and North America — ideal if you’re visiting several countries on the same trip. These regional eSIMs save you the hassle of switching networks every time you cross a border.

Pricing examples: Longer plans are available, with prices scaling up depending on how many days you need (with no limit, you pick how many days you need).

• France: €3,6 for 1 day of unlimited data or 10,80€ for 3 days
• Vietnam: €3,6 for 1 day of unlimited data or 10,80€ for 3 days

Duration of plan: What makes Holafly stand out if that you decide how many days you want. We don’t think there is a limit.

Options and flexibility: The main advantage of Holafly is simplicity — unlimited data, easy setup, and instant activation. You don’t need to worry about topping up.

If you travel often and rely heavily on your phone for work or content creation, Holafly is one of the best eSIMs for international travel. It’s not the cheapest option, but the peace of mind of having unlimited data is worth it.

You can also get 5% off your Holafly eSIM with the code THEDAILYPACKERS

Tip: Get your Holafly eSIM right now from this link.

Saily: Best Travel eSIM for Budget

Saily is one of the newest names in the eSIM world, but it’s quickly becoming a solid choice for travelers looking for affordable data without compromising on reliability. It is definitely one of the best eSIMs for travelling. Created by the team behind NordVPN, it’s designed to be simple, secure, and budget-friendly — perfect for those who just want a no-fuss connection while on the road.

Number of countries available: Saily currently supports around 200 countries, covering most of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The list is growing fast as they expand their partnerships with local operators.

Group or regional plans: Saily now offers regional plans too — including options for Europe, Asia, and Latin America, which makes it easier if you’re hopping between countries. These regional eSIMs are often cheaper than buying individual ones for each destination.

Pricing examples: Larger data plans (like 5GB or 10GB) bring even better value for money.

• France: from around €3,45 for 1GB valid for 7 days.
• Vietnam: from around €3,45 for 1GB valid for 7 days.

Duration of plan: Most Saily plans last between 7 and 30 days, with a few offering longer validity depending on the destination (with a regional Asia plan, you can even get 90 or 180 days)

Options and flexibility: Everything runs through the Saily app, which is easy to navigate. You can monitor your data usage, buy more when needed, and manage multiple eSIMs at once. The setup takes just a few minutes, and you can activate it before you leave or after landing. For some destinations, Saily offers even unlimited data (for example, in France, you can choose that option for 10 to 30 days)

Overall, Saily is the best travel eSIM for anyone on a budget — especially if you’re traveling light, working remotely, or just need steady data for maps and messages. It’s simple, cheap, and secure, making it a great option for backpackers and long-term travelers who don’t need unlimited data.

Tip: Get your Saily eSIM right now from this link.

Airhub: Best Travel eSIM for Phone Calls

Most eSIMs only cover data, but if you still need to make or receive calls while traveling, Airhub is the one to go for. It’s a reliable option that combines mobile data with actual phone numbers, so you can stay connected even without Wi-Fi or messaging apps.

Number of countries available: Airhub offers eSIMs in more than 200 countries, covering almost every major travel destination worldwide.

Group or regional plans: Airhub has both single-country and regional plans, including Europe, Asia, North America, and Latin America. You can also find global options if you’re planning to travel across continents.

Pricing examples: If you need to make phone calls, prices go up slightly depending on how many minutes or texts you choose to include.

• France: around €3,02 for 1GB valid for 7 days (data only) or €34,55 for a plan that includes calls and texts valid for 30 days.
• Vietnam: around €3,06 for 4GB valid for 30 days (data only) or €6,50 for a plan that includes calls and texts valid for 5 days.

Duration of plan: Airhub plans typically last between 7 and 30 days, with some global packages extending up to 90 days. However, there are many differences in what they offers based on the destination.

Options and flexibility: The biggest plus with Airhub is the option to get a real phone number for incoming and outgoing calls. This is especially handy for travelers who need to stay reachable, whether it’s for business, accommodation bookings, or family back home. In some destinations, you can get an unlimited plan or eSIM from local companies.

If you prefer a more traditional mobile experience but still want the flexibility of an eSIM, Airhub is the best travel eSIM for you. It’s a bit pricier than data-only options like Airalo or Saily, but it’s worth it if voice calls matter during your trip.

Tip: Get your AirHub eSIM right now from this link.

What’s an eSIM?

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital version of the traditional SIM card. Instead of inserting a physical chip into your phone, an eSIM is built directly into your device and can be activated instantly by scanning a QR code or downloading a mobile plan.

This means you can switch between mobile networks without ever touching your phone’s SIM slot. Whether you’re hopping from France to Vietnam or crossing a few borders in Europe, you can simply buy a new plan online, install it, and connect to a local network in minutes.

eSIMs work just like normal SIM cards, they give you data (and sometimes calls) — but they’re far more flexible. You can have multiple eSIMs on one phone and toggle between them in your settings. It’s perfect for travelers who want to stay connected without paying huge roaming fees or hunting down a local SIM after landing.

In short, eSIMs are the future of mobile connectivity — fast, simple, and made for travellers.

How to Choose the Best eSIM for International Travel

Not all eSIMs are created equal, and the best choice really depends on how and where you travel. Here are a few things to keep in mind before buying your next travel eSIM:

1. Check coverage first: Make sure the eSIM provider covers your destination. Most major providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Saily cover more than 200 countries, but some smaller destinations might still be missing from their list. Always double-check before purchasing.
2. Look at data limits and duration: If you travel short-term, a 7 or 15-day plan might be enough. But if you’re traveling for a few months, Saily’s 90 or 180-day plans offer much better value. Unlimited data (like Holafly’s) can be great, but it’s often more expensive — and in some cases, speed limits may apply after heavy usage.
3. Compare regional vs. single-country plans: If you’re visiting several countries, a regional eSIM is much more convenient. For example, Airalo’s Eurolink or Asialink plans let you travel freely without switching networks each time.
4. Consider if you need calls or texts: Most eSIMs are data-only. If you still need to receive verification messages or make calls, Airhub is a better pick since it offers plans with actual phone numbers.
5. Don’t forget about support and ease of use: Choose a provider with a clean app and responsive customer service. Airalo and Holafly both make setup incredibly easy with clear instructions and quick troubleshooting if anything goes wrong.

In short, the best eSIM for travelling depends on your habits — whether you want cheap data for maps, unlimited internet for work, or a full plan with calls. The good news is, with all these options, there’s an eSIM for every kind of traveler.

Is My Phone eSIM-Compatible?

Before buying any of the best travel eSIM, it’s important to check if your phone actually supports one. Most newer smartphones do, but not all models are eSIM-ready yet — especially older or budget devices.

Here’s a quick overview of eSIM-compatible phones:

• Apple: All iPhones from the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max onward support eSIM. That includes all newer models like the iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series. If you have an iPhone 14 or newer (US models), it might even be eSIM-only, meaning there’s no physical SIM slot at all.
• Samsung: Most of the recent Galaxy S, Z Flip, and Z Fold models include eSIM support — such as the Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23, and newer. Mid-range models like the Galaxy A series may not have it, so it’s worth checking the exact specs for your phone.
• Google Pixel: All Google Pixel 3 and newer support eSIM, including the Pixel 6, 7, and 8 series.
• Other brands: Several other manufacturers now include eSIM support in their high-end devices, including Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Motorola. However, not every model or region supports it, as some carriers disable the function.

You can usually check by going to your phone settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan. If you see that option, you’re good to go.

If your phone isn’t compatible, don’t worry, you can still use a local SIM card the old-fashioned way. But if you travel often, upgrading to an eSIM-ready device is absolutely worth it.

How to Activate Your eSIM

Activating an eSIM is quick and straightforward. Once you’ve purchased your plan, you’ll receive an email or see on-screen instructions with a QR code or manual activation code. Here’s how to get started:

1. Buy your eSIM plan: Choose a provider like Airalo, Holafly, Saily, or Airhub, and select the country or region you’re visiting. You can buy it directly on their website or through their app.
2. Scan the QR code: After payment, you’ll receive a QR code by email. On your phone, go to Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM (or Add Mobile Plan) and scan the code. This will automatically install your eSIM profile.
3. Set it as your data plan: Once installed, you can decide which SIM to use for data, calls, or texts. Most travelers keep their home SIM active for calls and use the eSIM only for data to avoid roaming charges.
4. Activate your plan: Some eSIMs activate immediately after installation, while others start counting once you connect to a local network at your destination. Always check the provider’s instructions before you scan the QR code.
5. Start browsing: After activation, turn on data roaming for that eSIM, and you’re all set. You can test it by opening a browser or checking your maps.

It usually takes less than five minutes to install and activate an eSIM from the best eSIMs for travel we recommend and use. Once it’s done, you’ll be connected automatically as soon as you land — no more searching for local SIM shops or waiting in line at the airport.

Good to Know about eSIM

Before buying any of the best travel eSIM, here are a few things worth knowing to make the whole process smoother and avoid common mistakes.

eSIM vs Local SIM vs Roaming: Traditional roaming through your home carrier is usually the most expensive option, with data costs quickly adding up. Buying a local SIM can be cheaper but takes time, especially if you arrive late or don’t speak the language. An eSIM sits perfectly in between, affordable, easy to set up, and ready to use the moment you land.

When should I buy one of the best travel eSIM? You can buy it anytime, but it’s best to purchase it before you travel. This way, you can download the eSIM profile and have it ready to activate once you reach your destination. Some plans activate upon installation, while others only start when you first connect locall,  always double-check the conditions before scanning the QR code.

Should I activate it before traveling? If your plan starts counting from the moment of activation, it’s better to wait until you land. But if it only starts once you connect to a local network, you can safely install it beforehand to save time at the airport.

What about phone calls? Most eSIMs are data-only, which means you’ll use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other internet-based apps for calls. If you need a local phone number or the ability to receive calls, Airhub is your best option — it’s one of the few providers offering plans with both data and voice minutes.

In the end, the best eSIM for travelling depends on your needs — whether it’s unlimited data, budget-friendly pricing, or voice support. The best part is how flexible they’ve become. You can switch plans in seconds, keep your number, and never worry about losing a tiny SIM card again.

Final Thoughts

Traveling has never been easier when it comes to staying connected. With eSIMs, you can land anywhere in the world and have data within minutes — no shops, no queues, no hassle.

If you’re looking for the best eSIM for international travel, here’s a quick recap:

• Airalo is the best travel eSIM overall — reliable, affordable, and available in over 200 countries.
• Holafly is the best travel eSIM for unlimited data, ideal for digital nomads or business trips..
• Saily is the best eSIM for budget travel, perfect for long-term travelers with plans lasting up to 180 days.
• Airhub is the best eSIM for international travellers that need phone calls.

Whichever one you pick, the process is simple and takes only a few minutes to set up. And if you want to save a little extra, don’t forget that Holafly offers 5% off with the code THEDAILYPACKERS at https://holafly.sjv.io/qzMD2n.

Once you switch to an eSIM, you’ll never go back — it’s by far the easiest way to travel connected, wherever your next trip takes you.