For many travelers, it is essential to stay online even when they are abroad. Whether it’s talking to friends and family or catching up with work – many of us are looking for cheap ways to connect on our trips. Luckily several providers offer international data plans at low (or at least affordable) rates.
But very often, you will have to use a different physical SIM card or opt for another solution, like SIM card stickers. This means you will either need a smartphone will dual-SIM functionality. Or you’ll be forced to exchange the card every time you want to use your travel data plan. While this is better than paying a lot of money for roaming, it still isn’t the ideal solution. Newer smartphones offer a feature called eSIM (short for embedded SIM). It allows you to add a SIM card without actually doing so. And it works like a charm.
Since this solution is so convenient, we decided to put together a list of providers who will offer global data plans that are distributed via eSIM — making it both affordable and comfortable to use your phone while traveling.
Pros and cons of an eSIM
- Cheap: The main argument for an eSIM. You spend way less money abroad when using an eSIM compared to your regular card.
- No waiting time: While you have to plan ahead when using a physical SIM card or a SIM card sticker you are ready to go right away when using an eSIM.
- No kerfuffle with the activation: When using regular SIM-Cards, you have to register to use them properly. While this can be done online, it takes a lot of time. An eSIM speeds this process up, you often need your name and contact data, and you are good to go.
- No shipping costs: Since there is nothing that has to be shipped, there are no costs here. And that can make a huge difference, especially if you’re ordering a SIM card that has to be sent to you from the USA or Asia (which is the case most of the time).
- Free or cheap eSIM: Again, an eSIM is a virtual product, and therefore, the provider does not have to pay for it being produced. And many companies will pass on this benefit to you. The majority of the providers we promote here will not charge for setting up your eSIM profile (at least if you purchase a starter pack).
- Easy switching between providers: This might not be something you need all the time. But let’s say you’re traveling in two different countries and found a cheap provider for each one of your destinations. No need to carry around two SIM cards. Just change your eSIM profile, and you should be good to go.
- No need to switch physical cards: Switching a sim card requires a lot of fumbling. The tiny plastic chips are easily lost or damaged and if that happens abroad, you may be hard or not at all to reach for quite some time. To install an eSIM, all you need to do is scan a QR code.
- Not all mobile phones support eSIM: While many phones do support eSIMs, there are still some phones out there that do not support eSIMs. Please check if your phone supports eSIM before buying any plans.
- Not as flexible: eSIMs usually cannot be used on several devices. If traveling with a mobile phone and a tablet, you may have to purchase several eSIMs with the same or a different provider.
- Calls are often not possible: It is generally possible to make and receive calls or send SMS with an eSIM. But most of the providers we feature here do not offer these services. Outgoing calls are still possible with Skype or other apps, but you cannot be reached. Only some smartphones like Apple’s iPhone allow you to receive calls via your regular SIM.
- Relatively slow connections: Most providers mentioned here offer mobile data via roaming. For example, if you are in Japan, your mobile data is provided by a phone company in Singapore. While this works, it is most likely not the fastest option available.
Which Devices Will Support eSIM?
This list will become longer and longer, basically by the day. But we still want to provide you with an overview of all devices (at least that we know of) that support eSIM. Please note that not all providers support all devices! So first, you will have to find out if you can use yours to stay online with an eSIM.
If your Android mobile phone doesn’t support eSIM, there may be a solution for you: eSIM.me! This is a physical card that can make your phone host several eSIM profiles via their own app even though your phone doesn’t support eSIM natively.
- Mobile phones:
- Apple iPhone XR, XS, XS Max, 11, 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max, 12 Mini, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, SE 2020, 13 Mini, 13, 13 Pro
- Huawei P40 and P40 Pro
- Nuu Mobile X5
- Google Pixel 2/2 XL, 3/3 XL, 3A/3A XL, 4/4A/4 XL, 5/5A/5 XL, 6/6 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Fold and Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip
- Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra
- Motorola Razr from 2019
- Tablets/Laptops:
- Apple iPad Modelle from 2018 (cellular models)
- Gemini PDA
- HP Spectre Folio, X360
- Lenovo Yoga C630
- Microsoft Surface (with Windows 10), Pro, Pro X
- Smartwatches:
- Apple Watch Series 1-3, 5, 6
- Huawei Watch 2 Pro
- Samsung Gear S2 + S3
- Samsung Galaxy Watch, Watch
More and more eSIM-providers are entering the market, which helps to push prices down. More competition means that providers really have to be on top of their game. Therefore, many apps have been developed in the last couple of years.
If you are traveling a lot and don’t want to change the eSIM-provider all the time, I would recommend using RedteaGO or Flexiroam. Both providers offer great coverage and very competitive prices.
If you want to save as much money as possible, have a look at our prices and chose the cheapest provider for each country you are traveling to.