Top 3 Best eSIMs for International Travel
eSIM for
international travel
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Are you still buying and swapping SIM cards or renting Wi-Fi to use your phone overseas?
If so, I recommend checking out the eSIMs! This page explains what an eSIM is, its pros and cons, and introduces top 3 best eSIM for international travel.
If you’ve never used an eSIM before, I highly recommend reading this article and giving it a try on your next international trip!
Table of Contents
1. What Is an eSIM?
2. Pros and Cons of eSIMs
1. Advantages of eSIMs
- Available Right After Arriving at Your Destination
- Provides Multiple Plans
- Easy to Switch Networks
2. Disadvantages of eSIMs
- Primarily Data-Only (Phone Calls May Be Available with Additional Plan)
- Some Devices Do NOT Support eSIMs
- Available Only Once After Activation
3. How to Purchase and Use an eSIM
4. Top 3 Recommended eSIMs!
1. Global Yo
2. Airalo
3. Nomad
5. Conclusion
Table of Contents
目次
1. What Is an eSIM?
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Download and use on your phone
Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM can be downloaded/embedded directly in your phone (Some devices may not be compatible).
Some devices may not be compatible, so please ensure that your device supports eSIMs before using it.
If you’d like to check, refer to this link, it will redirect you to another site.
(iPhones starting from the XR model are compatible. Compatibility may also vary depending on the country where the device was purchased.)
You can purchase an eSIM on a website or an app mentioned in Section 4.
Once you’ve bought an eSIM that is available for your travel destination, simply activate it before using, then you’re all set to go.
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Activation is required before using an eSIM
To start using your purchased eSIM, you’ll need to activate it.
Since activation requires a connection to Wi-Fi or another network, I recommend using free Wi-Fi at the airport or activating the eSIM just before your departure.
Activating is as simple as clicking a button within the app, allowing you to use your phone immediately upon arrival!
2. Pros and Cons of eSIMs
Unlike typical SIM cards that require physical swapping, an eSIM can be activated with just a click of a button, making it more convenient and user-friendly for international travel.
That said, there are a few key things to keep in mind. So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of eSIMs!
2.1. Advantages of eSIMs
1
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Available right after arriving at your destination
In the case of a physical SIM card, you either need to swap it at the airport before your trip or buy and replace it upon arrival at your destination.
However, with an eSIM, you can purchase it before your trip and simply activate it at the airport (through the app) — just click ACTIVATE button!
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Provides multiple plans
eSIM plans can be chosen based on your travel duration and data usage needs.
It’s very convenient because you can choose the plan that suits you the most.
For your reference, here is a list of Global Yo’s eSIM plans for Canada.
| Validity | Data | Price (USD) | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | 500 MB | $3.89 | c. €3.32 |
| 3 Days | 1 GB | $5.89 | c. €5.02 |
| 15 Days | 3 GB | $11.59 | c. €9.88 |
| 30 Days | 10 GB | $19.99 | c. €17.05 |
| NOTE: "c." means approximately | |||
In addition to these, a variety of other plans are available.
If you run out of data, you can top it up anytime during the validity period by simply paying for the extra amount.
However, some eSIM plans may not offer this option, so be sure to check the details before purchasing.
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Easy to switch networks
When using an eSIM, you only need to enable the eSIM line in your phone’s settings, which takes just about 10 seconds.
Additionally, to ensure that you don’t use other connections while abroad, it’s advisable to turn off any other lines, those you use in your country, and disable data roaming.
If data roaming is turned on, your phone will be able to use data while abroad, which may result in high overseas charges upon your return.
What Is Data Roaming?
If you are not familiar with data roaming, check out the sim LOCAL website for more info.
2.2. Disadvantages of eSIMs
1
a
Primarily Data-Only
(phone calls may be available with additional plan)
Since most basic eSIM plans are Data-Only, you’ll need to purchase an additional plan that includes calling if you need to make phone calls while abroad.
However, it wouldn’t be a big deal for most of you as you can use apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Messenger to call your friends or family.
For those who need to make phone calls while traveling, some providers offer international call plans. The available time and rates for phone usage can vary depending on the eSIM plan and provider, so be sure to check these details before signing up.
eSIM Calling Plans
Global Yo: Add an international calling plan for just US$5 (approx. €4.24)
Nomad: Data-only service — no voice calling plans available (as of July 2025)
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Some devices do NOT support eSIMs
When you plan to use eSIM, it’s highly recommended to confirm that your phone is compatible with an eSIM!
Some devices may not support an eSIM, and you could end up unable to activate it even after purchasing.
*If you’d like to check compatibility, refer to this link on Klook website.
(iPhones from the XR model onward are compatible, though supported devices may vary depending on the country where the device was purchased.)
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Available ONLY ONCE after activation
Most eSIMs cannot be reused once they are deleted, even during the valid period, so it’s advised to be careful not to delete them after activation.
Once an eSIM is activated, data usage starts immediately, and for plans with a 3-day validity, the 3 days will begin from the activation date.
I highly recommend to activate the eSIM just before departure at home or an airport!
*Note: Wi-Fi connection may be required to activate eSIM.
3. How to Purchase and Use an eSIM
I don’t know how to purchase and use an eSIM…
a
How to purchase
1. Find an eSIM that is available in your travel destination
To purchase an eSIM, you’ll need to find one that is compatible with your destination country on websites or apps like those mentioned in Section 4. Top 3 Recommended eSIMs!.
2. Choose a plan based on your stay and data usage
eSIM plans offer various options based on your stay duration and data usage, such as 1GB for 1 day, 5GB for 3 days, or 10GB for 30 days. You can select a plan based on the number of days you’ll be staying and your expected data usage.
In addition to eSIMs specific to the country you’re visiting, there are 2 more types of eSIMs: Regional eSIMs and Global eSIMs. See below for details.
Sometimes, these options can be more affordable than eSIM for a specific country!
Regional eSIMs
eSIMs for the Asia region can be used in certain Asian countries
Perfect for multi-country travelers!
Covers many regions including Europe, North America, Latin America, and more
Global eSIMs
アジアの数か国を旅行する人にオススメ！
Great for global travelers!
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How to use
1. Activate the eSIM using the app
After purchasing an eSIM from providers shown below like Global Yo, Airalo, or Nomad, you can activate it by downloading their app.
Once the purchased eSIM appears in the app, simply press the “Activate” button, and the eSIM will be activated.
The validity period, such as 1 day or 1 week (depending on the plan), will start from that day.
2. Turn on the eSIM line in the phone settings
If you cannot use the eSIM after turning it on in the app, you may need to go to your phone’s “Cellular” settings, select the eSIM, and enable the line.
4. Top 3 Recommended eSIMs
Now, let’s take a look at some recommended eSIM plans!
Here are 3 affordable and reliable eSIMs I personally use when traveling — great connectivity at a great price!
I want to buy an affordable eSIM plan…
Global Yo is one of my favorite eSIMs — it offers great prices and a wide range of plans!
Global Yo is perfect for people who:
- Are looking for low-cost eSIM plans
- Travel to multiple countries and want flexible options
- Want to make calls while abroad
If you need to make calls, you can easily add an international calling plan for just US$5 (around €4.25), which is a great deal!
During sales, the international calling add-on is sometimes available for as little as US$2 (around €1.70), so be sure to check before your next trip!
The website supports several languages, including English, German, French, Japanese, and Chinese, up to 50 languages in total.
If it is your first time and you’re feeling unsure, you might prefer using Airalo explained upcoming section. It is well-known and has more information available on the Internet, making it easier to find help if you have any issues or doubts.
Get a Special Coupon by scanning or clicking the QR code! ➡
Receive $10 (USD) for your first eSIM purchase!
Get a Special Coupon by scanning or clicking the QR code below!
Receive $10 (USD) for your first eSIM purchase!
↓Scan or Click Here
Airalo is a well-known eSIM provider and supports over 190 countries.
You can choose your payment currency from the following options:
- United States dollar (USD) $
- Pound sterling (GBP) £
- Canadian dollar (CAD) $
- Australian dollar (AUD) $
- Euro (EUR) €
While its prices tend to be higher compared to Global Yo, it offers some affordable plans, so please compare the plans available for the country you’re traveling to!
For those who want to make phone calls while abroad — not through an app like WhatsApp — Airalo offers Data/Calls/Texts options, such as Discover+, allowing you to choose the plan that suits your needs!
Get a Special Coupon by entering the referral code when purchasing an eSIM! ➡ Airalo Referral code: TORU2488
Receive $3 (USD)* for your first eSIM purchase!
*It depends on your currency: GBP £2.50, CAD $4.50, AUD $5.00, or EUR 3.00 €.
Nomad is also one of the recommended eSIMs!
You can choose your payment currency from the following options:
- CAD (Canadian Dollar)
- CHF (Swiss Franc)
- EUR (European Currency)
- GBP (British Pound).
It supports 170+ countries and offers high-speed connectivity, with 5G available in most and 4G in others, ensuring you won’t have trouble with connection speed.
When selecting a country, each plan indicates whether it supports 4G or 5G. For global plans, 4G or 5G is displayed next to the list of supported countries, so if you prefer 5G, be sure to choose a plan labeled 5G.
However, in some countries, the connection can be poor. There are countries or regions where only 3G plans are available, and in some cases, even 4G connections can be slow.
If you’re traveling to developing countries or rural areas away from cities, keep this in mind and prepare by downloading maps or other resources in advance for offline use.
As of July 2025, Nomad only offers Data-Only eSIMs and does NOT provide eSIMs for voice calls.
So, if you need to make phone calls while traveling, not via apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, I recommend using either > 4.1. Global Yo or > 4.2. Airalo with their international call plans.
Get a Special Coupon by entering the referral code when purchasing an eSIM! ➡ Nomad Referral code: TORU46HA
Receive $7 (USD)* for your first eSIM purchase!*
*The amount you get varies by currency: CAD $9.71, EUR 6.48 €, CHF Fr. 6.06, or GBP £5.4.
*The $7 coupon is valid for purchases of $10 or more.
5. Conclusion
If you’re unsure which one is the best eSIM for international travel, you can’t go wrong with Airalo!
For budget travelers, I recommend Global Yo but keep in mind that some plans may be cheaper from other providers, so it’s a good idea to compare all three options.
If you want to make phone calls while traveling, you can either “add a calling plan with Global Yo” or “choose a plan with ‘Data / Calls / Texts’ from Airalo” that fits your needs.
Additionally, let’s say you’re planning to go to the U.S., for example, it’s sometimes more affordable to use Regional eSIMs or Global eSIMs instead of an eSIM that is only for the U.S. You may want to check those plans, if you are looking for more budget-friendly options!
eSIM Summary
For first-time eSIM users — Airalo is a great pick!
For those prioritizing low cost, Global Yo is a great choice
For those who want to check eSIM speed, Nomad is a great choice
Want to make calls overseas? Choose Global Yo or Airalo!
Regional eSIMs and Global eSIMs are also available
I hope you enjoy your upcoming travels with an affordable and convenient eSIM instead of a physical SIM or an expensive pocket Wi-Fi.
Have a great trip!!
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I created my website and started YouTube channels in my senior year of university.
To achieve my life goal: “making many people happy,” I decided to learn how to create a website from scratch through YouTube and the Internet, then launched my own site, “happpytoru.”
I write blogs on various topics: travel, language learning, tips for living a fulfilling life, and more.
Also, I have multiple YouTube channels to share about traveling, languages, and life tips.
When I was in my senior year of university, I created my website and started YouTube channels.
During my time at university, I realized that working in a company like everyone else and staying as an employee for life wasn’t what I wanted. To achieve my life goal of “making many people happy,” I decided to learn how to create a website from scratch through YouTube and the Internet, and launched my own site, “happpytoru.”
Nowadays, I run blogs that cover various topics, including travel, language learning, tips for living a fulfilling life, and more. I also have multiple YouTube channels where I share videos about travel and practical life advice.
【Photo used in this page】
Photo by Opal Pierce on Unsplash
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