The Best eSIMs for International Data Roaming in 2024

Traveling internationally used to mean one of two things: hunting for unreliable public Wi-Fi or coming home to a massive bill from your carrier. Major providers like Verizon and AT&T charge upwards of $10 per day for their international passes. For a two-week trip, that is $140 just to check maps and send emails. The rise of eSIM technology has completely changed this dynamic, offering travelers reliable data for a fraction of the cost.

Why You Should Switch to an eSIM

An eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module) is a digital SIM card that is already built into your phone hardware. You do not need to physically swap out a tiny plastic chip. instead, you download a data profile from an app.

The primary advantage is cost savings. While traditional carriers charge daily rates, eSIM providers sell prepaid data packages. You might pay $10 to $20 total for a package that lasts your entire trip. Furthermore, using an eSIM allows you to keep your primary SIM active. This means you can still receive two-factor authentication texts from your bank on your home number while using the eSIM for affordable data.

Top eSIM Providers for 2024

We have tested and analyzed the current market leaders based on price, network reliability, and ease of use. Here are the specific providers you should consider for your next trip.

Airalo: The Industry Standard

Airalo is currently the most popular marketplace for eSIMs. They offer coverage in over 200 countries and regions.

  • Best For: General travelers who want a balance of price and reliability.
  • Pricing: Prices are very competitive. For example, a 1GB data plan for France allows you to connect for seven days for roughly $4.50. A regional “Eurolink” plan covering 39 countries starts around $5 for 1GB or $37 for 10GB valid for 30 days.
  • Network: Airalo typically partners with top-tier local networks. In the UK, for instance, they connect via O2 or Three.
  • User Experience: The app is intuitive. You purchase the plan, install it via a button click or QR code, and activate it once you land. They also offer a loyalty program called Airmoney where you earn credits toward future purchases.

Holafly: Unlimited Data Powerhouse

If you are a heavy data user who streams video, uploads to Instagram constantly, or works remotely, Holafly is the superior choice.

  • Best For: Heavy data users who do not want to track their usage.
  • Pricing: Holafly operates on a model similar to unlimited passes. You buy based on days rather than gigabytes. A 5-day unlimited plan for Japan costs around $19, while a 15-day plan is approximately $47.
  • The Catch: While they offer unlimited data, they often restrict tethering (hotspotting). This means you cannot share your data connection with your laptop or a travel companion’s phone on many of their plans. You must check the specific plan details if you need to create a hotspot.

Nomad: Clean Interface and Great Asia Coverage

Nomad is known for its exceptionally clean user interface and transparent pricing. They often run sales on data plans, making them a budget-friendly contender.

  • Best For: Travelers heading to Asia or those who prefer a highly visual app experience.
  • Pricing: Nomad offers competitive rates that often undercut Airalo during promotional periods. Their “Asia” regional plan is excellent for multi-country trips through Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore. You can often find 5GB of data for roughly $13.
  • Transparency: Nomad clearly lists which local carrier you will be using before you buy. This allows you to check coverage maps for that specific carrier (like AIS or Singtel) to ensure you will have service in rural areas.

BNESIM: The Data That Never Expires

BNESIM offers a unique selling point that sets it apart from the competition. While most eSIMs expire after 7 or 30 days, BNESIM offers plans where your data has no expiration date.

  • Best For: Frequent travelers or flight crew who make short, repeated trips to the same region.
  • Pricing: You can buy 1GB of global data for around $9 that stays on your phone until you use it. If you travel to London for two days and use 200MB, you still have 800MB left for your next trip three months later.

Critical Setup Tips Before You Fly

To ensure your eSIM works the moment you land, you must follow these specific steps.

  1. Check Unlock Status: This is the most important step. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. If you are still paying off your phone through AT&T or Verizon, it is likely locked. Go to your phone settings (General > About on iPhone) and look for “Carrier Lock.” It must say “No SIM restrictions.”
  2. Install Before You Leave: Purchase and install the eSIM while you are on your home Wi-Fi. It requires an internet connection to download the profile.
  3. Label Your Lines: In your phone settings, label your main line “Home” and your new eSIM “Travel.”
  4. Arrival Settings: When you land, turn on the “Travel” line. Go to Cellular Data settings and select “Travel” as the source for data. Ensure “Data Roaming” is turned ON for the eSIM but OFF for your Home line. This prevents your home carrier from triggering a daily pass fee.

Determining Data Needs

Many travelers overestimate how much data they need. Without video streaming, the average traveler uses about 500MB to 800MB per day for maps, restaurant lookups, and messaging apps.

  • Weekend Trip (3 days): 1GB to 3GB is sufficient.
  • One Week Trip: 3GB to 5GB is usually plenty.
  • Two Week Trip: 10GB provides a very comfortable buffer.

If you plan to use FaceTime or watch Netflix, you should rely on hotel Wi-Fi or opt for an unlimited plan like Holafly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using an eSIM change my WhatsApp number? No. When you open WhatsApp with a new eSIM, the app will ask if you want to keep your existing number. Select “Keep” to continue using your regular account for messages and calls.

Can I make regular phone calls with these eSIMs? Generally, no. Most travel eSIMs from providers like Airalo and Nomad are data-only. You cannot make traditional voice calls or send SMS texts over the cellular network. You should use WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, or Skype to make calls using the data connection.

Will an eSIM work on my older phone? eSIM technology is relatively new. Apple introduced it with the iPhone XS/XR (2018). Samsung added it with the Galaxy S20 series. The Google Pixel series has supported it since the Pixel 3. If your phone is older than 2018, it likely does not support eSIMs.

Can I have multiple eSIMs installed? Yes. You can store multiple eSIM profiles on your phone (usually up to 8), but you can typically only have one or two active at a time, depending on your device model. This allows you to pre-load different plans for different countries before a multi-leg trip.