best traveller sim

12 Best International (e)SIM Cards for Traveling in 2024

Traveling overseas soon? Avoid high roaming costs and get yourself a travel sim card, an international sim card with data that works all over the world! Does that exist? Yes! And good news, I updated this international sim card comparison for all your trips abroad in 2024 and included the best international eSIM cards as well.

First I will give you a comparison of the best international prepaid and eSIM cards available for traveling abroad in 2024, including all the pros and cons. Then at the end I will also explain the differences between a local prepaid sim card and a global travel sim card and tell you what is cheaper.

In the end you can decide for yourself if you think it is worth buying an international (e)-sim card for your next trip or buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival in your holiday destination.

For your convenience I ranked the best international sim cards from best to worst. Number 1 is my top recommendation, then number 2 and so on… However, it also depends on the places and countries that you will be traveling to, so choose your sim card wisely.

Slowly physical sim cards are being replaced by eSIM cards. Physical sim cards are not needed anymore, no more swapping sim cards in your phone if your phone is eSIM compatible.

Actually, eSIM cards are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling abroad in 2024 and you are online as soon as the plane lands.

Here are some of the latest Traveltomtom eSIM card guides with everything you need to know about buying an eSIM card for: USA , Canada , Mexico , Brazil , Japan , South Korea ,  Thailand , Hong Kong , Singapore , Indonesia ,  Philippines , Vietnam ,  Malaysia ,  China , Australia , New Zealand ,  Europe , Germany ,  France , Italy , Spain , Portugal , Greece ,  United Kingdom ,  Turkey ,  Egypt , Morocco ,  Dubai   and many more.

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Some links in this comparison of the best international travel sim cards are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don't worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

My recommendation

Depending on your destination local prepaid sim cards will give you more value for money. But you can only buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival. Want to arrive prepared at your holiday destination and be online when the plane lands? Then order an international prepaid sim card or an eSIM card to stay connected.

Overseas data plans and data roaming packages from your mobile operator in your home country is mostly with capped data speed.

Traveltomtom recommends the following international sim cards: international physical prepaid sim cards from SimOptions , international eSIM cards from Simoptions ,  Airalo Discover Global eSIM cards  or  Jetpac Global eSIMs .

Personally I have a Discover Global eSIM card from Airalo with 20 GB data valid for 365 days installed on my phone. This eSIM card is valid in 124 countries and I use it every time the plane lands in a new country.

Depending on where and how long I travel I compare the local prepaid sim cards with the available eSIM cards.

Traveltomtom has used SimOptions and Airalo the most and for many consecutive years. But the competition on the international sim card market is fierce and Nomad as well as Jetpac often have some amazing eSIM card deals so I started using them too. It depends on where I am traveling.

Holafly is an eSIM provider that has eSIM cards with unlimited data, but also a so called FUP. Traveltomtom is not a fan, more about it later.

Comparison international sim card

As expected, there's a wide range of international sim cards available on the internet. The challenge that most travelers are faced with is choosing the best one for their trip. The pricing and capabilities vary widely and some cater best for one trip, but suck for another trip.

In the following section, I will review and compare the top international sim cards. Read through the list carefully and pick the travel sim that works for you. As promised I listed the best travel sim cards on top!

 In short:

• Best sim card for Europe: Orange Holiday Europe  & Bouygues Telecom (eSIM)
• Best sim card for Caribbean: Knowroaming or KeepGo, Gigsky
• Best sim card for North America: Orange Holiday World & Three UK or a  Airalo Discover Global eSIM card
• Best sim card for Central America:  Three UK
• Best sim card for South America: Three UK or Airalo Discover Global eSIM card
• Best sim card for Africa: Orange Holiday World &  Discover Global eSIM card
• Best sim card for Asia: Airalo Discover Global eSIM card & Jetpac Global
• Best sim card for Southeast Asia: Jetpac Global
• Best sim card for the Middle East:  Discover Global eSIM card
• Best sim card for Oceania: Smart Traveller eSim, Nomad Global

Traveling to the Middle East? I visited all countries in the Middle East myself and wrote detailed sim card guides for them: Qatar ,  Dubai , Bahrain , Oman , Saudi Arabia , Jordan , Lebanon , Israel , etc.

All the international sim cards below can be ordered directly online and will either be shipped to your home address or send directly to your e-mail in case of an eSIM card. In case of a physical prepaid sim card they will come in a 3-in-1 sizes which makes them fit into any smart(phone), tablet or portable WiFi device.

In case of eSIM cards always make sure your smartphone is eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM card.

1. Discover Global eSIM Card from Airalo

The easiest and most convenient way to get internet on your phone when traveling abroad in 2024 is an eSIM card. The way eSIM cards work is that through software on your phone (just settings, nothing fancy) you are able to switch to another network. On this network you are able to use the data allowance according to which package you bought and activated.

Mind you this is an eSIM card and NOT a physical sim card. So no need to swap a physical sim card. Just scan the received QR code, follow the steps, instal the eSIM card and activate it. Trust me it is really simple.

With an eSIM card you keep your own phone number and whenever you want to use your own phone number you simply switch networks again in the settings.

Airalo is one of the leading eSIM card providers and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times all over the world. Airalo offers sim cards for pretty much every country in the world and they also sell 2 international eSIM cards:

• International data-only eSIM card.
• International eSIM card including calling and texting.

Both Discover Global eSIM cards from Airalo are valid in 130 countries, depending on the plan you buy the sim card is valid for 365 days. Traveltomtom has this eSIM card installed on his phone. It is a life saver many times and only costs $69 USD.

Prices Discover Global data-only eSIM Card

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $9 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $17 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $24 USD
• 5 GB data for 60 days = $35 USD
• 10 GB data for 180 days = $59 USD
• 20 GB data for 365 days = $69 USD

Click here for more info or to order a Discover Global data-only eSIM Card via Airalo .

Prices Discover Global eSIM Card including calling/texting

• 1 GB data + 10 minutes + 10 sms for 7 days = $9 USD
• 2 GB data + 20 minutes + 20 sms for 15 days = $17 USD
• 3 GB data + 30 minutes + 30 sms for 30 days = $24 USD
• 5 GB data + 50 minutes + 50 sms for 60 days = $35 USD
• 10 GB data + 100 minutes + 100 sms for 180 days = $59 USD
• 20 GB data + 200 minutes + 200 sms for 365 days = $69 USD

The above data packages are valid in 130 countries:

• Europe: every European country is covered, including: UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and Greenland.
• North America: USA, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Panama, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador
• Asia: China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Macau, Philippines, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan.
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
• South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay.
• Middle East: Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen.
• Africa: Sudan, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Gabon, Eswatini, Central African Republic, Chad, Tunisia, Tanzania, Seychelles, Senegal, Reunion, Kenya, Congo DRC, Republic of Congo, Niger, Nigeria, Morocco, Mali, Madagascar.

Big plus is that the Airalo Global Discover+ eSIM card is 5G ready in many countries.

Click here for more info or to order a Discover Global eSIM Card including calls/sms directly online via Airalo .

Review Discover Global eSIM Card

I am very overwhelmed with the amount of countries and especially the exact countries. Almost all the countries above are well known tourist destinations around the world. Fact is that the Discover Global eSIM card is one of the best sim cards for traveling in Africa. It also is by far the best for traveling in South America and Asia. It literally covers almost all countries in these continents.

Personally I have a Discover Global eSIM card activated on my phone as well. I bought the 20 GB valid for 1 year and using it a lot when I go to countries for just a couple days like when I was in Qatar, visiting family in Netherlands for 3 days, a couple days in Turkey, etc. To me this international eSIM card is a game changer! Traveltomtom loves the Discover Global eSIM card.

The downside of the Airalo Discover Global eSim card is that in some lesser known countries like Greenland, Belarus, Gibraltar, Eswatini, Central African Republic, etc. the max data speed is 3G. The performance in these countries is pretty disappointing.

But that said, I mostly only use my Global eSim card from Airalo only for the first hours/day when I am in a new country. Then I mostly opt for a local prepaid sim card, especially in the lesser known countries off the beaten path.

Click here for more info about the Discover Global eSIM Card from Airalo .

2. Jetpac Global

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider and is trying to conquer the market with some incredible eSIM card plans for traveling the world.

At the moment their Jetpac Global eSIM card is valid in 100+ countries. Pretty much all of Europe and East Asia plus Australia, New Zealand, USA and many more countries and Jetpac constantly tries to add countries to the list.

Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Gibraltar, Germany, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City.

Asia: Armenia, Bangladesh, China, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazachstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam. 

Pacific: Australia, New Zealand.

Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, USA, Uruguay.

Africa: Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Reunion, Tunisia.

This long list of countries where the Jetpac Global eSIM card is valid makes it a perfect eSIM card for traveling to East and Southeast Asia. The only countries missing in South East Asia would be: Singapore, Timor Leste, Brunei, Cambodia and Laos. All other countries in South East Asia are covered.

For traveling to Europe it is a great eSIM, but Jetpac also has separate eSIMs for Europe. See Traveltomtom's list of the best eSIMs for Europe .

Prices and rates Jetpac Global

Jetpac Global is at the moment the cheapest international eSIM as they have an offer for just $1 USD.

• 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
• 3 GB data for 7 days = $10 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $25 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $30 USD
• 25 GB data for 30 days = $38 USD
• 30 GB data for 30 days = $45 USD
• 40 GB data for 30 days = $80 USD

Click here to  order a Jetpac Global eSIM card .

The Jetpac Global eSIM card plans are valid for 30 days and the validity starts automatically when it connects for the first time to a network in a country where you can use Jetpac.

Review Jetpac

The Jetpac Global 1 GB data package is obviously a winner at the moment with only $1 USD for 1 GB data in 100+ countries. I am sure this is a promo deal, and it is also only valid for 4 days. Great package to give Jetpac a try though. As long as the deal stands Jetpac is the cheapest international eSIM card for travelling abroad in 2024.

Their 30 GB data pack for $45 USD with a rate of only $1.5 USD per Gigabyte is not bad at all for an eSIM card valid in more than 100 countries. Well done Jetpac!

Personally I just wish these eSIM cards are not just valid for 30 days, but like 100 days or more. That would truly make it easier to travel the world with just 1 sim card.

It is a great eSIM card for traveling the world. Especially in Asia but as well in Europe and Middle East. Traveltomtom also listed Jetpac high on the list of the best prepaid and eSIM cards for traveling to Europe in 2024 .

Jetpac Global is only available as an eSIM card and not as a physical prepaid sim card. The Jetpac Global eSIM cards are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. The Jetpac global eSIMs are not 5G ready.

An extra advantage of Jetpac Global eSIM cards is that they provide free lounge access if your flight is delayed. However, you will have to register your flight before you travel and in case of a delayed or canceled flight a LoungeKey voucher will automatically be provided. This is a complimentary service that no other eSIM card providers offer.

Jetpac is now also offering a free VPN  for all Jetpac eSIM users. For more info check out the Jetpack website .

3. Orange Holiday World  - not available as eSIM

The international sim card with data that covers EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. Yes, with this prepaid travel sim you have data roaming included in 197 countries and that is the reason why I listed it as number 1.

The price? It is good compared to other similar sim cards.

Down sides of this Orange international sim card is that you can NOT make or receive phone calls, it is a pure data-only sim card only and this sim card does not come with a phone number. The Orange Holiday World sim card is only valid for 14 days. After these 14 days you can top up online, but it is complicated.

This international prepaid sim card is only offed by SimOptions, one of the most trusted sim card providers on the internet.

Click here to directly order an Orange Holiday World as a prepaid sim card via SimOptions .

Orange was initially referred to as France Telecom. As of today, the network has more than 250 million customers worldwide thanks to its big value data plans and free roaming in EVERY country in the world.

Unfortunately the Orange Holiday World sim card is NOT available as an eSIM, only as physical prepaid sim card.

Prices and rates Orange Holiday World

The Orange Holiday World international sim card costs $49.90 USD and comes with max 10 GB data included. The volume of the package depends on your destination(s).

You get 10 GB data if you travel to any EU country and/or any of the other countries in Zone 1: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Benin, Botswana, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Liberia, Macao, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Switzerland, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, Uganda, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam

The Orange Holiday World sim card allows you to use 5 GB data in Zone 2: Argentina, Bahrain, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Polynesia, Guatemala, Honduras, Iraq, Nicaragua, Oman, Panama, Dominican Republic, Uruguay.

You get 1 GB data in: Afghanistan, Belarus, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Sri Lanka, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Togo, Venezuela

In any other country you get 50 MB. That is obvious not a lot and actually pretty useless.

If at any point, you run out of data, calls, or texts, you can top up your sim card online from the Orange website. The same package then costs you only €29 EUR ($31 USD) and you get again up to 10 GB data.

Review Orange Holiday World

If you are traveling to any of the countries listed in Zone 1 or Zone 2 then the Orange Holiday World is an excellent prepaid global sim card that I would recommend to buy.

Personally I wish the package would be valid for a little more than 14 days and I am missing some countries in the Caribbean that could be useful to add as these are popular tourist destinations for people traveling from the USA.

There is NO activation needed as the sim card automatically activates upon insertion in your phone, tablet or WiFi device. It is like plug and play. The credit validity starts when the sim card connects the first time to a supported network. Basically when the plane lands.

Lots of travelers from different parts of the world opt for Orange Holiday World because they are generous with data and cheap compared to other international sim cards. Therefore I call Orange Holiday World one of the best prepaid data sim card for traveling the world.

However, if you are traveling to countries listed in Zone 3 or 4 the Orange Holiday World sim card is NOT the best buy. Orange is also not a great sim card for traveling in the Caribbean.

The Orange Holiday World sim card also a great prepaid sim card for Africa as it covers a wide range of countries with 10 GB data roaming, especially in Central and West Africa. For East Africa check my prepaid sim card guides per country: Egypt , Kenya , Tanzania , South Africa , Uganda , Ethiopia  or the eSIM below which is ranked as the best international sim card for traveling in Africa.

Click here for more info about the Orange Holiday World sim card .

Orange does offer amazing eSIM plans for traveling to multiple countries, but these are only valid in Europe.

As you can see above these are amazing sim card deals and valid in 39 countries, but limited to Europe only. This makes these one of the best eSIM cards for traveling in Europe .

Click here to order this Orange eSIM cards for traveling in Europe via SimOptions .

4. Nomad - Data eSIM for Global

Nomad is a fairly new player on the eSIM market, but Traveltomtom has used and tested many Nomad eSIM in the last months. They sometimes have exceptional good deals for some destinations. Traveltomtom discovered that Nomad has amazing eSIM deals for Dubai for example.

However, the international eSIMs from Nomad are rather expensive. They are valid in more than 100 countries though.

Nomad offers data-only eSims from eSIM Go and 1GLOBAL. The eSIM Go plans are valid in 106 countries and the 1GLOBAL plans are valid in 109 countries.

eSIM Go plans

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $12 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $26 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $36 USD

The eSIM Go plans from Nomad are valid in 106 countries and in some countries 5G ready.

1GLOBAL plans

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $25 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $40 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $45 USD

The Truphone eSIM cards are valid in 109 countries and are also 5G ready in several countries.

Click here to order a a Global eSIM via Nomad .

Nomad eSIM specifications

From the moment you buy a 1GLOBAL eSIM card you have 60 days to activate the eSIM card, the eSIM Go sim cards have to be activated within 30 days. Top-ups are available. 5G is supported in some countries, in other countries the max data speed is 4G/LTE. The eSIM cards you buy via Nomad are all data-only and do NOT come with a phone number. Incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported.

Here are the 109 countries where the 1GLOBAL eSIM card is valid.

• Europe: every European country is covered, including: UK, Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, Russia
• North America: USA, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Bermuda, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemala, Grenada, Jamaica, Honduras, Turks & Caicos
• Asia: China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Armenia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Macau, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Kazachstan
• Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Fiji
• South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana
• Middle East: UAE, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
• Africa: Mozambique, South Africa, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville, Mayotte, Reunion, Tanzania

The eSIM Go eSIM cards are pretty much valid in the exact same countries.

The Nomad Global eSIM cards are great for traveling in North America, South America and even Pacific as it covers a lot of countries in these continents.

For traveling in Europe it is way too expensive. Check out my list of the best prepaid and eSIM cards for traveling in Europe in 2024  for much cheaper deals.

Click here for  more info about the Nomad Global esim cards .

Holafly is a popular eSIM provider and has to be part of this comparison. They have eSIM cards for all popular tourist destinations around the world.

Holafly only works with eSIM cards with unlimited data and Traveltomtom is NOT a fan of using sim cards with unlimited data.

This is because unlimited is not truly unlimited, not at data at high speed. There is a so-called Fair Use Policy (FUP) and if you go over that quota your data speed is reduced to basically an E signal. Barely enough to send photos through WhatsApp. Social Media apps won't be working anymore.

Anyway... here are the Holafly international eSIMs.

In fact, Holafly does not have a global plan which is for example valid in several countries on different continents. Holafly has different eSIM cards per continent:

• North America
• Latin America

The rates per regional eSIM differ a little bit but in general comes down to the following plans:

• 1 day 'unlimited' data = $6 USD
• 2 days 'unlimited' data = $10 USD
• 3 days 'unlimited' data = $13 USD
• 4 days 'unlimited' data = $16 USD
• 5 days 'unlimited' data = $21 USD
• 6 days 'unlimited' data = $25 USD
• 7 days 'unlimited' data = $29 USD
• 8 days 'unlimited' data = $31 USD
• 9 days 'unlimited' data = $35 USD
• 10 days 'unlimited' data = $37 USD
• 11 days 'unlimited' data = $40 USD
• 14 days 'unlimited' data = $48 USD
• 20 days 'unlimited' data = $64 USD
• 30 days 'unlimited' data = $75 USD

The Holafly eSIM cards are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do also not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/LTE network and are not 5G ready.

Review Holafly

Traveltomtom has tried out Holafly in several different countries and with mixed feeling. Apart from experiencing reduced internet speed Traveltomtom was also not happy with the data speed of Holafly eSIMs. Especially inside buildings popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram were not working smooth.

Lately Traveltomtom went on a trip to Colombia and tried out Holafly again as a test and it was a disaster. In Colombia Holafly is using the Movistar network, the weakest mobile data network in Colombia, see my Colombia prepaid sim card guide for a comparison of the 4G/5G network of Movistar, Claro and Tigo.

Truth is that I was pretty much offline as in the Northern regions of Colombia there is basically no Movistar signal. After a couple days I couldn't handle it any more. Holafly was a big fail and I went to a Claro store to buy a local prepaid sim card.

6. Surfroam

A Surfroam international sim card is a data only global sim card. With mobile coverage in 200+ countries and territories as they state on the Surfroam website.

You can not receive and make phone calls however you can receive sms. Also Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp and Viber are unlimited and always accessible when buying a Surfroam prepaid travel sim card.

Prices and rates Surfroam

At Surfroam they offer 2 products: a normal sim card for €15 EUR ($16.4 USD) and an eSIM for €20 EUR ($22 USD). Basically Surfroam is a free international prepaid sim card as you get either €15 EUR ($16.4 USD) or €20 EUR ($22 USD) credit INCLUDED.

The common rate for most Western countries is €0.01 per MB, which means €10 EUR ($11 USD) per 1 GB data. They charge you per MB. See here a quick overview of the costs per MB per continent.

Review Surfroam

As opposed to other world sim cards, with Surfroam you don't need to buy data bundles in advance. This flexibility appeals to long-term travelers or those hopping between different countries of the world constantly.

Also a big plus of Surfroam is that they are providing a 'free' international sim card, what you pay, you get back in credit.

Overall, the Surfroam data roaming rates and its pricing model is flexible and easy to understand. Compared to other international sim cards this is very clear, transparent AND MUCH CHEAPER!

There is data roaming coverage in over 200 countries and territories and per country is stated how much they charge per MB.

One of the negative sides of Surfroam are the steep shipping costs. For most Western countries you already pay more than $20 USD, for the USA Surfroam adds even $25 USD shipping fee. Therefore I would recommend you buying the Surfroam eSIM travel sim card instead to save on shipping costs.

Also when looking at the rates per MB of the countries in Africa, it is an easy conclusion that Surfroam is a good sim cards for traveling in Africa, but not so much for South America.

For more info check out the  Surfroam  website.

Traveltomtom traveled to more than 70% of the countries in Africa and wrote detailed sim card guides for the following countries in Africa: Kenya , Nairobi ,  Tanzania , Ethiopia , Djibouti , South Africa , Uganda , Gabon , Cameroon , Congo Brazzaville ,  Rwanda , Burundi ,  Namibia , Lesotho , Zambia ,  Egypt , Ghana , Sao Tome & Principe , Ivory Coast and many more. If you travel to any of these countries I would recommend you to check the link.

KeepGo is an official partner of Vodafone, Telefonica, and AT&T with offices in Israel, the USA, and the Netherlands and operates on 500 connected networks in more than 100 countries. The Keepgo international sim card is a data only sim card and does NOT support any incoming or outgoing calls & text.

Prices and rates KeepGo

Gofi prepaid data sim card - $39 usd.

This is a sim card just for Europe and the USA. With this pay as you go sim card you pay $8 / GB data, regardless where in Europe or the USA you are.

Not great for world travelers, but may be if you travel between the USA and Europe a lot.

Lifetime Prepaid Data Sim Card - $49 USD

This international sim card works in more than 100 countries and comes with 1 GB data included.

If you want more data you will have to add one of the data packages below:

• $14 USD= 500 MB
• $26 USD = 1 GB
• $61 USD = 3 GB
• $88 USD = 5 GB
• $165 USD = 10 GB

Click here to order a KeepGo international sim card .

The data packages are valid for 1 year! If you top up once per year, all data is valid for lifetime.

The Keepgo Lifetime Prepaid Data Sim Card is valid in all of Europe and the following countries & territories:

Algeria, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba Australia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Georgia, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Montserrat, Myanmar, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Russia, Saoudi Arbia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunesia, Turkey, Turks & Caicos, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam.

Review Keepgo

Buying a Keepgo global sim card it self is rather expensive as you pay $49 and only get 1 GB included. Good thing is that Traveltomtom readers can get a 10% discount by applying the KeepGo Coupon Code: TRAVELTOMTOM. They also sell WiFi hotspots for international travel.

The Keepgo data package prices are rather expensive, but compared to other international sim cards they have better prices than for example OneSimCard, Travsim and Gosim and therefore they deserve spot number 6 in this list of the cheapest international travel sim cards in the world.

Coverage wise the Keepgo sim card has some specific advantages. Looking at the list of countries where Keepgo offers free data roaming I come to the conclusion that Keepgo is also one of the best international sim cards for the Caribbean. They cover almost every island, territory and country in this pristine part of the world.

Keepgo offers free shipping worldwide which is another great plus. For more info check the KeepGo website .

If traveling to the Caribbean it is definitely recommended to buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival. Prepaid sim cards with data are cheap. Check out Traveltomtom's sim card guides for: Aruba , Curacao , Jamaica , Santo Domingo , Dominican Republic , Antigua & Barbuda .

8. Know Roaming

They call themselves the ultimate travel sim card you will only ever need to stay connected in 200+ countries & territories.

Prices and rates Know Roaming

The price for a Know Roaming Travel SIM card is $9,99 and does NOT come with any credit. Know Roaming international sim cards do NOT support incoming and outgoing phone calls. You can opt for a Know Roaming eSIM which is for free.

You will have to buy any of the below data packages to use your sim card abroad:

• Global: 5 GB data for 30 days in 79 countries = $99.99 USD
• Europe: 5 GB data for 30 days = $39.99 USD
• Asia: 5 GB data for 30 days = $39.99* USD

* valid in: Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

Know Roaming also offers an international eSIM card service with data plans for Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East & Global.

• Asia: 5 GB data for 30 days = $39.99 USD
• Caribbean: 1 GB data for 30 days = $39.99* USD
• Latin America: 5 GB data for 30 days = $117.99** USD
• Middle East: 5 GB data for 30 days = $40.99*** USD
• Global: 5 GB data for 30 days = $110.99**** USD

* valid in: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guyana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands.

** valid in: Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Mexico, Uruguay.

*** valid in: Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Saoudi Arabia, Qatar.

**** valid in Europe & some popular tourist destinations around the world + some off the beaten path countries.

Review Know Roaming

Compared to other international sim card services the Know Roaming sim card is cheap: just $10. Their global data packages are average priced compared to other services and you can choose per continent.

For the Know Roaming eSIM you only pay for the data package which is a great service and therefore prices are cheaper than other services.

Know Roaming is one of the best prepaid international sim cards for the Caribbean as they cover almost every island, however data roaming is expensive. The Know Roaming Latin America sim card is way overpriced and not recommended at all. Instead Know Roaming is one of the best sim cards for Asia.

For more info about the Know Roaming travel sim card check their website .

9. Travelsim

A Travelsim international sim card works in 135+ countries, covers 170+ countries and states to work in 200 countries. All information found on their homepage! Just like free incoming calls and text. Well, I bet some of this is true at least.

Prices and rates Travelsim

Travelsim offers a world sim card for $10 USD and an eSIM card for $6. When buying a Travelsim sim card it also suddenly states free incoming calls in 70+ countries and coverage in 135+ countries. :)

Their pricing and rates are clear and straight forward though.

Review Travelsim

When ordering a Travelsim international sim card prices are easy to understand, however more expensive than other global sim cards and therefore not my prefered sim card for travelers. They offer free shipping worldwide on orders over $50 USD and their calling credit is valid for 18 months. For more info check the Travelsim website .

10. GigSky eSIM Card

GigSky does NOT sell physical sim cards anymore and only offers an international eSIM card. There are multiple data packages available some with pretty good deals. Gigsky is a data only service, you can NOT make or receive phone calls/sms.

Gigsky has coverage in 116 countries. Their coverage in Africa is very limited.

Prices and rates Gigsky

Great thing is that the Gigsky eSIM cards are free, but you will need to download their app to use their service. Through the app you can buy your desired data bundles. They offer regional data packages as well as a World Plan.

There are multiple Regional Plans, a great one is the Latin America sim card, and there is 1 world sim card with fixed data bundle prices.

Review Gigsky

Some of the offered international data roaming plans are pretty decent. Overall Gigsky is one of the best sim cards for traveling in South America with 5GB in almost every country in Latin America for just $40 USD.

Compared to other international travel sim cards the Gigsky worldwide sim card is expensive with 5GB data for $60 USD and therefore I would NOT recommend using the Gigsky eSIM card for traveling the world. The international sim card deals above are much better value for money!

Or check out the following sim card guides:

• Traveling to Europe? Check out my article about the best sim cards for Europe .
• Traveling to Asia? Check out my article about the best sim cards for Asia .
• Traveling to the USA? Check out my article about the best sim cards for USA .

For example buying a sim card in Vietnam will cost you $9 USD and gets you 2 GB data PER DAY + 60 minutes calling time valid for 30 days. Just saying, that local prepaid sim cards are amazing alternatives to international prepaid sim cards.

However, nowadays the easiest way to stay connected are eSIM cards and you can buy an eSIM card on the internet for pretty much every country. Here are some of the latest Traveltomtom eSIM card guides: Italy , France , USA , Thailand .

11. OneSimCard

According to many websites OneSimCard takes the cup when it comes to the cheapest international sim card. But is this true? Let's see...

This prepaid mobile service provider is a product of US telecommunication carrier Belmont Telecom. At OneSimCard they say they operate in 200+ countries, but there are only 197 countries in the world!? Bit of a weird start…

The international sim cards offered by OneSimCard come with two numbers, an Estonian one (Europe) and one of your choice: USA, Canada, Australia.

Prices and rates OneSimCard

Anyway at OneSimCard they offer 4 different international sim cards:

Universal SIM - $29.95 USD

• Calling & texting in more than 160 countries*
• Free incoming calls in more than 120 countries
• Free incoming sms in more than 160 countries
• Data roaming in more than 160 countries*
• Free $10 credit

*For using data and make calls/sms you will have to buy additional data or voice packages.

Expedition SIM - $34.95 USD

• Calling & texting in more than 200 countries*
• Free incoming calls in more than 110 countries
• Free incoming sms in more than 200 countries
• Data roaming in more than 170 countries*

Europe & More SIM - $19.95 USD

• Calling & texting in more than 100 countries*
• Free incoming calls in more than 70 countries
• Free incoming sms in more than 100 countries
• Data roaming in more than 90 countries*

This is no physical sim card, but a digital SIM. It allows you to have a data/call package activated through a provider without using a physical sim card. It mostly works by installing an app.

At OneSimCard they offer an international eSIM for $9,95. It does NOT come with any credit, you will have to buy data and calling bundles at extra charge through the OneSIMVoIP app.

The OneSimCard eSIM comes with a European number and has coverage in over 160 countries. There is no shipping needed as you can download it on your phone instantly.

Additional data roaming packages

OneSimCard makes use of two different zones. In Zone A you will find mostly all western countries as well as the standard tourist destinations in the world. In Zone B will find more off the beaten path countries.

The OneSimCard data plan prices are pretty expensive. Here are some examples:

• Universal SIM - Zone A - 5 GB data - 30 days = $90 USD
• Universal SIM - Zone B - 5 GB data - 30 days = $199 USD
• Expedition SIM - Zone A - 2 GB data - 30 days = $20 USD
• Expedition SIM - Zone B - 2 GB data - 30 days = $99 USD
• Europe & More SIM - Zone A - 3 GB data - 30 days = $50 USD
• Europe & More SIM - Zone B - 3 GB data - 30 days = $99 USD

These are examples of kind of standard tourist data packages. Well if you ask me… EXPENSIVE!

Review OneSimCard

Personally I think OneSimCard is very expensive. First off they basically make you pay for an international sim card that has no packages included. When you take away the $10 USD free credit you are still paying $10 USD just for an international sim card only. When buying the Expedition SIM even $24.95 USD

It also states everywhere data roaming from $0.01 cent per MB. Well, I have tried to look for that country, but I can't find it! Instead, I found out that basically all Western countries you pay $0.25 cent per MB. That is 25x more!

That also means $10 credit is just 40 MB, that is basically opening Instagram 1x and your credit is gone! Oh for example roaming in Algeria cost $1.75 per MB with a Universal SIM and $25 USD per MB with an Expedition SIM. That is $1,000 USDjust for opening Instagram! I am dying… :)

So other international sim card comparisons that recommend OneSimCard... I think are a joke!

All that glitters is not gold in the global sim card world and as you can predict I do not recommend buying a OneSimCard for using data abroad, but just for receiving calls they are ok. For more info check the OneSimCard website .

To put this all in perspective:  buying a prepaid sim card in Switzerland , one of worlds most expensive countries, will cost you $20 USD and but it comes with $20 USD credit. Then you activate 24 hours unlimited high speed internet for $3 USD in Switzerland. That means for $21 USD you have 1 week UNLIMITED high speed internet when buying a local sim card in Swiss.

Conclusion of OneSimCard: really expensive data roaming plans and therefore is OneSimCard not directly recommended for using as an international sim card for traveling the world.

12. WorldSIM

Another global sim card that claims to be a free international sim card, well… A WorldSIM International travel sim card is only 'free' if you add €120 EUR ($131 USD) credit to it! Not a great start when Traveltomtom is reviewing your service.

WorldSIM offers a data roaming only sim card as well as an international sim card for calling/texting. They are priced equally, however data roaming with the calling/texting sim card is much more expensive. The data sim card offers data roaming in 188 countries.

Prices and rates WorldSIM

The cheapest deal you can find on WorldSIM is €42 EUR ($46 USD). You will get a global sim card with €24 EUR ($26 USD) credit.

Just like for example OneSimCard they claim data roaming rates from 0,01 cents but I can't find that country. In most Western countries and popular tourist destinations data roaming starts from 0,02 cents.

Review WorldSIM

For a reason it is only listed at spot X in my comparison of the best international sim cards. WorldSIM is pretty expensive and the cheapest data roaming is €20 EUR ($22 USD) per 1 GB data.

Most countries off the beaten path are VERY expensive. Don't go to Cuba, that costs you more than $3 USD per MB, that is $3,000 USD per 1 GB or what about the Caribbean countries? About $0.30 per MB, that is $300 USD per 1 GB.

When looking for an international sim card for traveling the world then Traveltomtom does NOT recommend WorldSIM, simply because there are much cheaper options available. For more info check the Worldsim website .

Prepaid tourist sim cards vs. international sim cards

But before buying an international prepaid or eSIM card for your trip abroad I want to make you aware of the existence of local prepaid sim cards as well. Because the main reason I am writing this blog post is for you to save money on high roaming costs when traveling. In most cases local prepaid sim cards are the cheapest way to get data on your phone.

There is a big difference between local prepaid sim cards for tourists and international travel sim cards. While the former is great for traveling in 1 country, an international sim card is a great option for travelers who don't intend to stay in a country for very long and visit multiple countries on one trip.

An exception is a European sim card. There are international sim cards created just for Europe, but also a lot of local prepaid sim cards in Europe allow FREE roaming within the EU. But it is a bit more complicated with a lot of small letters full of restrictions.

Click here for more information about buying a local prepaid sim card in Europe in 2024  or check my list of the best prepaid and eSIM cards for Europe travel in 2024 .

For example all the below listed international sim cards claim to cover Africa. Yes, they are not lying, but the rates per MB are averaging around $0.10, that means 100 MB will cost you $10. That can be as little as using Instagram for about 10 minutes.

Comparing this to a local prepaid sim card for tourists in Uganda  where the same $10 gives you more than 15 GB data for 1 month, you can understand why Traveltomtom recommends a local prepaid sim card over a global sim card in some countries.

What is cheaper?

A local prepaid sim card for tourists gives you often more value for money than an international sim card. Therefore in the beginning of this article I told you that you will have to decide whether you want to buy an international sim card for traveling abroad or buying a local prepaid sim card for tourists on arrival.

Because I am aiming to travel to every country in the world  and I buy a sim card in every country I visit I also already wrote already more than 200 guides for buying sim cards:  London , Paris , Tanzania , Lebanon ,  Rome , USA , Canada , Mexico , South Africa ,  Guatemala , Honduras ,  Turkey , Israel , Dubai , Thailand , Kenya ,  Indonesia , Sydney , Singapore ,  Vietnam , UK , Spain , Italy , France , Norway , Georgia , Colombia , Dominican Republic  and many more.

Local prepaid sim cards are often pretty cheap and come with big value data bundles. Most countries and operators have special tourist sim cards. Downside is that you can only buy them on arrival, so you have to visit a phone store during your holiday or get one from the airport.

In most countries they only provide physical prepaid sim cards for tourists and eSIM cards are not available.

But where local prepaid sim cards stop working, international sim cards continue to roam. With a sim card designed with overseas travel in mind, you will be online as soon as the plane touches the ground.

With international sim cards, you can cross borders and continue to enjoy data on your phone browsing the internet, make/receive calls, and send texts as if you are still at home all with the same sim card.

Crossing many borders in a short period of time? International travel sim cards are the best solution! Which one? Personally I recommend eSIM cards for traveling in 2024, but check my list below.

Where can you buy an international sim card?

Buying an international sim card can only be done on the internet often through a third party. In this article I will show you the best websites where to buy a global sim card for world travelers and I will link directly to the operators so in case you are interested you can have a look on their websites for more details.

International sim cards for traveling the world are available as physical prepaid sim cards as well as eSIM cards. Physical prepaid sim cards will be delivered to your home address and eSIM cards will be send to you as a QR code in your email.

Where can you buy local prepaid sim cards for tourists

Local prepaid sim cards can only be bought in a store or kiosk in the destination itself. In almost every country you will find local prepaid sim card shops on arrival at the international airport. On Traveltomtom you can find sim card guides for more than 100 airports around the world: Bangkok , Jakarta , Manila ,  Bali , Hong Kong , Singapore , Shanghai ,  Sydney , Istanbul , Cairo , Dubai , New York , Miami , London , Rome , Paris , Madrid , Barcelona ,  Amsterdam and many more.

Keep in mind that buying a local prepaid sim card on an international airport is mostly more expensive. You can get better prepaid sim card deals from official retail stores in city centers, shopping malls or from random mobile phone shops.

In some countries you can also buy local prepaid sim cards in convenience stores, gas stations or supermarkets. Keep in mind when buying a local prepaid sim card in any of these shops that you will mostly have to activate the sim card yourself. That means it is not plug and play.

Two things that both local and international sim cards have in common is that they avoid high roaming costs!

International sim cards with unlimited data

Traveltomtom does NOT recommend eSIM cards with unlimited data. In most cases 'unlimited' does NOT mean 'unlimited' and there is always a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy). Holafly is one of those eSIM card providers that sell international eSIM cards with unlimited data, but they have a strict FUP. Always read the small letters to not get surprised!

In the past I often had negative experiences with sim cards with unlimited data. If one day you use more than the FUP limit you have to wait 24 hours for your data speed to get restored. Those 24 hours your international sim card with unlimited data is pretty much useless. It is simply really inconvenient.

If you buy an international sim card with for example 30 GB data and you are going on a holiday for 10 days then you should have more than enough data. Those 30 GB data sim cards are pretty much the same as a sim card with unlimited data in these cases. But you will not need to be worried about the Fair Use Policy and data speed reduction.

Can international sim cards connect from everywhere?

Technically speaking – yes. International sim cards are designed to work in multiple countries, but as you have read above there are a ton of restrictions. An international sim card isn't programmed to one specific network. Instead, it operates on several networks in different geographical locations and can therefore be used in multiple countries.

International sim cards usually operate on networks that use the GSM framework. GSM stands for Global Systems Management Communications. Once the sim card is inserted, it connects to one of the local networks automatically if the plan you chose works in the country you are traveling to.

If you intend to use your phone with an international sim card, you have to make sure your phone is unlocked as well as eSIM compatible in case you are choosing to use an eSIM card over a physical prepaid sim card.

International sim cards only work in unlocked phones

As previously mentioned, you need an unlocked phone for the international sim card to work. A cell that comes with a sim lock can only be used within a defined cellular network and is blocked for any other networks.

This mostly applies to phones bought in the USA, Canada. Phones bought in Europe, Australia, Middle East are mostly unlocked.

There's no need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a new phone if you can get your current one unlocked by your carrier. Once your phone has been unlocked, you can easily switch to any local or international sim card whenever you need to.

If you have a sim lock, I recommend you to unlock your phone before your trip. Contact your local mobile service provider to ask them to unlock the phone and find out if you're required to pay any unlocking charge.

Do you really need an international sim card?

International sim cards are also referred to as travel sim cards and that is simply because of how convenient they can be for travelers visiting multiple countries. If you don't want to worry about roaming charges while you are traveling abroad and crossing broders, you can purchase an international sim card.

But if you are visiting just one country on your trip abroad you can easily opt for a local prepaid sim card or an eSIM card for that specific country and there is no direct need to buy an international sim card that is valid in multiple countries.

If you use a lot of data then in general local prepaid sim cards are cheaper than eSIM cards, but eSIM cards are much more convenient as you can order them already online before your trip and as soon as the plane lands you are online.

On Traveltomtom you will find more than 200 sim card guides from all around the world: Tajikistan , Papua New Guinea , Uzbekistan , Izmir , Marseille , Tashkent , Algeria , Curacao , Zurich , Bangkok , Bali , Micronesia , Miami , Manila , Shanghai , Philippines , Brazil , Mexico , Zambia , Ghana  and many more.

With a prepaid sim card you are always in control of your bills!

I cannot stress enough about the importance of staying connected while you travel. International sim cards avoid being charged exorbitant data roaming charges. Enjoy low and affordable rates with no hidden fees by getting an international sim card.

Which international sim card is the best? Did you already pick from all the great options that I recommended you? Of course Traveltomtom recommends the ones on top of the list more than the options on the bottom. The last ones are the least recommended but I just wanted to give you all the options, so you could make up your own mind about which international sim card you are going to use for your trip abroad.

I am sure that at least some of the the above tips for buying an international sim card were helpful.

Summerizing:

Remember that there are several factors that you need to put into consideration such as country coverage, prices for data plans, data speed 4G/LTE/5G, calling options, data-only, SMS packages, credit validity and duration/validity.

At the end of the day, the best international sim card is the one that suits your needs and your trip.

If you have any more questions please feel free to leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Since Traveltomtom is on a journey to travel to every country in the world I get to a new country regularly. Everywhere I go I buy a new local prepaid sim card or I order an eSIM card on the internet. In my bag I have a collection of about 200 little prepaid sim cards from all over the world, but nowadays I use eSIM cards pretty much all the time because they are so convenient.

Is this article was helpful please consider helping me in return by sharing this article in the internet. Every tweet on X, post to Reddit, share in a Facebook Group or pin on Pinterest is worth a lot to me. Thanks in advance!

Looking for some extra travel inspiration? Check out my Instagram profile @traveltomtom and get fuelled by my journey to visit every country in the world . As of August 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries around the world.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Travel & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

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• GENERAL TRAVEL

What is the Best SIM Card for International Travel?

Liz is a collector of grand adventures. She first discovered her passion for meaningful travel wh...

• General Travel
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While traveling abroad is always a great opportunity to tune out and disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, it can also be extremely challenging to find yourself in a new country without any source of connection to your surroundings. Paying for an international phone plan can be expensive, but luckily it’s possible to find a source of connection without breaking the bank.

International SIM cards give you the best of both worlds. Here you’ll find the best SIM card for international travel for every type of traveler. There are endless options out there and the best one will depend on your travel plans. All in all, international SIM cards offer an affordable and temporary opportunity to stay connected while traveling abroad by giving you access to your phone and wireless data across multiple countries around the world. Another option is to purchase mobile top-ups through apps like Boss Revolution , which can send top-ups to over 270 carriers in more than 100 countries.

Why use an international SIM?

No need to ditch your connection while you’re off on your international adventure. The best travel SIMs have you covered!

International SIM cards unlock a whole new travel experience. While it can be tempting to ditch the phone on your next overseas adventure , having access to data while traveling abroad is important for two reasons: It keeps you safe and makes travel a whole lot more convenient.

After all, it’s not always possible to rely on WiFi when traveling abroad, and unless you have an expensive international phone plan, you risk being stranded in an unfamiliar place without basic information to make travel fun, safe, and easy.

International SIM cards are a bit different from local SIM cards. While it’s possible to buy local SIM cards when you arrive at your destination, these are best suited for travelers who are staying in one location for an extended period of time.

Local SIM cards can be a great option for those studying or working abroad , but if you’re traveling for shorter stints or across multiple countries, buying a local SIM card in each destination can be a hassle. International SIM cards give you access to data across multiple destinations and are often considered the best travel SIMs if you want to have the freedom to cross borders.

Where to buy your international SIM card

Stay in touch with your bestie from back home with an international SIM card.

If you want to stay connected throughout your travels and are wondering where to buy international SIM cards to prepare for your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind when weighing your options. Ask yourself:

• Where are you traveling?
• For how long will you travel?
• Are you going to multiple countries or one destination?
• What do you plan to use your phone for while abroad?

If you’re planning to stay in one location for an extended period of time, you can often buy local SIM cards when you arrive in the country. But if you want to buy an international SIM card in preparation for travel across multiple countries, your only option is to purchase one online.

Do your research on the best SIM card for international travel and consider which one suits your needs best. Once you weigh the pros and cons and work out the nitty gritty of your trip abroad , you can pre-purchase the best international SIM card for you online before you go. Then you’re ready to hit the ground running when you arrive at the destination of your dreams.

8 best SIM cards for international travel

There’s an international SIM card perfect for your travel plans out there.

You may be wondering, what is the best international SIM card for Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, or wherever your wanderlust takes you next? The truth is, while there are some international SIM cards that are best suited for certain regions of the world, there are also some that can take you all around the globe without limitations.

The best SIM card for international travel will depend highly on what you want to use it for and how much you want to invest. Here are some of the best travel SIMs to explore before you go:

1. Breeze eSim

• Pros : Breeze eSim is a great option for travelers who don't want to worry about keeping track of separate physical SIMs while abroad. They offer coverage with over 1000 mobile networks worldwide, as well as multiple networks per destination for increased coverage. You'll be covered in more than 190 countries through their various bundles. Plans can be purchased for specific countries within the regions where they have coverage.
• Cons : Depending on your phone model and network provider at home, you may not be able to use an eSim.
• Coverage area : North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania, the Caribbean, and Global.
• Base cost : $0
• Monthly cost : Varies by region, but starts at $8.50 / month in Europe and country plans as low as $1.95.

2. OneSimCard

• Pros : Thanks to its wide coverage area, OneSimCard is one of the best travel SIMs for those who are traveling between multiple countries and regions. This is another eSIM, which means you won’t have to worry about removing and keeping track of your original SIM card or juggling between multiple SIMs as you travel across borders. Unlike other eSIMS, you can opt for a data+call package, which allows you to make international calls while abroad.
• Cons : One of the biggest cons to OneSimCard is that the website isn’t very user-friendly compared to other international SIM cards. That means purchasing and top ups may be a little more difficult than other options. OneSimCard is also a more expensive option, as you don’t get as much data for your investment.
• Coverage area : Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa.
• Base cost : $20
• Monthly cost : Ranges from $20-$100, depending on location
• Pros : Jetpac is the best SIM option for global coverage across multiple destinations. It removes the need to switch eSIMs, with a one-time installation that doesn't expire. Jetpac allows topping up new data packages in-app, as well as tethering to other devices. They provide affordable data coverage in over 50 countries—and even complimentary access to 1100 airport lounges globally in case of flight delay!
• Cons: Jetpac is data only, so you won't receive a local number or have access to text and "landline" calls. 
• Coverage area: Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, North America 
• Base cost: $0
• Monthly cost: Varies per region and country, but starts from $1/1GB trial on the global pack to $28 / month for 10GB data, valid 30 days when connected overseas
• Pros : Nomad is one of the best travel SIMs for travelers in Europe and the USA because it is an official partner to some of the top networks in both regions, allowing travelers to stay connected to more than 500 networks across over 100 countries. One of the perks of Nomad is its lifetime plan option. If you frequently travel abroad and want to stick with the same international SIM card for all of your overseas escapades, you can purchase data packages that are valid for one year—and if you top up within the year, you can continue to use your SIM the next year too.
• Cons : Similar to GigSky, Nomad is a data-only SIM, which means you won’t be able to make calls or send texts abroad. It also requires you to input part of the SIM number when topping up data, which means you’ll have to keep track of this for years if you plan to keep using the card for future travels.
• Coverage area : All of Europe plus Algeria, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Georgia, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Montserrat, Myanmar, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
• Base cost : $14 for 500MB
• Monthly cost : Data packages (valid indefinitely) range from $14 for 500MB to $165 for 10GB

5. Three UK

• Pros : Three UK is one of the best international SIM cards for travelers, especially those traveling from the UK. It provides you with a UK phone number that allows calling and texting for free across more than 70 countries, as well as flexible pay-as-you-go data plans. It’s one of the cheapest and best international SIM cards for Europe that includes calls, texts, and data, and one of the best travel SIMs for Latin America.
• Cons : One of the biggest cons to using Three UK is the process for topping up your data. If you plan to travel for more than 30 days, you can only top up your data using a UK registered credit card. This is no big deal for UK residents, but if you don’t have access to a UK card, you’ll only be able to use the plan for calls and texts after the first month.
• Coverage area : All of Europe plus Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Israel, Macao, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Uruguay, United States Virgin Islands, USA, and Vietnam.
• Base cost : $39.90
• Monthly cost : $39.90 / month for 12GB data + unlimited texts and calls
• Pros: easySim is the perfect travel companion, enabling travelers to stay connected without the fear of a huge bill when they get home. Simply purchase a data bundle from easySim.global, install the eSIM, and then activate your data bundle when you're ready to travel. The service is available to anyone in the world and you'll find coverage in 150 countries. 
• Cons: easySim provides data-only eSIMs, which do not come with a local telephone number.  
• Coverage area: 150 countries worldwide
• Base cost: $4.50 for 1GB for 7 days in Europe, varies by region
• Monthly cost: From $9 for 3GB in Europe, varies by region

7. KnowRoaming

• Pros : KnowRoaming is one of the most affordable international SIM card options out there with coverage across over 200 countries. It works by locating and connecting to local networks in your destination, which means if you’re in a well-populated area, you’ll always have coverage. It also works on most unlocked devices, whether you want to use it in a phone or tablet.
• Cons : Because KnowRoaming relies on local network connection, it can have difficulty picking up and connecting to networks in remote areas. If you’re planning to travel somewhere that’s more isolated, KnowRoaming won’t be your best option.
• Coverage area : Europe, Asia, Caribbean, Latin America, Middle East, and Global.
• Base cost : $10, which does not come with any credit
• Monthly cost : Varies by location, but starts at $40 / month8.  
• Pros : GigSky is one of the best international SIM cards if you’re looking for a plan that can take you almost anywhere in the world. This SIM card is available in 116 countries and works with most unlocked devices. It’s easy to use and comes as an eSIM, which means you don’t have to deal with swapping physical SIM cards. There are multiple plans to suit your needs, whether you want to use it for a few days, weeks, or months.
• Cons : Because GigSky comes as an eSIM, you won’t receive a local phone number and can’t make phone calls while abroad—it’s a data-only SIM. It’s also one of the more expensive options when it comes to international SIM cards.
• Coverage area : North America, Europe, Latin America, Caribbean, Middle East/Africa, and Asia Pacific.
• Base cost : $12 for 1GB for 15 days (location dependent)
• Monthly cost : $60 for 5GB worldwide / month

Your travel SIM card means you never have to miss a message from old OR new friends!

Plan Your Next Trip with our Travel Resources Hub!

Best international sim card for europe, orange holiday europe.

• Pros : Orange Holiday is often rated the top SIM card for international travel, and its European version is easily one of the best travel SIMs for exploring this region of the world. It’s easy to install into any unlocked phone and can be used across multiple countries in Europe without changing your preferences on your phone. Orange Holiday is not only the best international SIM card for Europe, but it also allows you to use it in other parts of the world for a reasonable price.
• Cons : One of the biggest cons of Orange Holiday is that it has limited support in some languages. If English isn’t your first language, it may not be user-friendly.
• Coverage area : Andorra, Azores, Aland Islands, Austria, Balearic Islands, Belgium, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Corfu, Crete, the Cyclades, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France mainland, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Isle of Man, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rhodes, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Vatican.
• Base cost : $50
• Monthly cost : $50 for 10GB / 14 days

Best SIM card for traveling Asia

Discover global e-sim card.

• Pros : Discover Global eSIM Card can be used worldwide, but it has one of the best coverages of popular Asian destinations, making it the best SIM card for traveling Asia. It’s one of the cheapest options out there and can take you through Asia and around the world if you desire. It also allows you to purchase plans for as short as one week, making it ideal for short-term travelers.
• Cons : Discover Global eSIM doesn’t allow calling and texting, like other eSIMs out there. While it can take you around the world, it doesn’t have very much coverage in Africa—however, you’ll be covered almost anywhere you want to go throughout Asia.
• Coverage area : China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Macau, Philippines, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Global.
• Base cost : $10 / 7 days
• Monthly cost : Plans are available for $10 / week or up to $90 / 3 months

Best international SIM card for Australia and New Zealand

Orange holiday world sim.

• Pros : Orange Holiday World SIM is one of the best travel SIMs in the world. Similar to Orange Holiday Europe, this SIM card is owned by Orange, one of the best and largest mobile providers worldwide. Unlike its European sister, Orange Holiday World allows you to feel connected almost anywhere in the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and the rest of Oceania.
• Cons : One of the biggest cons to Orange Holiday is that the plans only last for 14 days. For some, this is ideal, but for those traveling for longer time periods, they may feel limited using this SIM card.
• Coverage area : All EU countries plus Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Benin, Botswana, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Israel, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Liberia, Macao, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Switzerland, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, United Kingdom, Uganda, Ukraine, USA, and Vietnam.

You don’t have to go off the grid while traveling!

You’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime when you find the best SIM card for your international travel plans.

Going off grid is tempting, but overrated. Staying connected while traveling the world enhances your experience and takes the stress out of international travel. With these travel SIM cards, you’ll save money on international roaming while being able to navigate a new city, stay in touch with family at home and new friends you meet along the way, and keep your mind at ease. What could be better than that?

Explore International Data Plans & SIM Cards

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Best Travel SIM Cards for International Mobile Data in 2024

Thinking about how to plan your tri p ? You need to think about more than what to pack for your travels . A seamless and safe journey relies on connectivity – this starts with your mobile data! Bid farewell to hefty roaming costs and embrace the convenience of international SIM cards. In this updated guide for 2024, we delve into the nuances of local prepaid SIM cards, global travel SIM cards , and the evolving realm of eSIM cards. Let’s explore the best travel SIM card options, pros and cons, and tips to keep you connected while saving on roaming costs.

This article contains affiliate links from the Amazon Associate and Travelpayouts programs. Wild Travel Tales will earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you .

Our Top 5 Recommendations

• Airalo (#1 recommendation)

Local Prepaid SIM Cards vs. International Travel SIM Cards

Local prepaid SIM cards from destination stores are perfect for single-country travel, offering cost-effective solutions available on arrival, often bundled with generous data for tourists. However, for the avid explorer hopping across multiple countries, international SIM cards and e-SIM cards purchased online provide unmatched flexibility and continuous connectivity. This eliminates the hassle of needing to find a new SIM card every time you enter a new country.

Pros of Local Prepaid SIM Cards

• Cost-effective for single-country use
• Available for purchase on arrival
• Often come with large data bundles for tourists

Pros of International Travel SIM Cards

• Usable in multiple countries
• Ensures continuous connectivity across borders
• Ideal for frequent travellers exploring diverse destinations

Understanding E-SIM Cards

eSIM cards, the future of mobile connectivity, eliminate the need for physical cards. While local prepaid SIM cards are readily available in stores, eSIM cards are primarily obtained online, offering ease of use and flexibility. This means you will be connected as soon as you arrive in the country, eliminating the hassle of needing to find a SIM care in a local store. If you want a seamless, convenient and safe trip, this is the best option for you.

Where to Buy an International SIM Card

Acquiring an international SIM card can only be done online. This is often facilitated through third-party platforms. This guide will direct you to the best websites to buy a global SIM card tailored for world travelers. Direct links to the operators’ websites will be provided, allowing you to explore further details if you find a particular option intriguing.

International SIM cards designed for global travel come in two formats: physical prepaid SIM cards and e-SIM cards. Physical prepaid SIM cards are dispatched to your home address, while e-SIM cards are transmitted to you as a QR code via email.

Where to Buy a Local SIM Card

If you’re in search of local prepaid SIM cards for tourists, they can only be obtained in-person, typically from stores or kiosks within the destination itself. Most countries have dedicated shops offering local prepaid SIM cards at international airports upon your arrival. 

It’s worth noting that purchasing a local prepaid SIM card at an international airport is often pricier. Optimal deals can be secured from official retail stores in city centers, shopping malls, or even random mobile phone shops.

In certain countries, convenience stores, gas stations, or supermarkets also offer local prepaid SIM cards. However, be aware that activating the SIM card from these establishments is typically a self-service process, requiring manual activation rather than a plug-and-play experience.

5 Best Travel SIM Cards for International Mobile Connection

Airalo (recommended #1: best travel sim).

Key Features:

• Data Options: Tailored plans from 1GB to 20GB.
• Validity: Flexible plans ranging from 7 days to 180 days.
• Coverage: Extensive network spanning 84 countries.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly app for buying and activating eSIMs.
• User Trust: Trusted by over 1 million users worldwide.

Best Suited for:

• Frequent travelers exploring diverse regions.
• Those seeking a seamless, app-driven experience.
• Individuals desiring a variety of data options and flexible validity.

Why Airalo?

Airalo stands out as a top choice for global connectivity, offering a range of data options to suit different traveler needs. With a user-friendly app, seamless activation process, and coverage in 84 countries, Airalo ensures that staying connected internationally is convenient and reliable. Whether you’re on a short business trip or an extended backpacking adventure, Airalo provides the flexibility and trust you need for uninterrupted communication on the go. Click here to check out Airalo SIM cards best suited for you.

Types of SIM Cards

Airalo offers a range of SIM card options, with different coverage:

• Local eSIMs: Choose an eSIM specifically suited for the country you are visiting. This is typically more affordable than multi-country options.
• Regional eSIMs: Choose an eSIM which will keep you connected across entire continents (e.g., one eSIM for all of Europe). This is the best option if you will be travelling through multiple countries.
• Global eSIMs – the “DISCOVER CARD”: One eSIM for global connection. This card will keep you online in every single country. This will be suitable for travellers hopping across the globe, through multiple countries and continents.

• Data Options: Tailored plans to suit various data needs.
• Validity: Ensuring connectivity for the duration you need.
• Coverage: Extensive network spanning global destinations.
• No physical swapping: Fully virtual SIM cards eliminates the hassle of physical SIMs. You will not need to constantly swap or manage multiple cards.
• 24/7 customer support: You will have assistance around the clock to ensure connectivity.

Why Drimsim?

Drimsim emerges as a go-to choice for global travellers seeking seamless connectivity. With customisable data plans, reliable coverage worldwide, and a commitment to providing connectivity for the duration you require, Drimsim ensures you stay connected effortlessly. You select the country you are visiting, then pay only for the data you use. Whether you’re a business traveler or an adventurer exploring diverse regions, Drimsim offers the flexibility and reliability needed for a smooth communication experience on the go. Click here to check out Drimsim SIM cards best suited for you.

• Virtual SIM Technology: HolaFly introduces virtual SIMs, eliminating the need for physical cards and simplifying the connectivity process.
• Diverse Packages: Offering a range of packages, HolaFly ensures users can choose plans that align with their specific data and travel requirements.
• Downloadable Convenience: With the ability to download the virtual SIM before departure, HolaFly streamlines the onboarding process, making it a convenient solution for modern travelers.
• Global Compatibility: As e-SIM compatibility becomes more widespread, HolaFly positions itself as a leading provider with innovative and competitive packages for the future.
• User-Friendly Experience: HolaFly prioritizes a user-friendly experience, making it easy for travelers to navigate and manage their virtual SIM connectivity.
• Modern travelers with e-SIM compatible devices.
• Those seeking a streamlined and convenient connectivity solution.
• Individuals desiring diverse data packages for global travel.

Why HolaFly?

HolaFly stands at the forefront of global connectivity with its virtual SIM technology, diverse packages, and commitment to user-friendly experiences. Whether you’re a tech-savvy explorer or a business professional on the move, HolaFly provides the innovative and convenient connectivity solution needed for a seamless global travel experience. Click here to check out Holafly SIM cards best suited for you.

• Versatility: OneSimCard offers both e-SIM and traditional SIM options, providing users with flexibility in choosing their preferred connectivity method.
• Wide and Reliable Coverage: Boasting extensive coverage in over 200 countries, OneSimCard ensures a reliable connection wherever your travels take you.
• Low SIM-Purchasing Fees: With affordable SIM-purchasing fees, OneSimCard makes global connectivity accessible without breaking the bank.
• Global Compatibility: Suited for both e-SIM and traditional SIM devices, OneSimCard caters to a broad range of users with varying device preferences.
• Globetrotters seeking a universal SIM solution for diverse destinations.
• Those desiring both e-SIM and traditional SIM options for device compatibility.
• Travelers looking for cost-effective global connectivity.

Why OneSimCard?

OneSimCard serves as a universal passport to global connectivity, offering versatility, wide coverage, and affordability. Whether you’re exploring multiple countries or simply need a reliable solution for a specific region, OneSimCard provides the connectivity you need without the hassle of changing cards at every turn. Click here to check out OneSimCard options best suited for you.

TravelSim Worldwide Card

• Cost-Effective Solution: TravelSim provides a budget-friendly international SIM card, making it an economical choice for global travelers.
• Straightforward Pricing Structure: With a transparent pricing structure, TravelSim eliminates surprises, ensuring users understand their costs upfront.
• Broad Coverage: Usable in over 170 countries, TravelSim offers extensive coverage, making it a reliable choice for diverse travel itineraries.
• In-Store Availability: Convenience is key, and TravelSim can be purchased not only online but also in physical stores, providing flexibility in procurement.
• Cost-conscious travelers seeking an affordable international SIM card.
• Individuals desiring transparent and straightforward pricing.
• Those requiring broad coverage for travel across various countries.

Why TravelSim Worldwide Card?

TravelSim Worldwide Card stands out as a cost-effective and transparent solution for global communication. Whether you’re a budget-conscious traveler or someone looking for hassle-free connectivity across diverse destinations, TravelSim offers a reliable gateway to seamless global communication. Click here to check out TravelSim cards best suited for you.

Navigating the vast landscape of international SIM cards is a crucial step in ensuring seamless connectivity during your global adventures. Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a digital nomad, or a casual traveler, choosing the right SIM card can make a significant difference in your journey. In this comprehensive guide, we’ve explored the merits of local prepaid SIM cards, the convenience of global travel SIM cards, and the promising future of e-SIM technology.

The best SIM for tourists depends on individual preferences and travel patterns. Options like Airalo, Drimsim, and OneSimCard offer global coverage, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for different travel needs.

Travel SIMs are often worth it for frequent travellers or those exploring multiple countries. They provide cost-effective connectivity, eliminate high roaming costs, and offer tailored data options.

While no SIM card works in every country, options like OneSimCard and Drimsim offer broad international coverage, making them suitable for diverse travel itineraries.

Using a local prepaid SIM card in each country is often the cheapest way to use your phone overseas. Alternatively, global SIMs with competitive rates, like TravelSim, can also be cost-effective.

Yes, tourists can buy SIM cards in most countries. They are available at international airports, local stores, and convenience shops. Online options like Airalo and SimOptions also cater to tourists.

Both eSIM and physical SIM have their advantages. eSIMs offer flexibility and convenience, while physical SIMs may be preferred for users with older devices or those who prefer a tangible card.

Yes, eSIMs work on international roaming, offering the convenience of activating multiple profiles for different countries without the need for physical swapping.

eSIMs work by digitally storing SIM card information on a device. Users can download eSIM profiles, allowing them to switch between different mobile carriers without the need for a physical SIM card.

Taking out your home SIM card and using a local or international SIM can save on roaming costs. For those with dual SIM phones, keeping the home SIM for calls and using a travel SIM for data is a common approach.

Tourist SIMs are often designed for short-term use, offering specific benefits like large data allowances. Local SIMs may require more extensive documentation but may provide better long-term value with local rates.

Freya is a travel writer from the UK. She loves discovering unique destinations, exploring old towns and hiking through beautiful natural landscapes.

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Best eSIM for International Travel in 2024 (Tested & Proven)

I’ve been testing travel eSIMs for over 21 months in 19 countries across 5 continents. 

But instead of telling you what I think the best eSIMs for international travel are based on my opinion, I decided to do an actual experiment, run tests, gather data, and settle this once and for all. 

Note: Most eSIM companies have refer-a-friend bonuses built into their app. So if you want discounts/free credits for any of these eSIMs, feel free to use the codes in the corresponding section. 

Table of Contents

TL;DR – Key findings

Airalo (⭐️ best for “normie vacationers”), nomad (⭐️ runner-up for “normie vacationers”), holafly (⭐️ best for “data hogs”), gigsky , maya mobile, best travel esim for long-term travelers and nomads, choosing international esim providers to test, sample countries, plan variety, customer service, ease of setup, regions covered, data speeds, how to choose the best travel esim.

👉 All companies I tested worked, but some are definitely easier to use and have better features than others. 👉 For “Normie Vacationers” who only use light data for the essentials, Airalo is my top pick. However, in some countries, Nomad has more plan variety. 👉 For “Data Hogs” who use a lot of IG, TikTok, Youtube, or like to do video calls — Holafly unlimited data eSIMs are the best option in most countries. 👉 For “Nomads” and long-term travelers, it may be more convenient to switch your home line to a plan that includes international data — but there are some caveats.

10 Best eSIMs for International Travel, Tested & Ranked

The best international eSIM depends on your travel style, trip length, destination, and data usage.

Every situation is unique, and no one eSIM company offers the best deal in every single country. 

However, some companies consistently offer better prices, plan variety, customer service, and user experience. 

I hope this research saves you time, money, and hassle trying to find the best eSIM for your trip. 

Just remember that they are general recommendations based on the six popular regions I included in my investigation. 

There may be exceptions and outliers for certain countries and data needs. 

See full details on how I ran the experiment and assigned ratings. 

Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ease of setup: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Customer service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 4 plan options Regions covered*: 200+ Data sharing: Yes Standout features: Easiest app to use Read full Airalo review

Airalo is my #1 recommendation for “Normie Vacationers”.

A “Normie Vacationer” is the type of person going on a trip for a week or two who only uses data for the essentials — maps, messages, light research, light social media, etc.

In other words, you don’t blow through your data scrolling through IG, TikTok, Youtube, or other data-intensive things on your phone (there’s a better eSIM for these types of people).

Airalo tops the charts because they usually have the lowest (or at least competitive) prices in many destinations. 

I also found their setup process to be the easiest of all eSIMs tested. 

This is thanks to their handy app , which allows you to buy, install, top-up, and monitor plans all from within the app. 

One downside to Airalo is their customer service is not that impressive. During my tests, it took around 25 minutes for responses (and it could take many responses to get an issue solved). 

Fortunately, after using Airalo for many months in 8 different countries, I’ve only had a few service hiccups — so it’s unlikely you’ll need to contact support. 

The other downside is there are certain regions of the world where Airalo has a limited number of plan options to choose from. 

So if you search your destination in Airalo and don’t find a plan that fits your trip, you can try my next recommendation instead. 

Use discount code UNTETHERED .

Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ease of setup: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Customer service: ⭐️⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 6 plan options Regions covered*: 165 Data sharing: Yes Standout features: App with easy setup, better plan variety in certain regions Read full Nomad eSIM review

Nomad is the runner-up choice for “Normie Vacationers” (AKA light data users).

They rank right up there with Airalo, but with some slight differences.

The Nomad app is pretty slick, but not quite as intuitive as Airalo (in my opinion). 

You can buy your eSIM from within the app, but you need to leave the app to install your eSIM — either via QR code or manually pasting in the codes. 

That said, they have super clear instructions and onboarding, so the process is quite easy. 

After researching and comparing plan options across different countries, I found that smaller plans (1-2 weeks, 1-2GB) were on par with Airalo prices — either the same or within a dollar or two.

In certain regions of the world — like Southeast Asia — Nomad actually has more plan options than Airalo, so you’re more likely to find one that precisely fits your needs. 

Nomad had a slightly slower customer response time than Airalo — getting back to me after 50 minutes. 

Again, the odds of you needing to use customer services are low, but it would be nice if they were more prompt. 

Overall, if I were going on a Normie Traveler trip, I’d just pop open Airalo , then pop open Nomad , then see which one has the best price for the amount of data I need. 

Or if you want to keep life simple, just choose one and stick with it for all your travels. The differences are usually minimal. 

Use discount code UNTETHER for free credits

Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️* Ease of setup: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Customer service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 7 plan options Regions covered*: 170+ Data sharing: No Standout features: Unlimited plans, multilingual customer support Read full Holafly review

Holafly is unique from all other eSIM providers in this experiment because they focus on unlimited data plans. 

This is the best travel eSIM for you if you’re the type of person who instinctively opens Instagram, TikTok, or Youtube whenever you’re waiting at a restaurant or lounging at the beach.

If you’re a “data hog”, the small Airalo plans aren’t gonna cut it. 

If you buy a small plan, you have to constantly monitor your usage and risk running out of data when you need it most. 

Not only that, but as a heavy data user, you’ll likely need to top up these small plans multiple times, which can be more expensive in the long run. 

*The more data you use, the cheaper Holafly ends up being per GB (but the opposite is also true — Holafly wouldn’t make sense for light data users).  

Holafly ranks 4 stars for ease of setup because they just released their app which allows you to do “one button install” from right within the app (if you have the latest operating system on your phone).

If you have an older phone or operating system, you can still follow the instructions in their email (or app) to configure your settings. These instructions are much clearer than most other companies and include video.  

Holafly had the best customer service response times out of all eSIM companies tested — responding to their Whatsapp chat within 60 seconds (by a REAL HUMAN!). 

Up until recently, the downside to Holafly was that their unlimited plans didn’t allow data sharing, but they are now rolling out unlimited plans in many countries that do allow tethering. This is super handy for digital nomads who want to share the internet with their laptop to work.

Long story short — Holafly is your best option if you want an unlimited data plan.

Use discount code PROJECTUNTETHERED

Price: ⭐️* Ease of setup: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Customer service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 1 (charged per MB) Regions covered*: 197 regions Data sharing: Yes Standout features: Pay per MB, eSIM or physical SIM, Global data with one eSIM Read full Drimsim review (coming soon)

Drimsim is a bit different than all the other eSIM companies tested. 

With other companies, you buy a data package that includes a data allowance, a time limit, and a destination (or region).

With Drimsim, you buy one eSIM (or physical SIM) that works in 197 regions, add credit to your account, then get charged per MB against your balance. 

In other words, you pay for what you use instead of paying for a set package.

Rates vary by country, and you can check them all out here . 

Your eSIM has no expiration date. But if you’re inactive for 360 days, it will start drawing €0.5 per month from your balance until you reach zero balance. You can extend this 360-day limit by switching the eSIM on and using a tiny bit of data. 

Per GB, Drimsim is more expensive than Airalo, Holafly, and most other companies on this list (hence the one-star rating).

However , it does have an interesting use case for hardcore travelers who frequently hop around different countries. 

Essentially, you could add some credit and use Drimsim as a “backup” data plan. 

That way, if you’re just on a long layover or passing through a country in a day or two, you could use your Drimsim credits instead of buying a whole separate eSIM. 

You also wouldn’t ever have to worry about installing a country-specific data plan on your phone before leaving on your trip. You could simply arrive in your destination, switch on Drimsim until you get to your accommodation, then buy a cheaper local eSIM once you’re settled in.

The minimum to get started with Drimsim is €35 (€10 for the eSIM and €25 for the minimum amount of credits). 

An alternative “backup” plan would be to get a global eSIM from Airalo . Their biggest global plan costs $69 for 20GB in 127 countries for 365 days. This annual global plan costs double and expires after one year, but you’d get roughly 10x more data out of it. 

Then again, if you’re just using it for short-term emergencies, you may not need that much data to begin with. 

Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ease of setup: ⭐️ Customer service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 9 plan options Regions covered*: 200+ regions Data sharing: Yes Standout features: Flexishare (send data to someone elses phone), frequent global plan discounts Read full Flexiroam review

Flexiroam has some good things going for it, but one big flaw that makes it not worth it. 

Let’s start with the good — it has more plan variety than all other companies I tested. Many countries even have tiny 1-day 500mb plans for emergencies or if you’re just on a quick layover in a country. 

They also have huge discounts on global data plans every couple months. If you don’t buy with a discount, the plans are quite expensive compared to the competition.

The big downside is the user interface and setup process is super clunky and buggy. 

It worked for me well for a while. But at one point, it just stopped working, and I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. 

Unlike our top international eSIM recommendations above, Flexiroam does not “just work”. It is finicky and frustrating.

Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ease of setup: ⭐️⭐️ Customer service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 3 plan options Regions covered*: 190+ regions Data sharing: Yes Standout features: Convenient auto-install after in-app purchase, unique plans like offshore (ocean) coverage Read full GigSky review  

GigSky has some cool features, but these are overshadowed by some blunders. 

I like how it prompts you to auto-install your eSIM right after buying in the app. It’s a super streamlined process. 

The problem is, they don’t give any instructions on what settings you’re supposed to use.

For example, to get mine to work, I had to toggle on Data Roaming. But there were no GigSky instructions saying to do this. 

If you’ve never set up an eSIM before, that’s a recipe for frustration.

Also, it seems like the website is completely separate from the app. That means if you buy on the website, you can’t manage the eSIM in the app, and vice versa. This is weird and inconvenient. 

Customer service wasn’t great — about 30 minutes to respond.

Lastly, other than the price, length, and data amount, they don’t give you many details about the plan you’re buying (like if data sharing works, what network you’ll be on, if it includes calls, etc). 

I like to know exactly what I’m getting before I buy something, so this bugged me. 

Use discount code MITC174 for free credits

Price: ⭐️⭐️ Ease of setup: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Customer service: ⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 1 Regions covered*: 200+ regions Data sharing: Yes Standout features: Speed test results (for the plan I bought) was faster than average Read full SimOptions review (coming soon)

SimOptions had the lowest rankings of the companies tested. 

The installation instructions were decent. But prices seem more expensive, and there is no app. 

However, what bothered me the most was the website. On the surface, it looks professional. But once you start testing things, it starts to feel like a front. 

They claim 24/7 customer service, but my customer service inquiry NEVER got responded to. Out of all the companies, this was the only one that never got back to me. 

They claim they always sell at retail price and that you’ll never find a cheaper option, but in our price comparison research, SimOptions never had the cheapest prices. 

Lastly, they have star ratings listed for each eSIM package, but if you click through, it takes you to their general Reviews page (and doesn’t show anything specific to the package you’re interested in). 

I also searched packages in several different countries, and every single one had either a 4.9 or 5-star rating, so it all just feels a little fake.

Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ease of setup: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Customer service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 3 plan options Regions covered*: 200+ regions Data sharing: Yes (on most) Standout features: Cheapest global plan I’ve seen (did not test though) Read full MobiMatter review (coming soon)

MobiMatter ended up being a decent option with fair prices, but it wasn’t my favorite. 

They have some weirdly specific regional plans, like Singapore + Malaysia + Thailand (and tons more combinations like this). 

When you search for a country, at first glance it seems like there are a million different plan options to choose from. 

But in reality, they are tied for the worst variety in plan options (i.e. average number of local eSIMs for one specific country).

It just seems like a lot of options because they mix local, regional, and global plans all together.

This makes it significantly harder to sort through and compare options. 

They also completely forget to explain how to set up your eSIM the “manual” way (i.e. pasting in the activation codes to your settings). 

If you don’t have a second device to scan the QR code, you need to use the manual setup method. And if you’re a first-time eSIM user, this could be frustrating to figure out without proper instructions.

Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ease of setup: ⭐️* Customer service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 28 plan options Regions covered*: 194 countries Data sharing: Yes (apart from Lite unlimited plan) Standout features: “Unlimited” plans with data sharing (on Standard and Max plans) Read full Maya Mobile review (coming soon)

Maya Mobile could have been one of the highest-ranked providers if it weren’t for a couple of annoying problems. 

They have the highest plan variety (average number of plan options) in the countries included in our sample — including both normal and unlimited plans. 

Prices are competitive — never the absolute cheapest, but usually within a fair range. 

There’s no app, but the website is clean and easy to use. Well, that assumes you can actually create an account…

I wasted an hour of my life trying to fill out a buggy sign-up form.

I tried on several different days using VPNs, incognito mode, Safari, Chrome, wifi, tethering to my phone…you name it. But whenever I clicked submit, I got the never-ending loading ball of death.

Maybe it was just a fluke, but be warned. 

I may give Maya another chance in the future. But since I wasted so many neurons trying (and failing) to log in, I prefer Airalo or Holafly, which have never given me such headaches. 

Price: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ease of setup: ⭐️ Customer service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Avg. Plan Variety: 5 plan options Regions covered*: 170 Data sharing: Yes Standout features: Lifetime data plans Read full BNESIM review

BNESIM (AKA “Best Network Ever”) has a cute name, but I wasn’t impressed. 

Prices are in line with other eSIM providers and they have decent plan variety. 

But the website looks a bit sketch. I actually felt a little wary typing in my credit card number to buy my eSIM. Their app looks more professional, but it was a bit buggy and wouldn’t always load correctly. 

Speaking of which, there are actually two apps, which adds to the confusion. 

I also found the setup instructions quite confusing and contradictory. If you’ve installed eSIMs before, you could figure it out. But if it’s your first time, it might feel confusing.

Their customer service was surprisingly decent, responding within 3 to 10 minutes each time. 

Overall, BNESIM might have potential someday once they work out all the kinks. But for now, I’d stick with more established providers like Airalo (for light data users) or Holafly (for heavy data users). 

If you’re a long-term traveler, it might be worth looking into “normal” phone plans in your home country that include international data as part of the plan.

For example, two plans that come to mind for US citizens are Google Fi and US Mobile’s Premium Unlimited plan.

Google Fi costs $65/month for one person and includes international data.

The catch is that you’re not meant to spend more than 90 consecutive days abroad. If you do, you risk having your plan shut off.

US Mobile’s Premium Unlimited plan costs $50/month at the time of writing (or $37.50/month paid annually). According to their customer service, it does not have the same 90-day restriction as Google Fi.

The downside to US Mobile is that you’re limited to between 1GB and 10GB of data per month, depending on the country you’re in.

Both of these plans will likely cost you more per month than simply buying Airalo or Holafly for your travels.

But if don’t want to worry about loading up travel eSIMs, then the extra convenience may be worth the price.

Neither of these two plans were part of my experiment, but they’re worth mentioning.

Methods and Procedures

Here’s the “long version” of how I gathered data and assigned rankings for this study.

For this study, I focused on eSIM providers that are already somewhat established.

To find these companies, I used a keyword research tool to measure the average number of times people search for the brand name in Google each month.

I chose the eSIM companies with the highest search volume I could find, and companies with zero search volume were automatically disqualified.

New eSIM companies are popping up every day, but most of them are so small (i.e. nobody is searching for them) that it’s extremely unlikely they would have the resources required to be the best travel eSIM in 2024.

Each eSIM company offers different plans for different countries. To get a representative sample, I chose six of the top tourist destinations from different regions/continents around the globe.

🇫🇷 France (Europe) 🇲🇦 Morocco (Africa) 🇹🇭 Thailand (Asia) 🇦🇷 Argentina (South America) 🇲🇽 Mexico (North America) 🇺🇸 USA (North America)

These countries were used for gathering data on price and plan variety. 

Not all companies offer the exact same GB+length plans, so it’s often challenging to compare apples to apples.

Also, some companies have cheaper small plans, but more expensive large plans. 

To add to the complexity, it’s hard to compare “regular” prices, because some countries run limited-time sales, while others have a “sale” price that never changes. 

So to determine pricing ratings, I gathered data on the smallest and biggest plans offered by each company in the sample countries. From there, I marked the frequency at which each company had the cheapest plan.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Highest frequency of cheapest plans ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Occasional cheapest plan, almost always in the ballpark. ⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Never the cheapest, but usually in the ballpark. ⭐️⭐️ = Never the cheapest, often not in the ballpark. ⭐️ = All plans are significantly more expensive than the norm. 

*I added an asterisk to Holafly and Drimsim because they are special cases. 

Holafly ranked 5 stars, but this is only true for heavy data users who actually take advantage of the unlimited data. For light data users, Holafly plans are overkill.

Drimsim ranked 1 star because GB for GB, it is much more expensive than all other plans. However, due to its unique setup, it could be an inexpensive option as your “backup” data plan (as I explain in the Drimsim section).

Please note that this sample data covers 6 of the most popular tourist destinations in different regions, but there may be many pricing exceptions in other countries not covered. 

To assess plan variety, I found the average number of local eSIM packages that each company offers per country.

I did not include regional or global plans that include the country in question, as this would complicate the data.

I reached out to each company’s customer service to ask a question about the eSIM I purchased, noting the time I reached out and the time I received a human response. 

Ratings were based on response times:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = less than 2 minutes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = 2 to 10 minutes ⭐️⭐️⭐️ = 10 to 30 minutes ⭐️⭐️ = 30 minutes to 24 hours ⭐️ = No response

Ease of setup is a subjective rating based on my experience setting up each eSIM. 

I imagined how likely it would be for me to get confused if I were setting an eSIM up for the first time with no prior experience or technical know-how. 

The main things I looked for were:

☑️ If the eSIM provider offered an app in addition to their website. ☑️ User-friendliness and functionality of the app and/or website.  ☑️ How hard it was to find the setup instructions.  ☑️ How clear the instructions were, and if they included screenshots and video guides. ☑️ How buggy the setup process was.

The ratings I used were:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Pretty good ⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Average ⭐️⭐️ = Harder than necessary ⭐️ = Sucky

Overall, this metric does not mean much. 

Most eSIM companies state how many “regions” or “destinations” they cover, but this is not the same as the number of countries. 

I could not find a definition of what they consider a “region” or “destination”. 

Many eSIM providers state that they cover 200+ destinations, but there are only 195 recognized countries in the world.

Just know that most eSIM companies will cover most of the places you want to go.

I used the Speedtest app to test each eSIM in Chiang Mai, Thailand. 

You can find a screenshot of each speed test on the individual review pages for each eSIM. 

I decided not to include a speed test rating in this comparison because the actual speed doesn’t really depend on travel eSIM company — it comes down to the local carrier in a particular region. Since I only tested speeds in one city, it’s not fair to generalize the results worldwide. 

Plus, I found that many eSIM providers use the same local carriers, so you may see similar plans across multiple eSIM companies.

In the end, all eSIMs had data speeds fast enough to stream Youtube videos, which is enough for most travelers.

Overall, I found Airalo to be the best option for Normie Travelers and Holafly the best option for Data Hogs (or anyone who doesn’t want to worry about running out of data on their trip). 

In certain countries — especially in Southeast Asia — Nomad offered more plan variety than Airalo for Normie Travelers. 

These are the three companies I plan to use on my future trips. 

As I mentioned throughout this guide, there may be certain destinations where a different company has the best deal.

But in these cases, the price difference is usually minimal. And to me, it’s not worth the hassle of comparing prices across 10+ companies just to save a couple bucks. 

The whole point of using an eSIM is convenience. You save time not having to hunt down a physical SIM upon arrival. But if you’re wasting an hour comparing eSIM prices, you lose that convenience factor. 

I recommend choosing one or two companies you like best and sticking with them. Many offer rewards points, so by staying loyal to one company, you can often earn discounts on future eSIMs. 

I hope you found this experiment helpful — it took months to put together, so if you want to say “ Thanks, Mitch! ”, I’d be thrilled if you purchased your eSIM using our affiliate buttons on this page. This helps support my nerdy travel experiments at no extra charge to you. 🤓

Mitch is your typical nomadic backpacker. Or at least, he was . But after stopping in Colombia to take “one week” of salsa lessons, his life took a sharp left turn. He met a cute Colombian girl in dance class, fell in love, and got married. Over half a decade has passed since he left his career to travel the world as a digital nomad, and he’s never looked back.

Nowadays, he’s the blogger behind Project Untethered — where he runs an awesome email newsletter and Youtube channel teaching adventure-craved wanderlusters how to escape the rat race, earn money from anywhere, and build an “untethered life”.

His advice has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Yahoo, MSN, Reader’s Digest, Condé Nast Traveler, and more.

Mitch's Travel Recommendations: Travel Planning Resources - Everything you need to plan your trip on one convenient page. Going Cheap Flights Newsletter - Get flight deals from your airport up to 90% off sent straight to your inbox. Safetywing Insurance - This cheap travel insurance has saved me over $15,000 in medical bills. Booking.com - Book accommodation without adding your credit card (in case you need to cancel). Trusted House Sitters - Take care of pets in exchange for free (sometimes luxury) accommodation. Flexjobs - Find remote jobs without having to sift through crappy ones. Skillshare - Free trial to take unlimited classes that teach digital nomad skills. Wise - Send and receive money abroad cheaply (great for freelancers).

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Home » Gear » Travel Sim's » How to Find the Best Sim For Travel in 2024

How to Find the Best Sim For Travel in 2024

The other day, I was at a semi-local music festival, and you couldn’t even buy a water bottle without downloading an app. Things are getting downright ridiculous, but until we can pull ourselves together and organize a good ole fashioned revolution, we’ll have to embrace this new truth: you can’t do shit without a cell phone.

Until relatively recently, it was a pretty sweet deal to head abroad and be hooked up to Wi-Fi only. Every time you left the hostel, it was just you and your downloaded maps exploring a new city without interruption. Nowadays, you’ll need to scan a QR code to see the menu, hop on local transport, or accept defeat and order a ride once you’ve gotten good and lost.

All that, plus the massive increase in freedom allowed by remote work, means a travel SIM card is starting to pop up on more and more packing lists. Being a digital nomad may mean stretching your trip a month or two, but it also requires high-speed internet at every stop. The good news is that international travelers have more options than ever.

We all don’t have to rely on Google voice, keep track of a few different SIM cards and pray that the next village will have a Recargas stand or face draconian data surcharges from our home cell phone provider anymore. An entire world of international SIM and e-SIM specialists will keep you connected through border crossings and around the globe.

You won’t find many international service providers with data plans as cheap as local options, nor will you come across affordable unlimited plans that you may have gotten used to at home. Still, every year the entry price for these products comes down a few dollars, and I’m officially paying attention.

The convenience of having a constant phone number is worth a few extra dollars, especially when your bank needs to send a confirmation code through text to a recognized number. So, to help you weigh the pros and cons of the best SIMs for travel vs any local provider, we’re going to break down the industry and see what kinds of coverage you can really count on.

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Quick Answers – These Are The Best SIMs For Travel

Best sim for backpackers –  onesim worldwide, best esim for travel –  gigsky, best sim for europe –  holafly europe, best sim for digital nomads –  onesim esim, best sim for southeast asia –  holafly, best sim for travel –  orange holiday pre-paid, choosing the right sim for travel, have you considered esim, these are the best sims for travel, final thoughts on choosing the best sim cards for travel.

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GigSky Global

• Package Price > $15 – $90
• Package Data > 500MB – 5 GB
• Package Duration > 30 days
• Allows Local Calls? > Yes

• Package Price > $69.99
• Package Data > 5 GB
• Package Duration > 30 Days
• Allows Local Calls? > No

HolaFly Europe

• Package Price > $99
• Package Data > Unlimited
• Package Duration > 90 days

OneSim eSim

Orange Holiday Pre-Paid

• Package Price > $28-47
• Package Data > 8-20 GB
• Package Duration > 14
• Allows Local Calls? > Yes (Within Europe)

It doesn’t matter which high-tech smartphone you’ve got your hands on, they won’t be much more than mp3 playing digital cameras without the correct microchip. Before we show you the candidates, let’s understand the ranking system.

Every international travel SIM we looked at would greatly benefit a different adventure. New options are popping up each year, and they all have to compete with local SIM cards from airports and corner stores. 

SIM cards may be small, but loads of thought have gone into the industry-leading options. Here are a few factors that will help build a road map to the correct SIM for your next mission. 

So, should you go for an eSim, an internationa l or local SIM ?

Price 

It all starts and ends here. Without a budget, it’s incredibly easy to find worldwide cell phone coverage. You just might end up paying $50 a gigabyte! Unfortunately, if you go with the wrong provider, you’ll get slapped with extreme roaming charges and can quickly rack up data bills bigger than most plane tickets. 

Most national providers take advantage of travellers by charging extreme rates for every MB of international data. The international SIMs on this list bring prices down a few notches, but there is still no such thing as a free lunch and no free cell phone coverage. 

At the low end, you’ll find pay-as-you-go plans that will charge you rates as low as 5 cents an MB plus a few dollars for the actual SIM card. This may seem like a no-brainer, but remember that 1 GB is 1000 MB, which means your plan is a whooping 50$ a gigabyte, which is more than even Google FI would dare charge you. 

On the other side are unlimited plans, which will run you back anywhere from $50 to $100. Anyone who expects to run through a few podcasts and make a few video calls on the road would be better off paying extra upfront to avoid surprises down the line. 

The best international SIMs for travel are getting cheaper each year, but they still have to drop by a few dollars before they can compete with local SIMs in many countries. If you plan to stick around in one country for more than a month or two, you should absolutely still look into what sorts of local SIMs are available. 

However, there is loads of fluctuation from country to country, even when the same provider covers them. There is a Claro Ecuador and a Claro Peru, but your current Claro chip will be useless as soon as you cross that imaginary line. 

So, depending on where you go, an international SIM could be an absolute waste of money, but it could also be the only way to stay connected. Plus, no matter where you go, it’s always nice to know before heading off that you’ll still have access to everything that requires a phone number, and that knowledge alone is definitely worth a few bucks. 

It’s pretty straightforward. The more data you want, the more you’ll have to pay. High-speed data has become the only thing that matters in cell phone coverage and is the only thing that several international e-SIM providers offer. And nowadays, you can get loads of it, even in Israel !

Data may sound like something that only business-oriented travellers will need large swathes of, but remember that most modern text messaging is actually through Whatsapp, Facebook Messaging, Instagram, Signal, or some other sort of untraceable application, all of which isn’t included in any text messaging plan.

Leisure travellers on the road to get away from it all certainly won’t need the same mega-packages as someone relying on their data to build websites from the bus station. Still, it’s not a bad idea to have easy, affordable access to a few gigabytes at the ready. 

Data will come in handy for communicating with your Airbnb host, understanding the bus schedule, and lining up that next sweet volunteer gig. Everyone you meet on the road romanticises getting away from it all, but it’s damn handy to have the world at your fingertips when you’re trying to see it. 

Data also generally includes access to a mobile hotspot, which is a fucking beauty if you’re trying to get some work done when the power suddenly quits on you. It’s bound to happen if you travel long enough, and a data plan is your only backup. 

While it’s true that your SIM card search will start with price, the second thing you should confirm is your SIM’s coverage map. Each provider on our list offers a wide range of international coverage, so once you’ve narrowed down your trip and know (generally) where you plan on stopping, you can build your SIM search from there. 

It doesn’t matter how cheap your unlimited plan is if it doesn’t work in the country you’re heading towards. No cell phone company is pumping out a 5G connection to the deep desert, but it’s essential to know your chip will work wherever you are. 

As you’ll see from our list, the more modern your SIM card is, the more trouble you may have nailing down local calling. Not long ago, calls were all your cell phone was good for, but nowadays, they are an afterthought on most contracts.

E-SIMs, in particular, are dreadful for local calling plans, as that physical splash of silicone is ultra important when operating dial-up. However, if you’re shopping specifically for an international SIM card solely for making calls, you’re liable to save some serious cash. 

You can find pay-as-you-go plans that won’t set you back more than a quarter a minute no matter where you are. Also, remember that there are a few ways to get around the relative lack of calling. Most local businesses will have WhatsApp or Facebook messaging accounts that let you call or text without buying any local minutes. 

Set a budget, nail down your country list, and shop for packages based on your trip’s itinerary. The travel SIMs we’ll explore today cover a wide range of timelines, with everything from 24 hours to 90 days of coverage in one purchase. 

Most of the SIM cards on our list specialise in short-term travel, which means around one month or less in one country. Several e-SIM providers have discounted packages up to the 90 days range, and they can all be infinitely re-upped, but the longer you stay in one place, the more they lose value. 

These SIMs are built around country hopping. They make tremendous sense for people planning on crossing borders every few weeks, but if you’re spending much more than a month or two in one country, you should look into your specific country’s local SIM plans.

So, as you can see, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to the best travel eSIM for your trip.

Hailed by many as the  future of travel communications , our list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a few major Electronic SIM cards. E-SIMs are SIM cards without the physical plastic, presenting both a sustainable and super convenient way to get connected. 

Through a cell phone app, you can select your plan, download more minutes, and get your SIM ready to go before you even get to a new country. Most modern cell phones already have an embedded SIM card inside the hardware, and downloading an e-SIM can activate this SIM card without a trip to the shop. 

That means using your cell phone with multiple SIM cards, and keeping your usual SIM card on hand for emergency access to 2-factor authentication schemes, while avoiding your carrier’s exorbitant roaming charges. 

It can sound a bit far-fetched at first. If a SIM card is already built-in, why do we use physical SIMs in the first place? While e-SIMs are incredibly convenient, the technology isn’t quite perfect yet. Most e-SIMs won’t offer local calling features and are generally a bit more expensive to get going than old-fashioned SIM cards. 

But the honest answer is that this technology is so new not all phones are e-SIM ready. Also, for no real reason other than blatant capitalism, many phones purchased under a contract from a particular network can be ‘locked’, which blocks your embedded SIM from communicating with any other service provider. 

So make sure you understand what your cell phone is capable of before you take the leap. If your phone is unlocked and meets all requirements, I highly recommend taking a serious look at e-SIM options, especially if your travel dates are coming up fast. The ability to activate, recharge, and monitor your cell phone data plans from anywhere is worth a few extra bucks. 

If your travel plans go anywhere like mine, by the time you’ve come around to figuring out your SIM card, you’re about halfway to the airport, so let’s look at the best SIMs for travel before it’s too late to take advantage of these lifesavers. 

Our SIM options range from old-fashioned SIM cards with physical recharge requirements to the latest and greatest in e-SIM technology that pumps out unlimited data anywhere. They all specialise in different regions and will better suit various adventures. 

While we went to great lengths to give our package snapshots full coverage, it’s important to remember that the specifics of your data package will vary wildly depending on your location. Whether you want a sim card for Japan or travelling around Europe for the summer, there will be some major differences.

These SIM cards are all international, but they still have to play by the rules. So don’t forget to check the data prices for every single country on your itinerary to prepare yourself for the bills to come. 

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• Package Price: $15 – $90
• Package Data: 500MB – 5 GB
• Package Duration: 30 days
• Allows Local Calls? Yes

We love this SIM card provider because of its flexibility. You can browse through all sorts of data bundles and plans that change depending on which country you’re heading towards next. OneSim grouped all their plans into different zones, so sort through the choices until you find a bundle that includes every stop on your next trip. 

The worldwide SIM costs $9.95 and comes with $10 of data credit. After that’s down the drain, you can take your pick of packages and get on your way. Every OneSim comes with two numbers, one from Estonia and one from your choice of the US, UK, Australia or Canada . Incoming calls on the European number are often free or as low as $.25 per minute. 

While the OneSim isn’t the cheapest SIM card on the market, the worldwide service is incredibly reliable, and the sheer number of different options guarantees you’ll find a tailor-made plan for your itinerary. 

Best eSim for Travel –  GigSky

• Package Price: $69.95
• Package Data: 5 GB
• Package Duration: 30 Days
• Allows Local Calls? No

Thanks to services like GigSky , you can get your phone hooked up to the World Wide Web today; no address or plastic is necessary. Anyone rocking a modern smartphone has everything they need to get connected already. Simply download the GigSky app and cycle through packages to hook up data to your phone today. 

GigSky knows how convenient their international 4G SIM-free system is and has bumped up the rates compared to some plastic SIM providers. Sometimes though, being able to take care of the entire process from the couch is priceless. 

The price we listed is for their worldwide package, but they also offer country and region-specific plans that can save a few bucks. Besides the price, there’s one significant factor working against GigSky SIMs; These plans don’t come with a local cell phone number, so the service is solely digital. 

Don’t let that scare you off. There are plenty of ways to make international calls without a cell phone, and all your local delivery guys will use WhatsApp. 

Most of the other SIM options on our list require a bit of foresight and waiting for a package. Whether you’ve just landed and your current provider has sent you a friendly text alerting you that you’ll be paying 10$ an MB, or you just can’t be bothered to find a thin pokey thingamajig, this potent package is the fastest way to get online. 

My favourite thing about Gigsky, they offer a cutting-edge ‘ Cellular at Sea ’ package which may just be the world’s first anywhere-at-sea eSIM . The package will work anywhere in the maritime world and pretty much anywhere on the ship too.

• Package Price: $99
• Package Data: Unlimited
• Package Duration: 90 days

Born in Valencia, this SIM service is custom crafted to provide borderless connection within the European Economic Areas. HolaFly offers both traditional SIM cards and e-SIM services, so you can connect in whichever way works with your setup. 

No matter how you get online, you’ll be online in minutes with access to 24/7 customer service. These guys have long focused on providing full European coverage, but they have recently expanded to work worldwide.

The e-SIM version of HolaFly will not include voice calls, so travellers needing an old-fashioned phone number need to plan ahead. Once it’s all said and done, you’ll have unlimited data, which few companies are willing to offer. Another huge perk of HolaFly’s setup is its commitment to providing access to your usual WhatsApp account. It all adds up to the best European SIM card provider.

These guys are slowly spreading their wings worldwide, offering e-SIMs all over the place, including a sim option in China !  

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• Package Duration:  30 days

We’ve already looked closely at OneSim’s physical SIM card package as our favourite SIM card for backpackers, but the company has also proven ready for the new era of work. This could be the One SIM to rule them all, although instead of binding us into a world of darkness, it is shining a big, fat green light towards our dreams of working from the beach. 

OneSim’s e-SIM is one of the market’s few electronic SIM cards that can still receive phone calls. The system provides an EU number that receives free incoming calls from over 120 countries (outgoing calls will set you back 25 cents a minute.)

Most of the plans available for their physical SIM service are also applicable on this e-SIM, so you can narrow down your zone, calculate your data needs, and find the perfect setup for your work. Plus, if you take a call or two from the boss weekly, you can write it all off as a business expense. 

Their system’s ability to sort between week and month-long packages or simply paying by the mill bite makes the company one of the best choices for those who want a pay-as-you-go SIM to take a few calls and check the email every now and then. You can find a package for as low as 5 cents an MB, all with free incoming calls. 

• Package Price: $57

HolaFly now offers Asia-Pacific Packages for 9, 14, or 17 countries that will help you navigate the Asian and Oceania continents like the locals. Whether you need a sim for Tha i land , Vietnam or Taiwan, Holafly has you covered. This region features a few countries with many rules concerning the Digital Airspace and a relative lack of international cooperation, especially compared to the European Union. 

Luckily a few intrepid entrepreneurs figured out there is some really good money in making things easier to manage, and this prepaid beauty was born. Boasting truly unlimited 4G data at a cost not much higher than most plans at home, you can take one piece of the stress out of the occasion and slip in this SIM for unlimited connection from over 50 regions. 

The SIM card is Asia-Pacific focused but can also get you around several European countries and the United States . If you don’t need all that much data, HolaFly also offers pay-as-you-go plans to get you going with 200 MB of data for less than a dollar. 

Their top-up system will allow you to refill the coffers from anywhere with a network connection, and they provide data plans that match all sorts of price points. You can even purchase unlimited data for 24 hours for less than 5$ if you’re about to spend a day on the bus without much else going on. 

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

• Package Price: $28-47
• Package Data: 8-20 GB
• Package Duration:  14
• Allows Local Calls? Yes (Within Europe)

This short-trip specialist used to be one of the best deals in the business. New competition like HolaFly’s unlimited packages and OneSim’s e-SIM local calling features have knocked the Orange Holiday down a few pegs. However, they’re still one of the most reliable names in international SIM cards. 

Let’s get this out of the way early: Orange’s prepaid SIMs only cover European markets, so while it’s still an international SIM, it doesn’t come close to the coverage of some of our other options. 

The good news is, they’ve more than proven themselves on the continent. If you need a sim in France , the good news, they are the country’s largest mobile network provider in terms of subscriber base, so there is no safer bet in the business when travelling to the European continent.

All of Orange’s travel cards ship prepaid, meaning there is no dealing with apps, although they can be topped up online. You can choose the ‘Zen’ option with 8 GB of data, 30 minutes of worldwide calling, and 200 texts over two weeks. Data-heavy trips should opt for the ‘Europe’ model that provides 20 GB of data, 120 minutes, and 1000 texts for an extra 20 bucks. 

This SIM option simply doesn’t have the freedom or flexibility to truly compete with the other cards on our list. Still, anyone looking for a quick and easy option for a Eurotrip can order this SIM card online and receive international coverage in the mail without any further installations. 

Want more? We’ve also recently written this Jetpac eSim card review .

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Our list comprises the best and cheapest ways to stay connected globally. Travelling is all about living in the moment and disconnecting from the stresses of day-to-day life, but the modern world is all but inaccessible offline. These SIM cards are here to help; you can always throw your phone on Airplane mode when it’s time to unplug. 

Between e-SIMs and physical cards with local calling capabilities, you’re bound to find a travel partner as tech-savvy as your personal needs. No SIM card dominates the global industry. Each choice on our list has serious pros and cons that mainly involve different price points, different coverage maps, and a lack of local calling. 

And finally, remember that none of these SIM cards will give your phone superpowers. No ordinary SIM card or cell phone combination will keep you connected if you’re heading off a few hundred kilometres from the nearest plug-in. Look into  Satellite phones  if you plan on travelling off the beaten path. 

Besides that, find the right SIM for your itinerary and get out there! Give us a shout in the comments below once you’ve gotten on the bus, so we know your SIM card is good to go. 

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Aiden Freeborn

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Complete Guide: Best eSIM For International Travel

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Sep 19, 2024 | SIM Cards , Travel Tips

eSIMs are becoming more and more popular as people become more and more mobile.

But with so many eSIM providers and apps to choose from, it can be hard to know which one is the best for your needs.

This comparison guide will help you find the best eSIM for international travel .

We’ll look at what to consider when choosing the best eSIM provider, and then we’ll recommend our top picks for international travel.

So, whether you’re looking for the best global eSIM for travel or need a basic plan, we have you covered.

We’ll also feature some of the best eSIM deals available right now with our exclusive promo codes.

Quick Overview Best Travel eSIMs

Looking for a quick answer? Here are the three top eSIM providers for international travel.

• Airalo : Perfect for travelers looking for short-term and long-term options worldwide. (My pick)
• Holafly : Great options with several unlimited plans.
• Nomad : Offers a variety of country and global plans, as well as unlimited data plans in some destinations.

Before we dive deeper, if you’re new to eSIM, let’s see what an eSIM is.

❓ What Is An eSIM?

eSIM is a type of SIM card that is embedded in your device. You don’t need a physical SIM card, which makes it more convenient for people who travel frequently.

eSIMs are also becoming more common in smartphones, so if you’re looking to buy a new phone, eSIM might be an option for you.

There’s a catch! eSIMs are not yet universally supported. So before you switch to an eSIM, make sure your device is compatible.

Read our guide to learn the main differences between SIM cards and eSIM .

❓Which Devices Are Compatible With eSIM?

eSIM is currently supported on a few devices, including:

• Apple iPhone XS, XS Max, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, and newer models.
• Google Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and newer models.
• Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and newer models.
• Huawei P40, and newer models.

If you’re considering upgrading your phone soon, read about the best eSIM phones .

To verify if your device is compatible with eSIM , go to Settings and locate your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). This will tell you if your device supports eSIM.

Here’s how to do it add an eSIM on a Google Pixel device:

• Go to Settings.
• Go to Network and Internet
• Click on Add more
• Choose Download a SIM instead.
• Click on next.
• Scan the QR code.
• Name the eSIM.
• Pick the eSIM to provide data.
• Make sure the roaming is on.

🗒️ How To Choose The Best eSIM Provider For International Travel

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s look at how to choose the best travel eSIM provider for you.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing an eSIM provider, including:

• Coverage: Make sure the eSIM provider has good coverage in the countries you travel to. Some eSIM apps have local, regional, and international plans.
• Data: How much data do you need? You’ll need a plan with more data if you’re a heavy user.
• Speed: Not all eSIM providers offer the same speeds. If you need fast speed, make sure to choose a provider that offers them.
• Price: eSIM plans can vary in price, so consider your budget when choosing a provider. Some providers offer great eSIM deals too.

❓ Where To Buy An International eSIM?

International eSIMs for travel can be bought from a variety of places, including:

• eSIM providers: Many eSIM providers sell eSIMs directly from their websites. This is the most convenient option, as you can activate your eSIM immediately. Some of these eSIM apps also allow you to purchase a plan without data or WiFi.
• Carriers: If you’re already using a carrier, you may be able to buy an eSIM from them. It’s worth checking if your current carrier has its own eSIM plans.

So, how do you pick an eSIM provider?

Let us help! We’ll review the best eSIM for international travel below.

Airalo eSIM

Airalo is the most popular eSIM store and offers eSIMs in 200+ countries at affordable prices.

I’ve been using Airalo for a while now, and you can read our complete Airalo review to learn more about this eSIM provider.

Here’s how Airalo works:

• Create an account on Airalo .
• Download the app or use the desktop version.
• Choose your destination and preferred plan.
• Install your eSIM.
• Activate your eSIM.

Go to Airalo

Pros And Cons Of Using Airalo To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Airalo.

• Coverage in 200+ countries.
• Short-term and long-term plans are available.
• Affordable prices.
• Offers local, regional, and global plans.
• The customer support is great and fast.
• No unlimited data plans available (a few exceptions)
• I had a few issues in the past, but customer support always fixed the issues quickly.

Airalo Offer

Get 10% off on your first purchase on Airalo by using my referral code: ABB10.

Get A Discount Now

Holafly eSIM

Holafly is an eSIM provider with eSIM plans for more than 190 destinations.

I tried Holafly in the past, so you can read our complete Holafly review to learn more.

Here’s how Holafly works:

• Pick a plan.
• You’ll receive an email with your eSIM.
• Scan the QR code to activate your eSIM.

Go to Holafly

Pros And Cons Of Using Holafly To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Holafly.

• eSIMs are delivered via email immediately.
• Plans available for more than 190 countries.
• Supports both short-term and long-term plans.
• Offers lots of options with unlimited data.
• The customer support is fast (they answered me in 19 minutes).
• You get unlimited data plans in several countries and regions, which is excellent if you are a heavy user. However, some users reported that the speed could vary. This could mean you’ll get high speed first, and eventually, you’ll get a slower speed if you use too much data.
• You can’t always set up a hotspot with some plans, but some of them offer it. It’s worth checking out if you’re planning on using a hotspot.

Holafly Offer

Get 5% off your first purchase on Holafly with my referral code ABROKENBACKPACK.

Nomad offers data plans in 140+ countries. Their plans are in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

They also have regional plans (global, Nordic, APAC, SEA-Oceania, and Europe). Keep reading to learn more.

I’ve tried Nomad, and it worked well.

Although, it’s not my favorite because they only have short-term plans (up to 60 days, but mostly 30 days).

Nomad offers fixed data plans and unlimited data plans, giving you many options to pick from.

Here’s how Nomad works:

• Pick a data plan.
• Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
• Activate your plan.

Go to Nomad

Pros And Cons Of Using Nomad To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Nomad.

• Plans available in 100+ countries.
• Regional and global plans available.
• The website is very modern.
• Unlimited data plans in some destinations.
• All the reviews on the website are 5-star, which I find hard to believe. Nothing is perfect in this world.
• Short-term plans only (up to 30 days).

Nomad Offer

Get $3 off on your first purchase on Nomad by using my referral code: MELI23HJ.

SimCorner eSIM

SimCorner offers data plans in 80+ countries. They offer both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans. You can pick between a local and a regional plan depending on your travel plans.

I’ve tried SimCorner, and it worked great.

However, I needed to wait a few hours to receive my eSIM. If you wish to purchase an eSIM plan on SimCorner, I recommend buying it a few days before your trip. This way, you’ll have it on time for your trip.

Learn more by reading our SimCorner review .

Here’s how SimCorner works:

• Pick a data plan that suits your needs.
• Complete the purchase.
• Install the eSIM by scanning the QR code once you receive the eSIM via email.

Go to SimCorner

Pros And Cons Of Using SimCorner To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of SimCorner.

• SIM cards and eSIM plans available in 80+ countries.
• Local and regional plans available.
• High data limits for heavy users.
• You may need to wait a few hours to receive your eSIM, so plan ahead of your trip.
• The buying process requires more steps than most providers. Still, you’ll be able to make a purchase in just a few minutes.

SimCorner Offer

Get a 5% discount with our promo code: ABBPTravel.

Maya Mobile eSIM

Maya Mobile is an eSIM store offering plans in 194 countries. They offer a wide range of affordable plans in multiple destinations. Each plan is up to 30 days, but you can opt for an auto-renew if you wish.

Maya Mobile offers data plans and unlimited data plans in some destinations.

I’ve tried Maya Mobile, and it worked fine.

Learn more by reading our Maya Mobile review .

Here’s how Maya Mobile works:

• Select an auto top-up or monthly renewal option if you need.
• Go to Data Plans or check your email to install the eSIM by scanning the QR code.
• Enable roaming on your device.

Go to Maya Mobile

Pros And Cons Of Using Maya Mobile To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Maya Mobile.

• eSIM plans available in 194 countries.
• Wide range of plans you can renew every month
• Unlimited data plans in some destinations
• There are no global plans for the time being.

Maya Mobile Offer

Maya Mobile offers our readers a 10% discount. You won’t need to manually insert a coupon code to redeem your discount. Simply use our links to activate your 10% off .

SimOptions eSIM

SimOptions offers prepaid traditional SIM cards, and eSIM plans. They have plans everywhere around the world, including regional plans.

How SimOptions works:

• Purchase a plan.
• Scan the QR code to install your eSIM.

Go to SimsOptions

Pros And Cons Of Using SimOptions To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of SimOptions.

• Prepaid traditional SIM cards and eSIM plans available.
• Offers eSIM plans from different carriers, so you have more options to choose from.
• The website is a bit more old-school but still very easy to use.

SimsOptions Offer

There are no offers at the moment.

BNESIM eSIM

BNESIM is an eSIM provider that was founded in 2017. They offer plans in 160+ countries. You’ll also find other options like international phone numbers, unlimited data packages, and monthly subscriptions.

To learn more, you can read our complete BNESIM review .

Here’s how BNESIM works:

• Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information and email.
• Install your eSIM by scanning the QR code.
• If you’re using an Android, you’ll need to set up the APN. You’ll get all the information to set it up under the QR code.

Go to BNESIM

Pros And Cons Of Using BNESIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using BNESIM.

• Plans without expirations are available.
• Discounts on monthly data plans.
• Offers local and regional plans.
• The website is a bit simple, and not the most user-friendly one. For example, it can get overwhelming when looking at the options because of the way plans are presented. Update: they are working on a new version, so we’re looking forward to seeing it!

BNESIM Offer

Get a EUR 4 discount on your first purchase over EUR 10 with my BNESIM promo code: MELISSA4OFF.

Yoho Mobile eSIM

Yoho Mobile is an eSIM provider offering plans in 190+ regions and countries. You’ll also find plans in individual countries, and you’ll find regional plans for Europe and Asia.

To learn more, you can read our complete Yoho Mobile review .

Here’s how Yoho Mobile works:

• Pay for your plan by entering your credit card information, name, address, and email.
• Make sure to enable roaming to access the Internet.

Go to Yoho Mobile

Pros And Cons Of Using Yoho Mobile To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Yoho Mobile to purchase an eSIM.

• Coverage in 190+ countries.
• Many countries and regional plans offer multiple networks, which means you’ll get access to better Internet during your travels.
• The website is relatively new, so we are excited to see how this eSIM provider will evolve in time.

Yoho Mobile Offer

Get a 5% discount on your first purchase with my Yoho Mobile promo code: abrokenbackpack5. To add a coupon code, click on View Cart and paste the coupon code there.

Manet Travel eSIM

Manet Travel is a new eSIM provider offering various local, regional, and global plans in over 200 destinations. It’s a great eSIM provider, especially if you plan to travel to multiple destinations.

Read our Manet Travel eSIM review to learn more about this store.

• Pick a plan and click on the Activate button.
• Go to your emails and scan the QR code to install your eSIM.
• Enable roaming to access the Internet.

Go to Manet Travel

Pros And Cons Of Using Manet Travel To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of Manet Travel.

• Plans available for more than 140 countries.
• The customer support is extremely fast (they answered me in 5 minutes).
• You can’t top up your plans for the time being, but their team said they are working on offering this feature in the future.

Manet Travel Offer

There are currently no offers available. You’ll have to choose between a credit card or a coupon code/voucher at the moment of the purchase.

AloSIM eSIM

aloSIM is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 160+ regions and countries. You’ll find many affordable local and regional eSIM plans.

To learn more, you can read our complete aloSIM review .

Here’s how aloSIM works:

• Pick a plan on aloSIM.
• Click on the buy button.
• Log in or create an account.
• Choose a payment method. They accept credit cards as well as vouchers.
• Click on eSIM plan.
• Click on the button to install the eSIM.
• Scan the QR code. You’ll also get information below the QR code if you need help.
• Set up an APN as mentioned in the installation guidelines.

Go to aloSIM

Pros And Cons Of Using aloSIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using aloSIM to purchase an eSIM.

• Coverage in 160+ countries.
• The website is easy to use.
• The support team is extremely fast.
• Offers affordable local and regional plans.
• Some regional plans don’t offer coverage in as many countries as other eSIM providers.

AloSIM Offer

Get a $3 discount on your first purchase with my AloSIM promo code: ABB3. To add a coupon code, you’ll need to enter it as a voucher when choosing a payment method.

GigSky eSIM

GigSky is an eSIM provider offering data plans in over 200 countries around the world. To buy an eSIM, you’ll need to download the app. Then, the app makes the whole process of buying an eSIM easier.

If you wish to learn more, read our complete GigSky review .

Here’s how GigSky works:

• Select your destination and preferred plan on the app. You can swipe to see local, regional, or global plans available in this country.
• Confirm that your device is unlocked and supports eSIM technology. Then, click on the button Buy Plan.
• Finalize your purchase and activate your eSIM. The app does the whole thing for you, which is great if you’re unfamiliar with eSIMs.
• Enable roaming.
• Note that you may need to manually select the network if your Internet doesn’t work. I had to do this to connect to the Internet.

Go to GigSky

Pros And Cons Of Using GigSky To Buy ESIM

Let’s examine the main pros and cons of using GigSky to purchase an eSIM.

• The app helps you install the eSIM, which means buying an eSIM is easier and faster.
• If you prefer to make a purchase on a desktop instead of on your mobile, it won’t be possible for the time being.

GigSky eSIM Offer

There are no offers at the moment. If this changes in the future, we’ll let you know!

Instabridge eSIM

Instabridge is an eSIM store offering plans in over 190 countries. They offer a wide range of affordable plans in multiple destinations. You can opt for a one-off plan or a yearly subscription.

The best thing about Instabridge is its global eSIM plan that works in 112 countries.

I’ve tried Instabridge, and it worked fine. Their app is beautifully designed, and you’ll be able to find more options on there (compared to the desktop version).

Learn more by reading our Instabridge review .

Here’s how Instabridge works:

• Add promotion code ABB10 to get 10% discount on Global packages (it works on 1, 3, and 10 GB).
• Go to your emails to download the app and activate the plan.
• Let the app install and activate the eSIM for you.

Go to Instabridge

Pros And Cons Of Using Instabridge To Buy eSIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Instabridge.

• eSIM plans available in over 190 countries
• Local and global plans available
• Wide range of plans (one-off and yearly subscriptions)
• Global eSIM works in 112 countries
• You need to use the app in order to find all the country plans available

Instabridge Offer

Instabridge offers our readers a 10% discount on global plans (1 GB, 3 GB, and 10 GB). Simply use our coupon code ABB10 to enjoy 10% off.

• Holiday eSIM

Holiday eSIM is an eSIM store offering plans in 200 countries. Holiday eSIM offers flexible prepaid plans, including international data, voice, and minutes, all backed by major mobile networks worldwide.

Holiday eSIM ensures customers receive reliable high-speed Internet with plans that are easy to activate.

Here’s how Holiday eSIM works:

• Pick a plan on Holiday eSIM .
• Click on the Add to Cart button.
• View cart. Add your coupon code if you have one.
• Proceed to checkout
• Log in, create an account, or buy as a guest.

Go to Holiday eSIM

Pros And Cons Of Using Holiday eSIM To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Holiday eSIM to purchase an eSIM.

• Coverage in 200 countries.
• Depending on the destination, prepaid plans can include international data, voice, and SMS.
• Offers plans backed by the best mobile networks.
• The website could be improved to simplify the experience.

Holiday eSIM Offer

There are no offers at the moment. To add a coupon code, you’ll need to click on View Cart. Once the coupon code is added, you can proceed to checkout.

Onesim eSIM

Onesim is a new eSIM provider offering plans in 125+ regions and countries. All their eSIM plans are basically regional or global, which means you’ll get coverage in multiple countries.

To learn more, you can read our complete Onesim review .

Here’s how Onesim works:

• Pay for your plan with a credit card and enter your name, country, phone type, and email address.

Go to Onesim

Pros And Cons Of Using Onesim To Buy ESIM

Let’s take a look at the main pros and cons of using Onesim to purchase an eSIM.

• Coverage in 125+ countries.
• The APN is automatically added to the eSIM, which means it’s easier to install.
• The website is relatively new, so we are looking forward to see how it evolves in the future.

Onesim Offer

Get a 10% discount on your first purchase with my Onesim coupon code: BACKPACK10. To add a coupon code, you’ll see an option that says, “Have a coupon? Click here to enter your code”.

Best Global eSIM Providers

Now that you know some eSIM providers, let’s talk about the best international eSIM plans available.

Having an international eSIM is excellent when you travel a lot!

In my opinion, Airalo is the best travel eSIM for international trips because they offer more plans, but Nomad does provide coverage in more countries.

Let’s take a look at the best eSIM plans for international travel.

Airalo Discover Global eSIM

I love Airalo Discover Global because it covers 130 countries, making my life easier.

Here’s an overview of the plans available:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $17
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 180 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 365 days for $69

You’ll also find options with calls and SMS.

Nomad Global eSIM

Nomad also offers a global plan that works in 112 countries.

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $20
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $48
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $54

As you can see, Airalo provides better options if you want a global plan, but Nomad offers coverage in more countries.

Instabridge Global eSIM

Instabridge offers a global plan that works in 112 countries.

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $8
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $50

Holiday eSIM World

Holiday eSIM offers Orange Holiday World , an eSIM (or SIM) that works in multiple countries around the world.

Here’s an overview of the plan available:

• 10 GB, valid for 14 days for $44.10

Manet Travel Global eSIMs

Manet Travel offers various global eSIMs.

• Global plan valid in 84 countries – from EUR 10
• Global plan valid in 137 countries – from EUR 10
• Global plan valid in 140 countries – from EUR 16.60

Best eSIM Providers For Europe

If you’re traveling to Europe, here are the best eSIMs for Europe .

Note that it might already be included if you choose a global eSIM plan instead.

Airalo Eurolink eSIM

Eurolink offers coverage in 39 countries. I used it this year during my travels in Europe.

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for 5$
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for 13$
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for 20$
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for 37$
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for 100$
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

Holafly Europe eSIM

Holafly has great European plans that work in over 30 countries. It’s interesting because they come with unlimited data.

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $21
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $29
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $37
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $51
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $62
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $75
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $107
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $139

Nomad Europe eSIM

Nomad also offers plans in Europe .

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for 9$
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $17
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $18
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $26

SimCorner Europe eSIM

SimCorner offers both prepaid SIM cards and eSIM plans in Europe.

Here’s an overview of the eSIM plan available :

• 30 GB, valid for 30 days for $49 (including calls and SMS)

Maya Mobile Europe eSIM

Maya Mobile offers an eSIM plan for Europe that works in 40 countries.

Here’s an overview of the plans available :

• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $9
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $14
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $23
• 20GB, valid for 30 days for $34
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $59

BNESIM Europe eSIM

BNESIM offers a European plan that includes coverage in 30 European countries.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe :

• 1 GB, no expiration for $3.77
• 3 GB, no expiration for $10.98
• 5 GB, no expiration for $17.73
• 10 GB, no expiration for $33.95

Yoho Mobile Europe eSIM

Yoho Mobile offers a European plan that includes coverage in 29 countries.

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.50
• 3 GB, valid for 10 days for $10.99
• 5 GB, valid for 15 days for $17.50
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $33

Manet Travel Europe eSIM

Manet Travel offers various European plans.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe:

• European plan valid in 35 countries – from EUR 3.10
• European plan valid in 39 countries – from EUR 5.60

Onesim Europe eSIM

Onesim offers a European plan that includes coverage in 38 countries.

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $4.90
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $9.90
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $15.90
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $29.90
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $49.90

There’s currently an offer on the European plan.

SimOptions Europe eSIM

SimOptions offers plans from different carriers, including O2 and Orange.

• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $17.90
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $24.90
• 15 GB, valid for 14 days for $29.90
• 30 GB, valid for 14 days for $49.90

AloSIM Europe eSIM

aloSIM offers a few different European plans, which is ideal if you travel in specific areas. Alternatively, they also have a plan that works in 32 countries.

• Eastern Europe
• Western Europe
• Mediterranean
• Scandinavia
• UK and Ireland

Holiday eSIM Europe

Holiday eSIM offers a few plans in Europe, including the Orange Holiday Zen , an eSIM that works in multiple European countries.

• 8 GB, valid for 30 days for $21.25 (including unlimited calls and SMS in Europe)

Best eSIM Providers For North America

If you’re traveling to North America, here are the top options available.

Note that it might already be included if you decide to go for a global plan instead.

That said, if you travel only to one country in North America, you might want to consider a local plan instead.

You’ll find lots of suitable options on Airalo and Holafly.

Holafly North America eSIM

Holafly offers plans that cover the United States, Canada, and Mexico :

• Unlimited data, valid for 5 days for $27
• Unlimited data, valid for 7 days for $34
• Unlimited data, valid for 10 days for $44
• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $54
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $64
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $87
• Unlimited data, valid for 60 days for $144
• Unlimited data, valid for 90 days for $214

SimCorner USA, Canada, And Mexico

SimCorner offers 2 different plans for the United States, Canada and Mexico:

• 15 GB, valid for 30 days for $47 (including calls and SMS)
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $62 (including calls and SMS)

Manet Travel North America

Manet Travel has a North American plan that works in the US, Canada, and Mexico:

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for EUR 4.80
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 11.40
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 18
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 31.80
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for EUR 55.20

Onesim USA And Mexico

Onesim offers plans to facilitate your travels in North America, but only includes the United States and Mexico.

You’ll also get coverage in 46 countries (mainly Europe and Asia). 

• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $11.90
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $18.90
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $34.90
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $59.90

SimOptions North America eSIM

SimOptions offers two plans to facilitate your travels in North America:

• 6 GB, valid for 10 days for $17.90
• 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $34.90

AloSIM North America eSIM

AloSIM offers 4 different plans in North America:

• 3 GB, valid for 7 days for $21
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $32.50

Best eSIM Plans Available In Asia

If you’re traveling to Asia, here are the top options for regional eSIM plans in Asia .

Note that some countries might already be included if you decide to go for a global plan instead.

Airalo Asialink eSIM

Asialink offers coverage in 13 countries. I used it this year during my travels in Asia, and it works fine.

Holafly Asia eSIM

Holafly has great Asia plans that work in 11 countries:

• Unlimited data, valid for 15 days for $47
• Unlimited data, valid for 20 days for $54
• Unlimited data, valid for 30 days for $79

Nomad Asia eSIM

Nomad also offers plans in Asia .

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for 6$
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $15
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $17

SimCorner Asia eSIM

SimCorner offers one eSIM plan in Asia :

• 6 GB, valid for 15 days for $36

Maya Mobile Asia eSIM

Maya Mobile offers an eSIM plan for Asia and the Pacific region that works in 12 countries.

• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $10
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $21
• 20GB, valid for 30 days for $38

BNESIM Asia eSIM

BNESIM offers an Asia plan that includes coverage in 28 countries.

Here’s an overview of the options available in Asia :

• 1 GB, valid for 30 days, for $8.22
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $38.62
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $73.96

Note that BNESIM has a wide range of plans, so you might want to take a look at their website to compare the options available.

Yoho Mobile Asia eSIM

Yoho Mobile offers an Asia plan that includes coverage in 19 countries.

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $7.99
• 3 GB, valid for 10 days for $20.50
• 5 GB, valid for 15 days for $32.99
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $63.50

Manet Travel offers eSIMs for Asia.

• Asia plan valid in 14 countries – from EUR 5.60
• Asia plan valid in 15 countries – from EUR 3.80

Onesim Asia eSIM

Onesim offers an Asia plan that includes coverage in 32 countries.

At the moment, there’s only one option available in Asia :

• 6 GB, valid for 8 days for $16.90

SimOptions Asia eSIM

SimOptions offers plans from different carriers.

• 6 GB, valid for 12 days for $19.90

AloSIM Asia eSIM

AloSIM offers Asia Five Pack , an eSIM that works in 5 Asian countries.

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $10
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $15
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $27

Benefits Of Using An eSIM For International Travel

eSIMs offer many benefits, which is excellent news if you’re a frequent traveler.

Here are the main reasons why I love using eSIM:

• You get data as soon as you arrive.
• You can activate your eSIM immediately.
• You can keep your usual phone number and use eSIM to get data.
• You don’t need to remove your SIM card or find a store to purchase one during your travels.
• You can top up quickly.

Final Thoughts On The Best eSIM Providers For International Travel

There are many eSIM providers out there, but not all of them offer the same coverage.

I’ve tried the following eSIM companies/eSIM apps:

• Yoho Mobile
• Manet Travel

I can say that they’re all excellent eSIM providers with great eSIM plans.

If you’re looking for the best eSIM provider for international travel, I highly recommend Airalo .

Airalo App offers great regional and global plans at reasonable prices, and their coverage is excellent. In my opinion, they offer the best eSIM data plans overall.

If you’re looking for an eSIM provider with unlimited data, Holafly is a great option (but it depends on the destination).

Want more travel tips? Read one of the following guides:

• Holafly vs Airalo
• Wise vs Revolut
• Revolut travel card
• Safetywing review

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6 Best SIM Cards for USA Travel in 2024

Home | Travel | 6 Best SIM Cards for USA Travel in 2024

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . You can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

If you want to have data during your trip to the United States, I recommend getting an American SIM card . This way, you can keep in touch with loved ones, check email, and access convenient apps without paying hefty roaming fees.

Of course, there are several options available, from traditional SIM cards to USA eSIMs for tourists, and they’re all better than shelling out tons of money for international roaming. I’ll break down the advantages and disadvantages of each option, so you can find the one that best suits your needs.

Before we jump in, I’ll tell you upfront that we use the eSIM cards from Holafly . These international SIM cards have unlimited data and are completely digital, so we can quickly and easily activate them before or during our trips. I’ll share more about this company below, but you can get a full rundown in our complete Holafly review .

5% OFF your international eSIM card

I also want to take a moment to remind you that getting travel insurance for the USA is a smart move, as healthcare in this country is outrageously expensive. We’ve been using Heymondo insurance for several years now, and they’ve always taken great care of us, even paying our medical expenses upfront. If you haven’t gotten insurance yet and this company sounds good to you, use our Heymondo discount code to save on your policy.

5% OFF your travel insurance

Now, let’s dive into the best prepaid SIM cards for the U.S.

Do you need a SIM card for traveling to the USA?

You want reliable coverage in a large country like the United States, so getting an American SIM card is a good idea. This way, you can use Google Maps, make hotel reservations, book tours, and stay in touch with friends and family back home.

Of course, the main reason I recommend getting a SIM card for the USA is that it’ll save you lots of money on international roaming charges.

USA SIM card vs roaming in the USA

Roaming charges can add up, even after just a few minutes. Buying a SIM card for the USA is much cheaper than paying for roaming, so I highly recommend it.

That said, you must pay attention to the card you get since some include calls and SMS, while others are data-only. If you plan to message or video-call friends via apps like WhatsApp, consider getting a prepaid USA SIM with unlimited data , like the one from Holafly . This way, you can make as many video calls as you want without racking up roaming fees.

Even if you plan to use your phone sparingly, it’s easy to use up data, especially since some applications consume data in the background. You can avoid this by keeping your device turned off or switching to airplane mode.

At the end of the day, the easiest way to get data in the States and avoid exorbitant prices is by getting an Internet SIM card for the USA . It’ll end up saving you money and headaches in the long run.

How do USA SIM cards for tourists work?

While there are different American SIM cards on the market, they all work very similarly. Both the physical and digital cards allow you to use the Internet without racking up additional costs . This is all thanks to an agreement between U.S. telecommunications providers and international phone companies.

Be aware that some SIM cards for USA visitors don’t include calls or texts . However, you can get around this problem by using apps like Skype and WhatsApp to call your friends and family.

Now, if you’re getting a traditional travel SIM for America , you can use it just as you would normally use your at-home SIM card. That is, you simply insert it into your device. This is a breeze if your phone has a dual slot; if not, remove your regular SIM and keep it somewhere safe for the time being.

In the case of an eSIM , you’ll receive a QR code in your email when you purchase the digital card. You can scan this code off another device with a screen to install the configuration on your phone. Of course, you should check that your device is compatible with eSIM technology here first .

It also doesn’t hurt to check your phone’s compatibility with the physical SIM cards since some of them come from local telephone companies in the U.S.

USA SIM card price comparison

The chart below will give you a better idea of the different prices for USA SIM cards . In addition to prices, I included plan durations and amount of GB. This chart compares the USA eSIMs from Holafly, Airalo, and Knowroaming, and the physical cards from SimOptions, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

Despite being very well-known, Verizon isn’t part of this comparison since it uses CDMA technology, which isn’t compatible with most international devices . If you want to use Verizon, you’ll need to buy a new phone in the U.S.

*Price doesn’t include taxes and fees, which vary depending on the state where you buy the card

From this comparison, you’ll see that Holafly is the best overall option, offering unlimited data at an affordable price. I recommend it for short trips (less than 15 days) and long trips (more than a month). As for Airalo and Knowroaming , their USA eSIMs are pretty expensive for a limited amount of data.

For trips between 15 and 30 days, the local USA SIM cards from AT&T and T-Mobile offer competitive prices. However, if you don’t think you’ll need unlimited data, the 30-day SIM card from SimOptions is a good deal, offering 10 GB of high-speed data for $25. This should be enough for you to use Google Maps and WhatsApp and make simple Internet searches.

Don’t forget that you can take advantage of free Wi-Fi at hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers for things like video calls and checking email.

What is the best SIM card for a USA trip?

No matter where we’re traveling, we like to use the eSIMs from Holafly . They come at a great price and include unlimited data, making them great for short or long trips . In addition, you can buy this USA SIM card any time, and you’ll receive it immediately in your email, so it’s super convenient.

If your phone isn’t compatible with a USA eSIM , or you prefer a physical card, you can find some alternatives below.

1. Holafly eSIM , the best USA eSIM card with unlimited data

First, the Holafly card is the best eSIM for the USA since its digital format allows you to have mobile data without having to remove your usual SIM. You can buy it anywhere at any time, even if you’re in the middle of traveling. Once you make your purchase, you’ll receive a QR code in your email, so you can scan it to activate it and start using data.

While installing this virtual card is quick and easy, remember that you must print out the QR code or download it to another device with a screen so you can scan the configuration code .

As for the price of this USA SIM card , it’s cheaper than most of the physical cards. Below, you can see the different costs and durations, all of which include unlimited data.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that not all mobile phones are compatible with eSIMs , so you should check your device’s compatibility here . Also, as I mentioned in our Holafly eSIM review , this card doesn’t allow data sharing, so you and your travel companions must each have your own eSIM.

We’ve traveled to many countries all over the world, and we’ve always had great experiences with the Holafly cards, including in the U.S. In some areas, we’ve even had better coverage than with local USA SIMs , such as in Alaska. So, if you decide to go with this company, use our Holafly discount code to save money.

2. SimOptions SIM , the best physical SIM card for US travel

If the Holafly eSIM isn’t compatible with your phone or you prefer a physical card, I recommend SimOptions . Just make sure you order it before your trip since it takes up to three business days to arrive at your home .

You can buy this SIM card for America online here . Once you receive it, simply insert the card into your phone’s card slot . If you don’t have a dual-slot, you must remove your usual SIM and replace it with the SimOptions card. The company’s customer support team is available via chat, email, and phone should you run into any issues.

One of the main advantages of this prepaid U.S. SIM card is that it allows data sharing , so you can use more than one device at the same time. Of course, this can become a disadvantage since, unlike Holafly eSIMs, these cards come with limited data. So, the more devices connected to it, the quicker you’ll run out of data.

As I mentioned in our SimOptions review , the pricing for these cards is a bit odd since they don’t always correspond to the duration or amount of data . Different SimOptions plans partner with different local providers, so you’ll notice the inconsistent pricing in the table above. Because of this, I recommend getting the 30-day plan, as the price per GB is much lower.

3. Airalo eSIM , another cheap eSIM for traveling to the USA

Another USA eSIM that you can consider is the one from Airalo . Like Holafly, this company only offers digital cards, so you’ll have to make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology.

Airalo has some of the cheapest U.S. SIM cards on the market, with plan durations of 7, 15, or 30 days. However, the plans have limited data, and the amounts are quite low, which explains the cheap prices.

Another thing to consider is that the eSIMs from Airalo are data-only, so if you plan to use an app like Skype to make calls, you’ll end up running out of data rather quickly. Then, you’ll have to buy another eSIM, which will end up costing you more. This is why I prefer paying a bit more upfront for the Holafly card, which offers unlimited data.

To be fair, Airalo has its advantages, namely the fact that it allows data sharing , so you can enjoy data on multiple devices. Just keep in mind that this means you’ll use up your data sooner, so I recommend doing the math before you decide to purchase.

4. Knowroaming eSIM , another SIM card for US visitors

Knowroaming is another option if you’re looking to avoid international roaming with an American SIM card . However, be aware that all of the eSIMs from this company have limited data , and in some cases, the price per GB is quite high compared to other options.

Although this company has prepaid SIM cards for the United States , it doesn’t have cards for all countries, so depending on where else you’re going, it’s not the most convenient choice. While Holafly and SimOptions offer global SIM cards, Knowroaming does not, so you could end up spending more money if you choose this company.

Taking these features into account, I think you’re better off going with Holafly , SimOptions , or even Airalo instead.

5. AT&T SIM card, another prepaid SIM card in the USA for tourists

Yet another option is buying a local USA SIM card , such as the one from AT&T. AT&T is one of the major telecommunications companies in the U.S., offering excellent coverage, even in rural areas.

The company’s SIM card for the USA is available at official AT&T stores and authorized retailers at various supermarkets. You may also find these SIM cards at airport kiosks. This card only has 30-day plans with either 5GB, 15GB, or unlimited data. The prices range from $30 to $50, but they don’t take into account taxes and fees. Plus, the USA SIM card itself costs around $10.

Also, since you have to buy this card in person, you’ll spend a lot of time shopping around and setting up your device . Therefore, I don’t recommend it for short trips to the U.S. It’s better to maximize your time and set up a SIM card before your trip with Holafly or SimOptions . Either of those companies is a better choice, both in terms of cost-effectiveness and amount of data.

*The price does not include taxes and fees, which will vary depending on the state in which you purchase the card

I will say that since the AT&T SIM card isn’t designed specifically for tourists, it can be useful for people who are planning to take multiple trips to the U.S. in the future. You can save the card, bring it with you for your next trip, and purchase the data plan that suits your needs . Just don’t sign up for a permanent contract.

Like other physical cards, the AT&T SIM is easy to install, especially if you have a dual-slot on your phone. After inserting it, make a test call with the number that appears on the card, and you’re all set.

6. T-Mobile SIM card , a prepaid USA SIM card with unlimited data plans

Finally, you can also consider T-Mobile’s prepaid SIM card for the U.S. As one of the top mobile providers in the country, T-Mobile boasts a strong 5G network and quick speeds throughout the United States.

Since it’s a prepaid card, you can buy it without signing up for a data plan, then use the My T-Mobile app or website to add data later or top-up the card. Just keep in mind that each recharge expires after 30 days.

As with the AT&T cards, the T-Mobile SIMs are available at physical stores and official points of sale (supermarkets, airport kiosks). Make sure that when you buy this USA SIM card , you don’t sign up for a permanent contract, as that’s only designed for residents.

In terms of data plans, there are two options, both with 30-day durations. The first comes with 10GB of data and costs $40, while the second has unlimited data and costs $50. For the card itself, expect to pay around $10. I think the unlimited plan is a better deal, specifically for trips between two and four weeks. Otherwise, I would go with Holafly or, for a physical card, SimOptions .

Once you purchase this American SIM card , you can insert it into your device and go to the T-Mobile website to activate it by entering the IMEI of your phone and the SIM card . I recommend doing this at the store so you can ask an associate for help. And, of course, make sure your device is compatible with the SIM card .

Where to buy a prepaid SIM card for traveling to the USA

You can buy a SIM card in the USA after you arrive, or you can purchase the card ahead of time in your home country. Personally, I prefer having everything prepared before my trip. In my case, I get the Holafly eSIM, so I can start using data as soon as I land.

Don’t worry if you haven’t planned ahead and you’re already in the United States. I’ll tell you how to buy a USA SIM card from one of the authorized retailers in the country.

Buy in your home country

First, you can buy an English SIM card before you leave for your trip. In this case, the best option is the Holafly eSIM , which arrives in your email. All you have to do is scan the QR code to start using data.

If your device isn’t compatible with the Holafly eSIM, or you prefer a physical card, I recommend using SimOptions . This company delivers to almost every country, so you can buy a prepaid USA SIM card online and have it delivered to your home. Just make sure to do this in advance since it takes up to 3 business days for the card to arrive by mail.

Buy a prepaid SIM card in the USA

If you’re already traveling and haven’t gotten a SIM card for America yet, you have a couple of options. First, you can buy the Holafly eSIM and get the QR code sent to your email. The second option is to go to a physical store to buy a local USA SIM card from AT&T or T-Mobile.

Getting the Holafly eSIM is by far the most convenient option, and it’s the best choice for short trips (less than 2 weeks) or longer stays (more than 4 weeks). Of course, you should make sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology.

For trips between 2-4 weeks, consider getting a prepaid U.S. SIM card from AT&T or T-Mobile .

How to activate your American SIM card

It’s super easy to activate an American SIM card . For digital cards like the Knowroaming, Airalo, and Holafly eSIM, you just scan the QR code to download the configuration. I recommend printing out the code or downloading it on another device with a screen so you can scan it on your phone. From there, the activation itself is straightforward.

When it comes to international eSIMs , Holafly is my preferred choice since they have a great quality-to-price ratio. They have a 24-hour live chat that you can use if you run into any issues, or you can send them an email at [email protected] . Their USA SIM card has unlimited data , but if you’d like more information, check out our guide on Holafly cards .

If your device isn’t compatible with eSIM technology or you prefer a physical SIM card for the USA , I recommend SimOptions . With this card, you can insert it into your phone’s SIM slot, and if you have a dual-slot, you don’t even have to remove your regular SIM. SimOptions offers customer support via chat, email, and phone.

As for the AT&T card , you must activate it by making a test call with the number that appears on the card , while the T-Mobile card is activated through the website . If you have any problems, go to the store where you bought it so a sales associate can help.

Requirements for using a USA SIM card for travelers

To use a mobile SIM card for the USA , your phone must be compatible with the card itself. You can check your device’s compatibility with the Holafly eSIM here . If you’re interested in the SimOptions card, you can go here to check.

No matter which card you choose, your phone must be unlocked and compatible with the United States’ network frequency . Otherwise, you won’t be able to use any U.S. tourist SIM .

Also, if you’re planning to buy a card in the U.S. from an AT&T or T-Mobile store, I recommend double-checking your device’s compatibility. You can ask a store associate to help you with this.

Tips for using a prepaid SIM card in the U.S.

If you’re still a little lost or unsure about which is the best USA data SIM card for you, here are some helpful tips:

• Consider what you’ll need your mobile device for during your trip. This way, you can determine whether or not you need a USA SIM with unlimited data .
• If you’re going with a USA mobile SIM with limited data , calculate the price per GB to find the cheapest deal.
• Take advantage of the Wi-Fi in your hotel and at restaurants or shopping centers , especially if your card has limited data. Accessing free Wi-Fi is a good way to complete tasks that use a lot of data.
• If your device is compatible with virtual SIM cards, I highly recommend getting a USA eSIM . You can buy it anywhere, anytime, even if you’re already traveling.
• Make sure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the USA’s network frequency.
• If you plan to be in the U.S. for a while, get a local USA SIM card and recharge it monthly. This will be much cheaper for you.

Getting a mobile SIM for the USA is just one part of planning a trip , so check out our guide for more tips and advice.

Alternatives to a USA SIM card for tourists

If you’re still not sure whether you want to get a SIM card for a USA trip , there are other ways to have travel Internet . Below, I’ll share some alternative options that let you have Internet in the United States .

Portable Wi-Fi device

A portable Wi-Fi router is a handy way to get stable Internet while traveling. It’s especially useful if you need to work remotely, as you can connect several devices simultaneously.

These gadgets are small and lightweight, so you can easily stow them in your bag, backpack, or even your pocket. However, keep in mind that these routers require a SIM card or a data plan subscription to work.

We’ve been using the Solis router for a while now, and we’re very satisfied with it. For this portable Wi-Fi router, you don’t need a SIM card , but you must purchase a data plan through its website . There are several types of plans, so you can choose the one that best suits you, even paying per GB, if you want. The Solis router is super easy to use and provides coverage in over 130 countries.

Of course, there are other portable Wi-Fi devices , so you can check our guide for more recommendations.

Public Wi-Fi network

Another alternative to an American travel SIM – and the cheapest option – is to use a public Wi-Fi network . You can typically get free Wi-Fi in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some transportation centers.

However, these types of connections tend to be unstable and slow since a large number of people are using them at one time. There are also security and privacy concerns with using a public Internet connection.

Also, remember that you’ll only have Wi-Fi in that particular location, so as soon as you leave, you’ll disconnect from the network. I only suggest this option if you’re using your phone in the hotel or at a restaurant for simple things like checking email. Otherwise, you’re better off buying a USA SIM card .

Pay for roaming

Finally, there is always the option of roaming , but it’s super expensive, so I don’t recommend it . To give you a rough idea, you could pay €6 per day roaming with Vodafone or €8 per day with O2.

Roaming rates vary by provider, but they’re usually very expensive, with very little data, so it’s not worth it. It’s much more cost-effective to get a prepaid SIM card for the U.S. rather than face a huge bill when you return home.

FAQs about prepaid SIM cards USA for tourists

That just about wraps up this guide to American SIM cards , but I’ll leave you with the answers to some common questions below:

Can I use my regular SIM card in the United States?

While you can use your regular SIM in the USA, you’ll have to pay for roaming. This service is much more expensive than the American SIM cards I recommended, so you’re better off buying one of those.

Where can I buy a SIM card in the United States?

You can buy a SIM card in the USA at AT&T and T-Mobile stores. Another option is to buy a SimOptions card online before your trip. The Holafly eSIM can be bought from anywhere since it’s entirely digital.

Is it better to buy a SIM card for the U.S. at home or once I reach the USA?

In my experience, it’s better to buy a SIM card before your trip so it’s ready to go once you arrive at your destination.

Are all U.S. SIM cards compatible with my device?

No, not all English SIM cards may be compatible with your phone, so be sure to check beforehand.

How can I know if the U.S. SIM card is compatible with my mobile phone?

For the SimOptions card and the eSIMs from Holafly , Airalo , and Knowroaming , you can check your phone’s compatibility on the company websites. If you’re getting a card from AT&T or T-Mobile, you’ll have to go to the physical store to check.

How do I activate my SIM card in the United States?

USA eSIMs are activated by scanning a QR code. Physical cards can be inserted into your device. Depending on the company, you can follow the on-screen instructions, make a test call, or activate through the website.

Are there U.S. SIM cards for tourists with unlimited data?

Yes, some USA SIMs have unlimited data , such as the Holafly eSIM.

Can I make international calls from the USA with a traveler SIM card?

American SIM cards typically only include mobile data. If you want to make a call, you can do so through an app like Skype or WhatsApp.

What do I do if I lose my travel SIM card for the United States?

If you lose your SIM card, contact the company you bought it from so they can deactivate it.

What do I do if the U.S. SIM card doesn’t work?

If you bought the card from Holafly, SimOptions, Airalo, or Knowroaming, contact customer support via chat, email, or phone. If you got the card from AT&T or T-Mobile, you must go to a physical store so they can tell you what to do.

Do I need an unlocked phone to use a prepaid SIM card in the USA?

Yes, in order to work, USA SIM cards require you to have an unlocked phone.

Can I use my prepaid USA SIM card with multiple devices?

It depends. Some cards allow data sharing, but they come with limited data.

How can I check the coverage for a specific prepaid SIM card in the areas I’ll be visiting?

You can check the coverage of a prepaid USA SIM card by going to the provider’s website.

Can I recharge my prepaid SIM card if I run out of data while traveling in the USA?

Some cards, like the ones from AT&T and T-Mobile, let you recharge or top-up the card.

Can I use my phone number from my home country when using a prepaid SIM card in the USA?

Yes, as long as you don’t remove or deactivate your main SIM card.

How much does a USA tourist SIM card cost?

The price of a USA SIM card varies, but you can find some for around $3/day.

That’s it for this guide to the best American SIM cards .

If you have any other questions or concerns about getting a U.S. SIM card , leave a comment below. I’d also love to hear about your experience using these cards.

Stay safe, and have a great trip to the USA!

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Best prepaid SIM Cards for U.S. travelers and tourists 2024

Make sure you, and your phone, stay connected at all times.

At a glance

Best overall, best for short stays, best budget, best non-mvno, best prepaid data plan, best data-only plan, how to choose.

At a glance 1. Best overall 2. Best for short stays 3. Best budget 4. Best non-MVNO 5. Best prepaid data plan 6. Best data-only plan How to choose

Whether you're going on a quick vacation or moving for good, it's never a bad idea to get one of the best prepaid SIM cards so you can stay in touch with loved ones back home. Unfortunately, finding the perfect SIM card (and service) provider for all your needs can (and usually does) get a bit overwhelming. To simply things for you, we've gathered all the information about the best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travelers and tourists in one guide.

As long as your Android phone is unlocked for international usage and compatible with local networks such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T, ordering a SIM card online or through a nearby retailer should be a fairly simple affair.

Keep reading for all the best prepaid SIM cards for U.S. travelers and tourists alike. If you want to go even deeper, you can also check our detailed guide to the best MVNO carriers or save some cash with the best MVNO deals of the month.

Patrick is an experienced deal hunter with a particular interest in helping people save money on their phone bills. Whether you're switching to an affordable MVNO or upgrading to one of the Big Three, utilizing Patrick's years of experience in the eCommerce space can help you cut through the noise and find the carrier that works for you. 

From $15/mo. at Mint Mobile

Now owned by T-Mobile, a Mint Mobile SIM is a perfect choice if you're staying in the U.S. for three months or longer, offering unlimited talk/text, a mobile hotspot, and much more. 

Read more below.

From $19/mo. at Ultra Mobile

The Ultra Mobile 3GB plan gives you a month of unlimited talk and text to over 90 countries worldwide on T-Mobile, up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data, and free Wi-Fi calling too.

Read more below.  

From $15/mo. at Lycamobile

If the ability to call abroad is your main focus, all of Lycamobile's plans come with unlimited talk and text to over 100 countries and a wide variety of data options.

From $30/mo. at AT&T

Best non-MVNO 

With AT&T Prepaid's plan you'll get unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data with 5G access and the ability to text over 230 countries. Unused data gets rolled over to the next month. 

From $40/mo. at T-Mobile

Although T-Mobile's prepaid plan is a bit pricey, you get 10GB of data, free mobile hotspot usage, and full access to the world's largest 5G network. 

From $35/mo. at Cricket Wireless

If you just need data for your travels, Cricket's data-only plan offers a minimum of 20GB of high-speed data, as well as free usage in Mexico and Canada.

1. Mint Mobile

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Mint Mobile is among the best MVNO carriers available today and uses T-Mobile's (its parent company) 4G LTE and 5G network infrastructure, and that makes it a solid prepaid SIM card to get if you plan on staying in the U.S. for at least three months. As we found in our Mint Mobile review , the carrier's 5G connectivity is strong, and its phone compatibility is one of the best in the country.

With Mint Mobile, you need to purchase at least three months of service in advance. After that, the best deals are available when you sign up for either six or 12 months. For three months on the unlimited plan as a new customer, you'll pay $90 and enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data, 10GB of mobile hotspot, and free calls to Mexico and Canada. Calling to other international locations is available at a per-minute rate but if you use an app (e.g., WhatsApp, Line) to call your friends, you'll only need data.

Joining Mint Mobile is easy, and you can even sign up for a trial online to get a free Mint Mobile SIM card . It's even simpler if your phone is compatible with an eSIM as you can then activate the eSIM straight from your phone, and then later continue the service if you like it. You can also purchase a Mint Mobile SIM card from Target, Best Buy, Walmart, or Amazon.

Note: As part of a limited-time promotion, you can get any one of Mint Mobile's plans at a reduced price of $15 per month, provided you buy three months of service in advance.

2. Ultra Mobile 3GB

Ultra Mobile is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) using T-Mobile's network, meaning that you'll get great T-Mobile coverage at a lower price. Our Ultra Mobile review showed strong coverage and speeds. Although the carrier offers its own set of prepaid plans, the Ultra Mobile 3GB plan is a perfect fit for anyone visiting the U.S. for a month or less. That said, if you avail the service for a longer duration, you can get some good discounts.

With the 3GB plan, you get a more regular SIM and after 30 days, the plan's validity will end, which makes it great for users who just want simple talk and text to a wide range of destinations and don't need a lot of data during their travels. For a monthly cost of $19 (before taxes and fees) with the SIM kit included, you'll get unlimited talk and text to more than 90 countries worldwide, plus free Wi-Fi calling and up to 3GB of 5G/4G LTE data, so you should have no issue staying connected with friends and family back home. The plan also comes with $1.50 of international calling credit per month and a one-time $5 international roaming credit.

3. Lycamobile

Lycamobile is unique because it's a global MVNO, and in the U.S., it's an MVNO using T-Mobile's network. To check whether your phone is compatible, the easiest thing to do is type in your IMEI number on Lycamobile's website, but most of the unlocked GSM devices should work without any issues.

Lycamobile offers several plans to pick from and primarily caters to those who need unlimited nationwide talk and text, as well as international calling and texting to over 100 countries. Each plan includes these features at no additional charge, making this the perfect plan if you want to be able to call abroad whenever you want.

When it comes to data, you have multiple options starting at just 500MB and going up to 60GB. The cheapest 500MB plan costs $15 per month, while the unlimited plan with 60GB of data can be availed at an effective price of $39 per month if you pay for three months. Each plan includes slightly different bonus features, so you'll have to pick what makes the most sense for you.

Fortunately, Lycamobile SIM cards are pretty easy to get a hold of. They're sold online on Lycamobile's website and Amazon, but you can also find Lycamobile's SIM cards at several retailers like 7-Eleven, pharmacies, and local convenience stores. If you have any doubts, you can also use the online store locator to find the nearest retailer near you.

4. AT&T Prepaid

Known for its amazing coverage, AT&T is also an excellent carrier to consider getting a SIM card from when visiting the U.S. and as such, it offers one of the best prepaid phone plans . It tends to have better coverage in rural areas than other carriers, so it's also a great option if you plan to be on the road a lot. For $30 a month (taxes and fees extra), AT&T Prepaid will get you 5GB of high-speed data, which is then throttled to 128Kbps after you've utilized the data allotment. As always, you should check your device's compatibility with AT&T online before signing up for the plan.

On this plan, you're able to use your mobile hotspot, and you can text to more than 230 countries around the world. And if you think you'll need more than 5GB of data, you can always upgrade to the 15GB prepaid plan for just $40 a month, which also includes data usage in/between the United States, Mexico and Canada. Also, both of these plans offer rollover data, which means any unused data gets added to the next month's data allotment.

5. T-Mobile Prepaid

T-Mobile not only offers some of the best cell phone plans you could get today, but it also has an excellent prepaid service that will suit the needs of most travelers and tourists when they're visiting the United States. As T-Mobile's network has improved vastly over the past few years and its 5G network has some of the most expansive coverage and fastest speeds in the nation, you'll likely get excellent service with T-Mobile when traveling to major cities during your stay in the country.

There are four T-Mobile prepaid plans to pick from, but the most ideal plan for most visitors will be T-Mobile's 10GB prepaid plan that costs $40 per month, before taxes and fees. It includes unlimited domestic talk and text, up to 10GB of high-speed data, free mobile hotspot data, and a nifty 'Music Unlimited' feature which means that any music you stream won't eat up your data. If you want to add international calling, it can be done for an extra $15 per month, or if you're traveling to Mexico or Canada for a few days, you can add talk, text, and 5GB of data to use over there for an extra $5 per month.

6. Cricket Wireless

If you don't think you'll need minutes during your stay in the United States and really just want data, you could consider a data-only plan from Cricket Wireless , which is an MVNO that uses (and is owned by) AT&T. For $35, you'll be getting 20GB of data to use for a full month, while spending $55 will give you 100GB of data for a month.

Again, this plan doesn't come with any talk time minutes, so you'll have to make sure you're fine using messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or Skype to connect with family or friends back home. It does include text and picture messages across the U.S., as well as usage in Mexico and Canada if you plan on visiting those countries. It's the ideal plan for anyone who'll be spending a lot of time on the road and wants to be able to stream, download, and do some high-speed browsing.

You can get a Cricket Wireless SIM card by just walking into a Cricket Wireless retailer store, which you can locate with the carrier's online store locator tool. Other popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart also sell Universal SIM card activation kits for Cricket Wireless. The good news is that if you do end up wanting minutes, you can always switch to another one of the carrier's plans using the same SIM card.

Back to the top^

Which prepaid SIM card is best for you?

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

You really can't go wrong with a prepaid SIM card using the network infrastructure of either AT&T or T-Mobile when visiting the U.S., and the right fit for you will depend on the length of your stay and whether you'll be needing features like being able to call back home. If you're traveling for only three weeks or less, Ultra Mobile's 3GB plan is the best choice and offers just enough talk, text, and data to stay connected.

On the other hand, if you'll be in the U.S. for a few months, Mint Mobile will give you the best multiple-month value. And if you're somewhere in between, a prepaid plan from either T-Mobile or AT&T will be easy, reliable, and guaranteed to give you great coverage.

Should you use your current carrier's add-ons?

Many carriers have partnerships with international carriers to offer better service to their own customers whenever they're traveling. Luckily, this arrangement goes both ways, so there may be a plan add-on that can give you plenty of data without needing to set up and activate a new SIM. While these travel add-ons can be quite pricey, the simplicity of this option will make it worth it to many users. It also gives you the chance to have a connection when you're waiting for a connecting flight in another country.

What about eSIM apps?

Another emerging option is eSIM apps. These apps can use your phone's built-in eSIM functionality to quickly activate and pay for a phone plan without needing to have the old SIM removed or waiting for a physical SIM to get delivered. Airalo , for example, allows customers to buy as little as 1GB for a week. If you just need enough data to get around in a new city, this is a good option. It works with Google Pay, credit cards, PayPal, and even Alipay.

If you have an iPhone, there's even an official T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM app that accepts credit card payments from a number of countries. Regrettably, this app isn't available on Android, though there are still other eSIM providers on the platform.

Just be sure to confirm compatibility before taking off. Still, there are other apps available on Android that offer solid deals on data without contacts or physical SIMs necessary.

• MVNO deals: Mint Mobile | Visible | Boost Mobile | Tello | Cricket Wireless

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After almost a decade of working in the e-commerce space, Patrick Farmer (he/him) began his career at Android Central as a Deals and Commerce Writer before moving into a new role as AC's eCommerce Editor in 2023. When he's not hunting down the best deals and offering shopping advice for our readers, you'll often find him listening to music, camping out at a brewery, or treating his cat like a human child. 

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Best Sim Cards For Europe (Top Options For Tourists)

Whenever you are traveling, staying connected is essential. We depend on our phones for so much these days – everything from ordering a taxi to finding a restaurant, making hotel and flight bookings, plus navigating on Google Maps from one spot to another is done on our phones.

But, what sim card should you be using for your upcoming trip to Europe? You have the option of using eSim cards, international sim cards, or a local prepaid sim card, and we are going to focus on the latter.

At A Glance: Our Top 3 Sim Cards For Europe

• Best For High Data Needs Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid Sim Card Jump To Review
• Best All Rounder Orange Holiday Zen Prepaid Sim Card Jump To Review
• Best On A Budget Three UK Data Pack Prepaid Sim Card Jump To Review

Join me as I run through everything you need to know in order to find the best sim card for Europe. We look at the best deals, costs, data, and how to buy a prepaid sim card for Europe too.

Best Prepaid Sim Cards for Europe

Top product overview, best sim card for europe, orange holiday europe prepaid sim card.

The Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid Sim Card is one of the top Europe sim cards around if you want to stay connected with the world during your travels.

It includes everything you will need from 20 GB of data, unlimited calls and SMS in Europe, and inclusive worldwide mins and SMS.

You can call any hotel/restaurant in Europe to make reservations on your mobile phone and even call home with this Europe sim card without paying any extra.

The Orange sim card works in most European countries and since Orange is one of the biggest local networks in Europe, you will always have fast and reliable connection speeds.

The only issue with these sim cards is that they run out after 14 days, not so great if you are on a long trip. Also, if you are traveling on a budget the price might be a little high.

• Works in all of Europe
• A good amount of mobile data
• Unlimited calls and texts within Europe
• Stay connected globally with inclusive mins and sms
• Fast and reliable connections
• Sim fits in all phones
• Good value for what you get
• Easy to top up
• Short validity of 14 days
• More expensive than others

Product Information

• Price: $49.90
• Data: 20 GB
• Calls: Unlimited in Europe, 120 mins worldwide
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited in Europe, 1,000 worldwide
• Valid For: 14 days
• Service Speed: 4G/LTE
• Data Tethering: Yes

Orange Holiday Zen Prepaid Sim Card

The Orange Holiday Zen Prepaid Sim Card is similar to the Orange Holiday sim cards we looked at above but is more affordable and comes with less data/calls/sms.

With these European sim cards, you get 8 GB of data, unlimited calls, and SMS in Europe, and a few global mins and SMS too. If you do not need much data while traveling around Europe then this is a much more affordable option.

Again, being an Orange sim, you will have a reliable and fast connection in most countries in Europe. But, it does only last 14 days until you have to top-up again so it is not ideal for longer trips.

• Great coverage and reliable connection
• Works in all countries in Europe
• Unlimited calls and texts in Europe
• Inclusive global mins and sms
• Enough data for most
• Fast connection speeds
• A sim size for all phones
• Only lasts 14 days
• Not enough mobile data for heavy users
• Price: $29.90
• Calls: Unlimited in Europe, 30 mins worldwide
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited in Europe, 200 worldwide

Three UK Data Pack Prepaid Sim Card

The Three UK Data Pack Sim Cards offer the best value of all the prepaid sim cards featured in the article.

For an affordable price, you get 10 GB of data along with unlimited calls and sms in Europe and it is valid for 30 days, making it ideal for longer trips.

The sim card works in all unlocked tablets and mobile phones, starts working as soon as you plug it in, and you will have a fast connection with good coverage in 49 countries in Europe.

The only downside to these sim cards is if you are a heavy data user as 10 GB might not be enough for your trip and you may have to top up.

• Works in 49 countries in Europe
• Fits in all unlocked phones and tablets
• A solid data package
• Valid for 30 days
• Fast and reliable connection
• Data is low for heavy users
• Price: $24.90
• Data: 10 GB
• Calls: Unlimited in Europe
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited in Europe
• Valid For: 30 days
• Service Speed: 5G/4G/3G

O2 Go Card Prepaid Sim Card

The O2 Go Card Prepaid Sim Card is a great European sim card if you are looking for data only while you travel around Europe.

It is a UK local sim card that works on every unlocked mobile phone and tablet that comes with a UK number and 10 GB of data.

If your data usage is about average, this should be enough data for the 30 days it is valid for.

This Europe sim card allows you to stay connected in all countries in Europe. You will have a reliable and fast 4G connection everywhere you go, and you can top up to add calls and SMS to the local sim card too.

Compared to other sim cards, it is a pretty good value for the data you are getting. But, if your data usage is high, the included 10 GB might not be enough.

• Valid for longer than others
• A good amount of data allowance
• Works in all phones
• Reliable connection
• Fast speeds
• Add credit to make local calls
• No free calls and texts included
• Might not match your data needs
• Calls: $2 credit
• Texts/SMS: $2 credit
• Service Speed: 4G/3G

Is A Sim Card Essential When Traveling to Europe?

Is a sim card essential when traveling in Europe, yes and no, and here is why.

You can get by while traveling in Europe without a local sim card as you will be able to jump onto a free WiFi connection in most places. Airports, trains, restaurants, cafes, hotels, shops, you name it, most of them will give you a free WiFi connection.

But, living on WiFi only is a bit of a pain if I am honest. Things like using Google Maps on the move and ordering an Uber in the street will not be possible plus, constantly asking for WiFi passwords will get annoying.

Also, staying connected with loved ones will be inconsistent, and walking home at night without any way of communicating can be a safety concern.

You always have the option of data roaming on your sim card from home, but the fees that come with this are extortionate and is way more affordable to buy the best Europe sim card for you.

Overall, it is worth buying a sim card for Europe in my eyes. Being connected will make your trip a lot smoother, easier, and safer all for not that much cash.

Things to Know Before Buying A Sim Card in Europe

Is your phone unlocked.

Your phone needs to be unlocked from your mobile phone provider back home in order to work with other sim cards.

If you bought your phone yourself it will already be unlocked but if you got it for free in the monthly contract through your provider, chances are it is locked to said provider.

To unlock your phone, just call your provider and request they unlock it, it should only take a few minutes.

Are You Using A GSM Phone?

You might not know this but phones can use either GSM or CDMA technology to stay connected to a network, and a GSM sim card will not work in a CDMA phone, and vice versa.

Pretty much everywhere in the world uses GSM including Europe whereas the United States and Canada use both GSM and CDMA.

If you are from North America and you use either Sprint or Verizon, you may have a CDMA phone and it will not work with any sim cards for Europe.

The only solution to using all the sim cards in Europe is to buy an affordable unlocked phone for your trip.

You Will Get A New Phone Number

When you insert your new sim card for Europe, you will be using the number that comes with that sim card, meaning your home number will not work. This means you can not receive calls or SMS’ on your usual number.

The only way around this is to have a dual sim phone or to use apps such as Whatsapp or Facetime for calls and SMS’ that work over data only.

Another issue this can present is when you need to authorize things like payments and transfers that use your home number for authentication. You will have to put your home sim in your phone to get the authentication message.

How to Buy A Sim Card in Europe

Buying a sim card before traveling to europe.

If you want to be connected as soon as you land in Europe then buying a sim card online is a good option.

The sim card will be sent to your door and all you need to do is insert it into your phone when you land. Once installed, you will have a connection and all the data, calls, and SMS’ that come with it.

This is a much more convenient option than buying a sim card in Europe at the airport or at a store. You do not have to queue, register, pick a plan, etc, it is all done for you.

Buying A Sim Card in Europe

Buying a sim card once you land in Europe involves finding a store, registering, and activating your sim card.

You won’t be able to be connected as soon as you land and will have to depend on airport WiFi, or other connections until you get your hands on a sim card.

However, you will be able to get a much better deal in most cases by buying a sim card on the ground as these offers are not available online.

How Much Does A Sim Card in Europe Cost?

The actual physical sim card is free in most of Europe and once you have it, you simply add a plan. The cost of the plan and what it includes depends on the provider and the country you are in but is usually very affordable.

If we look at EE UK prepaid sim cards (the ones I use in Europe), for just £30 ($37) you get 125 GB of data plus unlimited calls and texts within Europe for 30 days, what a deal!

You should be able to find similar deals to this in most countries in Europe.

How to Activate & Top Up Your European Sim Card

If you have bought a prepaid sim, it will already be activated. If you bought your sim card in a shop, then the staff should have already activated it too.

But, if you do need to activate your sim, simply call the customer service department and request activation or go online and follow the instructions.

Topping up your sim card is super easy and can be done via a credit card on your phone or online. Simply call the automated top-up service number for the provider and follow the instructions, or go online and top-up via the provider’s website.

Free Data Roaming in Europe

Almost all European sim cards allow you to use your data freely in all European countries. This means if you fly from the UK to France, to Switzerland, to Portugal, and end up in Spain, you can use the same sim card and the data, calls, and SMS pack that come with it in all the countries.

Managing Your Mobile Data in Europe

If you are on a budget and want to conserve your data in Europe there are some clever ways of doing so. Here are some tips:

• Download where you are traveling in Google Maps on WiFi for offline use
• Keep your phone in airplane mode when you are not using it
• Only use apps like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Netflix on WiFi
• Connect to free WiFi when you can

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a different sim card for every country in europe.

No, you only need one sim card for every country in Europe as your data, calls, and SMS’ are valid in most EU countries

Can I get unlimited data in Europe?

Yes, you can get unlimited data in Europe but it is hard to come by on physical sim cards and your best bet is to use an eSim with Holafly. You can find the best eSim for Europe here .

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Top Picks: Europe's Best International Travel SIM Cards

Are you considering a trip to Europe shortly? If so, it's crucial to remember a key aspect of your travel plans: acquiring a European SIM card. These SIM cards play a crucial role in international tours, especially for folks who require regular internet and information to get admission, whether or not for enterprise or personal use for the duration of their time in Europe. The following article aims to delve into the necessity of a European SIM card and outlines the satisfactory techniques for acquiring one before embarking on your European journey.

You might be wondering, do I need a SIM card in Europe? Can't I just rely on public WiFi? The reality is that public WiFi isn't as reliable or accessible as one might assume. While cafes in major European cities may offer public WiFi, it often comes with limitations such as restricted hours or insufficient speed. Let's delve into the finer details of why a European SIM card is essential.

We've compiled a list of the top travel SIM cards for Europe.

SIMS DIRECT

Our mission is easy: to provide convenience, value for money, and a more desirable travel experience for individuals like yourself by using the Sims Direct Europe SIM Card .

Our Customers: We take huge satisfaction in not only facilitating but also improving your adventures abroad. Our dedication is clear in our efforts to streamline navigation, verbal exchange, and connectivity each step of the way.

Freedom: We keep a steadfast belief that true freedom is determined by the exploration of numerous cultures, the exploration of our awe-inspiring planet, and the inclusion of lifestyles's myriad stories. It is our unwavering aim to empower you in effects capturing and sharing these loved moments.

Connection: What is the price of freedom if it cannot be shared with those closest to us? Recognising the profound significance of staying linked, we're steadfast in our dedication to sourcing the best European SIM cards available. Regardless of your destination, we aim to ensure seamless connectivity, permitting you to live in contact with cherished ones and percentage your adventures without constraint.

Order: Embarking on your travel adventure begins with the simple step of ordering your Europe SIM Card . Explore our large online store to find out if a SIM card is best for your tour requirements. With coverage extending to over a hundred locations globally, we offer a diverse array of alternatives designed to cater to your unique desires. 

Receive and fly: Upon receiving your SIM card, you're primed and prepared to take flight on your journey. Our SIMs arrive complete with all the essentials, equipping you for seamless activation upon arrival at your destination. Be sure to download our SIM Quick Guide for quick and easy reference, ensuring a smooth transition into your connected travel experience.

Land and activate: As you land at your chosen destination, the activation process couldn't be simpler. With our SIMs designed for utmost user-friendliness, no ID registration is required. Simply plug and play to initiate connectivity.

International SIM Card Benefits:

No Roaming Fees: Bid farewell to hidden charges as transparency is our hallmark. With our travel SIM, what you pay for is precisely what you receive no surprises, no extra fees.

Value for Money: Revel in generous data allowances facilitated by the best networks. Our commitment to providing value ensures you make the most out of your travel experience without breaking the bank.

Free and Fast Aussie Delivery: Get your SIM card conveniently before your departure with our prompt and complimentary delivery service. With us, preparing for your adventure is seamless and stress-free.

100% Money-Back Guarantee: Rest assured with our unwavering confidence in the quality of our SIM cards. Should our product fail to enhance your trip as promised, we offer a full refund no questions asked.

Instant Connection: Enjoy the convenience of gaining internet access within minutes of landing at your destination. Our SIM cards ensure immediate connectivity, allowing you to dive into your travel experience without delay.

Super Easy to Use: Say goodbye to complicated contracts and ID requirements. Our SIM cards are designed for the utmost simplicity. Just plug and play to initiate seamless connectivity.

Europe SIM Cards

Tailored Solutions: Teaming up with top providers, we present a wide array of plans crafted to meet the needs of every traveller. Whether you're a social media aficionado in search of data-heavy packages or a budget-conscious explorer seeking economical options, our Europe SIM Card has you covered. Enjoy the freedom of choice with our customised solutions, guaranteeing an exceptional travel experience tailored to you.

Why Use a Travel SIM?

WiFi is not always reliable or available everywhere, making a travel SIM essential for consistent connectivity.

International usage fees can quickly become expensive, whereas a travel SIM offers cost-effective alternatives.

Public WiFi poses security risks, particularly for business travellers; a travel SIM ensures secure, private connections.

How to Get a European SIM Card: Online vs. In-Person

When it comes to acquiring a Europe SIM card, travellers have two primary options: purchasing online or buying in person upon arrival. Opting for online purchases affords unrivalled convenience and access to a big selection of picks tailored to a person's wishes. With online transactions, travellers can browse via diverse plans, examine charges, and pick the maximum appropriate option from the consolation of their homes. Additionally, online purchases often include the gain of having the SIM card added immediately to at least one's doorstep, putting off the want to search for a nearby dealer upon arrival.

On the other hand, purchasing a SIM card in person offers immediate assistance and ensures compatibility with one's device. Travellers can seek guidance from local vendors and clarify any queries regarding network coverage, data plans, or activation procedures. Furthermore, buying in person allows travellers to verify the authenticity of the SIM card and address any potential issues promptly.

Advantages of Utilising a Travel SIM Card

A Europe SIM card offers affordable data and calling plans specifically designed for travellers, helping you save money compared to expensive international roaming charges. With no long-term contracts or commitments, you have control over your spending, as travel SIM cards are typically prepaid. 

They are easy to use, often plug-and-play, requiring no complicated setup or registration. Simply insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone, and you’re ready to go. Travel SIM cards provide wide coverage across multiple European countries, ensuring connectivity wherever your journey takes you.

Tips for Choosing the Right Europe SIM Card

When deciding on the right Europe SIM card for your travels, recollect the subsequent recommendations to ensure an unbroken and pleasurable experience:

Research providers and evaluate the coverage, data plans, and pricing options provided by various carriers to determine which one aligns best with your requirements.

Verify that your phone is unlocked and compatible with the chosen SIM card. Certain SIM cards may only be compatible with specific types of phones.

Consider your data requirements and look for plans that offer sufficient data allowances for your usage. Whether you're a heavy data user or need minimal data for essential tasks, there are plans available to accommodate your needs.

Read opinions and recommendations from fellow travellers. Customer reviews can offer valuable insights into the quality of service, network insurance, and overall customer satisfaction with different SIM card providers.

Follow the activation instructions provided by the provider to make certain that your SIM card is activated effectively. Activation tactics may additionally vary depending on the company, so cautiously comply with the commands furnished to avoid any troubles.

When journeying to Europe, possessing a SIM card is crucial for maintaining connectivity and accessing the internet and data. Although public WiFi might be accessible in certain locations, its availability, reliability, and speed are often limited. Here are some additional details about Europe SIM cards:

Understand the basics of European SIM cards and pay-as-you-go data plans to grasp their functionality, pricing, and coverage expectations.

Ensure your phone is unlocked for third-party SIM cards, as locked devices may not be compatible with SIM cards from other companies.

Be prepared for a new phone number upon installation, as putting in a new SIM card will typically assign you a new phone number.

Familiarise yourself with mobile statistics pricing and plan options to make knowledgeable decisions about which plan nicely fits your needs and finances.

Consider whether to purchase your SIM card before or upon arrival in Europe, balancing the convenience of preparation against potentially lower costs available locally.

Follow activation and setup instructions provided by the provider to ensure that your SIM card is activated correctly and ready for use.

Why do I need a Europe SIM card?

A European SIM card is imperative for travellers seeking uninterrupted connectivity even as exploring the continent. Unlike counting on expensive roaming offerings, a European SIM card gives local connectivity, permitting visitors to avoid hefty roaming fees. By utilising a European SIM card, travellers can stay connected with friends and family, access essential services, and navigate unfamiliar terrain without breaking the bank.

How can I buy a Europe international travel SIM card?

Purchasing a European international travel SIM card is simple and convenient. Travellers can easily acquire one online from reputable providers. By browsing through various options offered by trusted providers, travellers can select a SIM card tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This technique guarantees admission to a huge variety of plans and functions, enabling guests to make an informed decision earlier than embarking on their European journey.

What's the difference between local and international SIM cards?

Local SIM cards are designed for use within a single country and typically offer lower rates than international SIM cards. They are ideal for travellers planning to stay within one country for an extended period. In comparison, international SIM cards are tailored for multi-country journeys, providing the convenience of uninterrupted connectivity across borders.

Are international SIM cards cheaper?

Generally, local SIM cards are more within your budget than international SIM cards. However, international SIM cards offer convenience for travellers embarking on multi-country journeys. Ultimately, the decision between local and international SIM cards depends on the traveller's itinerary and preferences.

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The best prepaid sim card data plans for usa travel.

What you need to know about buying a prepaid data plan for visiting the USA.

phones and technology

Having fast and reliable high-speed data for your phone is essentially a requirement when you travel to the USA but visitors are often surprised that prepaid SIM data plans aren’t as widely available or as affordable as in their home country.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about buying a SIM Card in the US and how to buy the best US prepaid mobile data plans at the best price.

Important Note About Prepaid SIM Card Data Plans in the US

Getting a prepaid data plan in America is a frustrating experience—especially for international visitors. Mobile service is generally much more expensive in the US than in the rest of the world so tourists are often surprised when they arrive expecting easy access to cheap data.

Prepaid data plans aren’t common in the US because most Americans have year-long phone service contracts. To make things more complicated, many mobile carriers also require that you use a US credit card if you’re buying a month-to-month plan.

That’s why many tourists have issues when it comes to buying a data plan when they arrive in the US because they have to go out of their way to find prepaid service in the US.

Even major airports like New York’s JFK have very few options and the ones you’ll find are costly and not convenient.

I’ll cover all this more in-depth later in this article but I wanted to get this out of the way up front.

In short, I highly recommend buying a data plan before arriving in the US if you don’t want to deal with the hassle. Check out SimOptions (physical SIM cards and eSIM plans) or Holafly (eSIM only) for a few different options—I recommend buying an eSIM data plan if your phone is compatible.

How To Buy A Prepaid Data Plan For The US

You have three main options when it comes to buying a data plan for the US:

Prepurchase an eSIM Data Plan (Easiest)

The easiest way to buy a data plan for the US is to buy an eSIM data plan because you can activate it instantly so you don’t have to pay for shipping. All you have to do is buy the service and then activate it once you’re in the US. As an added bonus, using an eSIM allows you to keep your original phone number active on your phone.

I’ve personally used both SimOptions and Holafly in the past to buy international data plans. You can also read my guide to the best prepaid USA eSIM data plans .

Not sure what an eSIM is? Here’s a quick video showing you how easy eSIMs are:

Not all phones are eSIM compatible (although most modern phones are compatible)—so keep that in mind.

Prepurchase a SIM Data Plan (Easy)

If you want to sort out your data plan prior to your trip, I recommend buying your SIM card before you leave so you’ll have data as soon as you arrive (i.e. no tracking down a SIM card once you arrive in the US).

The main downside is that you’ll have to wait for the SIM card to arrive and pay for shipping so it might not be a great option if you need your SIM Card right away.

Wait Until You’re In The US To Buy A SIM Card (Most Difficult)

The third option is to wait until you arrive in the US to buy your data plan. As I mentioned earlier, prepaid data plans aren’t very popular in the US so you’ll have to go out of your way to find them.

I’ll cover this in more depth further down in this article.

The Best Prepaid SIM Card and eSIM Data Plan You Can Buy Before Arriving In The US

Here’s a list of both prepaid eSIM data plans and physical SIM card data plans that will work in the US.

I’ve tried to list both pros and cons of each plan so spend a little time reading up on each because some have a few quirks.

Holafly US Data Plans (Unlimited Data eSIM)

Holafly  is a new data-only eSIM startup that I’ve personally used on a recent trip and found worked surprisingly well (read my  Holafly eSIM Review  to learn more).

Unlike other companies, Holafly’s plans give you unlimited data (they will throttle your data if you use excessive data but this won’t be an issue for most users) and their plans run from 5 to 90 days. Holafly also connects to both the AT&T and T-Mobile networks—which are two of the largest mobile carriers in the US.

In short, if you don’t want to worry about monitoring your data usage while traveling then Holafly is your best option.

• 5 Days: $19
• 10 Days: $34
• 15 Days: $47
• 20 Days: $54
• 30 Days: $64
• 60 Days: $84
• 90 Days: $99
• Service Speed:  4G/LTE
• Calls:  None
• Texts/SMS:  None
• Tethering:  No

Three 30-Day Pass (Digital eSIM Plan)

Plan Specs:

• PRICE:  $35
• DATA:  20GB
• INCLUDES TEXTS OR CALLS?: NO
• CREDIT VALID FOR:  30 Days

If your phone is eSIM compatible, the Three 30-Day Pass is hard to beat for the price and data allowance. This data plan gives you 20GB of data for $35 and it’s valid for a month.

And since this is an eSIM, you get instant delivery via email and you don’t have to pay for shipping.

Smart Traveller eSIM (Digital eSIM Plan)

• PRICE:  $18
• DATA:  6GB
• CREDIT VALID FOR:  10 Days

The Smart Traveller eSIM is a good budget option for shorter trips since it’s only valid for 10 days. If you’re visiting for longer than 10 days, it makes sense to go with the Three 30-Day Pass for $35 or Holafly .

Orange Holiday World (Physical SIM Card)

• PRICE:  $50
• DATA:  10GB
• USED AS A MOBILE HOTSPOT?:  Yes
• CREDIT VALID FOR:  14 Days

The Orange Holiday World is a very popular choice for travelers for a few different reasons.

First, it’s run by Orange—the largest mobile carrier in Europe and they’ve partnered with major US mobile carriers so the service tends to be better than no-name SIM data plans.

Second, the Orange Holiday World plan includes 10GB of 4G/LTE data in the US. This plan also works in Canada and Mexico if those happen to be part of your trip.

Third, there is no registration needed—install the SIM and you’re ready to go.

The main downside is that the data plan only lasts for 14 days so it’s not ideal for longer trips but you can top up the card one time for €29 to get another 14 days of service with an additional 10GB of data.

Three PAYG MBB 12GB (Physical SIM Card)

• PRICE:  $60
• DATA:  12GB
• USED AS A MOBILE HOTSPOT?:  NO
• CREDIT VALID FOR:  1 Year

The Three UK PYAG MBB is another popular SIM data plan option thanks to its 12GB of data for $60. It doesn’t allow data tethering and you can use it with a pocket WIFI. This card is valid for a year after activation so it’s a nice option for longer visits to the US.

Three PAYG MBB 24GB (Physical SIM Card)

• PRICE:  $80
• DATA:  24GB

The Three UK PAYG MBB 24GB data plan gives you 24GB of mobile data for $80 so this is a good option for heavy data users. If you have a pocket WIFI, this can also be a good option for groups traveling together so you can split data over multiple phones.

How To Buy A Prepaid Data Plan In The US

Most prepaid data plans offered by US carriers are billed on a month-to-month basis so if you don’t cancel the plan you’ll be charged when the new month starts. Because of this, many mobile companies require that you have a US credit card.

Verizon Prepaid Data Plans

Verizon of the largest mobile provider in the US and their prepaid plans start at $40/month for 5GB of data. Verizon is also the most expensive option. Visit the Verizon website to learn more.

Verizon also has a new budget service called Visible but you’ll need a US credit card and only certain phones work on their network (visit the Visible phone compatibility checker to see if your phone works).

T-Mobile Prepaid US Data Plans

T-Mobile offers a monthly prepaid data plan that starts at $40/month (not including taxes and fees—a $10 SIM starter kit may be required). The $40/month plan gets you 10GB of data but the $50/month plan has unlimited data. Click here to visit the T-Mobile website to learn more.

AT&T Wireless Prepaid Data Plans

AT&T Wireless has prepaid data plans that start at $30/month for 5BG of data. Visit the AT&T website to learn more.

Google Fi Prepaid Data Plans

Google Fi has a monthly plan and a pay-as-you-go plan. The monthly plan has unlimited data for $50/month and the pay-as-you-go is $20+$10 for every 10GB of data. Visit the Google Fi website to learn more.

Straight Talk Wireless Prepaid

Straight Talk Wireless is a budget carrier that’s mainly sold at Walmart stores. The main problem is that Walmarts are generally located outside large cities so you’ll need a car to reach the store. You can also have the card shipped to a US address.

Get More Budget Travel Tips For The USA

Here are a few articles to help you visit New York City:

• The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To New York City
• Best Hostels in NYC
• The Best Things To Do In NYC
• Best Cheap Restaurants In New York City
• How Much To Budget For Visiting NYC
• The Best Travel Shoes
• The Best Travel Backpacks  and  The Best Travel Backpacks for Women

Traveling to Europe too? Check out my guide on  how to use your phone in Europe  and our guide to  the best SIM Cards and Data Plans for Europe . If you have a newer phone, check out our guide to  the best Prepaid eSIM Data Plans for Europe .

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