LIST: eSIM providers to consider when traveling abroad

Nobody likes coming home to a massive phone bill because of roaming charges. Switching physical SIM cards, those conveniently available at airports, can be a real pain, too. And while pocket WiFis can be a lifesaver—especially for those with multiple gadgets—they're another thing to pack and keep from getting lost. But eSIMs offer a much smoother solution. 

They let you change carriers and plans remotely, allowing you to manage multiple numbers on one device without physical swapping. And the best part? Affordable plans are available for individual countries or entire regions, perfect for multi-destination trips.

If you’re planning a trip soon, here are some eSIM brands to consider.

Advanced eSIM

Tired of managing multiple eSIMs for every trip? This brand simplifies connectivity by letting you buy multiple data packages within a single account. No more switching eSIMs as you travel—everything is managed in one place.

With Advanced eSIM, you can view your active plans, unused data, and purchase history from a single dashboard. Easily monitor your data usage by logging in with your email. 

Need a top-up? Replenish your data or buy multiple bundles in advance. You can even schedule data packages to activate automatically upon arrival at your destination, ensuring seamless connectivity from the moment you land.

With coverage in over 182 countries and regions, this eSIM solution is a true travel essential. It's also budget-friendly, with plans starting at just $3.03 for a 1GB Nano Plan in the US (7-day validity). Larger data bundles are available too, like a 20GB Ultra Plan in Australia (30-day validity) for $34.87.

Compatible with most unlocked Apple, Samsung, Google, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Huawei devices, Advanced eSIM is ready to streamline your international travel.

Airalo

Airalo, one of the first eSim providers, offers regional data packages with great value and flexibility for your travels. Explore North America (US, Canada, and Mexico) with the Americanmex plan, starting at just $6.50 for 1GB and scaling up to 20GB for $46. Going on a Eurotrip? The Eurolink plan provides options from a quick 1GB (7 days) for $5 to a long-term 100GB (180 days) for $185, covering 42 countries.

Or, if you’re traveling across continents, there are different Discover packages with coverage to 138 countries. Plans start at $9 for 1GB to $69 for 20GB (valid for 365 days!).

The app is available on the App Store and Google Play, letting you create an account and manage your data on the go.

aloSIM

For digital nomads looking for an eSim that offers unlimited data, aloSIM has you covered. They offer unlimited data in select countries like Japan, China, France, and Korea for 10 days, starting at $35 or $50. 

Beyond unlimited, aloSIM also offers prepaid data packages for over 200 countries and regions. Single-destination trips are easy with country-specific packages (from $4.50 per week), while regional packages let you seamlessly hop between countries with just one eSIM.

What sets itself apart from other brands, aloSIM has a Refer & Earn program that gives your friend $3 off when they use your referral code. In return, you’ll get $3 in aloCASH, which you can use to buy packages.

Holafly

No need to guess how many GBs you’ll need for your trip! With coverage in over 200 countries, you can stream, share, and navigate without ever worrying about running out of data using Holafly. Daily rates start at $6.50, and the longer the duration is, the more you save.

And the rewards keep coming: Holafly's loyalty program lets you earn HolaCoins (think cashback!) on every purchase and referral, which you can then use to buy eSIM purchases.

Klook

Klook isn't just about booking your activities, hotels, and transportation—they’ve got your connectivity covered, too. Discover a range of eSIM brands, with options starting as low as P44 for 1GB of data, all the way up to unlimited data plans. 

Pro tip: Before you buy, check out the reviews to see what other travelers recommend.

How to activate your eSIM on iOS:

• Go to Settings.
• Tap Cellular (or Mobile Service on EU devices).
• Locate and tap the Add eSIM button.
• You can use the Use QR Code option.
• Scan your QR code or enter details manually and follow the prompts to complete the setup

How to activate your eSIM on Android:

• Go to Settings.
• Open the Connections menu.
• Locate and tap the SIM Manager option.
• Tap Add eSIM, then Scan QR code.
• Scan your QR code and follow the prompts to complete the setup.