Why I Don’t Travel Without an eSIM in 2025
If you travel at all—heck, even just once a year—you’ve probably heard about travel eSIMs. I’ve personally fumbled with SIM ejector tools at too many airport counters to count. Now? I tap “download,” activate a plan, and I’m online before my bag hits the carousel. Honestly, eSIMs are a lifesaver if you hate queueing at sweaty airport kiosks or trying to match shop signs with Google Translate.
What Is a Travel eSIM?
An eSIM (“embedded” SIM) is a digital SIM that lets travelers skip the plastic card and setup headaches. According to frequent traveler reviews, Airalo in Europe typically takes less than a minute to install—users say the QR code arrives instantly by email, and activating the plan is straightforward (My Vegan Travels, Runaway Traveller). Saily is widely recommended for international travel because of its easy online purchase, fast activation, and privacy features like a built-in VPN (SimPackers, Mobimatter). Reviewers consistently describe the setup as straightforward and hassle-free.
2025’s Best Travel eSIM Providers — From Actual Trips
Provider | Coverage | Personal Likes / Features | Typical Price* | Notes & Verification |
Saily | 190-200+ countries | Setup is fast, app is simple. Direct VPN/ad-blocker (NordVPN makers). | ~US$19.99 (10GB/30d) | Activation sometimes takes a few minutes; VPN feature verified. |
Sim Local | 200+ countries | Best for calls/SMS bundles; reliable for voice if WhatsApp isn’t enough. | ~US$12.50–$30.75 (varies) | Typically more relevant for those who need local phone access. |
Roamless | 200+ countries | Flexible, truly global, pay-as-you-go; ideal for multi-country trips. | ~US$18.95 (Europe/10GB) | Great for nomads, less ideal for short trips due to pricing structure. |
Holafly | 200+ countries | Unlimited data popular; daily throttling/hotspot limits. | ~US$39.90 (unlimited) | Hotspot/blocking complaints verified; higher cost than competitors for “unlimited”. |
Airalo | 200+ countries | Very easy app, global plans, loyalty credits; no voice. | ~US$37 (Europe/10GB) | Strong global coverage, spotty service in some regions, credits system works as described. |
Jetpac | 150+ countries | Airport lounge perks if flight is delayed, unusual but genuine. | ~US$19.98 (Europe/10GB) | Coverage a bit lower; lounge perks confirmed, but benefit is conditional on flight delay. |
Nomad | 200+ countries | Best for short-term plans or stacking data; very user-friendly. | ~US$18 (Europe/10GB) | Strong app, lots of regional plans, ideal for short stays. Some gaps in certain regions. |
Manet | Regional / 100+ countries (esp. Israel, Mediterranean) | Local help, personal service. Good for first-timers or those who want a “hand-held” experience. | varies | Praised by bloggers for hands-on support. Coverage less global than top providers. |
eSIM Setup: My Real-World Process
Step 1: Make sure your phone supports eSIM (most recent iPhones/Androids do).
Step 2: Download your chosen provider’s app (or sign up on the web).
Step 3: Buy a plan, scan the QR, and watch the bars pop up. I set up Manet in my hotel room in Kazahkstan with Wi-Fi and it took less than a minute. Pro tip: Do this before you leave—if you don’t, find Wi-Fi fast at arrival.
Data Use, Top-Up & Troubleshooting (Based on Verified Reviews)
Hotspot: Most eSIMs support data sharing, though some Holafly users have reported that hotspot functionality is sometimes blocked until settings are adjusted (My Vegan Travels).
Top-ups: Providers like Airalo and Nomad let you easily add more data to your plan without reinstalling the eSIM profile (Mobimatter).
Troubleshooting: If you run into connection issues, reviews generally recommend restarting your device, making sure the right eSIM is active in settings, and contacting customer support—most top providers, including Saily and Airalo, are praised for their quick response times (SimPackers, Mobimatter).
Tip: Many travelers keep their home SIM card in slot 2 for SMS or backup calling, alongside their eSIM for data.
FAQs from the Road
Q1: Can you use eSIM + SIM together?
Absolutely—I kept my home country SIM for SMS, eSIM for data. Works great.
Q2: Does eSIM work on tablets?
Yes! users have tried Airalo on their iPad during a Swiss train ride—Netflix streamed fine.
Q3: Local SIM cheaper?
Sometimes, but the time saved and instant connectivity is worth a few extra bucks.
Q4: Unlimited really unlimited?
Not always—Holafly will throttle after heavy usage. Fine for maps and chat, not endless TikTok.
Q5: Traditional calls?
Local SIM have them, most others are data only. I stick to WhatsApp out of habit.
Q6: Security?
Saily’s built-in VPN provides extra security when sending work files on random airport Wi-Fis.
