Data abroad

eSIM, SIM,
or roaming?

Q: Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming?

Almost always. A travel eSIM is typically a few dollars per GB, while carrier roaming can be over $10 a day or steep per-megabyte rates. Unless your home plan includes free roaming for your destination, an eSIM usually wins on price.

Q: Does my phone support eSIM?

Most phones released since about 2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer and recent Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models. The phone must also be carrier-unlocked. Look for an Add eSIM or Add cellular plan option in settings.

Coming home to a $300 roaming bill is a rite of passage nobody needs. Here's how to get affordable data the moment you land — and why an eSIM is usually the smart choice.

Your three options

Pick before you fly

eSIM

Best value & easiest

A digital SIM you buy online and install before you leave. Cheap data, activates on landing, keeps your home number active for calls/texts. The modern default.

Local SIM

Cheapest, more hassle

Buy a physical SIM at the airport abroad. Often the lowest price, but you swap out your card, get a new number, and need an unlocked phone.

Roaming

Easiest, priciest

Just use your home plan abroad. Zero setup — but pay-per-day or per-MB fees add up fast unless your plan includes free roaming.

Side by side

Option	Cost	Setup	Keeps your number
eSIM (Airalo, Holafly…)	Low	Before you go, in-app	Yes
Local SIM	Lowest	At the airport abroad	No (new number)
Carrier roaming	Highest	None	Yes

How an eSIM works

Check compatibility. Most phones from ~2019 on support eSIM (iPhone XS+, recent Pixel/Samsung). Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked.
Buy the plan before you leave from an eSIM provider (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad and others) — pick the country or region and the data amount.
Install by QR code — it adds a second line to your phone. Do this on home Wi-Fi before the trip.
Land and switch data to the eSIM. Keep your home SIM active for calls/texts (turn its data off to avoid roaming charges).

Quick tip: buy a little less data than you think — you can top up in-app in seconds, and hotel/café Wi-Fi covers a lot. Regional eSIMs (e.g. "Europe" or "Asia") are great value if you're hopping countries.

Common questions

Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming?

Almost always, yes. A travel eSIM is typically a few dollars per GB, while carrier roaming can be $10+ a day or steep per-megabyte rates. Unless your home plan already includes free roaming for your destination, an eSIM usually wins on price.

Will I keep my phone number with an eSIM?

Yes. A travel eSIM adds a second data line, so your regular SIM stays active for calls and texts on your normal number. Just turn data roaming off on your home line so it doesn't rack up charges.

Does my phone support eSIM?

Most phones released since about 2019 do — iPhone XS and newer, recent Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models. It also has to be carrier-unlocked. Check your phone's settings for an "Add eSIM" or "Add cellular plan" option.

Sorting the rest of the trip? Grab the right plug adapter, check your bag fits, and see every pre-trip answer.

eSIM, SIM,or roaming?

Your three options

Side by side

How an eSIM works

Common questions

eSIM, SIM,
or roaming?