Guide
Travel eSIM, roaming or a local SIM?
Three ways to get data abroad. Each wins somewhere — here's how they compare, without the sales pitch.
| Compared on | Carrier roaming | Airport or local SIM | Travel eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Nothing to set up, if roaming is on your plan. | Buy one on arrival — often a queue, and many countries ask for your passport. | Buy and install at home before you fly. |
| Online | As soon as you land. | Once you've bought the SIM and swapped it in. | As soon as you land and switch the line on. |
| What you pay | Your carrier's daily pass or per-use rates. Check them before you go. | Local prices, usually low — once you've found a shop. | One prepaid price, shown before you pay. Nothing billed afterwards. |
| Your number | Works as normal. | Unavailable while your home SIM is out, unless your phone takes two. | Your home SIM stays in, so calls and texts still reach you. |
When roaming makes sense
When your home plan already includes the country you're visiting, when someone else pays the bill, or for a trip so short that setting anything up isn't worth it. Look up your carrier's rates for your destination before you go — roaming is simple, but it isn't always cheap.
When a local SIM makes sense
For a long stay, or when you need a local phone number — for deliveries, local banking or booking things by phone. It usually means a shop visit and ID when you arrive.
When a travel eSIM makes sense
For most trips: you're online the moment you land, you know the price before you go, and you never touch a SIM tray. Travel eSIMs like ours are data-only, so calls and texts to your usual number still go through your home carrier — keep that line on if you want them, with its data roaming off.
The one requirement is a phone that supports eSIM and is unlocked. Then see real plans and prices for your destination, or estimate how much data your trip needs.
Ready when you are
Every plan shows its data, days and price before you pay.