In our eSIM guide, we’ve compared popular global coverage 5GB and 10GB plans, as well as country-specific and region options to help digital nomads and international travelers find the cheapest eSIM plan.
Spoiler alert: Who you think is the lowest price isn’t necessarily the most popular eSIM providers.
eSIMs have completely changed the game for travel. Gone are the days of hunting for wi-fi hotspots, swapping traditional physical SIM cards, or dealing with sticker SIMs. With eSIM technology, your smartphone can be set up in minutes with a digital SIM card, giving you mobile data and internet access anywhere without the usual hassle.
To help you find the best deal on eSIMs, we’ve broken down each of the most popular eSIMs for travel right now and compare them against each other.
Our Top Picks for Cheap eSIMs
- Cheapest global eSIM: Amigo SIM (Jump to review)
- Cheapest regional eSIM: Maya Mobile (Jump to review)
- Cheapest country-specific eSIM: eSIMX (Jump to review)
- Cheapest unlimited eSIM: Maya Mobile (Jump to review)
In This Article
The Cheapest eSIMs For Hassle-Free Travel
Choosing the right eSIM can make all the difference for your international roaming experience. With so many providers offering global and country-specific plans, it’s important to consider factors like compatibility with your smartphone, data limits, network carriers, and the convenience of activating your digital SIM card.
Here’s a breakdown of the best eSIM providers to help you find the best eSIM plan for your next trip.
OUR TOP TRAVEL TIPS
- Where to stay – We use Booking.com for all of our stays and use the Genius discount to get great deals on our hotel bookings. Alternatively, you can always see if hotel corporate codes might work for you.
- Car rentals – Often having a rental car always makes life easier and allows you to travel at your own pace. Make sure you know about ways to save money with car rental coupon codes and always start your search with Discover Cars and Booking.com so you know what the best deals are.
- Flights – Use the Skyscanner “Everywhere” feature to find the best deals to your destination from your local airport. Check how much it would be for you to get to your next vacation!
- Insurance – Not always required but always recommended! Make sure you’re covered with the best travel insurance. Our go-to is always HeyMondo for good all-around coverage at reasonable prices, also if you use our link, you automatically get a 5% discount.
- Hottest deals – Never be without our frequently updated travel deals page.
Why Pricing Matters
When it comes to choosing the best eSIM plan, price is just one factor – but it’s an important one.
The field has certainly been muddled as of late because there are so many eSIM providers. Most of them seem very similar, offering the same product, services, and varying degrees of discounts.
Unless you actually compare them side-by-side, it’s impossible to know who’s actually the cheapest. We’ve done that work for you so make sure to keep reading.
Who Can Use eSIMs?
Before you get too excited, it’s worth listing out who is actually eligible to use eSIMs. It comes down to this:
- Your phone must support eSIMs.
- Your phone cannot be carrier or network-locked,.
- Your phone isn’t jailbroken (iOS) or rooted (Android).
Airalo has a handy device compatibility page if you’re not sure. If it’s eligible for them, it’ll be eligible for all providers that we cover.
And yes, eSIMs also work on tablets if they accept eSIMs.
Once you know your device works with eSIMs, you’re good to proceed!
Which eSIMs Have Discount Codes?
The below are a list of all of the eSIM companies that we have a relationship with. These cusotm codes offer you additional discounts.
Pay attention to all plans as these are the codes that can be used multiple times whereas some providers have opted to only allow for discounts on the first order.
- Eskimo: Use gift code GAPGB1 to get free 1GB of global data
- Airalo: Use code WILLIA9500 to get $3 credit for your first purchase.
- KnowRoaming: Use code GAP10 to save 10% on all plans.
- Amigo SIM: Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off all plans.
- aloSIM: Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15% off your first order.
- Ubigi: Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
- eSIMx: Use code ESIMX10 for 10% off on all plans.
- Flexiroam: Use code FLEX20 to save 20% on your first order.
- GigSky: Use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all plans.
- Maya Mobile: Go through our link to save 11% on all plans (discount applied in the cart).
- Roamless: Use code AWESOME20 to save 20% on all plans.
- Saily: Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES25 to save 25% on all plans.
- Holafly: Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 5% on all plans.
Starting With Global 10GB Packages
As a quick exercise, if we look at global fixed data packages and 10GB specifically, this starts to give you an indication of how prices vary wildly in the eSIM space.
- Airalo: $57, 180 day
- aloSIM: No global option
- Amigo SIM: $35, 30 days (cheapest)
- Eskimo: $39, 2 years (best overall)
- eSIMX: No global option
- Flexiroam: $108, 180 days (12GB)
- Gigsky: $109.99, 60 days
- Holafly: They focus on unlimited data packages only
- KnowRoaming: $37, 30 days
- Maya Mobile: $37.99, 180 days
- Roamless: $56.95, 30 days
- Saily: $56.99, 180 days
- Ubigi: $79, 30 days
We’ve tried to keep these as apples-to-apples as possible but as a heads up, most of these companies offer 180 day validity but there are some that can offer cheaper prices by having 30 day validity.
Where Are you Traveling To?
If you’re looking for details on specific countries, we’ve got you covered:
eSIM Price Comparison Table
The table below is a compilation of the top eSIM companies that we’re tracking. While they don’t cover every single region, destination, and data package, it gives you a really good indication of who has the best price.
Note that all prices below are in $USD. Also, the default for global plans is 180 days and country/region plans are 30 days unless otherwise indicated.
TIP: Click on the headers to sort the table, although we have to admit that it’s not perfect.
| Global 10GB | Global 20GB | Europe 5GB | Europe 10GB | Asia 5GB | Asia 10GB | USA 5GB | USA 10GB | Japan 5GB | Japan 10GB | Spain 5GB | Spain 10GB | France 5GB | France 10GB | Australia 5GB | Australia 10GB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | $57 | $66 (365 days) | $20 | $37 | $20 | $37 | $14 | $23 | $11.00 | $18 | $10 | $15.50 | $11 | $16 | $11 | $18 |
| Alosim | $20 | $37 | $20 | $37 | $16 | $26 | $11.50 | $18 | $11.50 | $18 | $14 | $23 | $12.50 | $20 | ||
| Amigo SIM | $35 (30 days) | $55 (30 days) | $13 (6GB) | $20 (12GB) | $20 | $37 | $13 (6GB) | $20 (12GB) | $18 | $28 | $13 (6GB) | $20 (12GB) | $13 (6GB) | $20 (12GB) | $13 (6GB) | $20 (12GB) |
| Eskimo | $39 | $25 | $39 | $25 | $39 | $14 | $24 | $14 | $25 | $22 | $39 | $18 | $35 | $11 | $18 | |
| eSIMX | $19.80 (12GB) | $18.80 | $5.50 | $8.80 | $5.50 | $9 | $6 | $8.80 | $5.50 | $8.80 | $6 | $9.80 | ||||
| Flexiroam | $108 | $16.99 (3 days) | $54 (60 days) | $94 (180 days) | $12.49 (3 days) | $12.49 (3 days) | $12.49 (3 days) | $12.49 (3 days) | $12.49 (3 days) | |||||||
| Gigsky | $109.99 | $20.99 | $35.99 | $20.99 | $35.99 | $17.99 | $28.99 | $17.99 | $28.99 | $12.99 | $19.99 | $16.49 | $26.49 | $17.99 | $27.49 | |
| Holafly | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only | Unlimited only |
| Klook | $9.60 | $18.69 | $8.65 | $18.75 | ||||||||||||
| KnowRoaming | $37 (30 days) | $60 (30 days) | $19 | $35.50 | $20 | $37 | $13.89 (15 days) | $22.89 | $10.89 (15 days) | $17.89 | $9.89 (15 days) | $15.89 | $9.50 (15 days) | $15.50 | $10.89 (15 days) | $17.89 |
| Maya Mobile | $37.99 (30 days) | $60.99 (30 days) | $9.99 | $15.99 | $11.99 | $18.99 | $9.99 | $15.99 | $11.99 | $18.99 | $6.99 | $9.99 | $6.99 | $9.99 | $11.99 | $18.99 |
| Roamless | $56.96 (30 days) | $69.95 (30 days) | $17.95 | $32.45 | $19.45 | $35.95 | $13.95 | $19.95 | $9.95 | $14.95 | $9.95 | $14.95 | $9.95 | $15.95 | $10.95 | $17.45 |
| Saily | $56.99 (180 days) | $66.99 (365 days) | $19.49 | $35.99 | $19.49 | $35.99 | $13.99 | $22.99 | $10.99 | $17.99 | $9.99 | $15.99 | $11.99 | $19.99 | $10.99 | $17.99 |
| Ubigi | $79 (30 days) | $16 | $44 | $14 | $17 | $12 | $9 | $26 |
If you enjoy tables like the one above, you’ll love our detailed breakdown of both fixed and unlimited data packages for all the companies below. You’ll also find out who is cheapest after discounts are applied.
Review Of eSIM Options
Not all eSIMs are created equal, plans vary by data allowance, duration, coverage, and compatibility with different smartphones and tablets.
Whether you’re looking for a global plan, a regional option, or a country-specific package, we have a quick breakdown of the top eSIM providers and what they offer.
What we’ve done is provide a sample of global, regional, country-specific, and unlimited package prices to give you an idea of how much each eSIM provider charges.
1. Airalo
Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers for international travel. Compatible with iPhone, Android, and dual SIM devices, it allows you to activate your eSIM profile hassle-free. Their app and support team make setup simple, and it’s ideal for digital nomads looking for reliable mobile data without swapping physical SIM cards.
- Coverage: 200+ countries.
- Data: From 1GB to 50GB and unlimited (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each package. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: Reliable service, intuitive app, excellent customer support. We also love that you can buy packages and bank them for much later.
- Cons: Slightly pricier than some competitors, and lack of global unlimited plans.
Airalo Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 30 Days | Unlimited (10 Days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | $57 | N/A |
| Europe | $37 | $32 |
| Asia | $37 | N/A |
| USA | $23 | $32 |
| Japan | $18 | $32 |
| Spain | $15.50 | $32 |
| France | $16 | N/A |
| Australia | $18 | $29 |
Note: Fixed-data packages available in 3, 7, 15, and 30 day options.
Airalo discount code: Use code WILLIA9500 for $3 credit on your first purchase.
2. aloSIM
aloSIM is a simple option for travelers, compatible with most smartphones and tablets, it can sometimes offer 5G depending on the network. Activation via eSIM QR code is straightforward.
- Coverage: 200+ destinations
- Data: From 1GB to 20GB and unlimited (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each package. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: Affordable, sometimes supports 5G depending on network. As a bonus, they also offer an international number through their partner Hushed but bear in mind it only includes $3 of free credit.
- Cons: No global unlimited plans.
aloSIM Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 30 Days | Unlimited (10 Days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | N/A | N/A |
| Europe | $37 | $42 (15 days) |
| Asia | $37 | N/A |
| USA | $26 | $35 |
| Japan | $18 | $35 |
| Spain | $18 | $35 |
| France | $23 | $35 |
| Australia | $20 | $35 |
aloSIM discount code: Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES for 15% off your first order.
StackSocial Offer
For a limited time, pay $24.97 for a $50 credit on aloSIM. We’ve purchased this several times as it effectively gives you 50% off their already excellent prices on eSIMs.
3. Amigo SIM
We hadn’t heard about Amigo SIM before our research but turns out they have some really good prices, especially if you use our discount code.
We found that they have access to unique plans with calling because for some countries, they partner with Three in the UK. The downfall is that this gives you a UK number, but you’ll be able to call and text.
- Coverage: 194+ destinations.
- Data: From 1GB to 20GB (varies by country and region but strongest packages are in the UK). No unlimited.
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each package. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: They are one of the few eSIM companies that also provide calling as well in some cases and they have access to 5G.
- Cons: Any eSIMs that use the Three UK network, you’ll get a UK number.
Amigo SIM Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 30 Days | |
|---|---|
| Global | N/A |
| Europe | $35 (12 days) |
| Asia | $20 |
| USA | $20 (12 days) |
| Japan | $28 |
| Spain | $20 (12 days) |
| France | $20 (12 days) |
| Australia | $20 (12 days) |
Amigo SIM discount code: Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES for 25% off all orders.
4. Eskimo
Eskimo offers long-duration plans that make it perfect for digital nomads or extended trips. Ideal for Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel users who want a single phone number active while traveling.
- Coverage: 140+ destinations.
- Data: From 1GB to 30GB and unlimited (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Single eSIM.
- Pros: Incredibly long 2 year validity which shatters the competition, is affordable, and is compatible with most devices. Also uniquely uses a single eSIM across the board.
- Cons: Setup instructions may be less detailed.
Eskimo Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 2 Years | Unlimited (10 Days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | $39 | N/A |
| Europe | $39 | N/A |
| Asia | $39 | N/A |
| USA | $24 | $27 |
| Japan | $25 | $27 |
| Spain | $39 | N/A |
| France | $35 | N/A |
| Australia | $18 | $17 |
Eskimo discount code: Use code GAP1GB to get 1GB of global data for free. Every first purchase is 50% off if made within 30 days (up to $15).
5. eSIMX
eSIMX provides flexible international roaming options with a user-friendly interface. The discount code ESIMX10 gives 10% off all plans, making their already cheap plans even better. This is a great budget-friendly choice for frequent travelers.
- Coverage: 160+ destinations.
- Data: From 1GB to 20GB (varies by country and region). No unlimited.
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each package. Regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: Solid all-around service, 10% off with code ESIMX10.
- Cons: Mostly 4G/LTE and limited global data options.
eSIMX Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 30 Days | |
|---|---|
| Global | N/A |
| Europe | $19.80 (12GB) |
| Asia | $18.80 (5GB) |
| USA | $8.80 |
| Japan | $9 |
| Spain | $8.80 |
| France | $8.80 |
| Australia | $9.80 |
eSIMX discount code: Use code ESIMX10 for 10% off all orders.
6. Flexiroam
Flexiroam is great for travelers seeking a hassle-free digital SIM card with coverage across many countries. Compatible with iPhone, Android, and tablets, it ensures uninterrupted mobile data for international travel.
What they might be best known for is their partnership with Mastercard. Similar to what Gigsky and KnowRoaming does with Visa, if you have an eligible Mastercard (normally a premium card), you’ll get permanent 20% off and complimentary 1 or 3 1GB Global Data Plan valid for 5 days eSIMs.
- Coverage: 200+ destinations.
- Data: From 1GB to 100GB and unlimited (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each package. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: Good Mastercard program for permanent discount and free eSIMs. Mid-range pricing, decent coverage.
- Cons: 4G/LTE only, app can be slightly clunky. They are also quite picky in terms of which Mastercards work for their proram.
Flexiroam Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 3 Days | Unlimited (10 Days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | $108 | N/A |
| Europe | $16.99 | $68 |
| Asia | $94 (180 days) | $74 |
| USA | $12.49 | $54 |
| Japan | $12.49 | $68 |
| Spain | $12.49 | $68 |
| France | $12.49 | $68 |
| Australia | $12.49 | $88 |
Flexiroam discount code: Use code FLEX20 to save 20% off of your first plan.
7. Gigsky
They’ve taken the industry by storm with their Visa partnership. I originally signed up because I wanted to take advantage of the Visa Benefits. It’s different between different regions and the type of premium Visa card you have but the best part is that you get a complimentary eSIM several times a year.
Make sure to check the Canada Program, USA Program, Caribbean Program and Latin America Program.
In short, Canadians get 1 to 2, 1GB plan per year and Americans get one 3GB plan per year. Both get a range of 20-30% off.
Lastly, what’s unique about Gigsky is that they also offer special eSIM plans for cruise ships.
- Coverage: 190+ destinations.
- Data: From 100MB to 100GB and unlimited (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each package. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: Their Visa program is a standout especially because for some programs the eSIMs refresh every 6 months. The 20% discount we have also puts their prices closer to par with the competitors.
- Cons: Not necessarily the cheapest in price.
Gigsky Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 30 Days | Unlimited (7 Days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | $109.99 | N/A |
| Europe | $35.99 | N/A |
| Asia | $35.99 | N/A |
| USA | $28.99 | $28.99 |
| Japan | $28.99 | $37.99 |
| Spain | $19.99 | $28.99 |
| France | $26.49 | $28.99 |
| Australia | $27.49 | $28.99 |
Note: Unlimited 10 days is not available so we chose the next closest, 7 days.
Gigsky discount code: Use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% off of all eSIM orders. Also use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you first sign up.
8. Holafly
We’d be remiss to not mention Holafly. What’s unique about them is that they actually don’t offer any fixed-data plans. Instead, they are exclusively unlimited plans and so you essentially choose the destination/region you’re interested in and the number of days you’d like it for.
That’s why we weren’t able to fill out any data for them in this case.
- Coverage: 270+ destinations.
- Data: Unlimited-only.
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each country if purchased individually. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: Great prices on unlimited data eSIM packages.
- Cons: Some travelers have had bad experiences with them, particularly around getting refunds and the countries that are covered in their regional packages.
Holafly Pricing Table
| Unlimited (10 Days) | |
|---|---|
| Global | $64.90 |
| Europe | $36.90 |
| Asia | $36.90 |
| USA | $36.90 |
| Japan | $36.90 |
| Spain | $36.90 |
| France | $36.90 |
| Australia | $36.90 |
Holafly discount code:Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 5% off of all eSIM orders.
9. KnowRoaming
Known for reusable discount codes and easy setup, KnowRoaming is perfect for travelers who move between countries frequently. Supports dual SIM phones, making it convenient to keep your home number active while using mobile data abroad.
- Coverage: 200+ destinations.
- Data: From 1GB to 50GB and unlimited (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each country if purchased individually. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: Easy to setup with the app and top up.
- Cons: Slowest-in-class speed throttling for unlimited packages (drops to 500 Kbps after 2GB of daily usage).
KnowRoaming Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 30 Days | Unlimited (10 Days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | $60 (60 days) | $114.95 |
| Europe | $35.50 | $33 |
| Asia | $37 | N/A |
| USA | $22.89 | $33 |
| Japan | $17.89 | $36 |
| Spain | $15.89 | $33 |
| France | $15.50 | $33 |
| Australia | $17.89 | $43.50 |
KnowRoaming discount code: Use code GAP10 to save 10% off of all eSIM orders.
10. Maya Mobile
A no frills brand when it comes to eSIMs but they certainly deliver on some of the industry’s lowest prices for both fixed and unlimited data plans.
When you look at our comparison table, you’ll see that next to eSIMx, they have some of the lowest prices, especially for 5GB plans.
On the unlimited package side of things, they are practically cheapest across the board minus a few exceptions. You can see this data if you subscribe below and get access to our Google Sheet.
- Coverage: 200+ destinations.
- Data: From 5GB to 20GB and unlimited. (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each country if purchased individually. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: For fixed data plans, you have more control over how many day validity you want (5 days to 180 days).
- Cons: They do not have an app so you’ll have to manage your eSIM through their website.
Maya Mobile Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 30 Days | Unlimited (10 Days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | $37.99 | $44.99 |
| Europe | $15.99 | N/A |
| Asia | $18.99 | $29.99 |
| USA | $15.99 | $24.99 |
| Japan | $18.99 | $24.99 |
| Spain | $9.99 | $24.99 |
| France | $9.99 | $24.99 |
| Australia | $18.99 | $34.99 |
Maya Mobile discount code: Go through our link to save 11% off of all eSIM orders.
11. Roamless
A unique eSIM company because of its amazing promotion which you’ll see below but in addition to fixed-data packages, they also offer a pay-as-you-go option which is unique.
For pay-as-you-go, you can buy RoamlessFlex credits. These are valid for global use and it costs $2.45/GB. The added bonus is that there isn’t any expiry!
Recently they’ve put out a killer promotion. If you create a brand new account, you’ll get 3x 3GB data packages (180 days validity) that will work for specific companies.
- Coverage: 200+ destinations.
- Data: From 500MB to 20GB and pay-as-you-go (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each country if purchased individually. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: Their coverage is a flat 30 day and also has a unique pay-as-you-go option. They also offer excellent promotions for free eSIMs when signing up. Add these promo codes in this specific order: ROAM25, ROAM50, and then finally ROAM75 on the app immediately after creating a new account. App is well-designed.
- Cons: They do not offer unlimited plans.
- How to save with Roamless: Use code AWESOME20 to save 20% on your order. There’s also the code ROAM100 which get +100% extra credits on your first purchase!
Roamless Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) | |
|---|---|
| Global | $56.96 |
| Europe | $17.95 |
| Asia | $19.45 |
| USA | $13.95 |
| Japan | $9.95 |
| Spain | $9.95 |
| France | $9.95 |
| Australia | $10.95 |
Roamless discount code: Use code AWESOME20 to save 20% on your order. There’s also the code ROAM100 which get +100% extra credits on your first purchase!
12. Saily
By the makers of NordVPN, they’ve brought their technology in internet security through to their eSIMs. In a way you’re almost paying for 2 product because you also built-in perks such as ad blocker, ability to block malicious sites, limit tracking, and the app also has a VPN feature.
While the prices may not be the absolute cheapest, factor in the added value you’re getting which is certainly unique in the industry.
It’s also worth noting that they have a new Ultra Plan which is $59.99 per month which includes 30 GB of data monthly, airport lounge access, security and check-in fast-track, delayed flight benefits, online security tools (NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker, Incogni), and more.
- Coverage: 200+ destinations.
- Data: From 1GB to 20GB and unlimited (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each country if purchased individually. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pros: You can use one eSIM for all destinations and packages. Has built-in security features such as blocking ads and malicious URLs. They also have a great app, reliable speed, and overall excellent experience.
- Cons: The only bad thing we can say about it is that the price is average. For USA specifically, it does not include Alaska.
Saily Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 30 Days | Unlimited (10 Days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | $56.99 | N/A |
| Europe | $35.99 | $35.99 |
| Asia | $35.99 | N/A |
| USA | $22.99 | $34.99 |
| Japan | $17.99 | $34.99 |
| Spain | $15.99 | $34.99 |
| France | $19.99 | $34.99 |
| Australia | $17.99 | $34.99 |
Saily discount code: We have a GOINGAWESOMEPLACES25 discount code with them to save 25% on all orders. Both DEAL15 and SAILYACTIVE provide a 15% discount. If you’re looking for a referral code, WILLAT7842 will get you $5 USD in credits.
13. Ubigi
Ubigi stands out with 5G speeds on compatible smartphones like Google Pixel, Samsung, and iPhone. Its plans are ideal for travelers needing fast internet for Google Maps, video calls, or work on the go. Setup is straightforward via the app and eSIM QR code.
- Coverage: 200+ destinations.
- Data: From 1GB to 60GB and unlimited (varies by country and region).
- eSIM Download: Different eSIM for each country if purchased individually. Unlimited plans and regional plans are a single eSIM.
- Pricing:
- Pros: They offer the largest cap before throttling for unlimited data plans and also allows for the same eSIM to be used for many packages.
- Cons: Something we experienced in Japan is that our Ubigi eSIM seemed to constantly switch between 5G and LTE which led to more of an unstable experience although this might the case for most providers.
Ubigi Pricing Table
| Fixed-Data (10GB) 30 Days | Unlimited (30 Days) | |
|---|---|---|
| Global | $79 | $240 |
| Europe | $16 | $69 |
| Asia | $44 | $78 |
| USA | $14 | $65 |
| Japan | $17 | $66 |
| Spain | $12 | $44 |
| France | $9 | $39 |
| Australia | $26 | $69 |
Note: 10 days unlimited was not available so we shared their 30 day rates.
Ubigi discount code: Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
Additional eSIM Options
There are way SIM companies out there and from what we understand, many of them all use the same wholesalers behind-the-scenes so in a way, even what we have above are just companies skinning the same service in different ways.
That said, we are tracking a few other options that you might want to consider.
Klook
As an Asia-based activity platform, Klook isn’t just for tours and activities – they also offer reliable eSIMs for travelers. With a range of regional and country-specific data plans, Klook makes it easy to stay connected without hunting down a local SIM card.
You can purchase and activate directly through the Klook app, compare plans by coverage and duration, and have your eSIM ready before you even land. It’s a hassle-free option that pairs perfectly with booking your activities in the same place and has extremely competitive prices.
Sweet spot: From our research, the cheapest Europe 5GB plan is with Klook at $9.60 USD. Their Japan eSIM is also good price but eSIMx beats them in price. Their Japan Unlimited eSIM is also the cheapest of the field.
🔥 HOT TIP
Want to see the full breakdown of plans and pricing? Get access to our eSIM Comparison Spreadsheet! It’s the easiest way to compare providers side by side and find the best deal for your trip.
What Should You Look Out For When Choosing An eSIM Company?
When deciding which eSIM to get before your upcoming trip, we have a checklist of things that you should think about.
- Price – This fluctuates a ton in the market so it is worth your time to do your research.
- Number of days – This isn’t consistent either. In most cases it’s 30 days but there are some products that work for fewer number of days. Pay attention to this so there aren’t any surprises.
- Coupon codes – Pretty much every single company will offer discount codes and special codes like the ones that we have. This is money left on the table if you don’t use it.
- Free eSIMs – Many companies including Flexiroam and Gigsky are offering free eSIMs if you have a premium Visa or Mastercard. You might be able to survive a trip or two on these alone.
- Unlimited data – If you’d much rather buy a package that offers unlimited usage for a specified number of days, many offer this including Holafly plans.
- Brand and reputation – This still counts for something so make sure to search reviews to see if the people have had good or bad experiences with a provider. What it mostly comes down to is how good is the customer support and how quickly can they solve your problems when things go wrong.
Which eSIM Is The Cheapest?
The answer you’re probably here to find out for. I really want to say “it depends” but I’ll save you the grief by laying it out simply:
- Cheapest fixed-data eSIM packages: eSIMx
- Cheapest unlimited-data eSIM packages: Maya Mobile
Not what you expected, right?
Now if you’re looking for the ultimate deal of free, you really should be looking at the likes of Flexiroam, Gigsky, Roamless, and Klook. These don’t give you a ton of data but they’re good to have as an emergency or shorter trips.
Now Which eSIM Is The Best?
When examining the table that we’ve provided, you’ll see that there’s really no one easy answer to “who is the best eSIM company”.
If you were to ask us 2-3 years ago, we would’ve said Airalo just because they were one of the first ones to market and it seemed that everyone was using them.
However, as the industry has continued to evolve, strong competition has come through with equal or better reliability, ease of use, and overall experience. That’s where I say companies such as Saily and Roamless have come through.
The honest truth? If you’ve installed an eSIM already, you know how the process, and it isn’t that much different between companies. They are all sort of the same so we absolutely encourage you to look for the lowest price.
To get access to more detailed data, we’re offering access to the full data sheet. All you have to do is sign up to become an Insider.
eSIM Tips For Travellers
To make the most of your eSIM while abroad, here are some essential tips to follow.
- Global and regional plans are always going to be more expensive. Individual countries are going to be better but you may need a regional one if you’re hopping around.
- Activate your eSIM at home when you have access to wifi and not when you just land. There are countries such as Turkey that don’t allow activation of eSIMs locally. When you activate an eSIM, it doesn’t use data until you turn it on your phone and when you’re in the country.
- Understand data throttling for unlimited eSIM plans. They aren’t upfront about this but they will slow your speed past a certain amount of daily data usage.
- Don’t assume the popular brands have the best prices. In our table above, you’ll see that eSIMx blows the competition out of the water in many cases.
- Look for deals! eSIM companies are constantly running promotions because the competition is so fierce. For instance, Airalo had a killer deal on Japan earlier in the year so we banked a bunch for future trips.
- Buy now and activate now, just use later. With the example above, it’s totally possible to buy eSIMs at a discount ahead of time. Most companies force you to activate them on your account within 90 days but you don’t need to actually use any of the data until later. Remember, you can use your phone to turn on and off your eSIMs.
- The devil is in the details rings true for eSIMs. What’s hard to lay out in this article are the fine nuances between the companies for things like the carriers they rely on for each country, the included countries in region/global packages, throttle policy, hotspot policy, and other inclusions/exclusions. Be mindful of these when making your decision.
- Don’t be afraid to jump around because eSIMs are incredibly disposable. We recommend that you chase the offers and deals. There’s no need to play favourites as at the end of the day, the data quality is mostly the same across the board.
- Countries vs destinations is a marketing term used by many of these eSIM companies. This is what allows them to inflate their numbers. Countries are the best raw number to look at but by referring to destinations, they can also include their region and global packages to the total.
No matter where your travels take you, choosing the right eSIM can make staying connected hassle-free, so you can focus on exploring instead of worrying about mobile data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best eSIM to use internationally?
When it comes to the best eSIM, this largely depends on what type of features you’re looking for. If it’s the lowest price, eSIMx and Maya Mobile are hard to beat. If it’s an overall quality experience in terms of customer service and app, Airalo is great but you’re paying a premium. Other things to look for are extra features such as Saily’s built in VPN and ad blocker. Lastly for unlimited packages, there’s a lot of variation for throttling and Saily, Maya Mobile, Ubigi are the best.
What is the disadvantage of eSIM?
While eSIMs are convenient and hassle-free, they do have a few drawbacks. Some older smartphones and tablets may not be compatible, meaning you’ll still need a traditional physical SIM card. Switching carriers or devices can be less straightforward than swapping a physical SIM. Additionally, not all countries and carriers support eSIM technology yet, and some unlimited data plans may throttle speeds after a daily limit. Finally, setup requires following instructions carefully, including scanning the eSIM QR code or activating the digital SIM card via your device’s settings.
Can you make and receive phone calls with an eSIM?
Most traditional eSIMs that you can purchase are data-only. This means that they do not include a cellular number. If you have a physical or eSIM for your local carrier at home, this means that you’ll retain your home phone number. This will allow you to make and receive calls but if you are dialing out, you’ll be paying a premium for it. To avoid this, we recommend that you make calls from apps such as WhatsApp and FaceTime which uses data. The exception if AloSIM and AmigoSIM which offers
Do eSIMs work on cruises?
Normal eSIMs are not designed to work on cruises but there are special cruise eSIMs but Gigsky eSIMS that are tailored for cruise-lines that will work.
How many GB of data do you need for a trip?
This depends on how much data you use when you’re on the road but generally speaking, we try to account for 500MB per day.
Read More About eSIMS And Wifi
Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit Cards
Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.
Flights
In our opinion, of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check.
Car Rental
If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and Booking’s car rental platform are great places to start.
Rideshare
You probably already have accounts but if you don’t, for new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code cbh4j6plxt8p for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.
Airport Parking
You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.
eSIM
eSIM: This is our go-to way of staying connected. Below are the discounts we have acquired for our readers.
- AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
- Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
- Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
- KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
- AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
- Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
- Holafly – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 5%.
- Roamless – Use code AWESOME20 to save 20.
- Saily – Use code GAP15 to save 15%.
Make sure to read our article on breaking down the cheapest eSIMs for travel to learn more.
Wifi Hotspot
We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
Hotels
Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Tours and Activities
When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance
Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 5% discount!
- RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
- SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
- Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
- InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Check Out Our Toolbox
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
