Best eSIM for International Travel in 2025

Want to know what’s the best eSIM for international travel? Discover top picks and compare top providers like Jetpac, Airalo, Saily, and more.

With over 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals in 2024, staying connected while traveling has never been more critical. Traditional international roaming can cost up to $15 per day, while local SIM cards require store visits, KYC processes, and language barriers. eSIM technology eliminates these hassles, offering instant activation and competitive pricing across countless destinations worldwide.

Using an eSIM while traveling internationally is the best way to avoid expensive roaming charges and stay easily connected for navigating your travels, social media, and even work.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll reveal the best eSIM for international travel in 2025, compare top providers, and help you choose the perfect plan for your journey.

What is an eSIM and Why It's Perfect for International Travel

Understanding eSIM Technology

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your device's hardware. Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs activate instantly through QR codes or apps, allowing you to switch carriers without visiting stores or handling tiny cards.

Why eSIM is the Best Solution for International Travel

Cost Savings: Save 70-90% on fees compared to traditional roaming

Instant Activation: Connect within minutes of landing

Multiple Plans: Store several carrier profiles simultaneously

No Physical Cards: Never lose or damage SIM cards again

Seamless Switching: Change networks easily based on your destination

Which Devices are eSIM Compatible?

Many smartphones now support eSIM technology. But not all phones can use eSIMs. Make sure your phone supports eSIM before getting one. Most top brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Huawei have eSIM-compatible phones. Always check your phone's specs to be sure.

You might also have to check where you bought your phone, as some iPhone and Android models sold in China, Hong Kong, and Macau do not support eSIMs.

Best eSIMs for Travel: Top 6 Providers

Whether you're always on the move or just love to explore, the right eSIM can make your trips better. We've picked the top eSIM providers that offer great features, global coverage, and good prices.

Let's explore the best eSIMs and find the perfect one for your travels:

1. Jetpac - Best Overall eSIM for International Travel

Coverage: 200+ destinations

Starting Price: $1 for 1 GB (New users only)

Best For: Frequent travelers seeking reliability

Jetpac consistently delivers the best eSIM for international travel experience with unmatched global coverage and premium network partnerships. With over 200+ destinations covered by top local networks, you’re bound to get fast speed and reliable connections worldwide. Unlimited data packs are now available, with coverage across ~40 countries and starting at just $26.99 for 7 days. With every Jetpac eSIM, you'll also get dual network access, which means if you lose connection in one network, you'll immediately connect to another.

The app is easy to use and is intuitive, complete with value-added features like Voice for outgoing calls and discounted passes for airport passes and fast track through security. Plus, you’ll get free lounge access in case of flight delays, making it a great way to get airport lounge passes with just $1.

Key Features:

Premium network access in all major destinations

• Regional and global packs for major destinations like North America, Southeast Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and more

Free lounge access in case of flight delays with every eSIM

Top customer support available daily

Flexible plans and monthly memberships

Instant activation via QR code

Compatible with all major device brands

Voice feature for outgoing calls to 50+ countries

2. Airalo - Best for Customizable Plans

Coverage: 200+ countries and regions

Starting Price: Free for select countries

Best For: Budget-conscious travelers wanting flexibility

Airalo offers the most customizable eSIM plans for international travel, with regional and global packages that adapt to your specific itinerary. You can opt to get global, regional, and single-country packages and top up your eSIM as you go. There’s also a free trial of 1 GB for select countries that is valid for 1 day upon activation. However, compared to Jetpac, you can’t reuse your eSIM unless you can top up your data for the destination you’re traveling to.

Key Features:

Regional packages (Europe, Asia, Americas)

Global plans covering 130+ countries

Pay-as-you-go and bundle options

Easy plan management via mobile app

Competitive pricing for data-heavy users

3. Holafly - Best for Large Data Plans

Coverage: 250+ destinations

Starting Price: $6.90 for 1 day of unlimited data

Best For: Heavy data users and digital nomads

For travelers needing significant data for streaming, video calls, or remote work, Holafly offers unlimited data eSIM plans. In most regions, users can specify the duration of their trip and the number of eSIMs needed to receive a cost estimate for unlimited data. This allows for customization of plan length, offering flexibility beyond fixed 7 or 30-day options.

Holafly doesn’t have its own Fair Usage Policy, but some of the carriers they partner with have the right to apply FUP in their own networks if necessary. Plus, you will have to complete an ID verification process if you’re using your Holafly eSIM in Taiwan or Hong Kong.

Key Features:

True unlimited data (no throttling from Holafly)

Plans from 1 to 90 days

Covers major tourist destinations

24/7 chat support in multiple languages

Perfect for content creators and remote workers

Monthly plans for unlimited data and tethering

4. Nomad - Best for Budget-Conscious Travelers

Coverage: 200+ destinations

Starting Price: $0.98/GB for select countries

Best For: Cost-conscious travelers and extended trips

With regional plans starting at $5.50 for European coverage and global plans at $30 for 10 GB, Nomad delivers excellent value for money. The provider partners with multiple networks in each country, ensuring reliable service and highly competitive deals across their extensive coverage area. If you want to try out Nomad, they also have a free 500 MB trial for over 40 countries that you can get by downloading their app.

Key Features:

Low prices starting at $0.98/GB for individual countries

200+ destination coverage

Regional and global plan options

Short-term and long-term plan flexibility

Easy management through the mobile app

24/7 support through chat and email

5. Ubigi - Best for Monthly Subscriptions

Coverage: 200+ destinations

Starting Price: $12 for 500 MB Global plan

Best For: Frequent travelers needing ongoing service

Ubigi is unique among eSIM providers for offering prepaid plans and recurring subscription services. This makes it ideal for travelers who need consistent international connectivity or those who just want a simple alternative to recurring data plans, as Ubigi offers both monthly and annual subscriptions that ensure you have data on the go.

Ubigi is also known for its many regional plans, which offer more specific destination combinations, making it easy for you to find the right amount of coverage depending on your travels. They also have unlimited data available for certain destinations with a Fair Use Policy applied. All data packs have a validity period of 6 months before activation.

Key Features:

Monthly and yearly subscription options, alongside prepaid plans

Global coverage across 200+ destinations

Comprehensive customer support

Easy account management and plan switching

Unlimited prepaid data plans

6. Saily - Best for Security-Conscious Travelers

Coverage: 190+ destinations

Starting Price: $1.99 for select single-country packs (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Mayotte)

Best For: Travelers prioritizing security and customer support

Developed by the team behind NordVPN, Saily brings enterprise-level security to the eSIM market. With an in-app ad blocker, VPN features, and more, Saily is a great option for those who want extra privacy with their eSIM. They also offer 24/7 customer support via live chat and email, alongside an easy-to-use app interface. They also have an auto-top up feature, so travelers can easily get continuous access to data without having to manually buy more.

Key Features:

Advanced security features from NordVPN

24/7 customer support with live chat via the app

Global and regional coverage

Detailed FAQ and support documentation

Enhanced privacy protection while traveling

Information might change after publication. Always check with your provider before checking out.

How to Choose the Best eSIM for International Travel

1. Assess Your Data Needs

Everyone got their own travel style, and how you use your data shouldn’t be any different.

Light Usage (1-3GB): Email, messaging, maps

Moderate Usage (5-10GB): Social media, occasional video calls

Heavy Usage (15GB+): Streaming, video calls, hotspot sharing

Unlimited Needs: Content creation, remote work, constant streaming

2. Check Destination Coverage

Not all providers offer the same quality in every country. Research network partnerships in your specific destinations:

Europe: All providers offer excellent coverage

Asia-Pacific: Jetpac and Airalo lead in network quality

Americas: Strong competition across all providers

Africa/Middle East: Limited options, verify coverage carefully

3. Consider Trip Duration

The longer your trip gets, the more you’d normally spend on data. Don’t forget to factor in layovers and other transit times, as you might need data then.

Short trips (1-7 days): Daily plans or small data packages

Extended travel (2-4 weeks): 30-day plans offer better value

• Long-term travel (1+ months): Regional or global plans, especially those with unlimited data

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel eSIMs

Is eSIM worth it for travel?

Yes, eSIMs are a great choice for travelers. They offer many benefits that make them convenient and reliable. With an eSIM, you can easily switch networks without changing SIM cards. This means you stay connected without worrying about high roaming fees or finding a local SIM.

eSIMs let you pick data plans that fit your travel needs, whether it's for a short trip or a long stay. This flexibility is a big plus for travelers.

How do I activate an eSIM for international travel?

Buy a plan through your provider's website or app

Get the QR code via email or app

Use your phone's camera to scan QR code

Follow on-screen prompts

Don't forget to turn on your eSIM upon arrival!

Which devices support eSIM for travel?

Most smartphones from 2018 onwards support eSIM:

iPhone XS and newer

Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer

Google Pixel 3 and newer

Select models from OnePlus, Huawei, and Motorola

However, make sure that you check against a list before buying. You can also look at our eSIM compatibility guide for more detailed information.

What is the cheapest eSIM for international travel?

Jetpac offers a trial 1 GB starter pack for only $1, making it a great choice for new users. It also lasts 4 days and covers most destinations, so you won’t have to worry about data running out too fast. Need data in just a pinch? Airalo also offers free 1 GB trials to select destinations, although with a validity period of just one day.

Final Verdict: Best eSIM for International Travel

After extensive testing across multiple countries and use cases, Jetpac emerges as the best eSIM for international travel in 2025. While it's not the cheapest option, Jetpac delivers the most reliable experience with:

Superior Network Quality: Top network partnerships worldwide, with 5G support in 50+ countries

Comprehensive Coverage: Over 200 destinations with consistent performance

Excellent Support: Fast customer service over chat, WhatsApp, and email with a 4.7 rating on Trustpilot

User-Friendly Experience: Simple activation and management

Flexible Plans: Options for every travel style and budget

The days of paying ridiculous roaming fees or hunting for SIM cards in foreign airports are over. Pick an eSIM that fits your needs, download it before you leave, and focus on the important stuff – like figuring out what you're going to eat for dinner in that amazing new city.