I tried three travel eSIMs during a trip, and it turned out to be more complicated than I had imagined.
If you're planning a trip abroad, how do you stay connected? Do you opt for a travel eSIM, a local SIM, or your regular provider's SIM? I conducted a test with three eSIMs during a trip to find out which is the best option.
Traveling abroad is an exciting experience, but roaming costs can become a headache. Phone operators, both in the United States and other countries, are known for their high fees when using mobile phones outside the country, which can result in significantly higher bills. Historically, the solution to avoid these costs has been to acquire an unlocked phone and purchase a local SIM card at the destination. Although this option has worked, restrictions from some operators that block devices persist.
In 2021, Apple introduced support for dual SIM in the iPhone 13, combining a physical SIM card with an eSIM, which promised to make it easier to use two lines. The following year, Apple adopted eSIM exclusively, driving the emergence of a number of providers dedicated to offering more affordable rates for travelers. During a recent trip to Bali, Indonesia, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, three different providers were tested to determine which was the best option for roaming.
The cost of maintaining a U.S. SIM is high. T-Mobile, for example, offers 5GB of high-speed data, including up to 256 Kbps after the quota is consumed. Wi-Fi calls to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are free, though non-Wi-Fi calls have a per-minute charge. For those without included roaming, T-Mobile presents international pass options: a daily plan of 512MB for $5, 10 days with 5GB for $35, and 30 days with 15GB for $50.
On the other hand, Verizon charges $12 per day or $100 per month, allowing the use of the contracted plan's rates. However, options in Indonesia are limited to LTE while Dubai allows 5G. AT&T offers a similar international pass to Verizon at $12 per day, also with 5G coverage in both destinations, although it may depend on device compatibility.
Regarding eSIM options for travel, Holafly, Nomad, and Airalo stand out. These allow adding a second SIM in the phone, but they generally only offer data and not voice, unless higher-priced plans are chosen. Activation is usually straightforward, allowing the service to start automatically upon arrival at the destination.
An analysis was conducted during a 13-day trip in which approximately 10GB was consumed in Indonesia and 3GB in Dubai. The costs of the packages varied: Airalo offered 10GB in Bali for $24.75, Holafly for $23, and Nomad for $34. When considering the total cost, eSIM plans turned out to be much cheaper than roaming with a U.S. SIM.
However, it is crucial to keep a few points in mind when selecting an eSIM. Although Holafly presents itself as an attractive option, it offers unlimited data only for certain days and lacks a phone number for conventional calls. For those planning long trips, sticking with the usual SIM might be more convenient, despite the high cost.
Finally, while eSIMs are an option that allows immediate connectivity upon arrival, they also have limitations, such as typically being activated on a single device and being complicated to manage if switching between phones is necessary. Although they are valued for their ease of use, eSIMs may not always be the best option for all types of travelers.