7 BEST International eSIMs for Data Abroad
Roaming fees? Hard pass! I want data the second the plane door opens, my number intact for codes and emergencies, and setup that takes less time than ordering an airport coffee.
This guide is the fast lane to figuring it all out and without spending a surprise amount of money when you get back home!
Here are the eSIMs I actually use, what each one is best for, and the quickest way to get online right now. These eSIMs are THE way to get data abroad so you can stay connected anywhere you roam.
Best eSIMs Quick Lowdown:
Just a little PS before we start, when I first started traveling I didn’t even have data on my phone! I just used my phone on Wi-Fi networks when I could connect to one.
I even used paper maps and my Lonely Planet to get around instead of Google Maps. I’m showing my age but hey, this was traveling back then!
So yeah, we’ve come a long way with international eSIMs and easy ways to get data while on the go, that’s for sure.
Anyway, let’s get on with it…
1. Holafly
Best for: Travelers who want true set-and-forget connectivity with unlimited data and super simple setup across tons of destinations.
👉 Check Holafly’s plans — use code NINA5 for 5% off
Why it’s great:
- Fast QR install that gets you online in minutes without hunting for a store.
- Wide destination list with regional options for multi-country trips.
- Keeps WhatsApp active so you can message and call over data without a local number.
- Hotspot/tethering now included on many plans (typically ~500MB–1GB/day in most places), with beefier monthly options rolling out for digital nomads and students who share data.
Heads-up: “Unlimited” plans can use fair-use policies that slow speeds if you stream a lot. Most plans are data-only, so voice/SMS are via apps.
My take: The easiest option when you don’t want to micromanage gigabytes and just need reliable data everywhere.
2. Nomad
Best for: Short trips and multi-stop itineraries where you only want to pay for what you’ll actually use.
👉 Check Nomad’s plans — use code NOMADNINA3
Why it’s great:
- Competitive pricing with country, regional, and time-based packs.
- Clear in-app balance tracking so you can see exactly what’s left.
- Easy top-ups if your plans change mid-trip.
Heads-up: Mostly data-only. Use WhatsApp/Telegram/Messenger for calls and texts.
My take: Great value + clean app experience. It’s the one I reach for when I want control without the fuss.
3. KnowRoaming
Best for: Travelers who want a simple, no-commitment option and like the idea of testing an eSIM before paying.
👉 Try KnowRoaming — get 1GB free to test it out
Why it’s great:
- Super quick setup and connects almost instantly after activation.
- Coverage in 200+ countries and regions, great for multi-country trips.
- Free 1GB trial with no credit card required, so you can test before committing.
Heads-up: Plan pricing varies, so it’s worth checking options depending on your destination and data needs.
My take: It works exactly how you want an eSIM to work. Quick to set up, reliable, and easy to test without committing upfront.
4. GigSky
Best for: Travelers bouncing across regions and cruisers who want connectivity at sea and in port under one brand.
👉 Check GigSky’s plans
Why it’s great:
- Offers cruise-specific plans (on many major ships) in addition to land coverage.
- Broad global footprint and simple top-ups inside the app.
- One account you can reuse trip after trip.
Heads-up: Pricing can be higher than super-local eSIMs, and speeds at sea depend on the ship’s network.
My take: If you’re cruising, this is one of the few eSIM options that actually has a plan built for it.
5. Orange Travel
Best for: International travelers who want broad global coverage, responsive customer support, and the reassurance of using an eSIM backed by a major telecom company.
👉 Check Orange Travel’s eSIM plans
Why it’s great:
- Global eSIM options for destinations around the world, including country-specific and regional plans.
- Backed by Orange, one of Europe’s largest telecom companies, rather than being purely an eSIM marketplace.
- Some plans include calls and SMS in addition to data, depending on the destination and package.
- Excellent customer support in my experience—I received useful troubleshooting help within minutes when I needed it abroad.
Heads-up: Like most international eSIMs, the exact plan features and local network experience vary by destination. While testing Orange Travel in Uzbekistan, I initially had to manually select a local network before my data kicked in, but support helped me sort it out quickly.
My take: I tested Orange Travel while traveling through Uzbekistan, and once connected, it worked reliably for everything I needed—maps, browsing, downloads, messaging, and social media. What impressed me most was how quickly their support responded when I actually needed help.
6. Ubigi eSIM
Best for: Travelers who want one eSIM they can reuse in the USA and on future trips to 200+ destinations, with solid speeds and easy top-ups.
👉 Check Ubigi’s plans — use code NINA10 for 10% off
Why it’s great:
- One eSIM profile you can reuse across loads of countries, including dedicated USA plans.
- Plans only start when you actually connect in the destination, so you can buy ahead without wasting days.
- 5G where available plus hotspot/tethering allowed, so you can share data with your laptop or travel buddy.
- Handy app for buying new plans or topping up on the go, even if you’ve run out of data.
Heads-up: Most plans are data-only, so you’ll use apps like WhatsApp or Messenger for calls and texts. Home IP features and certain extras may only be available for specific countries.
My take: A great “install once and reuse everywhere” eSIM, especially if you bounce between the US and other countries regularly.
7. Airalo
Best for: People who want virtually every country in one app, plus frequent deals and region/global packs for easy border-hopping.
👉 Check Airalo’s plans
Why it’s great:
- Huge marketplace of country, regional, and global plans.
- Fast QR setup and simple management inside the app.
- Often has promos and bundles that make multi-country trips cheaper.
Heads-up: Data-only. Like any eSIM, speeds/coverage depend on local partners.
My take: Hard to beat for availability and convenience; it’s the “always have it installed” app.
Do You Still Need a Phone Number?
Short answer: yes.
You’ll want a stable number for bank codes, two-factor logins, and the random “please call us back” moments.
I keep mine with Google Fi. It holds my long-time US number, texts work anywhere, and I have a working US number when I’m back for a visit. It’s my “anchor” while eSIMs handle the cheap data.
Reality check on eSIMs:
Most are data-only. Some providers let you add a local number as an upgrade, but it’s not standard. If you truly need to make/receive regular phone calls on a local number (hotels, delivery drivers, appointment confirmations), consider that add-on or see the next section.
Workarounds: for calling and texting, I use WhatsApp and Messenger over data/Wi-Fi. They’re free, reliable, and what most of the world uses anyway.
While most communication happens through messaging apps, some travelers also explore more spontaneous ways to interact online, such as anonymous video chat options to connect with people worldwide and make friends abroad.
When a Local SIM Makes Sense
If you’re staying a while in one country, a local SIM/eSIM is often the cheapest data and comes with a local number by default. Perfect for long stays, apartments, deliveries, and local services.
But if you’re country-hopping, buying a new SIM in every destination gets old fast—more shops, more top-ups, more admin. In that case, stick to the data eSIMs in this guide and keep your US number via your main carrier.
Quick Wrap-Up
- Call/text over data with WhatsApp or Messenger to skip voice/SMS charges.
- Keep a permanent number (I use Google Fi) for 2FA and emergencies.
- Use data eSIMs for affordable, instant connectivity in each place.
- Need a local number? Check if your eSIM offers it as an upgrade or get a local SIM for long stays.
More Travel Tips
There are many options to stay connected while you’re traveling! I hope this helped you narrow it down which eSIM to get!
