A holiday plan and a three-month stay need different things from an eSIM. For a long stay, the details that matter are how long the plan lasts, whether you can extend it, how fast it stays after heavy use and whether you also need a local number.
What to look for in a plan
- Validity: plans of 60, 90 or 180 days avoid buying again and again. See the long-stay plans.
- Top-up: a plan you can top up from your account can be extended without a new QR code, when the plan supports it.
- Fair use: if you work online or stream, read the fair use policy. An unlimited plan can slow down after a threshold.
- Hotspot: a laptop needs hotspot to be allowed.
- Coverage: check the operators listed on the destination page for the areas where you will live and work.
Data-only eSIM or a local number
A data-only eSIM gives you the internet but no phone number. For messaging apps, maps and video calls that is enough. Banking, deliveries and some taxi apps in many places verify by SMS to a local number, so long-stay travellers often add a local SIM for the number and keep the eSIM for data. Some plans include a number; the plan details say so.
Rules to check before a long stay
- Some countries require ID verification before a mobile plan can be used. The plan details say when.
- A few countries ask visitors to register a foreign phone after a period. Check the official rules of the country you will live in.
- Your visa rules are separate from your phone plan; check them with the official source.
Budgeting for a long stay
Compare the total cost of one long plan against several shorter ones, and the price per GB. Larger allowances usually cost less per GB, and the price index shows typical prices by plan size and length. If you will use Wi-Fi at your accommodation for heavy downloads, a smaller plan may be enough; see How much data do you need abroad.
A simple approach for a three-month stay
- Start with a plan that covers the first month or two, with top-up if available.
- Watch your data use for the first two weeks and adjust.
- Keep your home SIM for your own number; see Keep your number with a travel eSIM.
- Add a local SIM only if you need a local number.