There are three ways to get mobile data abroad: a travel eSIM, roaming on your home carrier, or a local SIM card. Each suits a different trip. This guide compares them and shows how to work out which is cheapest for yours.
The three options side by side
| Travel eSIM | Home carrier roaming | Local physical SIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Buy and install online, before or during the trip | Nothing to install; may need an add-on or a travel pass | Buy in person at a shop or kiosk; ID is often required |
| Price | Prepaid; the price is shown before you buy | Depends on your carrier: a daily pass or pay-as-you-go. Check the price before you travel | Depends on the local operator and the shop |
| Your number | Stays on your home SIM; the eSIM adds data | Your number works as usual | Replaced by a local number while the SIM is in your phone |
| Phone needs | eSIM-capable and unlocked | Nothing | A SIM slot and an unlocked phone |
| Best for | Short and medium trips, several countries, keeping your number | Very short trips where your carrier offers a cheap pass | Long stays where you need a local number |
When a travel eSIM is the best choice
- You want mobile data on landing without queuing for a SIM card.
- You visit more than one country and want one plan; see regional and global plans.
- You want to keep your home number active for calls and texts; see Keep your number with a travel eSIM.
- You want to know the price before you go, with no bill after you return.
When roaming may still be fine
- A short trip where your carrier sells a cheap daily or weekly pass.
- You prefer zero setup and your usage is light.
- Your phone does not support eSIM or is locked to your carrier.
Roaming rules and prices vary a lot between carriers and plans, so read your carrier's terms before you rely on it, and turn off mobile data for your home SIM if you use an eSIM instead.
When a local SIM makes sense
- A long stay where you need a local phone number, for banking, deliveries or taxi apps that verify by SMS.
- You need calls and SMS at local rates.
Many countries ask for ID when you buy a local SIM. Combining a local SIM for the number with a travel eSIM for data is common on long stays; see eSIM for long stays.
How to compare the cost fairly
- Estimate the data you need for the trip; see How much data do you need abroad.
- Write down what your carrier charges for that data over the same number of days.
- Find travel eSIM plans for your destination and compare the price and the price per GB. The price index shows typical prices by destination.
- Add what each option costs in time and hassle, and any calls or texts you still need.
You can combine them
Many travellers keep their home SIM for calls, texts and security codes, and use a data-only eSIM for the internet. That is called a dual SIM setup, and most recent phones support it.