Choosing a travel eSIM comes down to five questions: will your phone work with it, does it cover where you are going, how much data do you need, for how long, and which extras matter. Answer them in this order and the shortlist writes itself.
1. Check that your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked
Most phones released in the last few years support eSIM, but not every model or every regional version does. Check the device compatibility list, or dial *#06# on your phone: if an EID number appears, it has an eSIM chip.
The phone must also be unlocked. A phone locked to a carrier may refuse an eSIM from another provider; see carrier lock for what to ask your carrier. A phone bought unlocked is not affected.
2. Match the coverage to your trip
- One country: a plan made for that country is often the cheapest per GB. The price index shows how single-country and regional prices compare today.
- Several countries: a regional plan works across borders with one QR code. Coverage differs between plans, so open the plan and check its country list.
- Many regions: a global plan covers destinations on several continents, usually at a higher price per GB.
Browse all destinations or the regional and global plans to compare.
3. Work out how much data you need
A rough guide is about 1 GB a week for light use (maps, messages, email), 3 to 5 GB a week for moderate use (adding social media, photos and a few video calls), and 10 GB or more a week, or an unlimited plan, for heavy use (streaming, frequent video calls, working online). The guide How much data do you need abroad shows how to calculate your own figure.
| Plan type | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed allowance (for example 10 GB for 30 days) | Trips where you can estimate your use; often the lowest price per GB | When the data is gone you need a top-up or a new plan |
| Daily allowance (for example 1 GB a day) | Predictable use; the allowance renews every day | After the daily amount you stay online at a lower speed |
| Unlimited | Heavy or unpredictable use | Most have a fair use policy: speed drops after a threshold |
4. Choose the validity and know when it starts
Validity is how many days you can use the plan once it starts. Most plans start when the eSIM first connects at your destination, not when you buy it, but some start at installation and some have an activation deadline. The plan details state which. A plan a day or two longer than your trip costs little and covers delayed flights.
5. Decide which extras matter
- Hotspot: if you share the connection with a laptop or a travel companion, check that hotspot is allowed.
- Top-up: if you are unsure how much data you will use, choose a plan that can be topped up from your account.
- Calls and SMS: most travel eSIMs are data-only. Keep your usual SIM for calls and texts, or call over the internet with apps; see Keep your number with a travel eSIM.
- Speed and networks: each destination page lists the local operators and whether the plans support 5G where the operator offers it.
- ID checks: some countries require ID verification before a plan can be used. The plan details say when.
Compare plans by price per GB, not only by price
Divide the price by the data to compare plans of different sizes. For example, a 10 GB plan at $12 costs $1.20 per GB and a 3 GB plan at $6 costs $2.00 per GB. The larger plan is the better value only if you will use the data, so estimate your use first.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked.
- The plan covers every country on your route.
- The data is enough for the trip with a margin, or the plan can be topped up.
- The validity covers your dates and you know when it starts.
- The extras you need (hotspot, top-up) are included.
- You will have Wi-Fi or mobile data to download the eSIM before you travel.
- You know where the QR code will arrive: by email and in your account.
Common mistakes
- Buying a plan for the wrong country or region.
- Installing on a phone that is locked to a carrier.
- Deleting the eSIM from the phone after installing it. Most QR codes can be installed once, so contact support before removing an eSIM.
- Forgetting to switch on data roaming for the eSIM line.
- Leaving mobile data on for your home SIM abroad, which can trigger roaming charges.
- Choosing an unlimited plan without reading its fair use rule.
Ready to install? Follow the iPhone setup guide or the Android setup guide. New to the terms? See the eSIM glossary.