Roaming fees can turn a short trip into an expensive phone bill. A travel eSIM is a simple way to get mobile data abroad for a fraction of the price.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of buying a plastic SIM at the airport, you download a data plan in a few minutes by scanning a QR code or using an app.
Is my phone compatible?
Most recent iPhones, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIM. Your phone must also be unlocked (not tied to one operator). Check in your phone settings under “Mobile data” or “SIM”.
How to install it
- Choose a plan for your destination (data amount and number of days).
- Scan the QR code or follow the in-app instructions.
- On arrival, turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
- Keep your normal SIM for calls and SMS if you need them.
How much does it cost?
Prices depend on the country, but a week of data often costs less than one day of roaming with a traditional operator. See eSIM plans for your destination.
Our tips
- Download offline maps as a backup.
- Choose a little more data than you think you need — maps and photos use a lot.
- Turn off automatic app updates on mobile data.
Book your trip: our favourite tools
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
