eSIM
Short trip, multi-country, or you don't want to hunt for a SIM on arrival. Set up before you leave via app.
$5–30 / trip
The three ways to get online abroad, compared honestly: an eSIM set up before you leave, a local SIM bought on arrival, or an add-on from your existing carrier. Each has a case where it is clearly right and a cost range to match. Then the specific providers worth using by region, and the setup details — unlocking, keeping your own number, activation timing — that are easy to get wrong once you have already landed.
Short trip, multi-country, or you don't want to hunt for a SIM on arrival. Set up before you leave via app.
Staying 1+ week in one country, high data use, or on a budget. Cheapest per-GB — see specific cards below.
You need your own number to work and don't want to change SIMs. Some premium T-Mobile plans include international data.
Largest eSIM marketplace. Buy country or regional packages in the app. Regional plans cover EU, Asia, or global zones — useful for multi-country trips. Activate instantly via QR code or app install. Plans from ~$5.
Similar to Airalo. Often competitive on Europe and Asia pricing. Regional bundles available. App-based activation. Worth comparing prices against Airalo for your destination.
From the Nord Security team. Offers fixed-data, regional, global, and selected unlimited plans, with built-in ad blocking and web protection. Hotspot use is supported on standard plans; unlimited plans have fair-use limits, so check the destination terms before buying.
Unlimited plans are sold for 1–90 days. Fair-use policies can reduce speed after heavy use, and hotspot allowances vary by destination and plan; confirm both on the plan page before purchase.
Go5G Plus and Experience More 2.0 include 5 GB of high-speed data; Go5G Next and Experience Beyond 2.0 include 15 GB across T-Mobile's worldwide roaming footprint. After that, data continues at up to 256 kbps. Texting is included; calls are $0.50/minute.
Charged only on days you use your phone internationally. For each 24-hour session, eligible plans use their domestic talk, text, and data allowance across AT&T's supported destinations. Additional lines used on the same calendar day are $6 each. Add the pass before departure in the AT&T app or online.
Same model as AT&T — charged per day you use it. 5 GB high-speed then unlimited data at 3G speeds for the remainder of the 24-hour session. Unlimited calls and texts. Enable in the My Verizon app before you leave.
Unlimited Premium includes international data across Fi's worldwide coverage; Flexible charges its normal $10/GB rate. Unlimited Standard covers Canada and Mexico, while Unlimited Essentials has no international data. Activate and use Fi in the US first; if most usage is abroad over a consecutive 90-day period, international data can be suspended.