Having travelled to 40+ countries over the last 15 years, I’ve had a multitude of sim cards over that time. My favourite memory was rocking up to China late one night, and on buying a shiny new sim, realising that I couldn’t access Google to find my way the hotel!
I also remember the time we bought a sim from a vending machine in Borneo, bartered with an onslaught of data companies at the airport in Bali, and raced around in the middle of the night looking for a phone store in Penang, Malaysia.
But those days are gone. No longer do I need to carry a paper clip in my purse, and mutilate the side of my iPhone to access the sim (apple users will understand).
Nowadays there are a plethora of eSim companies, offering a new and seamless way to connect across multiple countries, which can be purchased online and with the click of a button, simply activated on landing at your new destination.
Here are 22 options (I said a plethora), with my favourite 3 options at the top. Personally I use Airalo, which is why it’s No 1 and so far have found it affordable and ridiculously easy to use!
What is an eSim?
An eSIM, (embedded SIM), is a digital SIM that uses software downloaded to a pre-installed microchip on your mobile device. This allows users to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without the need for a physical SIM card.
For digital nomads (50+ or otherwise), this means greater convenience and flexibility, as we can easily switch between different mobile networks and plans while travelling internationally, without the hassle of swapping out SIM cards.
eSIMs are particularly beneficial because they support multiple carriers, offer seamless transitions between different countries, and eliminate the risk of losing or damaging physical SIM cards, ensuring that staying connected while on the move is straightforward and reliable.
Top 10 Best eSim for Digital Nomads
1. Airalo
This is my preferred option and the service I use when I’m travelling.
Airalo offers extensive global coverage with eSIMs available in over 190 countries, providing travellers with a variety of affordable data plans. Plus it offers local, regional and global sims. So if you’re country hopping in Asia or doing a round the world trip, you can purchase a data plan that covers all the countries instead of buying new data for each country.
It’s easy to activate and supports multiple carriers, ensuring reliable connectivity wherever you go.
Airalo’s eSIMs are compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and users can manage their plans, track data usage, and purchase additional data through the Airalo app, making it an ideal solution for digital nomads who need seamless internet access while travelling internationally.
Features/Services:
- Global coverage in 190+ countries
- Easy setup with QR code
- User-friendly app for managing eSIMs and data usage
- Competitive pricing with various data plans
- High-speed 4G/LTE connectivity
- Local, Regional & Global data plans
Pros:
- Wide global coverage in over 190 countries
- Affordable data plans
- Easy activation and management via QR code and app
- Supports multiple devices (iOS and Android)
- No need to switch physical SIM cards
Cons:
- Data-only plans, no voice or SMS services
- Network quality can vary by location
- Limited customer support options
2. Holafly
Holafly offers a comprehensive eSIM solution tailored for digital nomads and international travelers, providing unlimited data plans in over 60 countries without the need for physical SIM cards.
With easy setup via QR codes, instant activation, and 24/7 customer support, Holafly ensures a user-friendly experience for customers.
One of Holafly’s key advantages is its unlimited data plans, making it an attractive choice for heavy data users who need to stay connected across several destinations, including Europe and the Americas, without worrying about data caps or additional charges.
The eSIM can be used on multiple devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, and offers extensive data coverage even in remote areas thanks to partnerships with multiple network providers in each country.
Holafly’s competitive pricing for unlimited data plans and the absence of long-term contracts make it an appealing option for budget-conscious travelers.
For devices that support dual SIM functionality, users can keep their primary SIM card active while using Holafly’s eSIM for data, allowing them to remain reachable on their regular phone number.
Features/Services:
- Unlimited data plans
- Coverage in over 60 countries
- Easy activation via QR code
- 24/7 customer support
- No additional roaming charges
- Multi-device support
- Instant activation
- Data coverage in remote areas
- Dual SIM functionality
Pros:
- Unlimited data options
- Wide international coverage
- Simple setup with QR code
- Competitive pricing for unlimited data
- Short-term plans available
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Data-only plans (no voice/SMS services)
- Higher prices for some regions compared to competitors
- Limited plan customization
3. Nomad
Nomad eSIM provides affordable and flexible data plans for travellers, covering over 100 countries.
It is well-suited for short-term trips with options ranging from a few days to a month.
The user-friendly app simplifies the process of purchasing and managing eSIMs, making it a convenient choice for digital nomads who need reliable internet access without the hassle of physical SIM cards.
Features/Services:
- Coverage in over 100 countries
- Flexible short-term data plans (7, 15, 30 days)
- User-friendly mobile app for purchasing and managing eSIMs
- Competitive pricing
- Easy activation via QR code
Pros:
- Wide coverage area
- Affordable data plans
- Simple setup and management
- No hidden fees
- Supports data sharing through hotspot
Cons:
- No unlimited data plans
- Limited customer support options
- Some regions may have higher data costs
4. AirHub
AirHub eSIM offers comprehensive global coverage with flexible data plans tailored for frequent travellers and digital nomads.
It provides seamless connectivity in over 120 countries with straightforward activation through a QR code.
The user-friendly interface allows easy management of multiple eSIMs, making it an ideal choice for those who need reliable internet access on the go.
Features/Services:
- Global coverage in over 120 countries
- Flexible data plans for different travel durations
- Easy activation via QR code
- User-friendly app for managing eSIMs
- High-speed 4G/LTE connectivity
Pros:
- Wide coverage area
- Simple and quick setup process
- Competitive pricing for various data plans
- Supports multiple eSIM management
- Reliable high-speed internet
Cons:
- Limited availability of unlimited data plans
- Customer support can be inconsistent
- May have higher data costs in certain regions
5. EasySim
EasySim offers convenient and flexible eSIM plans that provide extensive global coverage, making it an excellent choice for digital nomads and frequent travellers.
With a straightforward activation process via QR code, EasySim ensures users can quickly and easily connect to the internet across multiple countries.
The service is designed to be user-friendly, with a variety of data plans to suit different travel needs and durations.
Features/Services:
- Global coverage in over 130 countries
- Flexible data plans for various travel durations
- Easy activation through QR code
- User-friendly app for managing eSIMs
- High-speed 4G/LTE connectivity
Pros:
- Wide global coverage
- Simple and fast setup process
- Competitive pricing for diverse data plans
- Reliable high-speed internet access
- Supports multiple eSIM management
Cons:
- Limited customer support options
- No unlimited data plans
- Data costs can be higher in specific regions
6. GoMo World
GoMo World offers flexible and affordable eSIM plans with extensive coverage across multiple countries, making it ideal for digital nomads and frequent travellers.
With a simple QR code activation process and a user-friendly app, GoMo World ensures seamless connectivity and easy management of your data plans.
The service provides high-speed 4G/LTE internet, allowing users to stay connected efficiently while on the go.
Features/Services:
- Coverage in over 160 countries
- Flexible data plans for different travel needs
- Easy activation via QR code
- User-friendly app for managing eSIMs
- High-speed 4G/LTE connectivity
Pros:
- Extensive global coverage
- Simple and quick setup process
- Competitive pricing
- Reliable high-speed internet
- Supports multiple eSIM management
Cons:
- Limited customer support options
- No unlimited data plans
- Data costs can vary by region