The Best eSIMs for International Travel in 2025

If you're traveling abroad, one of the many essentials to think about is your phone. Many carriers offer international add-ons depending on where you're located and where you're going, but these add-ons can be expensive.

One way to get affordable data is through purchasing an eSIM.

But what exactly is an eSIM? And will it work on your device? Which ones are the best? We'll cover all of that here.

What is an eSIM?

You may have heard of SIM cards already. A SIM card is a small, physical "card" (it looks more like a chip) inside of your phone that allows you to connect to a certain network and actually use your phone.

eSIMs do exactly the same thing - except they're entirely digital.

While you may remember using a skinny metal key to poke open your phone's tiny SIM card tray, this isn't the case with eSIMs. Instead of physically taking out a SIM card and replacing it with another, eSIMs are controlled digitally in your phone's settings.

Is my phone eSIM compatible?

Not all phones are eSIM compatible, though most newer ones are.

According to Airalo, an eSIM company, most phones made after 2018 have eSIM functionality, but there is a way to check your specific device to make sure.

One big caveat to whether or not you can use an eSIM is your phone's "locked" status. You can only use an eSIM if your phone is unlocked, meaning you aren't contractually obligated to use one carrier.

How to check for Androids

You can easily check whether or not you can use an eSIM by going to your phone's settings. Here's what to do:

• Go to your settings.
• Tap on "Connections" or "Phone"
• Depending on the model, either tap on:
• If there is a section for eSIMs, your phone is eSIM compatible!

How to check for Apple

If you have an iPhone 14 or later (purchased in the US), your phone supports eSIM.

Still, you can check by following these steps:

• Go to your phone's Settings.
• Tap "General" then "About"
• Scroll down to find "Carrier Lock"
• Find "Available SIM" or "Digital SIM"
• If you see a 15-digit IMEI number, your device is eSIM compatible.

What are the best eSIMs for international travel?

The best eSIM for you depends on your destination, how long your going to be traveling, your budget, and what is Important to you (is it data? Texting?)

The best eSIM for you may not be the best eSIM for someone else. All that said, here are some of the best eSIM providers.

Saily

Saily was made by the creators of NordVPN. Because of that, it also offers you VPN capabilities, which can be helpful while traveling.

With Saily, your eSIM and usage are all controlled through the Saily app, an intuitive application that allows you to re-up your data, among other things.

• Provides plans in 200 destinations.
• Transparent pricing.
• Offers several plans for each destination.
• Gives step-by-step instructions for implementation.
• Comes with a built-in ad blocker.
• You can add more data as you go.
• Comes with a VPN.
• 4 stars on Trustpilot.

MobiMatter

Based out of Abu Dhabi, MobiMatter is an eSIM provider that allows you to create an account with your Google, Facebook, Apple, or Email.

Your usage is tracked through their website, or by downloading the MobiMatter app.

• Provides global options.
• In-depth product pages with easy-to-understand information.
• You can earn rewards and cashback.
• You can top-up if you need more data.
• Rated 4.2 stars on Trustpilot.

Airalo

Airalo is a large eSIM company with employees in more than 44 countries. Launching in 2019 as a start-up, over 10 million people use Airalo's eSIM services. They refer to themselves as "the world's first eSIM store."

One thing that draws customers to Airalo is their transparency about their values and impact.

• Offers eSIMS for 200+ destinations.
• They offer deals (at the time of writing this article, they have a "your first eSIM is on us" deal where you can try their eSIM for free.)
• They have 24/7 customer support, every day of the year.
• You can download their mobile application to manage your eSIM.
• Easy to understand product pages that tell you which top-up options are available for each plan.
• They are transparent about their values.

Yesim

An eSIM and virtual number company out of Switzerland, Yesim is a highly-rated option for international data.

With over 1 million users (and growing), Yesim is rising in popularity. Like Saily, they also provide a VPN (for Apple only).

• Provides data in 148 countries.
• Offers an international eSIM with unlimited data allowing you to pay as you go.
• 1-Click installation.
• Comes with a free VPN (iOS only).
• 24/7 customer support.
• Has a downloadable app.
• Rated 4.3 stars on Trustpilot.

aloSIM

A self-proclaimed "travel app made by people who ❤️ travel", aloSIM is a Canadian eSIM company that offers data packages around the world.

• Transparent pricing.
• Easy to use interface.
• Offers coverage for 200+ destinations.
• 24/7 live chat and email support.
• Simple product pages that are easy to understand.
• 4.2 star rating on Trustpilot.

HolaFly

Founded in Spain, but now operating in multiple countries, HolaFly's mission is to give travelers peace of mind when they travel by providing them with reliable and consistent data.

Through a dedicated app, travelers can manage their data easily, topping up as they go.

• Offers coverage in more than 200 destinations.
• Flexible refund policy.
• Unlimited data available.
• 24/7 customer support.
• More than 1 million app users.
• Has a "travel club" loyalty program with several rewards.
• Has a 4.6 star rating on Trustpilot.

How to choose the best eSIM

When choosing an eSIM for your upcoming trip abroad, there are a few things to think about before you purchase one.

• Make sure your device is eSIM compatible.
• Check that the provider offers coverage in your destination(s).
• Check the promised speed of your data to make sure you're getting the best bang for your buck.
• Make sure there are top-up options in case you need to use more data than expected.
• Make sure they have reliable, consistent customer support so you're not left without mobile data while abroad.
• Compare prices. Different companies will offer different pricing for their packages. Get the one that best suits your budget, but also has all of the specs you need in order to feel secure while overseas.
• Read reviews so you can hear firsthand about other travelers' experiences.
• Ensure that you understand the steps for implementation before you travel (and ideally before you purchase).