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Mobile roaming remains expensive. Many carriers still charge 3 euros per megabyte for data abroad - meaning a single Instagram scroll could cost 60 euros. Daily roaming passes run 10-15 euros, adding 140-210 euros to a two-week trip.
eSIMs offer an alternative. But they are not always the cheapest option. Understanding when an eSIM saves money - and when a local SIM card works better - prevents overpaying for connectivity.
What an eSIM Actually Is
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into most phones made after 2018. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards, you download a data plan before departure and activate it when you land.
Most eSIMs are data-only. Voice calls and SMS require apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Telegram. This works fine for most travelers but matters if you need to receive calls on a local number.
Important: Install the eSIM before you leave home, but do not activate it until arrival. Activation starts the validity period - activating early wastes days.
When eSIMs Save Money
eSIMs make financial sense in specific situations:
Multi-country trips: Visiting three or four countries in two weeks means buying multiple local SIMs. A regional eSIM covering all of Europe costs less and eliminates the hassle.
Short trips: A weekend in another country does not justify finding a phone shop and buying a local SIM. A small eSIM plan costs 5-10 euros and works immediately.
Countries with expensive local SIMs: Japan and South Korea charge premium prices for tourist SIMs. eSIMs often undercut local options.
When Local SIMs Win
Long stays in one country: A month in Thailand or Portugal makes local SIMs cheaper. Thai tourist SIMs cost 10-15 euros for 15-30GB. eSIMs charge more for similar data amounts.
Heavy data users: Streaming, video calls, and constant navigation burn through data. Local unlimited plans beat eSIM per-gigabyte pricing.
Need for local number: Booking restaurants, receiving confirmation codes, or calling local services requires a phone number. Most eSIMs provide data only.
Provider Comparison
Four providers dominate the travel eSIM market. Each has different strengths.
Airalo
airalo covers 200+ destinations with local, regional, and global plans. Regional Europe plans typically cost 16-20 euros for 5GB with 30-day validity.
Strengths: Wide coverage, reasonable prices, reliable connectivity. The app works smoothly and customer support responds quickly.
Weaknesses: No unlimited options. Heavy users run out of data.
Saily
saily comes from the NordVPN team, emphasizing security alongside connectivity. Plans cover 200+ destinations with competitive pricing.
Strengths: Built-in security features appeal to privacy-conscious travelers. Clean app interface.
Weaknesses: Newer to the market with less user feedback than established competitors.
Yesim
yesim offers unlimited data options - rare among eSIM providers. Plans work by country, region, or globally.
Strengths: Unlimited options suit heavy users. No data counting or anxiety about running out.
Weaknesses: Unlimited plans cost more upfront. Limited plans cheaper elsewhere.
Drimsim
Drimsim uses a pay-per-use model across 190+ countries. One eSIM works everywhere without buying separate plans.
Strengths: Simplicity - one eSIM for all trips. No plan management or expiration dates.
Weaknesses: Pay-per-use adds up for heavy users. Better for occasional travelers than daily streamers.
Regional vs Global Plans
Regional plans cover specific areas - Europe, Southeast Asia, North America. They cost less per gigabyte than global plans and work well for trips within one region.
Global plans cover everywhere but cost more. Worth considering only for round-the-world trips or unpredictable itineraries.
For Europe specifically: Regional Europe plans typically offer the best value. A 5GB Europe plan costs 15-20 euros and covers EU countries plus Switzerland, UK, and sometimes Turkey.
Installation Tips
Before departure:
- Download the eSIM app and create an account
- Purchase your plan
- Install the eSIM profile (requires WiFi or mobile data)
- Do NOT activate yet
At destination:
- Turn on the eSIM line in phone settings
- Activation starts your validity period
- Test connectivity before leaving the airport
Troubleshooting:
- Restart phone if connection fails
- Check that data roaming is enabled for the eSIM line
- Contact provider support through the app
Cost Comparison Example
Two-week trip visiting Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria:
| Option | Cost | Data |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier roaming | 140-210 EUR | 1GB/day |
| Three local SIMs | 30-45 EUR | 15-30GB total |
| Airalo Europe 5GB | 18 EUR | 5GB |
| Airalo Europe 10GB | 32 EUR | 10GB |
| Yesim Unlimited 14 days | 45-55 EUR | Unlimited |
For moderate users (maps, messaging, occasional browsing), the 5-10GB eSIM options offer the best value. Heavy users save with unlimited plans.
Prices change frequently. Verify current rates before purchasing. For more practical travel guides, explore our travel section.
TopicNest
Contributing writer at TopicNest covering travel and related topics. Passionate about making complex subjects accessible to everyone.
