eSIM Plans For Travelers: What’s The Cheapest & Best Option?
You just landed. Wi-Fi sucks. Roaming is robbery. Now what?
Most travelers either pay too much or lose hours fiddling with SIM cards in a sketchy kiosk.
That’s why eSIMs are taking over.
If you’re traveling and want cheap, fast mobile data without getting ripped off, here’s exactly how to do it.
TL;DR (Read This First If You’re In a Rush)
- Best overall for most countries: Airalo
- Best for unlimited data: Holafly
- Best budget option: Nomad
- Where to find coupons: esim.coupons
→ Use esim.coupons to compare eSIM plans, get real discounts, and stop overpaying.
→ Prices change fast — always check for coupons before buying.
What’s an eSIM And Why Should Travelers Care?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card. No physical chip. Just download it, activate it, and boom — you’re online.
Why it’s better for travelers:
- No more roaming fees from your home carrier
- No need to line up at airport SIM kiosks
- Keep your WhatsApp active on your main number
- Switch between countries without swapping SIMs
Most modern phones already support eSIMs (iPhone XS and up, most Androids post-2020).
Compare eSIM Plans Side by Side
| Provider | Best For | Avg Price (5GB) | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Best all-rounder | ~$15 | 200+ | Easiest to use, massive reach |
| Holafly | Unlimited data | ~$27–$39 | 100+ | Some plans don’t allow hotspot |
| Nomad | Budget + Asia/Europe | ~$12–$20 | 110+ | Solid speeds |
| Maya Mobile | Fast 5G | ~$10–$25 | 100+ | Great for the US |
| GigSky | US + long trips | ~$10–$30 | 90+ | Good reliability |
| SimOptions | Aggregator | Varies | 150+ | Hosts different brands |
| Keepgo | Reusable data SIM | ~$19+ | 80+ | Tech-focused |
| BNESIM | Voice + lifetime SIMs | ~$10–$25 | 100+ | Setup can be messy |
👉 Find discount codes at esim.coupons
Why Coupons Actually Matter
Most people just grab the first plan they see on Google or TikTok. Bad idea.
Some plans are double the price for the same data.
Use coupon codes before you check out. Or better yet — compare everything on esim.coupons, get the deal, and move on.
Real Stats You Should Know
- 87% of travelers who tried eSIMs say they won’t go back to physical SIMs
- eSIM adoption doubled last year — and Apple killed physical SIMs in the US iPhone 14
- Travelers lose $100+ per trip just by using roaming instead of eSIM
- Asia + UAE = best 5G support
- Searches for “eSIM travel plan” are up 300% YoY
How To Set Up an eSIM in 2 Minutes
- Pick a plan from esim.coupons
- Apply a coupon code at checkout
- Scan the QR code you get via email
- Activate the plan on your phone
- Start using it right away
You can even do this on the plane before you land.
Best eSIM Plan By Region
- Europe: Nomad or Airalo
- Asia: Maya Mobile or Nomad
- USA: Maya Mobile or GigSky
- Middle East: Holafly or Airalo
- Africa: Airalo
- South America: Holafly or BNESIM
Can You Switch Between Providers Easily?
Yup. eSIMs let you:
- Install multiple profiles on your phone
- Activate them when needed
- Keep your local SIM active for calls or WhatsApp
You can hot-swap eSIM plans like you change Wi-Fi networks.
Pro Tips Most Travelers Don’t Know
- Check hotspot rules: Some unlimited plans block it
- Watch for activation dates: Some start immediately after purchase
- Download QR code before travel: Avoid getting stuck without data
- Use a VPN in certain countries: Helps with blocked apps or throttling
- Track your data usage: Use your phone’s built-in data tracker
Helpful Internal Links
FAQ: eSIM Plans For Travelers
What’s the best eSIM for multiple countries?
Airalo and Nomad usually have the best global multi-country plans.
Can I get unlimited data?
Yes — Holafly is the main one offering unlimited plans in 100+ countries.
Will it work with my phone?
If you have an iPhone XS or later, or an Android from 2020+, you’re probably fine. Check your phone settings.
Can I use my main number with an eSIM?
Yes — your eSIM can handle data while your main SIM handles calls and texts.
Where can I get the best deal?
Compare eSIM plans + grab coupons at esim.coupons