Which is the Best eSIM for International Travel?

Looking for the best eSIM for international travel?

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, having fast and reliable mobile coverage is essential – no matter where your journey takes you.

This guide offers a detailed comparison of the top eSIM providers for global travel, highlighting pricing, user reviews, network coverage, key features, and exclusive deals.

Explore our carefully curated options to find the perfect eSIM plan for your needs, and use our exclusive discount links to secure the best prices.

Looking for the best eSIM for international travel?

This guide compares the top eSIM providers for international traveling, including price ranges, user ratings, network coverage, key features, and exclusive deals.

Compare plans from each provider and purchase using our exclusive discount links to secure the best prices.

Best eSIM for Travel Comparison Table:

eSIM Provider

Price

User Ranking

4G or 5G

Main Features

Special Offer

1. Maya

$

Trustpilot 4.6

Mostly 5G

Fast, Pricing, Website

Visit Maya >>

2. Gigsky

$

Trustpilot 3.4

4G or 5G

Top Tier Networks

Visit Gigsky >>

3. Airalo

$+

Trustpilot 2.6

4G or 5G

Popular Among Travelers

Visit Airalo >>

4. Jetpac

$

Trustpilot 4.7

4G or 5G

Pricing, User Ranking

Visit Jetpac >>

5. Saily

$$

Trustpilot 4.2

3G / 4G / 5G

Technology Features

Visit Saily >>

eSIM Provider

User Ranking

Special Offer

1. Maya

Trustpilot

4.6

Visit Maya

2. Gigsky

Trustpilot

3.4

Visit Gigsky

3. Airalo

Trustpilot

2.6

Visit Airalo 

4. Jetpac

Trustpilot

4.7

Visit Jetpac

5. Saily

Trustpilot

4.2

Visit Saily

Best eSIM for Travel Full Review

After reviewing the top eSIM providers, Maya clearly stands out as the best overall choice. It offers the widest access to 5G networks across dozens of destinations, making it ideal for fast, reliable mobile data while traveling. Maya also provides some of the most competitive prices on the market, without compromising on quality or speed. Users consistently rate it highly for both performance and ease of use, giving it excellent reviews across multiple platforms. The purchase process is simple and quick, with a clean and well-designed website that makes it easy to choose a plan, check compatibility, and activate your eSIM within minutes. While Maya currently doesn’t offer a mobile app, the website is so intuitive and mobile-friendly that most users won’t miss it. Maya also offers a choice between prepaid and unlimited plans, as well as options for single-country or regional plans, allowing users to select the best plan to fit their trip.

Why Choose Maya?  Pros

✔ Rated ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Trustpilot 4.6)
✔ Competitive pricing – $
✔ Mostly 5G speeds
✔ 24/7 customer support

GigSky is a strong choice for travelers who value network quality and connection stability above all. It partners with top-tier local carriers to deliver high-speed 4G and 5G coverage in more than 200 countries, with standout performance in North America, Europe, and Australia. This makes it especially reliable for business travelers and those needing consistent mobile data during their trip.

In addition to purchasing plans via its website, GigSky also offers dedicated mobile apps for both iOS and Android, allowing users to easily manage their eSIMs on the go. The platform is user-friendly, with a clean interface and straightforward plan selection. One of GigSky’s standout features is its cruise-specific plans, covering popular cruise lines — a rare offering in the eSIM space.

GigSky offers competitive pricing while maintaining access to premium networks worldwide. It’s a great fit for travelers who want a balance of affordability and consistent performance, especially in regions where network reliability matters most.

Why Choose GigSky?  Pros

✔ Rated ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Trustpilot 3.4)
✔ Competitive pricing – $
✔ 4G or 5G Speeds
✔ Cruise eSIM plans 
✔ 24/7 customer support

Airalo is one of the most well-known eSIM brands globally, and for good reason. It offers good value for money and a wide range of country-specific plans, which makes it especially appealing for casual travelers and digital nomads alike. The platform is easy to use, with a mobile app and website that both support quick purchases and installations.

Airalo is particularly popular because of its referral program — users can invite friends and get discounts, which has helped build a loyal user base. Prices are fair, and most travelers report positive experiences, especially in major cities. Plans generally provide access to 4G or 5G networks depending on the region.

That said, Airalo does have a few drawbacks. Some users report inconsistent service quality in rural areas or specific countries, and unlimited plans are quite limited compared to other providers. Still, for short-term or light-to-moderate data use, Airalo remains a solid pick.

Why Choose Airalo?  Pros

✔ Rated ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Trustpilot 2.6)
✔ Fair pricing: $+
✔ 4G or 5G Speeds
✔ Popular among travelers
✔ 24/7 customer support

Jetpac is an emerging name in the eSIM world and has quickly gained a positive reputation among tech-savvy travelers. With excellent Trustpilot ratings and value-driven pricing, Jetpac is a great choice if you’re looking for a balance of affordability, performance, and ease of use.

Jetpac offers flexible data plans with a focus on transparency and simplicity. Activation is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. The provider offers good global coverage, and users consistently report solid 4G/5G speeds in popular regions including Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

The Jetpac website is well-designed, intuitive, and easy to use — making plan selection and activation simple for all users. For travelers who want more control and convenience on the go, Jetpac also offers mobile apps for both Android and iOS. The app allows advanced users to top up, monitor data in real time, and manage their eSIM with added features like emergency contacts and airport lounge access.

Why Choose Jetpac?  Pros

✔ Rated ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Trustpilot 4.7)
✔ Competitive pricing – $
✔ 4G or 5G speeds
✔ Easy-to-use website
✔ 24/7 customer support

Saily, developed by the team behind NordVPN, brings a security-conscious approach to mobile data. It’s slightly more expensive than some other eSIMs on the list, but it comes with advanced privacy features and a well-designed mobile app. If privacy and tech are high on your priority list, Saily is a smart choice.

Saily supports 3G, 4G, and 5G across many countries and offers a sleek app interface that integrates features like VPN suggestions and encrypted profiles. The service feels geared towards digital natives, remote workers, and people who care deeply about how their data is used.

Despite the higher price tag, the performance is stable and support is responsive. It’s not the best for ultra-budget travelers, but it’s perfect if you’re already using tools like NordVPN or want a more secure and tech-forward experience.

Why Choose Saily?  Pros

✔ Rated ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Trustpilot 4.2)
✔ Premium pricing – $$
✔ 3G, 4G or 5G speeds
✔ Great for privacy-focused users
✔ 24/7 customer support

What to consider whan chooing an eSIM plan?

Trip Duration

How long are you traveling? Is there a chance you’ll extend your stay?

In many cases, it’s better to get a longer plan upfront than to renew it multiple times.

Also, choose a plan that lasts a bit longer than your trip in case your return flight is delayed or canceled

Data Usage

How much internet do you use? and for which apps?

Light use – Email, WhatsApp messages and calls, social media.

Moderate use – Google Maps or Waze, public transport apps, ride-hailing, local searches.

Heavy use – Streaming Netflix, YouTube, Disney+. Useful for long rides or traveling with kids.

If you expect heavy use, consider an unlimited plan — but check the fine print for speed caps, network restrictions, or daily limits.

Network Type

4G, LTE, or 5G?

While choosing a plan, check what network type it supports:

4G / LTE – The standard in most countries. Reliable for maps, browsing, video calls, and streaming. LTE is basically 4G.

5G – Fastest available. Good for remote work, large uploads, or high-quality streaming. Coverage may be limited in rural areas.

3G or lower – Slow and outdated. Avoid if you rely on the internet throughout the day.

Tip: Most cheap plans offer only 4G/LTE. If a plan claims 5G, check that your device supports it and that 5G is available in the areas you’ll visit.

Single-Country or Regional Plan?

If you’re visiting several countries, a regional or global plan (like Europe or North America) may be more affordable and easier to manage.

Working While Traveling?​

 If you’re on a business trip or working remotely, don’t rely on hotel or café Wi-Fi. Get a stable and fast eSIM plan.

  • Look for 4G/LTE or 5G.

  • Make sure the provider uses reliable local networks.

A good connection is essential for video calls, file uploads, or anything work-related.

Useful Travel Apps

Flight Booking

Skyscanner

Google Flights

Kiwi.com

Cheapoair

Hotel & Vacation Stays

Booking.com

Airbnb

Expedia

Trip.com

Car Rentals

Rentalcars

Enterprise

Europcar

National

Dollar

Thrifty

Navigation & Transport

Google Maps

Moovit

Rome2Rio

Ride-Hailing & Taxis

Train Travel

Trainline
Rail Europe

Attraction Tickets

GetYourGuide
Tripadvisor
Viator
Tiqets

Currency

Currency Converter Calculator

eSIM Competible Devices

Always double-check on the provider’s website before buying to make sure your device supports eSIM.

Apple

Samsung

eSIM Video Guide

eSIM - FAQs:

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (Embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your device. It lets you switch mobile providers and activate data plans without a physical SIM card. You can download and install plans online.

What’s better: eSIM or regular SIM?

eSIM is more convenient. You can activate data plans instantly without waiting for a physical card. You can also store multiple profiles and switch easily — great for travelers.

Does an eSIM include calls?

Usually not. Most providers offer data-only eSIMs.
You can use it for internet while keeping your regular SIM active for calls and texts, but that may result in extra charges.
For calls, use apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, Telegram, or Google Voice.

Does eSIM replace my regular SIM?

Not necessarily. You can use both at the same time — keep your regular number active and use the eSIM for data abroad.

How do I know if my phone supports eSIM?

Check in your settings:

  • iPhone: Settings > General > About > Look for “eSIM Available”

  • Samsung: Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Check for eSIM option

  • Google Pixel: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs & eSIM

You can also find a full list of supported devices later in this guide.
Always check the eSIM provider’s site before buying.

How do I apply the discounts you offer?

All the links on our site include a built-in discount. Just click through our links to get the best available price.

How do I activate the eSIM after purchase?

After buying, you’ll get a QR code or link.
Scan the code under your phone’s cellular settings and set it as your active line.
Then, confirm you’re connected to the right network and start using it.

When should I buy the eSIM?

Buy it before your trip. Install it at home so it’s ready to go — it will only activate on your travel date or arrival.
Use your home Wi-Fi to install any apps or offline maps you’ll need to save data abroad

What to do if I run out of data?

You can always buy another plan from the same provider or check our site for deals with other providers.

Can one eSIM be used for the whole family?

It’s better if each traveler has their own eSIM. That way, you can stay in touch and help each other if someone runs out of data.
Share this guide with your travel group to get the best deals.

Who can I contact if I have eSIM issues?

All of our recommended eSIM providers offer 24/7 support and can help with setup or troubleshooting.

I'm still not sure which eSIM to choose?

Join our Facebook group to ask questions and get tips from other travelers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/best.esim.travel/

Share this eSIM guide with your travel group or family, so everyone stays connected and gets the best prices while exploring the globe! 🌍📶

eSIM Reviews
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.