Travel tips, updated for 2026
The ultimate guide to eSIMs for travellers
On this page
There’s something freeing about landing somewhere new and already being connected. No hunting for a local SIM card, no surprise roaming fees and no relying on airport wifi.
One of our favourite travel shortcuts is an eSIM: it activates in minutes and is ready the moment we land. Whether you’re working remotely, backpacking or easing into a slow holiday, there’s an eSIM that fits the way you travel.
Below, we explain how eSIMs work, how to check your phone, and which providers we’d recommend.
The short version
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Most phones from the last few years support one. You buy a data plan online, scan a QR code, and you’re connected when you land. Our pick is Holafly for its unlimited data plans.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a SIM card that lives inside your phone digitally, so there’s no tiny plastic card to insert or lose.
Why it’s useful when you travel
- Switch plans instantly. Move from your home plan to a Japanese data plan without leaving your hotel.
- Keep your own number. Your home number stays active while you use local data.
- No SIM swapping. One phone can hold several plans at once.
Think of it as a passport for your phone. Instead of swapping SIMs at every border, your eSIM travels with you.
Does my phone accept eSIMs?
Not every phone supports eSIMs, but most modern ones do. Here’s how to check.
-
iPhone
iPhone XS and newer support eSIMs.
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM - Android Look for “eSIM” or “Digital SIM” in your network settings. Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy and Huawei phones all support eSIMs.
- Your carrier Some carriers lock phones, so check your model with them before you buy a plan.
Pro tip: even if your phone supports eSIMs, features like dual SIM can vary by country and carrier.
Choosing the best eSIM
Here are five reputable eSIM providers, with what each does well and what to watch out for.
| Provider | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Holafly Our pick | Easy, unlimited data options | Slightly pricier than some competitors |
| Airalo | Huge coverage in 190+ countries | Some plans have limited data caps |
| Nomad | Affordable regional plans | Fewer unlimited data options |
| Truphone | Business travellers with several devices | Slightly more complex activation |
| Ubigi | Works smoothly on iOS and Android | Smaller selection of global plans |
Skip the local SIM hassle
Buying a local SIM card in every country usually means long queues, language barriers, the wrong SIM size, and sometimes showing ID to register it.
With an eSIM, you can skip all of that. Download a local or international plan before you go, activate it instantly, and stay connected as soon as you land.
Our eSIM of choice: Holafly
We travel a lot, and Holafly consistently makes our trips smoother. Here’s why, and what to keep in mind.
What we like
- Unlimited data in most popular destinations
- Easy activation: scan a QR code and go
- Excellent customer support in several languages
What to know
- Slightly higher price than some competitors
- Some regional plans have gaps in remote areas
- Data only, with no traditional phone calls
Our verdict: Holafly is our top choice for travellers who want simple, reliable, stress-free data abroad.
Get a Holafly eSIMThis is a referral link. If you use it, we may earn a small reward at no extra cost to you.
Travel tip: with an eSIM on your phone, you can explore new cities confidently, share your trip in real time and find your way around without worrying about roaming bills.