Best eSIM Providers for Digital Nomads in 2024
Gone are the days of hunting for local SIM cards at airport kiosks. eSIMs have revolutionized how digital nomads stay connected.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card. Most modern phones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy devices.
Top eSIM Providers
#1. Airalo • Best Overall
Price: Starting at $5
Coverage: 200+ countries
Pros:
• Largest selection of local and regional plans
• Affordable pricing
• Easy-to-use app
• Data-only plans keep your main number active
Cons:
• Some regional plans have limited coverage
• Customer support can be slow
#2. Holafly • Best for Unlimited Data
Price: Starting at $19
Coverage: 60+ countries
Pros:
• Truly unlimited data (no throttling in most countries)
• Great for video calls and streaming
• Simple pricing
Cons:
• More expensive than metered plans
• Limited country selection
#3. Nomad eSIM • Best for Frequent Travelers
Price: Starting at $8
Coverage: 100+ countries
Pros:
• Great regional plans
• Competitive pricing
• Reliable connections
Tips for Using eSIMs
1. Download before you travel: Get the eSIM installed while on WiFi
2. Keep your main line: Use eSIM for data, physical SIM for calls
3. Check compatibility: Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible
4. Have a backup: Keep one eSIM and one physical SIM option
Our Recommendation
For most digital nomads, Airalo offers the best balance of coverage, price, and flexibility. If you're a heavy data user doing lots of video calls, consider Holafly's unlimited plans for peace of mind.
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that lets you activate a cellular plan without a physical SIM card. Most modern phones support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy devices.
Top eSIM Providers
#1. Airalo • Best Overall
Price: Starting at $5
Coverage: 200+ countries
Pros:
• Largest selection of local and regional plans
• Affordable pricing
• Easy-to-use app
• Data-only plans keep your main number active
Cons:
• Some regional plans have limited coverage
• Customer support can be slow
#2. Holafly • Best for Unlimited Data
Price: Starting at $19
Coverage: 60+ countries
Pros:
• Truly unlimited data (no throttling in most countries)
• Great for video calls and streaming
• Simple pricing
Cons:
• More expensive than metered plans
• Limited country selection
#3. Nomad eSIM • Best for Frequent Travelers
Price: Starting at $8
Coverage: 100+ countries
Pros:
• Great regional plans
• Competitive pricing
• Reliable connections
Tips for Using eSIMs
1. Download before you travel: Get the eSIM installed while on WiFi
2. Keep your main line: Use eSIM for data, physical SIM for calls
3. Check compatibility: Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible
4. Have a backup: Keep one eSIM and one physical SIM option
Our Recommendation
For most digital nomads, Airalo offers the best balance of coverage, price, and flexibility. If you're a heavy data user doing lots of video calls, consider Holafly's unlimited plans for peace of mind.
Price: Starting at $5
Coverage: 200+ countries
Pros:
• Largest selection of local and regional plans
• Affordable pricing
• Easy-to-use app
• Data-only plans keep your main number active
Cons:
• Some regional plans have limited coverage
• Customer support can be slow
#
2. Holafly • Best for Unlimited Data
Price: Starting at $19
Coverage: 60+ countries
Pros:
• Truly unlimited data (no throttling in most countries)
• Great for video calls and streaming
• Simple pricing
Cons:
• More expensive than metered plans
• Limited country selection
#3. Nomad eSIM • Best for Frequent Travelers
Price: Starting at $8
Coverage: 100+ countries
Pros:
• Great regional plans
• Competitive pricing
• Reliable connections
Tips for Using eSIMs
1. Download before you travel: Get the eSIM installed while on WiFi
2. Keep your main line: Use eSIM for data, physical SIM for calls
3. Check compatibility: Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible
4. Have a backup: Keep one eSIM and one physical SIM option
Our Recommendation
For most digital nomads, Airalo offers the best balance of coverage, price, and flexibility. If you're a heavy data user doing lots of video calls, consider Holafly's unlimited plans for peace of mind.
Price: Starting at $8
Coverage: 100+ countries
Pros:
• Great regional plans
• Competitive pricing
• Reliable connections
Tips for Using eSIMs
1. Download before you travel: Get the eSIM installed while on WiFi
2. Keep your main line: Use eSIM for data, physical SIM for calls
3. Check compatibility: Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible
4. Have a backup: Keep one eSIM and one physical SIM option
Our Recommendation
For most digital nomads, Airalo offers the best balance of coverage, price, and flexibility. If you're a heavy data user doing lots of video calls, consider Holafly's unlimited plans for peace of mind.
For most digital nomads, Airalo offers the best balance of coverage, price, and flexibility. If you're a heavy data user doing lots of video calls, consider Holafly's unlimited plans for peace of mind.