eSIM, local SIM or roaming: what to choose when travelling?
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In short: if you live in the European Union and travel within the EU, your usual plan is often enough. In every other case (travelling outside the EU, or a plan from outside the EU), a travel eSIM is usually the simplest solution for a short stay.
Why a travel eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card, installed by scanning a QR code or via an app. The advantages:
- Internet on arrival, without looking for a shop;
- your usual SIM stays in the phone (bank text messages);
- plans with the duration and data volume you choose, often per country or per region of the world.
The limits: your phone must be compatible and unlocked, and there’s often no local number.
How to choose
- Where you live and where you’re going: in the EU, first check your plan’s roaming terms.
- Length of stay and data volume (GPS and messaging use little; video and tethering a lot).
- Network coverage: which local networks does the offer use?
- Tethering: allowed or not.
- Need for a local number to call or receive texts.
- Several countries? Prefer a regional plan over a single-country one.
Comparison table
| Option | Setup | Local number | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel eSIM | Online, before departure | Rarely (data only) | Short stays, travel outside the EU | See current price |
| Your operator (roaming) | Nothing to do (check terms) | Yes (your number) | EU residents travelling in the EU | |
| Local prepaid SIM | In store or online, ID often required [TO CHECK by country] | Yes | Long stays, need a local number | |
| Wi-Fi (accommodation, cafés) | None | No | Complement, not a solution on its own |
Choose your eSIM provider
Prices vary with the destination and length of stay: compare the offers before buying. We earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
- See Airalo plans (partner link, opens in a new tab)
AiraloOur first choice
The best-known travel eSIM provider: country or regional plans for most countries worldwide.
- See Yesim plans (partner link, opens in a new tab)
Yesim
Alternative to Airalo: compare prices for your destination and length of stay.
Practical tips
- Install the eSIM at home, on Wi-Fi, and keep the QR code handy.
- Turn off data roaming on your main SIM to avoid charges.
- Download offline maps of your destination as a backup.
- For a long stay, compare with a local prepaid SIM.
Frequently asked questions
Is my phone eSIM-compatible?
Most recent smartphones are, but not all, and some phones bought from an operator are locked. Check your phone settings or the manufacturer's website.
I live in the EU: do I need an eSIM to travel within the EU?
Usually not: under EU roaming rules, your plan works in other EU countries on your home terms. Fair-use limits may apply: check with your operator. Outside the EU (Switzerland, UK, rest of the world), an eSIM often becomes worthwhile.
Does a travel eSIM give me a phone number?
Often not: many offers are data-only. You can keep your usual SIM active for texts (beware of roaming charges) and call via messaging apps.
When should I install the eSIM?
Ideally before you leave, on Wi-Fi, following the provider's instructions. Some offers only start their validity at the first connection in the destination country: read the terms.