Travellers need reliable data and voice calling features, especially when they travel abroad. Using Google/Apple maps, booking taxis, restaurants, and movie tickets requires a fast internet connection. Doing all that on your regular SIM could result in high data roaming fees. This is where travel SIMs come in. You could either get a temporary local SIM at the airport or download an eSIM.
The major difference between these two is that you won’t need to worry about losing the eSIM. Therefore, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that eliminates the need for physical SIM cards when travelling. In this post, we will look at eSIM providers for international travellers and find out which one suits you best.
eSIMo
eSIMo is suited for international travellers visiting other countries on a strict budget. You can find eSIM data plans for major countries across continents. Data plans for European countries and other popular nations are available from ~$3. For example, Australia, the United States, Belgium, and Switzerland. Higher prices for some countries could be due to a lack of infrastructure and lower competition. These include African countries such as Benin, Botswana, and the Central African Republic.
Highlights:
- Offers affordable prices for major countries across Europe, America, Africa, and other continents.
- Prices for eSIM data plans start at $3, depending on the country.
- eSIMo users connect across 400 mobile network operators worldwide.
Jetpac
Just a decade ago, calling and using data used to cost travellers roaming charges. An alternative for travellers used to be to get a local eSIM at the airport. This often resulted in wasted time standing in line. Although some still prefer this, most modern travellers choose to get eSIMs for internet connectivity abroad. This option often gives you the best value for money, flexible pricing, and eliminates the hassle of carrying around a physical travel SIM. Users can simply browse international plans, select data limits, and activate on their phones.
Highlights:
- Over 4.8+ stars trust pilot ratings.
- Covers regional and global SIMs.
- Allows data for essential apps such as Uber, WhatsApp, and Google Maps after exceeding the data limit.
- Offers coupons and discount offers for additional savings.
- Voice calling is limited to iOS users for now.
ETravelSim
ETravelSim features an easy-to-understand menu to help users. With their dual-SIM functionality, travellers can keep their primary SIM active for calls and use eSIM for data. The speed of the eSIMs generally will depend on the network coverage and the type of plan. They provide around the same speed as physical SIMs, but offer more flexibility in switching between networks without swapping cards.
Highlights:
- Intuitive interface for first-time users.
- Offers data-only and voice-enabled eSIM plans(sold separately).
- Provides data plans with phone numbers for SMS and text.
Breeze
Breeze’s eSIM data plans offer top-tier data speeds in Europe and in the United States. All you need to do is select the country, the trip duration, and click on the preferred plan before proceeding. The options for data plans include premium(unlimited data) plans, day plans, and fixed plans.
People who don’t use a eSIM data plan often end up using the hotel’s Wi-Fi. This could pose unwanted security risks and unreliable speeds. With Breeze eSIM, all travellers have to do is purchase a plan, scan the QR code, and activate the eSIM without hassle. One can check available discounts for additional savings. Another thing to note is that 5G network access is location and infrastructure-dependent.
Highlights:
- Offers instant activation and reliable internet connections abroad.
- Features 4G/5G connections with 24/7 customer support.
- Tethering is included with the data plans.
- Has a 3-step activation via QR code.
Voice Calling Features
It is common for eSIM providers to offer data as a basic service, but sell voice calling features as a separate add-on. With this feature enabled, calls can be made using cellular data, which adds another convenience factor. Some travellers try to avoid getting the voice calling add-on and use data to make WhatsApp calls. Like this, they try to avoid paying more. The problem arises when you visit places with a weak internet connection. Therefore, getting the separate add-on for voice calling gives you the freedom to call anytime.
Ending Thoughts
Before purchasing an eSIM, make sure to check if your phone supports eSIM before buying. eSIMo and Jetpac are generally the most popular among travellers. Other eSIM providers: ETravelSim and Breeze also offer affordable plans. Some packages of ETravelSim also include a temporary number that you can use. If you are travelling for more than a week, then it is essential to take data plans with voice calling support.