Get a travel eSIM before you land
Pick your destination and compare data plans from three of the biggest eSIM providers — no physical SIM swap, no airport kiosk queue.
Airalo vs Holafly vs Saily
| Provider | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Most countries covered | Pay-as-you-go data packs, install via app before you fly. |
| Holafly | Heavy data users | Simple unlimited-data plans, good for longer trips or hotspotting a laptop. |
| Saily | Value pricing | From the makers of NordVPN, covers 200+ destinations, often the cheapest of the three on popular routes. |
All three install digitally in minutes — set it up on airport wifi before landing so data works the moment you touch down.
Before you buy an eSIM
First, check your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked. Phones bought on a carrier contract are sometimes locked to that carrier, and a locked phone won't accept a travel eSIM. Your phone's settings will show an option to add an eSIM or mobile plan if it's supported.
Next, estimate how much data you'll actually use. Maps, messaging and social media for a week typically fit in a few gigabytes, while streaming video or using your phone as a laptop hotspot can use far more. If you're unsure, a mid-sized pack you can top up is usually better value than paying for unlimited data you won't use.
Keep your home SIM switched on for calls and texts (so you still receive bank verification codes), but turn off data roaming on it so you're not charged by your home carrier by mistake.
More detail: Choosing a travel eSIM.