Best eSIMs for Global Travel (2026): Stay Connected Without Roaming Fees

If you are planning international travel and want to stay connected abroad, choosing the right eSIM can feel overwhelming. With so many providers, plans, and regions to consider, it is not always clear which option is best for your trip.

Based on our extensive global travels, we use eSIMs regularly and consider them an essential part of travel planning. A good eSIM allows you to avoid expensive roaming charges, stay connected across multiple countries, and manage your data easily while on the move.

In this guide, we explain what an eSIM is, how global eSIMs work, and which providers are best suited to international and multi-country travel.

For most global travellers, Saily offers the best balance of simplicity, flexibility, and value for money. It works well for both short trips and longer itineraries that cross borders, making it a strong all-round choice for international travel.

Best eSIMs for Global Travel

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital version of a physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a plastic SIM into your phone, you install an eSIM digitally using an app or QR code.

When travelling internationally, an eSIM allows you to connect to local networks without swapping SIM cards. By using local or regional networks, you avoid high roaming charges from your home mobile provider.

Most travellers use eSIMs primarily for mobile data, as calls and texts are often still handled by their home SIM. Some eSIM providers also offer plans that include calls and texts.

Setting up an eSIM is straightforward. You choose a plan based on your destination or region, trip length, and expected data usage. Once purchased, the eSIM is installed in minutes and can be activated when you are ready to use it.

When you return home, you simply switch back to your usual SIM in your phone settings.

Pros and cons of using an eSIM for global travel

Pros include keeping your home phone number, avoiding international roaming charges, buying and installing before you travel, easy management and top-ups, and no need to swap physical SIM cards.

The main limitation is that your phone must support eSIM technology. Most phones released since 2017 are compatible.

Best eSIM for global travel: Saily

Saily is our recommended eSIM for global travel thanks to its straightforward setup, competitive pricing, and suitability for multi-country trips.

Saily offers country-specific, regional, and global eSIM plans, making it easy to choose the right option whether you are visiting a single destination or travelling across multiple countries. Plans are simple to purchase online and install via the app, even if you have never used an eSIM before.

One feature many travellers appreciate is that Saily only activates when you start using data in your destination country, which helps avoid losing days before you arrive. This is particularly useful if your travel dates change or you are booking close to departure.

Saily also integrates with NordVPN, which can be helpful if you want to organise both mobile data and online security before you travel.

Pricing varies by destination and plan length, but Saily’s global and multi-country plans are competitively priced and work well for travellers who want a single eSIM for multiple stops.

Other eSIM options for global travellers

While Saily is our top recommendation, other providers may suit different travel styles and itineraries.

Airalo is a well-established eSIM provider offering country-specific, regional, and global eSIMs. Their global eSIM works across more than 130 countries and includes options ranging from short stays to long-term travel. Airalo is a solid choice if you prefer a widely used provider with a long track record.

Holafly focuses on unlimited data plans and offers country-specific and global options. Their global plans cover around 70 countries and are best suited to short trips or travellers with heavy data usage. Hotspot use is limited on most plans.

Nomad offers eSIMs for over 200 destinations, including country-specific and regional plans. It is often a good option for travellers visiting Europe or specific regions on a budget.

Ubigi provides one-off, monthly, and annual eSIM plans across more than 200 destinations. It also supports data sharing, which can work well for families or couples travelling together.

GigSky offers country, regional, and global eSIMs, including plans designed for cruise travel. It is a good option for longer trips or travellers who want broader global coverage.

KeepGo and Flexiroam offer flexible plans, including options with no data expiry. These providers are useful for frequent travellers who take multiple shorter trips throughout the year.

SIM vs eSIM vs roaming

Using your home SIM abroad usually means paying roaming charges, which are often significantly higher than eSIM plans.

For most travellers, a country-specific, regional, or global eSIM is cheaper and more convenient than switching physical SIM cards or paying roaming fees.

However, if you are staying in one country for several months or spending most of your time in rural areas, a local SIM may sometimes offer better long-term value.

Regional eSIMs vs global eSIMs

If your trip is limited to one region, such as Europe or North America, a regional eSIM is usually more cost-effective.

If you are travelling across multiple regions or on a round-the-world trip, a global eSIM is often simpler than managing multiple regional plans.

How to set up an eSIM for global travel

Installing an eSIM is quick and easy, even if you are not tech-savvy.

Download your provider’s app, purchase your chosen plan, and follow the installation instructions. We recommend waiting until you arrive at your first destination before activating the eSIM, as many plans begin counting down from the moment of activation.

Frequently asked questions

Will one eSIM work everywhere?
Global eSIMs work in many countries, but coverage varies by provider and destination. Always check the list of supported countries before purchasing.

Can I switch plans during my trip?
Yes. You can usually change plans or providers if your needs change mid-trip.

Can I buy an eSIM after I arrive?
Yes, but purchasing in advance gives peace of mind and ensures you can connect as soon as you land.

Final thoughts

We strongly recommend using an eSIM for global travel. It is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to stay connected while travelling internationally.

Research for this guide to the best eSIMs for global travel concludes that for most travellers, Saily offers the best balance of simplicity, flexibility, and coverage.

If you plan to work remotely or want extra protection on public Wi-Fi, pairing your eSIM with a VPN is a smart choice.

Read our full guide to the best VPNs for global travel to learn more about staying safe online while abroad.