eSIMs and the Future of Travel: A Digital Nomad’s Lifeline—or Just Another Tech Hiccup?
From instant connectivity to hidden limitations, here’s everything you really need to know about using eSIMs around the world—with a few practical tips that no one tells you.
If you’ve traveled in the past five years and haven’t heard of eSIMs, welcome to 2025. These digital alternatives to traditional SIM cards have gone from tech novelty to essential toolkit for frequent flyers, digital nomads, remote workers, and slowmads alike.
We’re expanding on the excellent overview originally published by Johan Mejia for our friends @Freaking Nomads, whose practical insights inspired this deeper dive. Here's not just the what, but the how, why, and what-to-watch-out-for when it comes to eSIMs for international travel.
🧠 What is an eSIM again?
Imagine your regular SIM card—but without the plastic, without the tray, and without the annoying shop visit at the airport. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is built right into your phone and can be activated digitally. One scan of a QR code, and you’ve got data—sometimes instantly, sometimes not-so-instantly.
✅ Why eSIMs Are (Usually) a Game-Changer
1. Setup is frictionless… when it works
No more hunting down kiosks, swapping SIMs, or trying to explain your data needs in five languages. You land, scan, and connect. Done.
2. You can keep your home number alive
Your original SIM stays in place, perfect for WhatsApp, banking texts, and panicked calls from your mom.
3. Multi-plan flexibility
Save multiple plans on one device, switch between them when crossing borders, and always have a local-ish connection. Some phones support up to 10 eSIMs at once.
4. Escape roaming rip-offs
eSIMs connect you to local networks at local prices. Finally, your data bill won’t rival your plane ticket.
5. Instant backup when Wi-Fi fails
Whether you’re at a dodgy café in Bangkok or a rustic B&B in Calabria, you’ll be glad you have a fallback.
6. Great for fast travel
Hitting five countries in two weeks? One regional eSIM will save you time, money, and headaches.
🚫 The Downsides You Will Notice
1. Not all phones support them
Check your device compatibility before boarding. Especially if you're Android.
2. No signal in the middle of nowhere
Don’t expect miracles in rural Sardinia or deep Patagonia. Check which local carriers the plan piggybacks on.
3. Most plans are data-only
Want to make regular phone calls or receive old-school texts? You’ll need a workaround—like VoIP or keeping your physical SIM active.
4. Some plans can’t be topped up
Run out of data mid-trip? You may have to buy a whole new plan. Annoying, but manageable.
5. Sometimes pricier than local SIMs
Yes, the convenience comes at a premium. But for many, that trade-off is worth it—especially when you’re on the move or working online.
🔍 eSIM Providers Worth Considering
Here are four providers we (and many nomads) actually recommend:
Airalo – The OG. Massive coverage, affordable, and solid UX. Perfect entry-level eSIM.
Holafly – For heavy data users. Most plans come with unlimited data, with limited tethering. Great for content creators and full-time remote workers.
Saily – From the team behind NordVPN. Great for privacy nerds and anyone who likes the idea of a “virtual location.”
Nomad – Newer player with a clean app, good bundles, and growing fast. Made for travelers, by travelers.
(And yes, use those Freaking Nomads discount codes—we love them for a reason.)
✈️ My Practical Take (After 30+ Countries)
I start every trip with an eSIM. It gives me breathing room while I decide if a local SIM makes sense for a longer stay. Even if I switch later, those first 48 hours of hassle-free connectivity are gold.
Pro tips:
Download before departure: Airport Wi-Fi will fail you when you need it most.
Start small: Don’t buy 10GB unless you know you’ll need it. You probably won’t.
Research local network compatibility: Not all eSIMs connect to the best carrier.
Keep your WhatsApp tied to your home number: That way you’re always reachable—no matter which SIM is active.
🧩 Final Verdict
eSIMs won’t solve every travel headache—but they do solve a big one. Whether you're bouncing between capitals or setting up shop in a quiet hilltown, they’re now as essential as your passport or your VPN.
A huge thanks again to Freaking Nomads for continuing to publish practical, experience-based advice that actually reflects how digital nomads live, move, and connect. Their ongoing content (and honesty) makes navigating this lifestyle a little smoother for all of us.