Staying connected when traveling is non-negotiable, and several options are at your disposal. Which connectivity solution is optimal, though?
Read on for an in-depth comparison between eSIMs, local SIMs, and roaming to make an informed choice.
Your International Connectivity Options
Before exploring the pros and cons, here’s a quick breakdown of each option.
eSIMs
An eSIM is a digital alternative to the traditional SIM card. It uses a chip embedded into most modern smartphones to connect to local carriers and can switch seamlessly between them for optimal coverage. Activating it requires choosing a provider and plan, but is otherwise straightforward. Comparing available plans can help you find the best eSIM for travel based on your destination, data needs, and trip duration.
Local SIMs
These are physical SIM cards for local carriers in a given destination. You usually pick them up at the airport or a kiosk and swap out your original SIM during the duration of the trip. Great for longer stays, but they come with some convenience drawbacks.
Roaming
Roaming happens when you decide to keep using your original SIM abroad. Doing so lets you tap into the infrastructure of carriers that partner with your own. It’s convenient, but costs can balloon out of control if you’re not careful.
Comparing the Three
While eSIMs are versatile and the best choice for most situations, each connectivity solution has strengths and weaknesses you’ll want to account for. The following table makes the comparison easier.
| eSIM | Local SIM | Roaming | |
| Installation | Easy | Tricky | Not needed |
| Coverage | Excellent | Limited to a single local carrier | Depends |
| Cost | Reasonable | Cheapest for long stays in one place | Potentially very expensive |
| Calls & texts | Depends on the provider | Yes | Yes |
| Lets you keep your number | Yes | No | Yes |
| Suitable for multi-country trips | Yes | No | Yes |
| Speeds | Fast | Fast | Potentially slower |
Let’s examine each criterion more closely.
Ease of installation
Roaming wins here hands down because there’s nothing to install; your phone will search for the nearest compatible network and use that automatically. However, you may still need to choose a package.
eSIMs don’t trail far behind. You have to pick a provider and download their app. You can then install an eSIM plan appropriate for your destination and needs. All of this is intuitive and takes just a few minutes. Activating the plan before you leave puts it in standby until you arrive. The eSIM will then connect to a local network and be ready to use instantly.
Local SIMs are the most hassle to set up. First, you have to find a place that sells them. In some countries, you’ll need to provide ID first. Then, you have to either swap your existing SIM out or cram the new one in.
Coverage
eSIM providers work with multiple local carriers, giving you the best coverage in each country. Switching between networks is also seamless. Domestic carriers typically have 1-2 roaming partners per country, which might impact connectivity and signal strength in rural areas. Local SIMs limit you to a single network in a single country.
Cost
Switching to a local carrier comes with local costs. The longer your stay, the more this makes sense. eSIM costs are reasonable as well since you can tailor plans to the length of your stay and data needs. Roaming with a plan will set you back $10 – $12/day. Without one, you have to pay around $2/MB, which can skyrocket to exorbitant amounts if you’re not careful.
Calls & texts
The best option depends on your needs. Roaming wins if you want to stay in touch with people back home or need 2FA, since calls and texts are typically included in the package. Local SIMs are a good alternative if you plan on making reservations, calling taxi services, or connecting with locals. While some eSIMs support texting and calls, most providers only offer data plans.
Multiple destinations
eSIMs shine during longer trips spanning multiple countries since you can pay for a regional plan and keep using it seamlessly. Roaming day passes can work between countries. However, some countries might not be supported, and you pay more when cruising. Meanwhile, local SIMs are best for their native country and may start roaming once you leave it.
Speeds
Both eSIMs and local SIMs offer excellent speeds. The latter might take priority, but top speeds and latency are generally indistinguishable. Roaming is trickier. It has the lowest priority and can have latency issues. Speeds might also become capped after you exceed a certain usage.
What to Look for in an eSIM?
The recent explosion of eSIM providers means you’re spoiled for choice and should do some research before committing. Here are the major factors to consider.
- Coverage – Does the provider cover all the countries on your itinerary? How many local carriers do they partner with? Do they offer regional plans?
- Pricing – Are plans advantageous not just per MB or day, but for the whole trip? Are there any hidden fees? Do prices vary between single-country and regional plans?
- Data limits – Are there daily ones? Does exceeding them throttle data or incur extra expenses?
- Validity – How valid is a plan, and does it start when installed or activated? Always have a buffer, just in case.
- Reputation – What do previous users say? What’s the coverage experience like for the places you plan to visit? Also, make sure customer support is helpful and available 24/7.
- Security – Wondering is eSIM safe? Check how the provider protects your personal data and whether it has clear privacy policies.