Hey, travelers! We’re all familiar with the dilemma of how to stay connected during your travels, while also making sure that it does not break the bank (roaming charges can get scary real fast). Most people end up choosing between buying an eSIM/SIM card online (quick, digital, works as soon as you land) or picking up a local SIM in the country (can be cheaper, but takes a bit more effort). Here’s a quick rundown to help you figure out what fits your trip best:
InternationalSIM eSIM/SIM card pros & cons:
✅ Activates instantly, so there’s no need to find a shop after a long flight.
✅ You can keep your mobile number active, while using our eSIM/SIM card for data purposes. (for SIM cards, only if you have 2 SIM slots).
✅ Easy to compare multiple prices before traveling to ensure the most cost effective solution.
✅ Great for short trips or multi-country travel.
✅ Can be re-used with any data plan from over 200 destinations.
⛔ Can be more expensive than local SIMs.
⛔ Not always available in every country or with every carrier.
⛔ Data plans are data-only (no local number for calls).
Local SIM pros & cons:
✅ Usually the cheapest option for long stays.
✅ In rare cases can sometimes offer better network coverage and speeds.
✅ Comes with a local phone number for calls/texts.
⛔ Requires time to find and purchase after arrival. Not all airports have somewhere you can buy a local SIM.
⛔ May need ID/passport registration in some countries.
⛔ Swapping SIMs can be inconvenient if you want to keep your home number active.
If you’re traveling through multiple countries, an InternationalSIM eSIM or SIM card tends to be the more convenient choice. If you’re staying in one place for a while, a local SIM could save you money. And you can always mix both for the best of both worlds.
