How to Stay Connected Abroad: eSIM vs Roaming vs Local SIM

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How it works

Read the guideRead the free guide below. It's complete on its own and takes a few minutes.
Optional: pick one sponsored offerTap Unlock and choose one offer from our partner, such as installing an app or completing a survey. Time and steps depend on the offer you pick, so only choose one that genuinely interests you.
Get the printable travel checklistOnce the sponsor confirms your offer, you're taken to the printable travel checklist. Confirmation isn't always instant.

Roaming bills can be a nasty surprise. Travel eSIMs, carrier roaming passes and local SIM cards all work. Which one is best depends on your trip, your phone and your budget.

1. Check your carrier's roaming plan first

Some US plans include international data or offer day passes. It's the simplest option, but often the priciest per GB.

2. Know what an eSIM is

An eSIM is a digital SIM you install by scanning a QR code or through an app. No physical card, and you can keep your home number active.

3. Check eSIM compatibility

iPhone XS/XR and newer support eSIM. Your phone must also be carrier-unlocked. On iPhone, check Settings > General > About for 'Available SIM'.

4. Buy and install before you leave

Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi at home and turn it on when you land.

5. Compare data, not just price

Look at GB included, validity days, coverage countries and whether hotspot is allowed.

6. Local SIMs can be cheapest for long stays

For weeks in one country, a local prepaid SIM is often cheapest, but you need an unlocked phone and a store visit.

7. Turn off roaming on your home line

Set your eSIM as the data line and switch Data Roaming off on your home SIM to avoid charges.

8. Keep Wi-Fi calling in mind

Wi-Fi calling can let you take calls on your home number without roaming, depending on your carrier.

9. Download offline maps

Offline maps and translation packs save data and help if the signal drops.

Bonus: Printable Travel Connectivity Checklist

A one-page checklist to sort phone, data and SIM settings before your trip.

How the unlock works: to get the bonus you'll be asked to try one sponsored app or offer from our partner. It's optional, the guide above is complete without it, and the sponsor pays us when you complete their offer. Only do it if the app genuinely interests you.

Unlock the travel checklist (requires trying a sponsored app)

eSIM providers worth comparing

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. These are sponsored links. We haven't tested every network in every country, so check coverage and current prices for your destination before you buy.

Jetpac: travel eSIM data packs for 200+ destinations, bought on its website or app. You install the eSIM once and top it up for later trips, and a pack starts when you connect to a network abroad. Hotspot sharing is allowed, and its free SmartDelay perk gives a lounge pass if a registered flight is delayed an hour or more (register at least 24 hours before departure). Data only, no regular SMS.
eSimania: prepaid, data-only eSIM plans for single countries, regions (such as a 41-country Europe plan) and a global plan, with different data amounts and validity periods. You install by QR code or with the activation details from your order. Note: eSimania isn't available to readers in Australia through our link.

See Jetpac's eSIM plans See eSimania's eSIM plans

Both are data-only. eSimania isn't available to readers in Australia through our link. Check your phone supports eSIM and the coverage for your destination first.

Before buying any eSIM: make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM-compatible, compare GB, validity days and price per GB, and read the provider's refund policy.

Still need flights? Compare fares on Kiwi.com

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. This is a sponsored link.

Kiwi.com is an online travel agency that searches flights across many airlines. Kiwi.com can combine flights from airlines that don't normally work together into one itinerary (it calls these "self-transfer" trips). They can be cheaper, but each flight is a separate ticket: you may have to collect and re-check your bags and go through immigration at the layover, and if one flight is late and you miss the next, the next airline isn't obliged to rebook you. Kiwi.com sells disruption services (Connection Protection or Disruption Protection) that offer Kiwi.com credit toward a replacement flight in that case, so check whether your booking includes it. Always compare the final price, including bags and seats, with booking direct.

Search flights on Kiwi.com

Available worldwide. Prices are set by Kiwi.com and the airlines; check bags, seats and self-transfer terms before you pay.

Coupon: code KIWI20MAXBOUNTY takes €20 off a Kiwi.com booking over €280, valid through October 31, 2026 according to the offer terms. Check that the discount shows at checkout before you pay; after that date the code no longer applies.

Stay Connected Abroad Without a Surprise Roaming Bill