TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Choosing an eSIM or roaming plan for your trip

Compare roaming, travel eSIMs and local SIMs by coverage, data, device compatibility and how you will actually use your phone.

HHermara Editorial·3 min read

Mobile data abroad is easier than it used to be, but the choices can be confusing. The right option depends on your phone, your current plan, where you are going and how much you rely on maps, messaging and calls.

Check your phone first

A travel eSIM needs a phone that supports eSIM and is not locked to a single carrier. Check both in your phone settings or with your carrier before buying. Some older or carrier-specific models do not support eSIM.

Confirm the phone supports eSIM.

Confirm the phone is carrier-unlocked.

Back up the phone before changing settings.

Roaming, eSIM or local SIM

Your current carrier may offer an international roaming plan that keeps your number working. A travel eSIM usually provides data only, keeping your main line for texts if you choose. A local SIM may be best for long stays but may require identification and a shop visit.

Compare coverage in the specific countries and regions, data allowance, validity period and whether hotspot use is allowed.

Check your carrier’s roaming options first.

Compare coverage country by country.

Check validity period against your trip length.

Install before you leave

Install the eSIM profile on reliable Wi-Fi before departure, but check when the validity period starts; some start on installation, others on first connection. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM line only and set it as the data line.

Turn off roaming on your main line if you want to avoid charges from your home carrier.

Install on Wi-Fi before departure.

Check when the validity period starts.

Disable roaming on the home line if needed.

Where it will not work

A country plan usually does not cover ships at sea or aircraft, which use separate services. Download offline maps and keep tickets accessible offline as a backup.

Download offline maps.

Save tickets offline.

Check ship or in-flight connectivity separately.

How much data you really need

Maps, messaging and occasional browsing use modest amounts of data. Video calls, streaming and uploading photos use far more. Look at your phone’s data usage over a normal week as a rough guide, then think about how your travel days differ: more maps, fewer videos on hotel Wi-Fi.

A plan with a top-up option is safer than buying the largest plan up front. Turn off automatic photo backup and app updates on mobile data while traveling.

Check last week’s data usage on your phone.

Prefer a plan you can top up.

Turn off automatic backups on mobile data.

Calls, texts and verification codes

Data-only eSIMs do not give you a local phone number. If you rely on texts for bank or account verification codes, keep your home line active for SMS and check whether your carrier charges for receiving texts abroad. Messaging apps work over data for most everyday calls.

Keep the home line on for verification texts.

Check charges for receiving texts abroad.

Share a messaging contact with your hosts.