With international travel booming, staying connected abroad is more important than ever. eSIMs have become the go-to solution, offering convenience, flexibility and better value than traditional roaming.
In this guide, we’ll compare the top five eSIM providers in 2025 (Sim Local, Airalo, Revolut, Nomad and Holafly) to help you choose the right one for your trip!
When choosing an eSIM, consider these factors:
Sim Local is a global eSIM and SIM provider based in Dublin and London.
Sim Local offers real unlimited eSIMs with around 10 GB of high-speed data per day before throttling. Hotspot and tethering are included and some plans even allow calls and texts! Also, they rely on strong local networks for reliable coverage.
Sim Local shines with its generous data allowances and daily high-speed caps, making it ideal for heavy users. Hotspot support is excellent and setup is straightforward with no hidden roaming charges. The downside is higher pricing for unlimited plans and fair-use restrictions in some regions. But overall we think they're the best (hence why they're at the top of this post).
What to Look for in a Good eSIM for Travel
When choosing an eSIM, consider these factors:
- First and foremost: whether your phone supports an eSIM!
- Coverage: how many countries and regions are supported;
- Data plans & pricing: fixed data or unlimited, fair-use policies;
- Ease of use: activation, app experience and support;
- Extras: whether you get a local number, SMS or hotspot sharing.
Sim Local Review: Why It’s the Best eSIM for International Travel in 2025
Sim Local is a global eSIM and SIM provider based in Dublin and London.
What makes it stand out:
Sim Local offers real unlimited eSIMs with around 10 GB of high-speed data per day before throttling. Hotspot and tethering are included and some plans even allow calls and texts! Also, they rely on strong local networks for reliable coverage.
Strengths and considerations:
Sim Local shines with its generous data allowances and daily high-speed caps, making it ideal for heavy users. Hotspot support is excellent and setup is straightforward with no hidden roaming charges. The downside is higher pricing for unlimited plans and fair-use restrictions in some regions. But overall we think they're the best (hence why they're at the top of this post).
Furthermore, it's important to note that several of their plans allow traditional calls and texts - lots of other eSIM provider don't this! If you're thinking "well I don't need calls and texts because I have Messenger, WhatsApp or Signal", take it from me, lots of countries still like calling and texting and being caught out abroad trying to call anyone from a taxi to your landlord to a doctor and finding out in that moment that none of these people use WhatsApp... just get the call and text option, okay?
Travellers who need heavy daily data use and hotspot sharing during longer trips and people who want to text and call. Here's why we recommend them:
I like Sim Local a lot but I'll like anything even more if I have a coupon code. Which is why I'm happy to be able to give you a Sim Local eSIM discount code - the steps are simple:
Airalo is the world’s biggest eSIM marketplace, covering over 200 countries and regions.
It offers flexible data bundles - from small local packages to global plans! Prices are competitive, especially for short stays or light usage.
Airalo is flexible and affordable, with one of the widest selections of plans. It’s perfect for short stays or travellers who mostly rely on WiFi. However, heavy data users may find caps restrictive, hotspot support is limited in some cases and unlimited plans are rare or more expensive.
In a nutshell, it's best for:
Travellers who need heavy daily data use and hotspot sharing during longer trips and people who want to text and call. Here's why we recommend them:
- Easy to set up: they do literally everything possible to ensure that installing and activating their eSIMs takes just a few minutes! They also provide step-by-step instructions and video guides for both iPhone and Android.
- Refund policy: they offer a refund policy so if your eSIM doesn’t work properly, you can request a refund, and it will be issued immediately, no questions asked!
- Unlimited plans: while Airalo or Holafly typically offer 1GB-3GB of high-speed data per day, Sim Local offers up to 10GB per day. Even when prices are similar, their plans remain more cost-efficient since customers get more high-speed data for their money!
- Global plans: they offer global plans, which are often more cost-effective than regional or local ones, helping travellers save on their trips.
- Market experience: Sim Local has over 13 years of experience. Founded in 2011, they’ve connected more than 4 million travellers worldwide.
- 'Find My Plan' tool: they developed a tool that, through a few quick questions, recommends the best plan (data amount, duration, calls, and texts) for each customer!
Sim Local eSIM discount code
I like Sim Local a lot but I'll like anything even more if I have a coupon code. Which is why I'm happy to be able to give you a Sim Local eSIM discount code - the steps are simple:
- Click on this Sim Local link.
- Choose the plan you want (which country, how many days, how much data, whether you want calls or not).
- When promoted at "add a discount code" simply add TRAVELWEASELS and the discount will be applied!
Airalo Review: Popular but Limited Alternative
Airalo is the world’s biggest eSIM marketplace, covering over 200 countries and regions.
What makes it stand out:
It offers flexible data bundles - from small local packages to global plans! Prices are competitive, especially for short stays or light usage.
Strengths and considerations:
Airalo is flexible and affordable, with one of the widest selections of plans. It’s perfect for short stays or travellers who mostly rely on WiFi. However, heavy data users may find caps restrictive, hotspot support is limited in some cases and unlimited plans are rare or more expensive.
Furthermore, Airalo is quite confusing to set up on your phone with their lengthy instructions. They also might be affordable when it comes to country plans, but these get more expensive when you are looking at continent or worldwide (which you'll need if you're country-hopping, as their confusing set up process is something you'll want to do before you leave, not when you get there).
Light data users who want affordable options for short trips (and people who like unnecessarily complicated instructions).
Revolut, the fintech super-app, now offers eSIMs powered by 1GLOBAL across 100+ countries.
Everything is managed inside the Revolut app, making it seamless for existing customers. Plans include local, regional and global options, with some very low-cost starter packages.
Revolut is convenient, easy to top up and well-suited to casual users. However, plans are data-only, with no calls or SMS and global packages can be pricier than specialist eSIM providers. I tried it once and whilst it worked fine in Turkiye, it did not work at all later that day in Serbia (which was really annoying). Maybe if you stay in one country it's fine or maybe it just doesn't like Serbia (sorry Serbia, we love you here).
Revolut users who want convenience and moderate data without managing multiple apps (definitely don't bother if you're not already with Revolut).
Nomad offers eSIMs in 200+ destinations, with country-specific, regional and global packages.
Nomad balances affordability with flexibility, especially for travellers hopping across multiple countries.
Nomad’s plans are cost-effective, with decent allowances for everyday use. However, “unlimited” packages come with speed caps after certain thresholds and hotspot or tethering restrictions may apply.
It's Best for:
Light data users who want affordable options for short trips (and people who like unnecessarily complicated instructions).
Revolut eSIM: for those who are already fans...
Revolut, the fintech super-app, now offers eSIMs powered by 1GLOBAL across 100+ countries.
What makes it stand out:
Everything is managed inside the Revolut app, making it seamless for existing customers. Plans include local, regional and global options, with some very low-cost starter packages.
Strengths and considerations:
Revolut is convenient, easy to top up and well-suited to casual users. However, plans are data-only, with no calls or SMS and global packages can be pricier than specialist eSIM providers. I tried it once and whilst it worked fine in Turkiye, it did not work at all later that day in Serbia (which was really annoying). Maybe if you stay in one country it's fine or maybe it just doesn't like Serbia (sorry Serbia, we love you here).
Best for:
Revolut users who want convenience and moderate data without managing multiple apps (definitely don't bother if you're not already with Revolut).
Nomad eSIM: Another option we tried
Nomad offers eSIMs in 200+ destinations, with country-specific, regional and global packages.
What makes it stand out:
Nomad balances affordability with flexibility, especially for travellers hopping across multiple countries.
Strengths and considerations:
Nomad’s plans are cost-effective, with decent allowances for everyday use. However, “unlimited” packages come with speed caps after certain thresholds and hotspot or tethering restrictions may apply.
Also: the first time I tried it, their website kept crashing out so I gave up and tried a different eSIM. The second time I had more success but I only went back because I knew they had to be better than the first time I tried them (and they were).
Multi-country travellers looking for affordable, flexible packages without overpaying for unlimited data.
Holafly is known for its unlimited data eSIMs, available in over 200 destinations.
Holafly offers simple unlimited plans: you pay per day (30, 60, 90 days etc.), and don’t have to worry about running out of data.
Holafly is excellent for heavy internet users and long-term stays, it’s easy to set up and pretty reliable. However, daily costs are higher if you don’t use much data, and hotspot use is sometimes restricted.
Travellers who need unlimited, reliable internet for streaming, work or multi-device use.
If you're asking me (which I guess you are), I would say Sim Local - they are my favourite right now. I like that you can use them on multiple devices and hotshot sharing and I personally found them the most reliable and the easiest to use.
Best for:
Multi-country travellers looking for affordable, flexible packages without overpaying for unlimited data.
Holafly Alternative: Unlimited Data with Restrictions
Holafly is known for its unlimited data eSIMs, available in over 200 destinations.
What makes it stand out:
Holafly offers simple unlimited plans: you pay per day (30, 60, 90 days etc.), and don’t have to worry about running out of data.
Strengths and considerations:
Holafly is excellent for heavy internet users and long-term stays, it’s easy to set up and pretty reliable. However, daily costs are higher if you don’t use much data, and hotspot use is sometimes restricted.
Best for:
Travellers who need unlimited, reliable internet for streaming, work or multi-device use.
So... Which eSIM is the Best in 2025?
If you're asking me (which I guess you are), I would say Sim Local - they are my favourite right now. I like that you can use them on multiple devices and hotshot sharing and I personally found them the most reliable and the easiest to use.
As I said before as well you can't underestimate the value of being able to text and call in some countries. Also: don't forget to use this link with discount code TRAVELWEASELS to get an even better deal!
As eSIM technology becomes the new standard, 2025 has brought a wave of smartphones that fully embrace this feature. Leading the pack are the iPhone 15 series, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro and the OnePlus 13 - all offering seamless eSIM support with improved dual-SIM functionality! With growing global support, these eSIM-compatible phones provide unmatched flexibility for travellers, remote workers and anyone looking to ditch the physical SIM card for good.
Once set up, you can easily switch between carriers, manage multiple profiles or activate local data plans when travelling - making eSIM one of the most convenient mobile technologies of the decade, right?
ESIMs are the future of travel connectivity. Just to recap: before you buy, always check
The Best eSIM Compatible Phones in 2025 & Setup Guide
As eSIM technology becomes the new standard, 2025 has brought a wave of smartphones that fully embrace this feature. Leading the pack are the iPhone 15 series, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro and the OnePlus 13 - all offering seamless eSIM support with improved dual-SIM functionality! With growing global support, these eSIM-compatible phones provide unmatched flexibility for travellers, remote workers and anyone looking to ditch the physical SIM card for good.
A Quick eSIM Setup Guide (just in case):
- Check eSIM compatibility: First, ensure your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked! Go to your phone’s settings to confirm if the eSIM option is available under Cellular or Network & Internet.
- Get an eSIM plan: Contact your carrier or visit their website to purchase an eSIM plan! They will typically provide a QR code or activation code.
- Open eSIM settings: On an iPhone go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM. On an Android system (e.g., Samsung/Pixel) go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add eSIM.
- Scan the QR code or enter details manually: Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code provided by your carrier (alternatively, you can enter the activation details manually if needed).
- Activate the eSIM: Follow the on-screen prompts to activate your plan! (this may take a few minutes, and your phone may restart);
- Label and prioritise SIMs (Optional): If you’re using dual SIMs, you can label each one (e.g., 'Work', 'Personal') and choose which SIM handles data, calls or texts.
- Test connectivity: Make a test call or browse the internet to ensure your eSIM is working correctly.
Once set up, you can easily switch between carriers, manage multiple profiles or activate local data plans when travelling - making eSIM one of the most convenient mobile technologies of the decade, right?
Wrapping Up
ESIMs are the future of travel connectivity. Just to recap: before you buy, always check
- Which networks the eSIM connects to in your destination;
- Fair-use policies on “unlimited” plans;
- Whether you need calls/SMS or just data;
- If your phone supports eSIM and can activate it before you travel.
