Travel eSIM, local SIM or roaming?
There are four ways to get mobile data abroad. Which one suits you depends on how long you stay, how many devices you bring and what your own carrier charges.
The four options side by side
| Option | Setup | Your own number | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel eSIM | Installed at home before you leave | Stays active in a dual-SIM phone | Prepaid, usually well below roaming rates | Most trips of a few days to a few weeks |
| Local SIM card | Bought on arrival; many countries ask for a passport | Only with a second SIM slot or an eSIM | Often the lowest per GB, with a local number | Long stays and local calls |
| Your carrier's roaming | Nothing to set up | Stays active | Some plans include it; others charge per day or per MB | Short trips, if your plan includes the country |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Rented before the trip or at the airport | Stays active | A daily rental, sometimes with a deposit | Groups sharing one connection |
When a travel eSIM is the better choice
You are online the moment you land, without queues or paperwork, and your own SIM stays in the phone for calls and SMS codes. Prices are fixed before you go, so there is no bill to discover later. For most trips of a few days to a few weeks, that is the simplest option.
When a local SIM is better
For a stay of several months, or when you need a local phone number for calls and deliveries, a local SIM usually wins on price. Expect to show your passport when you buy it, and check that your phone is not locked to your home carrier.
Check your own roaming first
Some home plans include roaming in certain countries, and EU plans roam across the EU at home prices. If yours covers your destination, you may not need anything else. If it charges by the day or by the MB, a travel eSIM is usually much cheaper.
What you need for an eSIM
A phone that supports eSIM and is unlocked, not tied to one carrier. Most phones from 2019 on support eSIM, but not every regional version does: look for Add eSIM in your settings.
Guides by destination
Networks, data and prices for each country.