I created a simple guide on using an eSIM as a digital nomad to help you find the best eSIM for digital nomads, specifically for your own nomadic lifestyle.
Using an eSIM is a convenient way to stay connected when you move around a lot between countries and regions.
Its main advantage is that you don’t need to replace the physical SIM on your phone with each move.
The guide is beginner-friendly and covers everything you need to get set up with a breakdown of the best eSIM for digital nomads options.
Table of contents
What is an eSIM?
A traditional SIM is the familiar small plastic card that your network provider gives you.
When you travel, that card may not work abroad, or it can rack up expensive roaming charges.
An eSIM does the same job, but it’s built directly into your phone, without a physical card.
“eSIM” just stands for embedded SIM.
Should you use an eSIM?
The main advantage of an eSIM, especially for digital nomads who move around a lot, is that instead of swapping out a physical card when you arrive somewhere new, you download a new plan onto your phone, usually in a couple of minutes.
There are other advantages, but also some disadvantages. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
The upsides:
- You can hold multiple eSIM profiles on one device and switch between them.
- You can buy a plan for your next destination while you’re still in your current one, so as soon as you arrive you’re already connected.
- You don’t have to find a local phone shop or deal with a language barrier.
The downsides:
- eSIMs are data-focused. Most plans won’t give you a local phone number for calls or SMS. For most nomads working over Wi-Fi and using WhatsApp or similar apps, that’s absolutely fine. If you need a local number, there are options I’ll explain later in this guide.
- Prices may be higher than a physical SIM, but not always. It depends on your destination, and you still need to compare prices just as you would with physical SIM plans.
- Older phones may not support eSIM.
The best eSIM for digital nomads
Before we go into the overview of the best eSIM for digital nomads, remember to always compare providers before you choose. You want to compare coverage, price, and user experience. Plans and terms change from time to time.
Each of the providers I listed here have plans with different features that are useful for the many different digital nomad lifestyles. Browse and find a plan that works best for your needs.
Saily
Saily offers local and regional eSIM plans in more than 150 destinations, and pricing is generally competitive.
It’s often considered beginner-friendly because the app is easy to use.
Best eSIM for digital nomads who want an easy to use, reliable experience.
Mozillion
Mozillion offers a unique long-term plan.
They offer one eSIM for many destinations (currently 201) for 12 months, making it an easier option for nomads not wanting to switch plans too often.
For some of Mozillion’s long-term plans, you pay upfront for the full 12-month period, so you know in advance how much you’re going to spend.
Best eSIM for digital nomadslooking for a long-term eSIM at a predictable cost.
Yesim
Yesim includes an optional built-in VPN alongside its eSIM service.
If you often work from cafes and co-working spaces with public Wi-Fi, a VPN is a useful addition.
It also offers virtual phone numbers, mainly for receiving SMS verification messages.
Best eSIM for digital nomads who are security-conscious or for nomads who need a local number.
Airalo
Airalo has broad country coverage and a well-designed app.
Plans are sold per destination.
Best eSIM for digital nomads visiting destinations that smaller providers don’t cover.
Drimsim
Drimsim lets you use a single SIM or eSIM across multiple countries without buying separate country plans.
Instead of buying separate plans per destination, you load credit onto a single SIM that works in many different countries (currently 190).
Charges are usage-based and vary by destination.
Best eSIM for digital nomads who are spontaneous and have unpredictable itineraries, who’d rather have one consistent option than manage multiple plans.
GigSky
GigSky covers many countries and has regional and global plans, useful for nomads who move across continents.
It’s not the cheapest option, but the network quality is considered reliable.
It covers cruise ships as well, which is quite unusual.
Best eSIM for digital nomads who prioritise reliability.
The main types of eSIM plans
There are three broad categories for eSIM plans:
Local eSIMs for a single country.
That’s usually the cheapest option with the best speed.
Regional eSIMs cover a group of countries under one plan, e.g. Europe, Southeast Asia, etc.
That’s a practical option for digital nomads who move around frequently (within the same region). You might pay a bit more than a local plan, but you’re not switching plans every time you cross a border.
Global eSIMs cover a wide range of countries worldwide.
That’s the most flexible option and the most expensive per gigabyte.
It suits digital nomads who move around a lot, can’t predict where they’ll be next month, and don’t mind paying extra for the convenience of a global eSIM.
How to buy and install an eSIM
Most eSIM providers deliver your plan via a QR code or through their app.
Both require an internet connection to set up.
That’s why it’s best to buy and install your eSIM before you travel, when you have a stable connection, not after you land.
I’d avoid trying to install a new eSIM over patchy public Wi-Fi at the airport.
Buying your eSIM
Choose a provider, go to their site or download their app.
Select a destination, choose a data package, and pay.
You’ll either receive a QR code by email or see it directly in the app.
After installation
Once the eSIM is installed, there are three more steps:
- In your mobile data settings, make sure the new eSIM is set as your active data line.
- Turn on data roaming if your phone prompts you to.
- Make sure your home SIM has data roaming switched off.
Your original physical SIM can stay in your phone with your home number and you’ll probably need it for receiving two-factor authentication texts.
How much data do you actually need?
If you work mostly from cafes and co-working spaces you’ll be using your eSIM data when you’re out and about, mainly to get around the city, or check messages on the go. In that case, 3–5 GB per month is most likely enough.
If you rely on your phone as a hotspot for your laptop, 10–20 GB is more realistic.
What drains data quickly:
- A one-hour video call over Zoom or Google Meet typically uses around 0.5–1.5 GB, depending on video quality.
- Streaming music continuously typically uses around 40–150 MB per hour, depending on quality settings.
- General browsing, emails, and messaging apps use very little data.
- Uploading photos and videos normally uses more data, but it depends on what and how often you upload.
How to save data:
- Download maps offline before you leave your accommodation.
- Set streaming apps to download over Wi-Fi only.
- Turn off background app refresh.
- Most eSIM providers let you top up or buy a new plan on the go, so don’t worry too much about running out of data.
Common eSIM mistakes to avoid
There are some common mistakes that are easy to avoid once you know about them.
Buying the wrong region plan: Always check the exact country list before you buy, not just the region name.
Not checking if the plan is reusable: Some eSIM plans are one-time use only, so the plan expires once you’ve used your data or the validity period ends.
Others let you top up the same eSIM, which is more convenient, especially if you visit the same place often.
Not checking coverage quality: Before you buy an eSIM, check the coverage map for your specific destination and ask online about the quality of that coverage and speed at your specific destinations.
Forgetting to enable data roaming: if nothing loads after you install the eSIM, data roaming is probably switched off.
Leaving your home SIM’s roaming switched on: don’t forget to switch roaming off on your home SIM so you don’t get charged.
Using a data-only eSIM when you need a local number most eSIM plans are data-only without a local phone number for traditional calls or SMS.
For most digital nomads this isn’t a problem because you can make video calls and use messaging apps over data .
If you do need a local number for a specific reason, some providers offer plans that include one.
Is your phone eSIM compatible?
The quickest way to check is to go into your phone’s settings and search for “eSIM.”
On iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
On Android it’s usually Settings > Network > SIM cards > Add eSIM, though the exact path varies by manufacturer.
If you don’t see any eSIM options in your settings, your phone may not support it (or it could be restricted by your carrier or region).
You also need to check whether your phone is unlocked.
A locked phone is tied to your home carrier and may reject eSIMs from other providers.
If you’re not sure, contact your carrier and ask them to unlock it before you travel.
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