Akin to the frustration of navigating new destinations without access to online maps, finding the best international eSIM can be quite an ordeal. But in good news, we’ve done the hard work for you, as presented in this run-down of reasons travelers would be wise to arm themselves with an international eSIM, and detail on how you can roam more of the world for less with the best international SIM card. Spoiler alert: the suite of convenient cost-cutting services offered by our friends at TravelSim sits top of the international eSIM tree.
Seasoned travelers are most likely already aware that you no longer have to put up with paying your home carrier’s extortionate data roaming fees while you’re away.
Perhaps you’ve already switched to relying on free Wi-Fi. Maybe you’ve gotten into the habit of getting yourself a local SIM card when you arrive. But here’s the thing — both these options come with downsides, and sticking to them means you’re missing out on the benefits provided by international eSIMs.
First up, having an international eSIM means you can say goodbye to relying on dodgy Wi-Fi, and the hassle of having to find hotspots to check maps, check emails, and check in with family and friends.
Secondly, having an international eSIM means no more crazy data roaming charges. For example, even if you’ve gone down the free Wi-Fi route, there have probably been times when you’ve had to resort to data roaming. With an international eSIM, you can get online whenever, wherever, and pay significantly less.
Thirdly, having an international eSIM means you’ll bypass all the problems associated with local SIM cards. Don’t get us wrong — in their day, they offered tons of attractive benefits. But things have moved on. These days you don’t have to stop by a shop to buy a local SIM. You don’t need to buy a different SIM for every country you travel to. You don’t even have to switch physical SIM cards to get online.
Rather, bagging yourself the best international eSIM means you can:
These days you don’t have to stop by a shop to buy a local SIM © Shutterstock
While it’s pretty obvious that international eSIMs are the way to go when it comes to getting online while you’re away, choosing the option that’s best for you isn’t always easy.
So, here’s a handy checklist of questions to consider when doing your research.
With 25+ years’ experience in global roaming, TravelSim has a trusted history of helping travelers get online and stay connected.
From cutting back on costs and incredible coverage, to packages that’ll suit every type of traveler, read on to discover why TravelSim is the best international SIM provider.
International eSIMs mean you can skip buying a new card when you arrive © Shutterstock
The headline news: TravelSim’s international eSIM can save you up to 85% on roaming costs, leaving you with more cash to splash during your vacation.
What’s more, it’s a prepaid service, so you’re always in control of what you spend, which means no nasty surprises.
Covering 100+ countries, TravelSim’s top-notch data services are provided by hundreds of reliable global networks.
In addition, when destinations are served by multiple operators, TravelSim selects the best available local SIM, so you can be assured you’re getting the best deal — and the best coverage — wherever you are in the world.
Another of TravelSim’s impressive offerings is being able to configure your SIM to suit your budget and needs.
As well as data, you can add call and SMS credit. And for more peace of mind, international rates are transparent.
If you’re planning to visit multiple countries, TravelSim’s regional plans will come in very handy, whether you’re backpacking Europe, uncovering the USA, or exploring Asia.
Oh, and if you’re traveling to China, you can even bypass the Great Firewall of China with TravelSim.
TravelSim covers over 100+ countries © Shutterstock
Related to the previous point, if you’re traveling for a longer period, you’ll want an eSIM that’ll last the distance, rather than expire when you’re partway through your trip.
In good news on that front, unlike local SIM cards, which typically expire after six months, TravelSim’s airtime lasts for a whole year, making it ideal for longer-term travelers.
TravelSim’s international eSIM is easy to install and activate, with detailed instructions on hand to walk you through the process.
After checking whether your device is eSIM compatible (most modern smartphones from major brands are — check your “settings”), simply select your destinations and data needs, install the eSIM via a QR code, and hey presto!
Another big benefit of TravelSim’s international eSIM is being able to keep your own number.
This means you’ll also keep access to your usual social accounts, so you can instantly share all those special moments with the folks back home.
On the subject of sharing, TravelSim’s international eSIM allows mobile hotspots.
As a result, you’ll be in the enviable position of being able to generously share your data — it’ll be accessible from multiple devices.
With TravelSim you can even share your data with mobile hotspots © Shutterstock
How much data do I need? Now there’s a question that’s usually nigh impossible to answer with accuracy. It really is tricky to predict how fast your data juice might dry up.
But fear not — it’s quick and easy to top up your TravelSim account with data, whenever and wherever you are in the world.
Not that you’ll need it, but in addition to the peace of mind that comes from having access to low-cost data in 100+ countries — and having control of what you spend — TravelSim offers a reassuring money back guarantee for all purchases.
If for some reason you don’t need your eSIM, or you change your mind, you’ll be issued with a 100% refund on all unused services from 14 days of your purchase date.
And with that, your search for the best international SIM card stops right here. Offering excellent value for money, coverage, and control over what you spend on data in 100+ countries, you can trust TravelSim to take care of all your online needs, thanks to their first-rate international eSIM.
This post was made in partnership with TravelSim.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 27.02.2025
Rough Guides connects you with vetted travel agents who create personalized trip plans from scratch based on your travel style, pace, interests, and budget. Instead of choosing from fixed packages, you can receive up to 3 different itinerary proposals, compare approaches from different local agents, and refine the preferred trip together until it fits the way you want to travel.
