Traveling abroad often involves the daunting task of managing roaming costs. While buying a local SIM card used to be the go-to solution, eSIMs have emerged as a promising alternative. This article compares three popular eSIM providers – Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad – to help you determine the best option for your next international trip. We’ll also consider the costs of using your existing U.S. carrier’s roaming plans.
Verizon skateboarder logoUnderstanding roaming costs is crucial for choosing the right travel solution.
The Price of Roaming with U.S. Carriers
Before diving into the world of eSIMs, let’s examine the roaming costs of major U.S. carriers in popular destinations like Indonesia and the UAE. We’ll compare the cheapest available packages for a two-week trip.
T-Mobile offers roaming on select plans, providing up to 5GB of high-speed data followed by unlimited data at reduced speeds. International passes are available for non-roaming plans, costing $35 for 10 days with 5GB of data.
T-Mobile REVVL 7 PRO 5G.T-Mobile offers various international data passes.
Verizon charges $12 per day or $100 monthly for roaming, allowing usage of your existing plan allowances. AT&T offers a similar International Day Pass at $12 per day, capped at $120 after 10 days.
The Advantages of Travel eSIMs
best flight tracking appsTravel eSIMs offer convenient data access abroad.
Travel eSIMs, like those from Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad, offer several advantages. They provide a secondary data SIM, easily installed and activated upon arrival. Upfront payment allows for better cost control, although most eSIMs are data-only unless you opt for a premium plan.
Cost Comparison: Airalo vs. Holafly vs. Nomad
The 5G UW icon on the Samsung Galaxy S23.5G availability varies significantly depending on location and provider.
Based on a 13-day trip with 10GB used in Bali and 3GB in Dubai, here’s a cost breakdown:
| Provider | Bali (10GB/Unlimited) | Dubai (3GB) | Total Cost | Max Speed (Bali/Dubai) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | $24.75 | $9.50 | $34.25 | 5G/LTE |
| Holafly | $36.90 (Unlimited) | $12.90 (Unlimited) | $49.80 | LTE/5G |
| Nomad | $23.00 | $11.00 | $34.00 | LTE/5G |
Holafly offers unlimited data priced by the day, while Airalo and Nomad provide fixed data allowances. 5G availability, particularly in Bali, was limited despite using compatible devices.
The eSIM Caveat: Single Device Activation
The Oppo Find X8 and X8 Pro next to each otherTesting eSIMs on different devices highlights compatibility issues.
Most travel eSIMs, unlike physical SIMs, can only be activated on one device at a time. Deleting the eSIM results in data loss. Holafly is an exception, allowing transfer between devices but remaining active on only one.
Choosing the Right eSIM: Factors to Consider
Errors when trying to speedtest HolaflyTroubleshooting eSIM connectivity can be challenging.
Finding the perfect eSIM involves balancing cost, speed, and functionality. Most travel eSIMs lack calling features, requiring reliance on Wi-Fi calling apps. For extended trips or multiple destinations, roaming with your home carrier might be more practical. Local SIM cards can also be cost-effective, especially for local calls and texts. Here’s a comparison of options in Dubai:
| 7-Day Plan | Cost | Data (>3GB) | Calls/Texts | Carrier | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | $9.50 | 3GB | – | Etisalat | LTE |
| Holafly | $29.90 | Unlimited | – | Etisalat | Unknown |
| Nomad | $11.00 | 3GB | – | Du | 5G |
| Virgin Mobile | $40.84 | 21GB | 30 local/intl | Virgin (Du MVNO) | 5G |
| Du | $26.96 | 6GB | 30 local/intl | Du | 5G |
| Etisalat | $21.51 | 4GB | 30 local/intl | Etisalat | 5G |
Nomad offers a good balance of speed and data, while Airalo requires KYC verification in the UAE.
eSIM Recommendation and Conclusion
Airalo, Nomad and Holafly logos on a blue-green gradient backgroundComparing different eSIM providers is key to finding the best fit.
Travel eSIMs offer convenient data access upon arrival, but come with limitations. Airalo is a reliable choice with good support, while Nomad offers competitive pricing and decent speeds.
Holafly Hong Kong IP routingRouting issues can significantly impact eSIM performance.
Camera sample captured on the Oppo Find X8 ProReliable data connectivity is essential for travelers.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your specific needs and travel plans. For longer trips, roaming with your carrier or using a local SIM might be more suitable. Consider factors like data usage, calling needs, and device compatibility when making your decision.
