Top global and local eSIMs (search tool)

When I penned my original article on the functionality of Do eSIMs Work Abroad in 2020, eSIMs were still relatively unfamiliar to most people. Indeed, the first appearance of eSIM technology in a smart device occurred in 2016 with the launch of the Samsung Gear S2 Classic 3G. It wasn't until 2017 that eSIMs became accessible on smartphones, notably with the release of the Google Pixel 2 line.

Back in 2020, only 53 devices were compatible with eSIM, with 33 of them being smartphones and the remaining 20 being smartwatches. Fast forward to 2022, and we've witnessed substantial growth, with the number of eSIM-capable devices exceeding 100. However, progress has been gradual, primarily driven by mid-range and high-end phones, while low-end models have lagged behind.

Nonetheless, what's truly remarkable is the surging interest in eSIM over the years, driven by various factors. Some users have grown weary of the constant swapping of traditional SIM cards, while others are drawn to eSIMs from an environmentally conscious perspective. It's safe to say that eSIMs have firmly established their presence.

Yet, one crucial aspect to keep in mind is the need for mobile operators to embrace and support eSIM technology. As of now, over 70 countries boast mobile operators with eSIM support, a notable increase from around 50 in 2020. Furthermore, more than 100 mobile operators across these 70 countries permit their customers to utilize eSIMs, marking a positive development.

However, if you're an avid traveler, it's essential to temper your excitement. Most mobile operators currently reserve eSIM usage for postpaid customers, a service typically inaccessible to tourists in almost all countries. There is hope on the horizon, though, as more mobile operators are gradually extending eSIM support to prepaid customers or introducing eSIM plans catering to both prepaid and postpaid users.

Navigating this landscape can be a challenge, especially since not every country uses the term "eSIM" in their local language. To address this issue, I've created this page and tool to help you quickly identify mobile operators in specific countries that offer eSIM services to prepaid customers. This way, you can avoid the hassle of visiting multiple stores in search of an eSIM – I'll handle that task for you.

Additionally, I've compiled a list of recommended travel eSIMs from providers I've extensively used in the past. These eSIMs offer excellent performance and are significantly more cost-effective compared to international roaming. If you find yourself reading this page but still prefer to use a physical travel SIM card covering your intended destination or multiple countries within a region or globally, I've got you covered with travel SIM card recommendations as well.

For regional eSIMs, consider options like Airalo's Asialink (covering 13 East- & Southeast Asian countries) or Eurolink (encompassing 35+ European countries). Hello Africa (25+ African countries) and Island Hopper (20+ Caribbean countries) are also excellent choices.

Holafly offers regional eSIMs like Asia eSIMs (13 Asian countries) and Europe eSIMs (32 European countries). There are also options for North America and South America eSIMs.

Nomad provides regional eSIMs, including APAC eSIMs (8 Asia-Pacific countries), Europe eSIMs (30+ European countries), and Nordics eSIMs (4 Nordic countries). Their Nomad Global eSIM covers 110+ countries.

For those who prefer travel SIM cards, SimCorner offers options like Asia travel SIM cards (20+ Asian countries), Europe travel SIM cards (30+ European countries), North America travel SIM cards (Canada, Mexico, and the United States), and South America travel SIM cards (10 countries). Their SimCorner International Travel SIM Card covers 100+ countries.

While obtaining a local SIM card remains the most cost-effective method in many cases, dealing with SIM card registration schemes and potential speed throttling for prepaid customers in certain countries can be cumbersome. Moreover, in some regions, using a travel eSIM is a more economical choice due to exorbitant local prices.

In conclusion, I recommend travel eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad. Each has its strengths, with Airalo often being the most budget-friendly and well-loved by Phone Travel Wiz readers, especially its Eurolink eSIM. Holafly offers unlimited data plans in the EU, although it can still be slightly pricier than Airalo and Nomad outside the EU. Nomad, while sometimes more expensive, is considered a premium brand with access to multiple roaming partners for optimal reception. However, it's essential to note that reception and coverage with Nomad can be inconsistent in certain areas, occasionally restricted to 3G even when 4G/LTE is promised.