Best eSIMs for International Travel in 2025

In a world where staying connected is as essential as your passport, eSIMs are quickly becoming the preferred solution for frequent travelers and digital nomads. These virtual SIM cards allow you to connect to the internet without swapping out your physical SIM card—ideal when you land in a new country and need immediate access to maps, emails, or messaging apps. 

As more phone manufacturers adopt eSIM technology, travelers are choosing this hassle-free option for reliable, affordable connectivity abroad. If you're planning your next international adventure, this guide explores the best eSIMs for international travel in 2025 and what to consider before you buy. 

Why eSIMs Are the Best Choice for International Travelers?

Although eSIM technology has been around for a while, many people are still unaware of its full potential—especially when it comes to traveling. Here are the key benefits of choosing an eSIM for international travel - 

• No SIM Swapping Needed: Say goodbye to the inconvenience of physically replacing your SIM. With eSIMs, you can activate a local data plan without removing your main SIM card, maintaining your original phone number and settings.
• No Roaming Charges: Unlike traditional roaming, which often comes with high fees and limited coverage, eSIMs offer more affordable plans that avoid costly surprises.
• Multiple Data Plans on One Device: Easily switch between local plans and your home number without compromising performance or needing multiple phones.
• Instant Activation: Scan a QR code, follow a few on-screen instructions, and your eSIM will be activated within minutes.
• Lower Cost: eSIM plans are typically cheaper than traditional roaming or local SIM cards. Many providers even offer unlimited data options. 
• Switch Providers Anytime: If you're unhappy with your current plan, you can switch eSIM providers quickly—no contracts, no stress. 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an eSIM for Travel

Once we've learned right eSIM provider can make or break your connectivity abroad. Here’s what to look for - 

• Broader and Better Coverage: Ensure the provider has agreements with reliable local carriers in your destination country for strong signal and fast speeds.
• Price: Compare costs across different providers and prioritize those offering flat-rate plans to avoid variable charges. 
• Data Allowance: Some plans come with unlimited data, while others cap your usage. Choose based on your expected needs. Another factor to choose the eSIM I would add is whether your balance expires or not. With many eSIM providers, your balance expires after just a few days—often requiring you to install a new eSIM for each country you visit—whereas BLINK eSIM offers a balance that lasts for 24 months, ensuring it works worldwide for any trip with just one installation.
• Easier Activation and Control: Opt for providers with a simple activation process to get connected quickly upon arrival.
• Customer Support: Good support is essential. Make sure your provider offers responsive assistance in case you encounter issues. 

Best eSIM Providers for International Travel in 2025

Here are the top-rated eSIM providers for global travelers this year:

• Blink eSIM: Blink eSIM leads the pack in 2025, offering unlimited data plans across 190+ countries. It's an excellent choice for digital nomads and long-term travelers. With flat rates and wide compatibility, Blink offers flexibility without the hassle of overage charges.

• Nomad: Nomad is known for its user-friendly platform and coverage in over 200 countries. It's a solid choice for casual travelers who want peace of mind and reliable data access. 
• Holafly: Holafly offers easy setup and excellent customer service. Their eSIMs are ideal for travelers seeking unlimited data and a stress-free activation process.
• Ubigi: Ubigi is a veteran provider in the eSIM space, offering service for years and earning a reputation for reliability and solid international coverage. 
• AiraloAiralo has grown rapidly thanks to its wide country support and competitive pricing. It's a great option for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.

So, how can you get an eSIM for international travel? All you have to do is contact providers like the ones mentioned above and enjoy everything they have to offer. 

How to Set Up and Use an eSIM While Traveling

Once we've learned the advantages and the best providers on the market, the next step is to understand how to get an eSIM for international travel on our device. To do this, we need to look at the setup process. 

The first thing we need to ensure is that our smartphone is compatible, so this is the first step. We can check its compatibility from the mobile data menu of the device in question or by contacting the manufacturer to ensure compatibility.

Next, we need to select a provider and choose the plan that best suits our needs. Flat-rate plans are always more convenient than pay-as-you-go plans, as they allow us to use our phones freely without having to worry about how much gigabytes we've used. 

Once we've completed the purchase, we'll need to scan the QR code that will arrive via email. Once scanned, our phone will install the eSIM profile in just a few minutes, making it fully operational from the start. 

Once we've done all of the above, we'll need to follow the provider's instructions to activate the data plan and configure our phone soit knows which card to use the data from. Typically, in our home country, we use the data from our main number and, while traveling, we use the eSIM we purchased. 

Most eSIM providers have designed this process to be as simple as possible, so you'll likely not encounter any issues during the process. The only possible issue is that the activation process may stall after scanning the QR code, which may be normal depending on your device. If this happens, close all apps and restart the installation process from scratch. You'll be able to use your eSIM normally in just a few minutes.

So, if you're wondering how to get an eSIM for international travel, you'll find it's very simple and only requires a thorough analysis of the various options available on the market. 

As we've already explained, there are many advantages to using an eSIM card when visiting a foreign country. In addition to being a much more convenient option than traditional SIM cards, they're also more secure, and we can find a wide range of providers that offer great flexibility. So the possibilities are practically endless. 

We recommend taking a few minutes to compare all the plans offered by these providers, such as those found at Blink eSIM, and find the best option for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the advantages of using an eSIM for international travel?

One of the main advantages an eSIM offers over a traditional SIM card is that we can connect to the internet from anywhere in the world at a much lower price. It's also a very secure and convenient option to use. 

Are there any disadvantages to using an eSIM while traveling?

The main disadvantage of the only disadvantage we may encounter is that our smartphone may not be compatible, so we'll have to find an alternative to this technology. Additionally, our smartphone may consume more battery by keeping two numbers active simultaneously. 

How do I choose the best eSIM plan for my travel needs?

All you have to do is compare the different eSIM providers and look at aspects such as coverage, prices, data allowances offered, and ease of use. You should also look at the customer service they offer.

Can I keep my regular phone number while using a travel eSIM?

Yes, you won't have to provide a new number to anyone. WhatsApp and all your apps will work with the same number as always. The internet provider isn't your local carrier, but the eSIM provider you've signed up for.