Best International SIM Cards: Cross Border Communication has gotten so easy and that I love! There are no more times when a person could panic searching a SIM card and stay unconnected until you have found a SIM card. The introduction of eSIMs has ensured having access to connectivity is much easier.
Having such a great choice of possibilities, it is not that challenging to stay online on the go anymore but instead to select the best international SIM card that suits the needs of yours. Untruthfully, I no longer worry about it that much.
What Are International SIM Cards?
An international SIM card can be of great use to a traveler since it will be easy to find directions, to plan, to text and to use data. These cards are also functional in more than one country. Its prepaid credit is ready to be used on an unlocked cell phone, and that bridge will make it easy to keep in touch with the world without hassles.
How Do International SIM Cards Work?
You can get a SIM in a foreign country in two ways, either a local physical SIM card or eSIM. In case you have a recently established iPhone, eSIMs may be the one and only opportunity you have. This allows you to take advantage of many conveniences, like getting signals for directions or booking an Uber.
Dos and Don’ts of Buying an International SIM Cards
When purchasing SIM cards for international travel, there are some important things to keep in mind:
Dos:
- Recharge before you leave. Try to get the best SIM card for your needs. Online forums, travel blogs, and reviews can be valuable resources.
- Focus on cost and features. Try to find a SIM card that is both convenient and affordable.
- Check compatibility. Make sure the SIM card works correctly with your phone and doesn’t cause any issues.
Don’ts:
- Don’t buy at the airport. You’ll easily find SIMs at the airport, but they will be quite expensive. It’s generally cheaper to buy a SIM card online or in a city.
- Don’t ignore data packages. Be aware of the data packages available with the SIM card. Choose a plan that aligns with your data usage to avoid extra charges.
- Don’t forget top-up options. Ensure there are easy ways to top up your card. Being able to add credit online or via an app is a plus, especially if you’re traveling for an extended period.
Best International SIM Cards for Travelers
If you’re ready to stay connected worldwide, here’s a list of traveler-experienced and reliable SIM cards for you:
1. Instabridge
Recently I tried Instabridge when I was traveling in the Azores and was surprised! It was so simple to use and I managed to set it up in my iPhone in less than 5 minutes. It has a simple interface which informs you of the amount of data present at the time. Topping up was also simple. The best thing I liked about Instabridge was that you can use your physical SIM and your eSIM simultaneously.
Instabridge offers BMTM readers a 10% discount on all their data plans. To get the discount, use “BMTM10” at checkout on their website.
- Coverage: Available in over 190 countries, so you can imagine how good that is! And yes, these guys focus on a smart and affordable experience.
- Data Packages: Data packages start from $2.50 for 1 GB and go up to $18 for 20 GB. Not bad, right?
- Other advantages: It also has one-time, monthly, and annual packages and thus whether you move cities or settle you it accommodates you as long as you move one country to another. This means that, there is something to cater whatever need.
2. Yesim
We used Yesim in Norway. Two things I liked most about it:
- Unlimited plans are available.
- They have global packages .
- In many countries, they also tie up with local operators, so you get the best coverage all the time.
- Deal: BMTM readers get a €3 account credit, just use code “Muse3”.
- Coverage: In 190+ countries. Great for data-heavy and multi-country travel.
- Data Packages: Starting from $1.59 for 1GB for the US, up to $8.80/GB for global plans.
- Benefits: Discounts on automatic refill subscriptions, and an unlimited data option.
3. SIM Local
When Wi-Fi isn’t great, SIM Local comes in handy. I used it in Botswana, and as soon as I landed in Maun, my phone connected to the local network! I got amazing connection throughout the country, and even WhatsApp calls worked in Maun.
The company claims to have the fastest data speeds, even in remote areas. If you go off-the-beaten-path, this is the best. I liked their diverse offerings and price points.
- Deal: Use code “TRAVELMUSE” for a discount!
- Coverage: In 140 countries, with local, regional, and global plans.
- Data Packages: Local eSIMs for less than $4/week.
- Benefits: There’s a quick questionnaire on their site to help you figure out how much data you need.
4. Airalo / Discover+ Global eSIM
Airalo Discover Global eSIM (now Discover+) is my favorite for low-cost options. I used Airalo in Thailand, and their regional cards are amazing, especially for multi-country travel. I got the South East Asia card for Singapore and Bali, and now I’ll get the Europe card for my Europe trip.
Airalo is one of the few eSIMs that also provide a phone number for global plans, which can be very helpful, although it will cost $15 for 1GB. But this feature is not found in most eSIMs.
- Coverage: In 130 countries.
- eSIM Compatibility: 5G NR access available in many countries.
- Data Packages: Discover+ includes 200 minutes and 200 texts with a phone number.
- Consideration: A 20GB eSIM, with one year validity, costs $89 USD. If you don’t need calls/texts, the Discover version is $20 cheaper.
5. GigSky
Many people use GigSky because it’s one of the easiest eSIMs. And it’s the only one that has a cruise eSIM option! Everyone knows how expensive data is on cruises. GigSky’s cruise package is cheaper, for both land and sea.
- Coverage: Global connectivity, in 116 countries.
- Data Packages: From $12 for 1GB for 15 days to a $60 for 5GB monthly global plan.
- Consideration: Regional cards are not available, but it can be the best option for cruises.
6. Orange Holiday Europe
Orange Holiday Europe is a prepaid data plan for Europe travel. It offers 20GB of high-speed data in 30 European countries. Plans with calls and texts are also available.
They also provide physical SIM cards that can be delivered to your home and eSIMs. One thing to note is that a physical SIM with 30GB data costs $49, which might be more than most people need.
- Coverage: In 30 European countries.
- eSIM Compatibility: Available in both physical SIM and eSIM. eSIM is received instantly via email.
- Data Packages: Around $50 for 20GB data (sometimes 30GB). 14 days validity, can extend for another 14 days for $30.
- Consideration: This is the most expensive and highest data option on this list.
7. OneSIM
Claims to be the best international SIM card. OneSim has one of the largest coverage areas, in 200+ countries. You can also get discounted plans for data bundles and calls.
- Coverage: Worldwide in 200+ countries.
- Data Packages: Discounted plans for data bundles and calls, casual data rates start from $0.20/MB. Data packages are available by zone or region.
- Benefits: You get two numbers: one European and one from the USA, UK, Australia, or Canada. Free incoming calls on the European number in many countries.
8. Holafly
While not the cheapest, Holafly is known for its unlimited data eSIMs, which can be used in a single country or region. You select how many days you need to stay, and it will quote a price for unlimited data for that many days, which varies by destination.
For some destinations, this makes more sense, especially if you are dependent on your phone for data. For example, 15 days of unlimited data in Mexico will cost $47. But in the US, where Wi-Fi is abundant, $60 for 10 days might not be worth it.
- Coverage: eSIM packages for 100+ countries, with an app to manage.
- eSIMs: For modern smartphones.
- Data Packages: Data-sharing capability for some destinations, suitable for couples or groups.
- Consideration: Only unlimited packages.
9. KnowRoaming
KnowRoaming positions itself as a versatile travel SIM provider in 200+ countries. These SIM cards work by connecting to local networks in your destination, so the quality of coverage depends on how dense that area is. Therefore, I would not recommend it for off-the-beaten-path travel, especially if you will be out in nature.
- Coverage: Global service in 200+ countries and destinations.
- eSIM Compatibility: Supports traditional physical SIM cards, SIM stickers, and eSIM technology (newer iPhone, Google Pixel 3).
- Data Packages: 3 or 7-day unlimited data plans are available for $9.99 and $22.99. Specific eSIM data plans from 1GB to 5GB are also available for regions like Europe and Asia, with 30 days validity.
- Consideration: Plans are mainly for data. Talk and text are available on a pay-as-you-go basis, which requires adding credit. These add-ons can be expensive, so it’s better for those who only use data.
10. Keepgo
Keepgo offers a streamlined, data-only service for travelers in the eSIM era. Although you can use Keepgo almost anywhere, it works especially well in the USA and Europe.
- Coverage: Keepgo’s eSIM operates in 120+ countries.
- eSIM Compatibility: Provides data connectivity without a physical SIM card, lifetime validity for purchased data bundles!
- Data Packages: Options in set bundles of 1GB, 3GB, or 10GB, easy to top up with the Keepgo app.
- Consideration: This is data-only and does not provide a phone number, so you’ll have to rely on internet-based communication apps (WhatsApp, etc.). Rates are a flat $10 per GB, which can be more expensive than some regional eSIM offerings.
11. Nomad
Nomad’s eSIM has global reach and a digital-first approach, meaning no hassle with physical SIM cards. There are many reviews online, even though it’s one of the newest international eSIMs in the market. I tested it in Portugal and South Africa, and was very happy with the connection.
- Coverage: Service in 130+ countries worldwide, option to buy regional or global plans.
- eSIM Compatibility: Compatible with eSIM-supported phones; installation via QR code is straightforward, and activation is on-demand, users can pause and resume their plans as needed.
- Data Packages: Nomad offers a range of data plans at competitive prices, starting at less than $2/GB, no hidden fees. Plans range from 1GB to unlimited and from one day to one year.
- Consideration: Nomad claims to use the best local networks for high-speed and stable connections and allows data sharing via hotspot, but it only provides data services, not voice or text. You can only use eSIM-capable phones, and customer support is only available via email or app, which might not provide immediate help.
- Deal: Use code “ASHL35BU” for a 25% discount!
So, which one will you choose? Let me know!
