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5 Best eSIM Apps for International Travel (iPhone and Android)
The eSIM is an innovative feature in cellular phones. eSIMs are particularly useful for international travel – you can have one in your smartphone and connect to the internet as soon as you arrive. Here are the top eSIM apps for iPhone and Android devices that are perfect for international travel!
If you don’t use a new SIM card and instead use an international roaming plan, you can consider using an eSIM for travel. You can keep your primary sim card in your phone and avoid additional charges. Before proceeding, make sure your smartphone supports eSIM functionality by going to Settings -> Mobile Network and checking for an option to add an eSIM.
These apps allow you to install the eSIM using a QR code and it will activate as soon as it detects a network signal in the supported region. Once you buy a plan, installing an eSIM will take no more than five minutes.
1. Airalo: Best All-Round eSIM Card for International Travel
Airalo is a popular app for installing an eSIM on your smartphone. It supports over 200 countries and regions, allowing you to buy a sim for one country or multiple countries. Additionally, you can purchase a global eSIM that covers over 130 countries. Most eSIM plans on Airalo only include internet services, but you can also buy a global sim that supports calls and SMS.
Pricing:
- Local eSIM: $4.50 for 1GB with 7 days validity.
- Regional eSIM: $5 for 1GB with 7 days validity.
- Global eSIM: $15 for 1GB of data, 10 minutes of calling, and 10 SMS for 7 days validity.
2. Nomad eSIM: eSIM App With Built-In Text Messenger
Nomad is a well-designed app that provides an eSIM for international travel. It supports 165 countries and offers eSIMs for single countries or regions with multiple countries.
Nomad also offers a ‘Global Plan’ for 139 countries. Unlike other eSIM services, Nomad includes an SMS plan that allows you to send and receive text messages from a virtual phone number using the app’s built-in messenger. This unique feature sets Nomad apart from other eSIM apps for iPhone and Android devices.
Pricing:
- Local eSIM: $6 for 1GB with 7 days validity.
- Regional eSIM: $5 for 1GB with 7 days validity.
- Global eSIM: $19 for 1GB with 7 days validity.
- Nomad SMS Messenger Plan: $4 for 100 texts with 30 days validity.
DENT is an eSIM app for iPhones and Android devices that works in over 70 countries. Unlike other eSIM apps, DENT allows you to install the eSIM and access all 74 supported countries. You can then buy and top up your data package on the eSIM, which is valid for 365 days.
What’s interesting is that you can sell your unused data package in the local currency called DENT. Additionally, you can store DENT tokens and use them to buy data from other users within the app. You can also purchase voice minutes for making calls using your DENT tokens.
Pricing:
- Data Plans start at $5 for 1GB with 30 days validity.
- Voice plans start at 716 DENT tokens ($0.65) for 50 minutes of voice for 90 days validity.
4. Holafy: Enjoy Unlimited Data While You Travel
Holafy offers eSIM services for iPhone and Android in over 160 countries. One key advantage of Holafy is its various plans with unlimited data, which can be useful for remote work while traveling. Additionally, Holafy provides guides to help users navigate the installation process without confusion. Whether you are new to eSIMs or not, you can choose between purchasing a plan for a single country or multiple countries with a regional plan.
Pricing:
- Local eSIM: Data plans start at $19 for unlimited data with 5 days validity.
- Regional eSIM: Data plans start at $27 for unlimited data with 5 days validity.
ESIM Plus offers eSIM services for 150+ countries on Android/iPhone. Choose from mobile data-only plans or virtual phone numbers for international calls and messages. Opt for single-country, regional, or global plans covering 133 countries.
You can use virtual coins in the app to purchase voice and text message plans. With the Global plan on ESIM Plus, you have access to unlimited data services for all countries. The app is easy to use and the support section helps you with any queries about using an eSIM on your smartphone.
Pricing:
– Local eSIM: Data Plans start at $10 for 5GB with a 30-day validity.
– Regional eSIM: Data Plans start at $8 for 350MB with a 7-day validity.
– Global eSIM: Data Plans start at $20 for unlimited data with a 30-day validity.
Virtual Number: Starts at 7 coins per month. (1 coin = $1)
Choose the Best eSIM for International Travel
Discover the best international eSIM apps for travel on your iPhone and Android devices. Review the features of each app and choose one that fits your budget and meets your needs. Staying connected during international travel is crucial, but don’t forget to keep track of your booked flights. Check out our list of the best flight tracking apps for iPhone and Android.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
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