Gone are the days of scrambling to find a SIM card vendor at the airport or facing jaw-dropping roaming charges. eSIMs have made it incredibly easy to stay connected while travelling — no physical SIM swap required. But with several providers out there, which eSIM app should you choose?
We’ve tested and compared the top contenders: Holafly, Airalo, Ubigi, and Nomad. Here’s what you need to know before your next adventure.
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1. Holafly – Best for Unlimited Data
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Pros:
🌍 Available in 160+ countries
📶 Offers unlimited data in most destinations
🔄 Easy setup via QR code or app
🧑💻 24/7 customer support via WhatsApp or email
Cons:
🚫 No data sharing or hotspot with unlimited plans
💵 Slightly pricier than capped plans (but worth it for heavy users)
Why We Like It: Holafly shines for travelers who stream, work remotely, or constantly use maps. Unlimited data means no more micromanaging your megabytes.
2. Airalo – Great for Budget-Conscious Travellers
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Pros:
💰 Very affordable regional and global plans
📲 App makes activation straightforward
✈️ Ideal for short trips with light data use
Cons:
🧯 No unlimited data
🗺️ Some plans cover only a single country or region
Ideal For: Budget travellers who want a low-cost, low-data solution for WhatsApp, email, and maps.
3. Ubigi – Excellent for Business Travel & Cars
Pros:
🧳 Global data plans
🚗 Used in many connected vehicles (BMW, Jaguar, etc.)
🔐 Secure and fast connections in key regions
Cons:
⚙️ App interface isn’t the most intuitive
📶 Some reports of limited coverage in rural areas
Ideal For: Business travellers or frequent flyers who value reliability over volume.
4. Nomad – Flexible Plans with a Slick App
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Pros:
🏷️ Competitive pricing
📆 7 to 30-day plans available
📱 Excellent app UX
Cons:
💾 Limited unlimited data options (some capped at 20GB)
🌐 Slightly less global reach compared to Holafly or Airalo
Perfect For: Digital nomads who want control and customization in one place.
Final Verdict: Which eSIM App Should You Choose?
| Feature | Holafly | Airalo | Ubigi | Nomad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited Data | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Rare |
| Global Coverage | 🌍 160+ Countries | 🌎 190+ | 🌐 170+ | 🌐 110+ |
| Price | 💰 Higher | 💸 Affordable | 💵 Mid-range | 💵 Competitive |
| App Usability | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Best For | Heavy data use, streaming | Budget, short trips | Business & in-car use | Flexible travellers |
Winner: Holafly
Thanks to unlimited data, it offers peace of mind when travelling and streaming.
Travel Tips for Using eSIMs
1. Install Before You Fly
Download the app and install the eSIM while still at home with Wi-Fi access.
2. Dual SIM Setup on iPhone
Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM
Scan the QR or follow app instructions
Set Data Roaming ON for your eSIM
Set your Primary SIM for Calls & SMS and eSIM for Data
3. Avoid Roaming Charges
Disable Data Roaming on your physical SIM
Turn off Automatic Network Selection for your primary SIM
Monitor which SIM is being used for data via Settings > Mobile Data
Holafly Saving Tips
Subscribe to emails from Holafly to receive discount codes, you can usually save between 5 and 10% depending on the promotion.
If you need multiple eSims, purchase one and then wait… If you are subscribed to their mailing list, you will receive a limited-time code to pass to a family or friend saving you 5%.
Need less than 5 days? For some reason when using th app, you can only purchase a minimum of 5 days, on their website you can purchase as little as 1 day.
Final tip is if you have a Starling Bank Card, pay in USD as in Dollars! For some reason it works out cheaper!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best eSIM app for international travel?
Holafly is one of the best eSIM apps for travel due to its unlimited data plans, easy installation, and wide country coverage.
How do I install an eSIM on my iPhone?
Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM. Use the QR code or follow app instructions. Enable data roaming for the eSIM and set your main SIM for calls and SMS.
Can I use an eSIM and physical SIM at the same time?
Yes. Most modern smartphones like iPhones support dual SIM functionality. You can use your eSIM for data and your physical SIM for calls and texts.
How can I avoid roaming charges while using eSIM?
Disable data roaming on your physical SIM, set your eSIM as the data line, and confirm only your eSIM has roaming enabled.
Which eSIM app offers unlimited data?
Holafly offers unlimited data on many of its travel plans, making it ideal for high data users who stream or work remotely while abroad.
