Having the right internet chip for those who love to travel is a guarantee of a smooth trip.
As we know, data roaming can be absurdly expensive.
But being without internet is not an option! The good news is that today there are several economical ways to stay connected anywhere in the world.
With my experience traveling to several countries and testing different options, I have separated the three best ways to guarantee internet during your international trip:
- local
- international
- eSIM (digital)
Before continuing, an important detail: to use any of these chips, your phone needs to be unlocked. Having a cell phone that supports two chips helps a lot, but it is not mandatory. In addition, it is essential to check if your device is compatible with the frequencies of the country you are going to visit.
1. Local Chip: The Cheapest Option in Each Country
If you are going to spend a considerable amount of time in a single country, a local chip may be the best alternative. Most carriers offer prepaid plans with data, call and text message packages.
Where to Buy a Local SIM Card?
You can find them in several places:
- Airports (usually more expensive)
- Convenience stores
- Operator kiosks
- Electronics stores
- Vending machines
Tip: Prefer to buy directly from a reliable carrier to avoid scams and ensure functionality.
Advantages:
Local number for calls and messages
Affordable plans, no contract required
Great option for those who use a lot of data
Disadvantages:
Need to buy a new one in each country
Waste time going to the store
Need to physically change the SIM card in your cell phone
You may need to recharge the plan in person
2. International SIM Card: Coverage in Multiple Countries
If your itinerary includes several countries, an international SIM card may be a good option.
It works on different networks around the world, allowing you to use the same one in several destinations.
Where to Buy an International SIM Card?
Unlike local chips, these are less common in physical stores.
The best thing to do is to research and buy them before traveling on specialized websites.
Advantages:
Works in several countries without having to change them.
Plans with larger data packages
Online recharge and management
Disadvantages:
Costs more than the local chip
Requires prior planning
If lost or damaged, it may be difficult to get another one
3. eSIM: The Simplest Way to Have Internet While Traveling
The eSIM is a digital chip integrated into the smartphone, allowing you to activate data plans without needing a physical chip.
Just buy a plan online and activate it through the operator’s app.
Where to Buy an eSIM?
There are several operators and apps that offer eSIMs, such as Airalo, American SIM and WorldSIM. Before buying, check if your cell phone is compatible.
Advantages of eSIM:
100% digital: buy and activate remotely
Allows you to store multiple plans and switch between them
Plans are generally cheaper than physical SIM cards
Keeps your personal number active for calls and messages
Disadvantages of eSIM:
Not all smartphones are compatible
The phone needs to be unlocked
Activation can be a bit more complex for those who have never used it
My Experience: Physical SIM Card vs. eSIM
During my trip around the world, I visited 25 countries and used 18 local SIM cards.
Every time, I had to go to a store, buy the SIM card and physically swap it on my phone.
This took time and was not always practical.
On my last trip, I tested an eSIM along with physical SIM cards. I visited 10 countries and, in most of them, the eSIM was the best solution.
The exception was in Egypt and Jordan, where I preferred to buy local SIM cards due to the cost-benefit.
Comparison between Local Chip and eSIM:
✅ Local Chip
Better for those who need local calls and SMS
Plans usually offer more data
✅ eSIM
More practical and faster to activate
Great cost-benefit for multiple countries
Saves wasting time going to stores
Conclusion: What is the Best Option?
If your cell phone is compatible, the eSIM is the best choice in most cases.
It is more practical, economical and works in several countries without having to change chips.
However, if you need local calls and use a lot of data, the local chip may still be the best option.
Do you want to travel more and better?
So choose the option that best fits your profile and enjoy your trip without worrying about the internet!
My Experience with Airalo eSIMs: Is It Worth It?
Over the past four years, I’ve used Airalo eSIMs on numerous trips to countries including Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, and Finland.
I initially kept a Dutch SIM card for use in Europe, but as Airalo’s coverage and reliability improved, I ditched my traditional line and switched to using eSIMs exclusively when traveling.
Pros and Cons of Airalo eSIMs
After extensively testing Airalo eSIMs in several countries, here’s a summary of the main pros and cons:
Pros
- Affordable: Plans are generally cheaper than competitors and much more cost-effective than international roaming fees or buying local SIM cards.
- Instant connectivity: Simply install the eSIM before leaving home and activate it upon landing to have immediate internet access, without having to go to a carrier store.
- Good performance: I had reliable connections on 4G LTE (and even 5G, where available), which allowed me to even work remotely without any problems.
- Flexible plans: Airalo offers local, regional and global options, making it easy to choose the best package for each trip.
- Easy to top up: When you run out of data, you can top up directly through the app.
- Dual-SIM compatibility: If your phone supports dual SIM (like mine), you can use Airalo’s eSIM without losing access to your main number.
Cons
- Possible difficulties in setup: Although setup is increasingly simple, some errors can occur. I experienced this in Albania and Montenegro, where I had to contact support to fix an activation issue.
Once I got it set up correctly, it worked without a hitch.
Airalo vs. Competitors: Which is the Best Option?
In my experience, Airalo eSIMs tend to be more affordable than many other companies. Of course, prices vary depending on the destination and amount of data, but overall, Airalo has offered competitive rates in the countries I’ve visited.
In recent years, Airalo’s coverage has improved considerably, with plans available in over 200 countries and regions. I always compare prices with other providers like Holafly, American Chip, and Jetpac to ensure I get the best value for money.
If you’re looking for a practical and affordable solution to stay connected while traveling, Airalo eSIMs are an excellent option.
