Best eSIMs for Travellers in 2026: Airalo, Holafly and Saily Compared

Everything you need to know to have data from the moment you land — no roaming, no physical SIM cards and no bills that ruin the homecoming

What is an eSIM and which devices support it?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a SIM chip integrated directly into your device's motherboard — not a physical card that you insert and remove. You can activate multiple carrier profiles on the same device and switch between them without touching the hardware. Compatible from iPhone XS (2018), most Android flagships from 2019 (Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3a+, etc.) and practically all models launched since 2022. To check if your phone is compatible: Settings → General → About → eSIM Available (iOS) or Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (Android).

Airalo: the largest catalogue on the market

Airalo is the world's largest travel eSIM platform, with plans in more than 200 countries and regions. Its prices are very competitive for moderate usage (1–5 GB), the app is intuitive on both iOS and Android, and top-ups are done from the same app without buying a new eSIM. The activation process is straightforward: buy the plan, scan the QR code, and have data within minutes. Especially recommended for Asia (Japan, Korea, Thailand) and Latin America, where their regional plans offer an excellent price-per-GB ratio.

Holafly: unlimited data for those who need it

Holafly differentiates itself by offering unlimited data plans — a clear advantage if you work remotely during your trip, make video calls, or simply don't want to track your usage. Their plans are more expensive than Airalo for moderate usage, but for travellers who consume more than 5–6 GB on a trip, the equation starts to balance out. Available in more than 160 destinations. One thing to note: Holafly's unlimited data plans don't include voice calls (data only), though you can use WhatsApp or any VoIP app without issues.

Saily: NordVPN's alternative with good value for money

Saily is NordVPN's eSIM platform, launched in 2024 and growing quickly. It offers competitive plans in more than 150 countries, with the advantage of combining it with a NordVPN subscription for those who already use that service. Its data plans for Europe and North America are particularly competitive, and the app is clean and easy to use. For travellers already in the NordVPN ecosystem it's a very interesting option; for others, it's worth comparing prices per destination with Airalo before deciding.

Best plans by region: what to use at each destination

There's no single best eSIM for all destinations — regional comparison matters. For Europe: Airalo's regional (Europe) and Saily plans offer the best prices for covering multiple countries in one trip. For Asia (Japan, Thailand, Korea): Airalo has the most competitive plans, especially country-specific plans. For North America (US, Canada, Mexico): Saily and Airalo are very evenly matched; compare based on GB needed. For Latin America: Airalo dominates in coverage and price. For Africa and the Middle East: Airalo or Holafly — check coverage by country before buying. General rule: for trips longer than 7 days with heavy usage, Holafly's unlimited data can be cost-effective.

How to activate your eSIM and tips to save money

The activation process is the same on all platforms: buy the plan, receive a QR code by email or in the app, and scan it from Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM Plan (iOS) or Settings → Connections → SIM Manager (Android). Do it before arriving at your destination to avoid issues with airport WiFi. Tips to save money: (1) Buy regional plans instead of country plans when visiting multiple destinations — they're usually cheaper. (2) Calculate your GB accurately: if you use Spotify and Netflix offline, Maps with cached data, and WhatsApp, 3–5 GB will cover most 1–2 week trips. (3) Keep your local SIM active for calls and use the eSIM for data only — it optimises your spending. (4) Take advantage of welcome offers: Airalo often has 10–15% discounts on your first purchase.