Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.

Why I Switched to eSIMs (And Never Looked Back)

I still remember landing in Bangkok in 2019, bleary-eyed after a 9-hour flight, shuffling through the arrivals hall to find the AIS counter, waiting 20 minutes while someone fiddled with my phone, and walking away with a SIM card that stopped working three days later because I’d apparently bought the wrong plan.

That doesn’t happen anymore. These days, I buy an eSIM on my phone before I even board the plane, and by the time I’ve cleared immigration, I’ve got data. No queues, no language barriers at SIM counters, no tiny SIM ejector tools, no collection of dead SIM cards rattling around in my backpack.

The eSIM market has matured massively since I first started testing providers. Prices have dropped, coverage has improved, and the setup process is genuinely painless now. But with dozens of providers all claiming to be the best, it’s hard to know which one to actually go with.

So I’ve done the legwork. I’ve spent over $500 AUD on eSIM plans across multiple providers over the past three years, testing them in Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, the Middle East, and East Asia. This guide is the result of all that real-world testing.

My Top Pick for 2026: Saily

I’ve been using Saily as my primary eSIM provider for the past year, and it’s consistently delivered. The app is clean and straightforward — you pick your country or region, choose a data amount, pay, and scan the QR code. The whole process takes about two minutes.

What sets Saily apart is the combination of pricing and reliability. Their plans aren’t always the absolute cheapest per GB (Airalo sometimes undercuts them by a dollar or two), but connection quality has been noticeably more consistent. In Vietnam, my Saily eSIM connected to Viettel’s network and I was getting 40–60 Mbps download speeds in Hanoi. In Portugal, I pulled 80+ Mbps on 5G in Lisbon.

The regional plans are where Saily really shines for backpackers. Their Southeast Asia plan covers 8 countries, which means you’re not buying a new eSIM every time you cross a border. For a 3-week trip through Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, a single regional plan works out significantly cheaper than three individual country plans.

Full eSIM Comparison Table (2026)

I’ve compared the nine providers I’ve personally tested across the metrics that actually matter for backpackers: price per GB, countries covered, app quality, speed reliability, and how easy they are to top up on the road.

Prices as of March 2026. Actual prices vary by destination country — the table shows approximate averages for popular backpacker destinations.

Detailed Reviews: Every Provider Tested

1. Saily — Best Overall for Backpackers

Saily is made by the same team behind NordVPN, which initially made me sceptical — tech companies branching into eSIMs felt like a cash grab. But after a year of using it, I’ll admit they’ve built something genuinely good.

The app is the best I’ve used. It’s fast, plan selection is clear, and the QR code setup worked first time on every phone I’ve tried (iPhone 15, Samsung S24, Pixel 8). Data usage tracking is accurate and updates in real time, which is crucial when you’re rationing a 5GB plan over two weeks.

I tested Saily extensively across Southeast Asia — Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In every country it connected to the primary carrier (Viettel in Vietnam, AIS in Thailand, Telkomsel in Indonesia) and speeds were consistently above 30 Mbps. I was able to do video calls, upload photos, and use Google Maps without any issues.

The regional Asia plan (5GB/30 days) costs around $14.99 USD (~$23 AUD), working out to roughly $3 USD per GB. That’s competitive, especially when you factor in the convenience of not switching plans at every border.

Pros: Excellent app with real-time data tracking · Consistently fast speeds · Regional plans are great value · Instant in-app top-up · 24/7 customer support that actually responds

Cons: Not always the cheapest single-country option · No unlimited plans · Fewer countries than Airalo (150 vs 200+) · Airalo’s app has slightly slicker direct eSIM installation

2. Airalo — Best for Country Coverage & Loyalty Rewards

Airalo was one of the first eSIM providers I tried back in 2022, and they’ve improved significantly since then. They cover more countries than anyone else — over 200 — which makes them the go-to if you’re heading somewhere less mainstream like Uzbekistan, Madagascar, or Bolivia.

The app has had a major redesign and is now much more user-friendly. Plan selection is straightforward, and they’ve added a loyalty programme called Airmoney that gives you credit for referrals and repeat purchases. It’s not life-changing, but a few dollars off here and there adds up over a long trip — something no other provider offers.

Speed-wise, Airalo has been a mixed bag in my testing. In popular destinations like Thailand and Spain, speeds were solid (25–50 Mbps). But in less-covered countries like Laos and Bolivia, I noticed more frequent drops to 3G and slower performance compared to Saily in the same locations.

Their global plan (200+ countries) is tempting for round-the-world travellers, but at $42 USD for 5GB/30 days it’s significantly more expensive per GB than regional plans. I’d only recommend it if you’re hitting 5+ regions in a month.

Where Airalo beats Saily: Wider coverage (200+ vs 150+ countries) · Airmoney loyalty cashback · Better app for direct eSIM installation (no QR code needed) · Cambodia and Laos included in standard regional plans

Where it doesn’t: Inconsistent speeds in less popular destinations · Global plans overpriced per GB · Customer support slow (24–48 hours)

3. Holafly — Best for Unlimited Data

Holafly’s big selling point is unlimited data, and for certain travellers that’s genuinely appealing. If you’re working remotely from cafés without reliable WiFi, streaming music all day, or just don’t want to think about data usage, Holafly removes that mental load.

But here’s the catch: “unlimited” comes with caveats. In some countries, Holafly applies a fair usage policy that throttles your speed after a certain amount — usually around 500MB–1GB of high-speed data per day. I experienced this in Spain — after about 800MB of use in a day, speeds dropped from 40 Mbps to around 3–5 Mbps. Still usable for messaging and maps, but video calls became choppy.

The pricing also looks less attractive when you do the maths. A 7-day unlimited plan for Thailand costs around $6 USD. But if you’re only using 3–5GB that week (typical for most backpackers on hostel WiFi), you’d pay less with Saily or Airalo for a fixed-data plan.

Where Holafly genuinely wins is for digital nomads spending a full month in one country without reliable WiFi. Their 30-day unlimited plans ($34–47 USD) can be solid value if you’re consistently using 15–20GB+ per month on mobile data. Their customer support is also excellent — 24/7 live chat with fast human responses, on par with Saily and better than Airalo.

Where Holafly beats Saily: Truly unlimited data for heavy users · Excellent customer support · Stress-free — no monitoring data usage

Where it doesn’t: Throttling after fair use limits · More expensive than fixed-data plans for light users · Can’t top up — must buy a new plan · No hotspot in some countries

4. Nomad eSIM — Solid Budget Option

Nomad eSIM doesn’t get as much attention as Airalo or Holafly, but they’re worth considering if you’re watching every dollar. Their per-GB pricing for popular backpacker countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia) is often $0.50–$1 cheaper than the bigger names.

I used Nomad in Indonesia for two weeks, and the experience was fine — not exceptional, but perfectly functional. Speeds averaged around 25–35 Mbps in Bali and 15–20 Mbps in more rural areas of Java. The app is basic but does what it needs to.

The main limitation is coverage. With only 100+ countries, they’re missing some destinations that Airalo and Saily cover. If you’re sticking to the well-trodden backpacker trail, that’s not an issue. If you’re heading to Central Asia or parts of Africa, you’ll need a different provider.

Where Nomad beats Saily: Often the cheapest per-GB option for popular countries · Some plans include 5G access

Where it doesn’t: Limited country coverage (100+) · Basic app with limited data tracking · Fewer regional plan options · Ticket-based support (slower)

5. Yesim — Best All-in-One (eSIM + VPN + Phone Number)

Yesim takes a different angle from the pure data providers. Alongside eSIM data, they bundle a built-in VPN and virtual phone numbers — which is a genuinely useful combo if you need both anyway.

The virtual phone number is the standout. If you need a local number for receiving calls or SMS — useful for booking confirmations, food delivery apps, or local services — Yesim handles it without needing a separate physical SIM. That’s something no other provider in this list offers.

Data-wise, speeds have been solid in my testing across Southeast Asia (25–50 Mbps in major cities). The app isn’t as polished as Saily or Airalo, but it’s functional.

Where Yesim beats Saily: Integrated VPN included · Virtual phone numbers for receiving calls/SMS · All-in-one solution if you’d otherwise pay for these separately

Where it doesn’t: Higher pricing for equivalent data-only plans · Less polished app · Smaller brand with fewer reviews · 120 countries vs Saily’s 150+

6. Drimsim — Best Pay-As-You-Go Option

Drimsim is the oddball on this list — and that’s not a bad thing. Instead of buying fixed data plans, you load credit and pay only for data you actually use. No expiry dates, no wasted data, no commitment.

They also offer a physical SIM card alongside eSIM — which is a lifeline if you’re travelling with an older phone that doesn’t support eSIM. With 197 countries covered, their reach is on par with Airalo and Ubigi.

The trade-off is predictability. Per-GB costs are typically higher than buying a set plan from Saily or Airalo, and the pricing varies significantly by country. But for light users who just need maps and messaging — or frequent travellers who want one SIM that works everywhere without buying new plans each trip — the pay-as-you-go model is genuinely better value.

Where Drimsim beats Saily: No wasted data (pay only for what you use) · Physical SIM option for older phones · 197 countries with no plan switching · One SIM that works trip after trip

Where it doesn’t: Higher per-GB costs for heavy users · Less predictable pricing · App and UX aren’t as streamlined · Not ideal if you need 5GB+ per week

7. aloSIM, Maya Mobile & Ubigi — Quick Takes

aloSIM is decent for short trips (under a week) with competitive pricing on small data plans. The app is a bit clunky, and I’ve had occasional activation delays of 10–15 minutes. Fine as a backup, not my first choice.

Maya Mobile often has the lowest per-GB prices, but the app feels like an afterthought and customer support is minimal. I used it in Colombia and had to restart my phone twice to get the eSIM to activate. Once it worked, speeds were acceptable.

Ubigi targets business travellers and prices reflect that — generally 20–30% more expensive than Saily or Airalo for the same data. The one advantage is direct carrier partnerships for speed prioritisation, but I didn’t notice a meaningful difference in real-world testing.

Best eSIM by Region

Southeast Asia

This is where I’ve done the most eSIM testing. For multi-country trips, Saily’s regional Asia plan is my top pick — it covers Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore. If your route includes Cambodia and Laos, Airalo’s Asialink plan is worth comparing, as it includes both in the standard regional tier.

For a 5GB/30-day regional plan, you’re looking at around $14.99 USD (~$23 AUD). That’s enough for 2–3 weeks of moderate use if you’re connecting to hostel WiFi for heavy tasks. The 10GB plan is around $22.99 USD if you need more.

That said, if you’re spending a month or more in a single Southeast Asian country, a local physical SIM is still cheaper. A Vietnamese Viettel SIM costs around 100,000 VND (~$6 AUD) for 30GB/30 days. But the second you cross a border, that SIM is useless — and that’s where eSIMs win.

Europe

Europe is where eSIMs are a no-brainer. Local SIMs are expensive, roaming charges between EU and non-EU countries are confusing, and you’re often crossing borders every few days.

Saily’s Europe regional plan covers 30+ countries — around $11.99 USD for 3GB/30 days or $16.99 USD for 5GB/30 days. Airalo’s European plan is similarly priced. Both have worked well for me across Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, and the Balkans.

Speeds in Western Europe are generally excellent — I consistently got 50–80 Mbps in cities. Eastern Europe and the Balkans were slightly slower (20–40 Mbps) but still perfectly usable.

If you’re booking trains between European cities, Omio is solid for comparing prices and routes — and having mobile data to pull up your e-tickets at the station is exactly why an eSIM matters.

South America

South America is trickier for eSIMs. Coverage is solid in major countries (Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru), but smaller countries and rural areas can be spotty. Airalo edges ahead here with slightly better coverage in Bolivia and Paraguay.

Expect to pay a bit more per GB than in Asia. A 5GB/30-day plan for Colombia runs around $12–15 USD on most providers. Speeds vary wildly — I got 50 Mbps in Medellín and 5 Mbps in rural Ecuador.

East Asia

Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan all have excellent eSIM coverage across every provider I’ve tested. Japan in particular has some of the fastest eSIM speeds I’ve seen — I hit 100+ Mbps in Tokyo on Saily. South Korea is similarly fast. Taiwan is excellent and often overlooked by backpackers.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East is well-covered in the UAE, Jordan, and Turkey. More limited in Iran and Iraq. For Africa, Airalo has the widest coverage, but expect slower speeds and higher prices per GB. South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, and Tanzania are well-covered; other countries are hit or miss. Drimsim’s pay-as-you-go model can work well here if you’re only dipping into data occasionally.

Staying Safe on Mobile Data Abroad

Having an eSIM solves the connectivity problem, but it doesn’t solve the security problem. When you’re on mobile data abroad, your traffic is routed through local carriers, and in some countries that traffic can be monitored or restricted.

I’ve been using NordVPN for three years, and it’s become as essential to my travel setup as my passport. It runs in the background, encrypts everything, and I don’t have to think about it.

Beyond security, a VPN is essential for:

• Accessing your bank: Some Australian banks flag or block logins from foreign IP addresses. With NordVPN, I connect to an Australian server and access my accounts without issues.
• Streaming: Want to watch Australian Netflix or Stan while in Thailand? You need a VPN.
• Censored countries: China, Vietnam, and several others block access to certain websites and apps. A VPN gets around that — but set it up before you arrive, as VPN sites themselves are blocked in China.
• Public WiFi: Hostel WiFi, café WiFi, airport WiFi — all of it is insecure. A VPN makes it safe.

NordVPN works well alongside eSIMs without significantly impacting speed. In my testing, the VPN typically reduces speeds by 10–15%, which on a 40 Mbps connection is barely noticeable.

Worth noting: Yesim includes a built-in VPN with their eSIM plans, which could save you the cost of a separate VPN subscription if you don’t already have one.

eSIM vs. Physical SIM vs. International Roaming

To put things in perspective, here’s how the three main options compare for a typical 2-week trip to Thailand:

The maths speaks for itself. International roaming is daylight robbery. Local SIMs are slightly cheaper but require time and effort at arrival. eSIMs hit the sweet spot of price and convenience.

The only scenario where I’d still recommend a physical SIM is if you’re staying in one country for 30+ days and need a local phone number — for food delivery apps like Grab (Thailand) or GoJek (Indonesia), a local number is genuinely useful. Yesim’s virtual phone numbers could also bridge this gap without needing a physical SIM. For everything else, an eSIM wins.

How to Set Up Your eSIM (Step by Step)

If you’ve never used an eSIM before, here’s the full process — it’s similar across all providers:

1. Check compatibility first. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. On Android: Settings → Network → SIM → Add eSIM. If the option isn’t there, your phone either doesn’t support eSIM or is carrier-locked. Most phones made after 2020 are compatible. If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, Drimsim offers a physical travel SIM that works in 197 countries.
2. Download your chosen provider’s app from the App Store or Google Play.
3. Choose your destination. Select the country or region you’re travelling to. Regional plans are usually better value for multi-country trips.
4. Pick your plan. Choose data amount and duration. I recommend 5GB/30 days for most trips — the per-GB cost is much lower than smaller plans.
5. Pay. Credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay all work.
6. Install the eSIM on WiFi before you travel. Follow the prompts to scan the QR code or install directly. The eSIM profile installs but won’t activate until you reach your destination. Do this at home — troubleshooting at a foreign airport with no internet is not fun.
7. Screenshot your QR code. If you’re installing on the same device you purchased on, you can’t scan the QR code from your own screen. Most apps have a “copy activation details” option, but screenshot it as a backup and email it to yourself.
8. Activate at your destination. When you land, enable the eSIM in your phone settings. It should connect within 30 seconds.
9. Set as primary data source. Go to your phone’s cellular settings and make sure mobile data is routing through the eSIM, not your home SIM.
10. Turn off background data for non-essential apps. Social media, cloud backups, and system updates chew through data silently. Disable cellular data for anything that doesn’t need it.

The whole process takes about 5 minutes including payment. After you’ve done it once, it’s genuinely second nature.

eSIM Tips From 3 Years of Testing

1. Buy More Data Than You Think You Need

The per-GB cost drops significantly on larger plans. A 1GB plan might cost $4.50 USD, while a 5GB plan costs $11 USD — that’s $4.50/GB vs $2.20/GB. I always buy one size up from what I think I’ll use. Running out of data in a foreign country with no WiFi is genuinely stressful.

2. Regional Plans vs. Country Plans — Do the Maths

If you’re visiting 2+ countries in the same region within 30 days, a regional plan almost always works out cheaper than individual country plans. If you’re spending 3 months in one country, a local physical SIM will be cheaper than any eSIM. Know your itinerary and do a quick calculation before buying.

3. Set Up Everything Before You Fly

Install your eSIM profile, download offline maps (Google Maps works great for this), and make sure your banking app is logged in. Do all of this on home WiFi. Your first hour in a new country should be spent getting to your accommodation, not troubleshooting tech at the airport.

4. Keep Your Home SIM Active

Even on a budget, keeping your Australian number on a cheap plan (I use $10/month) is worth it. Banking apps, two-factor authentication, and some services still send SMS to your registered number. You don’t want to be locked out of your bank account in a foreign country.

5. Use a VPN — Always

eSIM, local SIM, hotel WiFi — it doesn’t matter. If you’re not using a VPN for sensitive tasks, you’re taking unnecessary risks. NordVPN runs silently in the background and has become as automatic as putting on a seatbelt.

The Complete Travel Tech Stack I Actually Use

I landed in Ho Chi Minh City at midnight, activated my Saily eSIM while still on the plane, and by the time I’d cleared immigration I was messaging my hostel on WhatsApp to confirm my late check-in. Three years ago, I’d have been wandering around the airport at 1am looking for a SIM card shop. The future is good.

Since people always ask, here’s my complete setup for any trip:

Total monthly cost for connectivity (eSIM + VPN) runs about $20–30 AUD depending on the destination — a tiny fraction of what international roaming would cost.

Final Verdict: Which eSIM Should You Get?

After three years and 40+ countries of testing, here’s the breakdown:

For most backpackers reading this, Saily is the right starting point. But the best eSIM depends on your specific trip — if you’re hitting obscure destinations, Airalo’s coverage is unmatched; if you’re a light user crossing lots of borders, Drimsim’s pay-as-you-go model could save you money; and if you need a VPN and phone number bundled in, Yesim is worth a look.

Pair your eSIM with NordVPN for security, Wise for your travel money, and SafetyWing for insurance, and you’ve got the complete digital nomad setup sorted before you even leave home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eSIM and how does it work for travel?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of buying a physical SIM card at an airport kiosk, you purchase a data plan online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to local networks in your destination country. Most phones made after 2020 support eSIM — iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer. You can usually have your regular SIM and an eSIM active at the same time, so you keep your home number for calls while using the eSIM for data.

Is an eSIM cheaper than buying a local SIM card?

It depends on the country. In Southeast Asia, local SIM cards are still incredibly cheap — a Thai SIM with 30GB might cost 299 THB (~$12 AUD) at the airport, while an eSIM for the same data might cost $15–20 AUD. However, eSIMs save you time, you avoid dodgy airport kiosks, and regional plans covering multiple countries often work out cheaper than buying a new SIM in each country. For Europe, eSIMs are almost always better value than roaming or buying individual local SIMs.

Can I use an eSIM and a physical SIM at the same time?

Yes, most modern smartphones support dual SIM functionality — one physical SIM and one eSIM (or even two eSIMs on newer iPhones). This means you can keep your home number active for receiving calls and texts while using the eSIM for mobile data abroad. Just make sure to set your eSIM as the primary data source in your phone’s settings.

Which eSIM has the best coverage for Southeast Asia?

For Southeast Asia, Saily’s regional Asia plan and Airalo’s Asialink plan are both strong options. Saily has more consistent speeds in my testing, while Airalo includes Cambodia and Laos in the standard regional plan. For single-country plans, coverage is nearly identical across providers since they all use the same local carriers.

Is Saily eSIM good?

Yes — it’s my top-rated eSIM provider after three years of testing across 40+ countries. The app is the best in the category, regional plans offer excellent value for multi-country trips, and speeds have been consistently fast (35–80 Mbps across Southeast Asia and Europe). It’s made by the same team as NordVPN, which shows in the quality of the product.

Which is better: Saily or Airalo?

For most backpackers on mainstream routes, Saily is the better choice — superior speed consistency and better regional plan value. Airalo edges ahead if you’re visiting obscure destinations (200+ countries vs Saily’s 150+), want a loyalty points system, or need Cambodia and Laos in a standard regional plan. Both are solid — it depends on your route.

Do eSIMs work in China?

Some providers offer China plans, but internet access in China is heavily restricted regardless of your SIM. You’ll still need a VPN to access Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western apps — and you need to set up your VPN before you arrive, as VPN provider websites are blocked within China. NordVPN is what I use and recommend for China travel.

How much data do I need as a backpacker?

For general use — maps, messaging, social media, and occasional video calls — most backpackers use between 1–3GB per week. If you’re working remotely or streaming content, budget for 5–10GB per week. I typically buy 5GB plans for trips under two weeks and 10–20GB for longer stays. Hostels and cafés generally have WiFi, so you won’t rely on mobile data for everything.

What happens if I run out of eSIM data while travelling?

Most eSIM providers let you top up or buy a new plan through their app, which activates within minutes. With Saily, you can purchase additional data through the app and it activates almost instantly — no need to find a shop or kiosk. Airalo also allows top-ups on compatible plans. I always buy a slightly larger plan than I think I’ll need, as the per-GB cost drops significantly on bigger plans.

Do I need a VPN with an eSIM?

An eSIM provides connectivity but does NOT encrypt your data. For security — especially when banking, logging into email, or using any public WiFi — you need a separate VPN. I use NordVPN alongside my eSIM. It runs in the background, adds about 10–15% overhead on speed, and is non-negotiable for travel security. Alternatively, Yesim includes a built-in VPN with their eSIM plans.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

Check your phone’s settings: on iPhone go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM; on Android go to Settings → Network → SIM → Add eSIM. If the option isn’t there, your phone either doesn’t support eSIM or is carrier-locked. Most phones made after 2020 support it, including iPhone XR and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, and Google Pixel 3 and later. If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, Drimsim offers a physical travel SIM as an alternative.

Can I use an eSIM for hotspot / tethering?

Most eSIM providers allow hotspot tethering, but check the specific plan — some providers (particularly Holafly in certain countries) restrict it. Saily and Airalo generally allow tethering on their plans, making it easy to get your laptop online using your phone’s connection.