eSIM or roaming: which to pick for a trip
Short answer: for mobile data abroad an eSIM is usually easier and cheaper than roaming, and your number still gets calls and texts.
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Your carrier's roaming
- Nothing to install: turn roaming on and go.
- The price depends on the country and your plan, and it's easy to miss until the bill arrives.
- In some countries your carrier may not offer roaming at all, or only with limits.
A local SIM
- Often the lowest price per gigabyte.
- You need to find a carrier shop, sometimes show a passport, and spend time at the airport.
- With a single SIM tray you take your own SIM out, and bank texts stop arriving.
A travel eSIM
- Bought and installed at home, working the moment you land.
- Known price, paid once per package.
- Your own SIM stays in the phone, so calls and texts keep arriving.
- Usually no phone number of its own: use messaging apps for calls.
How to compare prices
Take the length of the trip and a rough data estimate. Check what your carrier charges for data in that country for the same days and compare it with an eSIM of the same size. Our guide on data use helps with the estimate.