eSIM
Which eSIM is Best for Travel?
Aug
Choosing an eSIM can be overwhelming especially with all of the endless options available.
While “best” is typically very personal since not all travelers have the same interests but there are some essential items that every traveler should be aware of when choosing their next eSIM.
In this guide, the goal is to give you information few consumers know about but should so you can reduce the overwhelm, select your eSIM and get on with your travels.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Discover the “Global Coverage” myth and how to see which providers offer truly reliable connections.
- Learn to spot the “Unlimited Data” trap that can leave you with unusably slow internet.
- Uncover the simple calculation to find the true cost of an eSIM, avoiding all hidden fees.
- Find out the single most important, non-negotiable feature your eSIM provider must have, especially when you’re in a different time zone.
Understanding the Essentials of Travel eSIMs
When it comes to travel eSIMs, your satisfaction hinges on a few key factors.
The rest are just nice-to-haves that can enhance your experience but aren’t deal-breakers.
Your Non-Negotiable Checklist
This is the heart of our guide.
If an eSIM provider doesn’t tick these boxes, you should think twice before buying their eSIMN even if the deal seems great.
1. Coverage and Network Qualit
An eSIM is only as good as its local network partners.
A provider might have a partnership in a country, but if that partner has spotty service, your connection will be unreliable.
That’s why it’s crucial to look for providers that are transparent about their network partners.
A reputable company will proudly display their partnerships with top-tier local carriers, like AT&T in the US or Vodafone in Europe.
What about speed?
While many providers advertise 5G or 4G/LTE, some budget-friendly options may only offer slower 3G speeds, which is fine for web browsing, email, light social media, maps bu ideally you want to get 4G or higher.
Finally, if you’re visiting multiple countries, a regional plan can be a lifesaver, saving you the hassle of buying a new plan for each destination.
However, it’s important to scrutinize the network quality in each country included in the plan.
Sometimes, a regional plan might have excellent coverage in one country but poor service in another. In those cases, it might be better to purchase single-country plans for each leg of your journey.
Checklist:
- Network Transparency: A reputable provider will clearly state which local networks they partner with in your destination. Look for partnerships with top-tier local carriers.
- 4G/5G and LTE Availability: Don’t assume you’ll get the fastest speeds. Check if the provider offers 5G or 4G/LTE in your destination.
- Regional vs. Single-Country Plans: If you’re visiting multiple countries, a regional plan can be a lifesaver. However, scrutinize the network quality in each country included in the plan.
2. Data Allowances and Validity: The “Unlimited” Trap
Be wary of “unlimited” data plans.
They often come with a “fair usage policy” that throttles your data speed to near-unusable levels after you’ve consumed a certain amount of data.
For example, below you can see that some companies will have this policy in place:
Throttling means that after you’ve used, for example, 2GB of data in a day, your speed might be slowed down to the point where even just loading up your social media feed is highly frustrating.
For this reason, it’s often better to opt for plans with clear data allowances (e.g., 5GB, 10GB, 20GB). This way, you know exactly what you’re paying for and won’t be caught off guard by sudden speed reductions.
For example, at eSIM4.com we have set eSIM plans with no daily usage restrictions, you can use up all of your data in one day or multiple days, you’ve purchased the data, and you can use it how you please.
If you are considering an “unlimited” plan, dig deep into the provider’s terms and conditions to find their fair usage policy.
- What is the data threshold for throttling?
- What are the throttled speeds?
A reputable provider will be transparent about these details.
Also, check the plan’s validity period. Does it start from the moment of purchase or from the moment you activate it in your destination?
This can make a big difference, especially if you’re buying your plan in advance.
Finally, consider how easy and affordable it is to top up your data if you run out.
A good provider will have a user-friendly app or process that allows for seamless top-ups, so you’re not left stranded without data.
Checklist:
- Clear Data Limits: Opt for plans with clear data allowances (e.g., 5GB, 10GB, 20GB) even if you’re a heavy user, having your data throttled is a frustrating situation.
- Throttling Policies: If you are considering an “unlimited” plan, dig deep into the provider’s terms and conditions to find their fair usage policy.
- Validity Period: Check the plan’s validity period. Does it start from the moment of purchase or from the moment you activate it?
- Top-Up Options: How easy and affordable is it to top up your data if you run out?
3. Pricing
Pricing is important but not as important as the overall offering, for example, there’s no point getting a great deal on an eSIM only to have it only work in some of the areas of the country you’re traveling in.
Ensure there is a solid refund policy in place should anything happen.
How secure is their payment and data?
Checklist:
- All-Inclusive Pricing: Look for providers with transparent, all-inclusive pricing.
- Payment Methods: Do they accept a variety of payment methods?
- Refund Policy: What is their refund policy if the eSIM doesn’t work?
4. Ease of Use and Customer Support
A complicated activation process can be a major headache, especially after a long flight. The last thing you want to do when you’re jet-lagged is struggle with a confusing setup.
Look for providers that offer a simple QR code or in-app activation process. A good provider will also offer clear, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process.
Most importantly, 24/7 customer support is non-negotiable. When you’re in a different time zone and your data isn’t working, you need access to immediate support.
Checklist:
- Simple Activation: Look for providers that offer a simple QR code or in-app activation process.
- 24/7 Customer Support: This is non-negotiable. Look for providers that offer 24/7 live chat or phone support.
- Clear Instructions: Does the provider offer clear, step-by-step instructions?
The Nice-to-Haves
These are the features that can elevate your experience from good to great.
Non-KYC (Know Your Customer)
If you’re purchasing from a major telco you will need to give them documents (passport, drivers license, etc.) as part of the KYC process.
If you’d rather not have your personal information stored with these companies then using an independent eSIM company, means you can use the service without having to surrender your private information.
Voice and Texting
Most travel eSIMs are data-only. If you need to make traditional phone calls or send SMS messages, look for a provider that offers these additional features.
Hotspot/Tethering Capability
If you need to share your data connection with other devices, make sure the provider allows for hotspotting.
User-Friendly App
A well-designed app can make it easy to monitor your data usage, top up your plan, and contact customer support.
Final Checklist
Before you buy any travel eSIM, run it through this final checklist:
- Coverage: Have I verified the network partners and data speeds in my destination?
- Data: Do I have a clear understanding of the data allowance, validity period, and any throttling policies?
- Price: Have I calculated the true cost, including any hidden fees?
- Support: Does the provider offer 24/7 customer support?
- Activation: Is the activation process simple and straightforward?
By arming yourself with this buying criteria, you can confidently choose a travel eSIM that will keep you connected without breaking the bank. Happy travels!
Why Our Customers Use eSIM4
Network Coverage
We partner with the best networks to ensure our customers have the best coverage for the destination they’re traveling to.
Country & Regional Plans
We have eSIMs for specific countries as well as regions if you need an eSIM that connect you all over a specific region like Asia.
No Throttling
The data that you buy is yours, and so you can use it how you wish whether that means using your data only when you need it or using it all up in one day.
Open Validity Period
Your data expiration only begins when you activate it (Israel excluded) which means you can purchase a 7-day eSIM and hold into it for months before activating it, only then the 7 day expiration begins.
In-App Top Ups
Download our Yabb app and you can see your data usage and allow easy top ups wherever you are in the world.
Calls And Texts
Using our Yabb app you can add international calling and text messaging giving you a complete communication package.
Virtual Number
Need a local number for the country you’re traveling to? Inside our Yabb app you can purchase virtual mobile numbers to use instead of your own.
No KYC
There is no requirement for you to give us your personal information like passport ID or drivers license, simply select your eSIM and then enjoy your trip!
Transparent Pricing
We offer straight-forward pricing, no hidden fees or special charges.
Solid Refund Policy
If there is any problem with your eSIM we will refund your money back.
24/7 Customer Support
If you need anything please feel free to contact us at https://wa.me/61482030412.
Go here to see our prepaid eSIM plans.
