Travel eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM: which is best?

Updated 2026-09-27

There are three usual ways to get mobile data abroad. Each works; they differ in what you pay and how much effort it takes.

Roaming with your home carrier

The easiest option: your phone just works when you land. It is also usually the most expensive. Many carriers charge per day or per megabyte abroad, and costs add up quickly outside any bundle your plan includes.

Best for: a very short trip where your plan already includes the country.

A local SIM card

Local prepaid SIMs are often good value for data. The catch is getting one: finding a shop, queuing on arrival, registering with a passport in many countries, and swapping out your own SIM — which you then have to keep safe.

Best for: long stays in one country where you also want a local number.

A travel eSIM

You buy data for your destination online before you go and install it in minutes. You keep your own SIM in place, so your number keeps working for calls and texts, and you pay a fixed price for the data you choose.

Best for: most trips, especially if you visit several countries — a regional plan such as Europe covers them all.

At a glance

• Cost: roaming is usually highest; local SIMs and travel eSIMs are usually far lower.
• Effort: roaming needs none; a travel eSIM takes a few minutes before you leave; a local SIM means a shop visit abroad.
• Your number: kept with roaming and with a travel eSIM; swapped out with a local SIM unless your phone is dual SIM.
• Several countries: easy with roaming and with a regional eSIM; a new local SIM in each country otherwise.

The one requirement for an eSIM is a compatible, unlocked phone — here is how to check.