How to choose the best eSIM for your trip
Choosing the best eSIM for your trip seems hard with all those providers and packages, but it becomes simple once you ask four questions in the right order. This guide gives you a clear decision framework, so you can make the right choice in just a few minutes.
Step 1: where are you going?
The first question is your destination, because it determines a lot. If your country is in the European Union, you can roam for free within your bundle and an eSIM is mainly useful for heavy data use. If it is outside the EU, roaming is expensive and an eSIM saves you a lot. Check the coverage in our destination guides, for example eSIM Spain or eSIM Thailand.
Step 2: how much data do you need?
| Type of traveller | Recommended data |
|---|---|
| Light (weekend) | 1 to 3 GB |
| Average (week) | 5 GB |
| Heavy (1 to 2 weeks) | 10 GB |
| Long trip or sharing | 20 GB or more |
If in doubt, choose one size up. Our guide on how much data do you need while travelling helps you further.
Step 3: local, regional or worldwide?
If you are travelling to one country, choose local. One region, choose a Europe eSIM or a regional bundle. Several continents, choose a worldwide eSIM. That way you never pay for coverage you do not use.
Step 4: how do you want to pay and get help?
An often forgotten step: can you pay smoothly by card, and do you get fast help in your own language if something goes wrong? For an international traveller, that makes the difference between hassle and convenience.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best eSIM for a single country?
A local eSIM for that country. It is usually the cheapest and has the best coverage.
Is the most expensive eSIM the best?
No. Work out the price per gigabyte. A more expensive package is not automatically better. See the most affordable eSIM.
Can I keep my home number?
Yes. Thanks to dual SIM, your home number stays active for calls while the eSIM handles your data.
Conclusion
You choose the best eSIM for your trip in four steps: destination, data volume, local or regional, and payment. With that framework you choose quickly and well. At esimzu you get sharp prices with a lowest-price guarantee, easy card payment and customer support, and your eSIM arrives straight away by email.