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Let’s face it: staying connected while traveling internationally is still a major headache. Whether you’re a full-time digital nomad or a broke backpacker on a shoestring budget, mobile data shouldn’t cost more than your flight — but it often does.
Roaming fees are the biggest culprit. According to industry stats, international roaming can cost up to $30 per GB, depending on your carrier and destination. That’s not just expensive — it’s unsustainable, especially when you’re hopping countries every few weeks or working remotely from abroad.
Meanwhile, local SIM cards are hit or miss. In some countries, you’ll spend hours in a mobile store showing your passport and waiting for activation. And even then, the network may be slow or unreliable.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
What’s an eSIM, and Why Are Travelers Switching?
An eSIM is an embedded SIM, a digital version of the SIM card. You don’t need to insert it and roam around to find stores to activate the eSIM. You can activate your data plan through an app, usually by scanning a QR code, and you’re online in minutes.
It’s perfect for international travel. You land, open your phone, activate your plan, and boom — you’ve got data. No roaming, no waiting, no need to hunt for a local SIM or gamble on sketchy Wi-Fi.
With Airhub eSIM, travelers get access to 190+ countries, instant activation, transparent pricing, and zero roaming charges.
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Why Airhub eSIM Is the Smart Choice for Global Travelers
Whether you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, freelancing from South America, or working remotely from Lisbon, Airhub has your back. Here’s what sets them apart:
No Roaming Charges, Ever
Airhub connects you to local carriers in every destination. You never pay international roaming fees, and you only pay for what you need.
Easy to Use
The Airhub app is beginner-friendly. Choose your destination, pick a plan (by country, region, or global), scan a code, and go. Most travelers get connected within 5 minutes.
Affordable Plans for Any Trip
Plans start from just a few dollars. Whether you need 1GB for a weekend trip or unlimited data for remote work, there’s an option for you. Choose single-country plans, regional bundles (like Europe or Asia), or even global plans if you’re on a multi-stop adventure.
Perfect for Remote Work
If you’re part of the 35+ million global digital nomads, you already know stable internet is non-negotiable. Airhub’s high-speed premium plans support video calls, large uploads, and hotspot tethering, making it perfect for remote teams or freelancers on the move.
Group Travel Made Cheaper
Traveling with friends, a partner, or family? Airhub offers a 5% discount when you buy multiple eSIMs together. It’s a small saving, but every little bit helps when you’re budgeting for buses, hostels, and street food.
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!Why Budget Travelers Love It
Travel is expensive. You’re trying to make every dollar stretch. So why overpay for mobile data?
Airhub aims to give travelers affordable access to high-quality mobile internet. They don’t have any hidden fees or shady contracts. That makes it a perfect fit for budget-conscious explorers who prioritise value.
And when you factor in how much time you save — no more SIM shops, no dealing with airport kiosks, no bad Wi-Fi in sketchy cafes — Airhub helps you travel better, not just cheaper.
Want to see how Airhub is making waves in the travel tech world? Check out this recent press release on OpenPR highlighting their latest plans and travel-friendly features.
Built for the New Way We Travel
The way travel is changing.
More people are taking longer trips. Many are blending work and travel, living out of carry-ons while freelancing or working full-time jobs. According to recent studies, remote workers now account for over 22% of the global workforce. And even casual travelers want to stay connected for Google Maps, language apps, booking tools, and TikToks from their rooftop hostel bar.
Airhub eSIM is built for this new era of travel. It’s flexible, fast, and made to fit into your life, no matter where your next flight is headed.
Alternatives To Sim Local
There are of course, other eSim providers available and it would not be right or proper for us to neglect to mention just as few of them here. While Sim Local can and will cater for all of your eSimy needs, here are 2 other providers who we also love;
Jetpac
Jetpac is a Singapore based eSIM company who offer packages, designed primarily for travellers and Digital Nomads. They offer various data plans that can be used across many countries, and the service includes features like free airport lounge access if your flight is delayed.
As well as offering excellent, well-priced data packages in over 190+ countries, they also offer a global sim package, a number of different regional sim packages.
While they don’t offer local phone numbers, you can still make and receive calls via WhatsApp, Signal, Skype or whatever using the general data allowances that come as part of their eSim packages.
We have tried a LOT of different sim companies and after a thorough review of JetPac it is our top pick on account of their excellent coverage, fair prices and easy-to-use app. Of course, if they did offer local numbers that would be even better.
Exclusive Offer! You lovely Broke Backpackers can also get 10% off a JetPac package using the special discount code TBB10.
Holafly
Holafly has earned itself a strong reputation in the world of travel eSIMs thanks to its simplicity, reliability, and truly unlimited data plans for many destinations. What really sets Holafly apart is peace of mind: their focus on unlimited plans means you don’t have to worry about running out of data mid-trip, whether you’re navigating city streets, booking transport, or streaming on the go. For frequent travelers or those heading to multiple countries, Holafly also offers convenient regional and global plans.
Yes, Holafly tends to be a bit pricier compared to some budget-focused competitors, but it’s a classic case of getting what you pay for here. You’re not just buying data —you’re buying a hassle-free, dependable connection that works the moment you land, backed by 24/7 customer support ready to help in multiple languages.
I have often used cheaper providers, but I have rarely used better.
Why Airhub eSIM Belongs in Every Backpack
So let’s sum it up:
- You don’t want roaming fees.
- You don’t want to waste time buying SIMs or chasing Wi-Fi.
- You want to stay online easily, anywhere in the world.
Airhub eSIM gives you all that — and more.
It’s a simple app that lets you buy, activate, and manage your data plans on the go, covering 190+ countries with plans that match your budget and lifestyle.
If you’re heading out on a new adventure — whether it’s a 3-day trip or a 3-month remote work stint — take Airhub eSIM with you. Stay connected. Stay in control. And keep your money for the things that matter: food, culture, experiences, and memories.
Try Airhub eSIM today. The road is calling, and now, you can answer without losing signal.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links, since we’ve decided to keep the site ad-free. So here it is!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
