The CHEAPEST eSim For Travel – Save on Data (2024)

Sometimes numbers say far more than words ever could so I decided to kick off this post with a nice chunk of data. Basically, I’ve pulled together a bit of a snapshot of how much various eSim providers charge for 2 different popular packages.

You can see at a glance how prices differ. Be sure to pay attention to the package price, the average GB price and also the package duration.  For example, the Sim Local Europe package comes in at $1.25 per GB but it only lasts for 14 days before expiration whereas the next cheapest one, the Jetpac package lasts for 30.

Finding the cheapest eSim option for travel involves more than just looking at the price tag; it’s a multi-faceted decision that requires considering how much data you get, the duration of use, and whether the package includes a phone number (most eSims do not).

It’s important to understand that some companies might offer what seems like a large amount of data for a low cost. But you then end up purchasing more data than you actually need, the deal is less appealing as you could end up spending double what was actually necessary for your travel data needs.

Moreover, not all eSim providers offer competitive rates for every destination. While some may present attractive packages for sim cards in Europe or North America, their offerings might not be as economical when you travel to less common destinations in Africa or Asia. This variability means that loyalty to a single eSim provider could be financially disadvantageous in the long run.

eSim companies are also well aware of customer tendencies to stick with one provider for convenience. They often employ ‘loss leader’ strategies, offering exceptionally cheap rates initially to attract customers, hoping they remain for future, possibly higher-priced services.

To truly find the best eSim deal every time you travel, it’s advisable to install multiple eSim apps and compare their offers for each trip. Don’t fall into the trap of familiarity, don’t get lazy and don’t let the provider ever turn your loyalty against you.

Shopping around can significantly reduce your data expenses and ensure you get the best possible deal tailored to your specific travel needs. Don’t fall into the trap of sticking with one provider out of convenience; the market is competitive, and there are often better options available if you take the time to look.

How Much Data Do You Need To Travel?

To help you find a well-priced eSim travel pack, you could probably do with knowing how much data you need to prevent overspending. This can be hard to gauge because you never really know how much you will need or use your phone until you get on the ground.

Well to help you out, I’ll share some research-based data with you.

Now, the average adult human spends around 3 hours per day using the internet.  Let’s examine how much data you would need for three hours of internet use

Now, this is an ordinary Joe/Jane’s daily use which may not reflect the increased or reduced usage of a traveller on a trip. So keep this in mind when making your purchase and remember the following; 

• It’s always better to have a bit to spare than to run out
• You can always top-up – but top-ups often come with a premium

I’ve already shown you the headline facts and figures, but in this section, I will introduce a bunch of different eSim providers and talk a bit about how cheap, or not, they are.

GigSky

Right, so the boys at Gigsky have been running in the big sky for a decade and a half now making them veterans in the realm of eSim. The Silicon Valley tele-tech giant owns a lot of their own masts and infrastructure, so can effectively cut out the middlemen.

While this benefit is kinda passed on to users in the form of some low-priced packages, the data allowances are lower than some other contenders on this list. Still, $10.00 for a 15-day Spain package is not to be grumbled at and they offer free 100MB trial packages for everywhere.

JetPac

Not gonna lie, Singapore start-up Jetpac are fast forcing their way into the “firm freaking favourite” position. Most eSim’s last for 30 days, all of them are priced below $1.80 per GB and they even offer a $1, 1GB Global eSim pack to get you started.

The only downside is that they don’t cover as many destinations as other players quite yet.

Sim Local

Sim Local offer some of the lowest price-per-GB data packs on the list. However, on closer inspection, I still have to question whether they offer the best overall “value”. 

For example, the Europe pack offers 30GB for 14 days which is simply far more data than anybody could ever need and if you are only going for 2 weeks, you would ultimately be better off with the Jetpac 30-day packet.

Sim Alo

Sim Alo does offer some of the lowest package prices in the eSim business – that’s a fact. However basic data allowances are kinda low so they are NOT suitable for longer trips or heavy uses. 

For example, $8 for a two-week Europe region eSim pack is great but you may well burn through that 2GB within a week and be forced to buy a more expensive top-up

Sim Options

What I love about Sim Options is that they offer a range of eSims from different providers (including their in-house brand) so are always worth checking out.

They offer a good range of products and can offer numbers on some packages but not many) but $ for $ is not as cheap as some here.

HolaFly

Plucky Spanish HolaFly were one of the first brands to really get into the eSim market and as such is well ahead of the pack. Here is the thing, their eSims really ain’t cheap and while they offer unlimited data, the standard pack duration is 15 days so unless you really plan on going hard on Netflix during your 15-day vacation, this is kinda superfluous.

In some regions, they can offer local numbers but alas, the last time I tried this it didn’t actually work…

Nomad

Nomad does offer some great deals but it is my duty to report when I used them in Goa a few years back, I could barely connect.

Further, while their Spain package looks cheap coming in at $1.30 per GB, it expires after 10 days.

OneSim

Bostonites OneSim have been in the Travel Sim card space for yonks and were heavy hitters at flogging physical, global sim cards before they jumped onboard the eSim wagon. And to be frank they kinda look and feel like a once-cool-DJ following the latest trend, with low data offerings, steep prices and some shoddy tech-interfaces.

I left them last on this list for a reason. That said, they can offer local numbers to most destinations for a premium.

Navigating the eSim market requires a savvy and proactive approach. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the offerings of eSim providers, with various packages designed to attract different types of travellers. 

To reduce it down to 3 core principles though, always remember to shop around, be sure to get enough data for your needs yet don’t be swayed by ‘big offerings’ like Unlimited Data for 7 days.

With eSim technology, you have the power to stay connected globally without the burden of excessive roaming charges, so make the most of this technology by making informed choices that enhance your travel experience while preserving your budget.

Finally, in case you haven’t done it yet, do take a minute to install the Jetpac and GigSky apps right now.