In 2025’s digital era, our phones and devices far more than just a means of communication. At the risk of sounding a touch hyperbolic, they’re now an indispensable daily companion, and never are they more essential than when we head off for a spot of travelling.
Whether it’s ordering a cab, navigating unfamiliar streets, or translating weird, wonderful alien languages on the go, a phone with a working SIM and reliable data access has become a non-negotiable part of the travel toolkit. However, despite living in a globalised world, the functionality of our native SIM cards often ends at our home country’s border.
For years, the norm for travellers has been to purchase a local SIM upon arriving at their destination, or in some cases, by purchasing an eSIM package before flying.
But as our world becomes increasingly interconnected, a new contender has entered the arena – the international SIM card.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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International SIM vs Local SIM
If you’re wondering what is an eSIM? Don’t panic, let’s jump right on in and clarify what it is when we talk about international SIMs and local SIMs before you decide which is the best SIM for your travels.
International SIM: A globetrotters dream, the international SIM offers widespread coverage, spanning multiple countries and continents. It’s a one-stop solution, eliminating the need for multiple different SIMs. An international SIM should connect and work instantly, all over the world as soon as you land. If you get yourself a good one, it could well be the last SIM you ever need to buy.
However, this convenience comes with a premium price tag. Minutes and Data packages can cost far more than local SIMs as we shall see later.
Furthermore, unless you regularly change countries, you quite possibly simply do not need an international SIM and need not incur the expense of a premium package.
Local SIM: Tailored for specific destinations, local SIMs offer an authentic and usually more affordable way to stay connected. You can generally pick up a local SIM anywhere in the world relatively quickly and easily, and in some destinations (such as India) it’s astonishing how cheap a local SIM in India can be.
They are perfect for travellers focusing on one country or region but can become cumbersome if you’re frequently crossing borders and often having to toss away bits of plastic or download new eSIM packages.
Image: Will Hatton
Regional SIMs: Bridging the gap between local and international, regional SIMs offer a balanced solution. For instance, if you need a SIM in Italy but also plan to visit a few other countries during your trip. A European package might provide seamless service across the EU, marrying the benefits of both local and international SIMs.
Best of all, regional SIM packages are often priced pretty competitively. For example, Holafly offers an all-Europe Data-only eSIM package for the same rate as most European country packages. These kinds of packages are ideal for travellers who are, say, backpacking through Europe or doing the famous Southeast Asia loop.
The fly in the ointment though, is that regional SIMs often exclude certain countries (for example many European ones don’t work in the UK or Ukraine) and they do tend to work better in some locations than in others.
Finally, please note that for all of the above “SIM Types”, some options include talk time and text, whereas some offer only data. All are also still available in both physical SIM and eSIM versions.
Here Are Some Top Travel SIM Providers
We will now look at some of our personal favourite travel SIM providers. All of these providers offer international, regional and local options. Some others both plastic and eSIM whereas others offer eSIM only. We will make this clear as we go.
GigSky
GigSky is one of those eSIM providers that quietly gets things right with few silly gimmicks. It’s a US-based company with serious global reach, offering mobile data in 190+ countries through partnerships with major international networks. In real terms, that means you can land, switch on your phone, and be online in minutes — no airport SIM stalls, no language barrier panic, and no getting rinsed by roaming fees.
Where GigSky really shines is reliability. The plans are clearly priced, the coverage is genuinely global, and the connection is stable enough for maps, bookings, uploads, and the occasional “work-from-anywhere” moment. It’s not trying to be flashy or gimmicky.
For long trips, multi-country itineraries, or anyone who’s been burned by sketchy local SIMs before, GigSky is a solid, no-drama choice that earns its reputation on the road.
4S
Heads up: 4S eSIM is still a relatively new player. We’re actively road-testing it over the coming months and will keep this page updated as we go.
4S eSIM is a newer name in the eSIM space, and one that’s only just starting to pop up on travellers’ radars. They’re positioning themselves as a straightforward, travel-first data provider, offering eSIM plans for a growing list of countries at competitive prices. Setup is the familiar QR-code process, and everything runs through a clean, no-nonsense platform — which, at the very least, suggests they understand what travellers actually want: quick access, clear pricing, and no friction at the airport.
So far, our experience with 4S eSIM has been quietly promising. Coverage has been solid in testing, speeds have held up for everyday travel use (maps, messaging, bookings), and there haven’t been any nasty surprises hidden in the fine print. It’s still early days, and we’ll be continuing to test 4S eSIM over the coming months across different destinations, but the signs are good.
If they keep building coverage and maintain this level of reliability, 4S eSIM could end up being a strong alternative to the more established players.
And check this, readers can bag 15% off all sale items using the code TBB at checkout!!!!
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 travellers 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.
SimOptions
SimOptions is a reputable global marketplace that specialises in offering high-quality prepaid eSIMs for travellers in over 200 destinations worldwide. The platform has been dedicated to providing the best possible eSIM and international SIM options at the most competitive rates for travellers since 2018. They rigorously test and select eSIMs to ensure that you receive the best connectivity and service wherever you travel.
As well as effectively acting as a broker from a number of the best eSIM providers, SimOptions also offer their own eSIM products too.
Basically, SimOptions is kind of like a market comparison website for helping you find the best SIM for your travels. You simply type in your destination and they bring up the different eSIM options from a wide number of prospective providers and suppliers
Sim Local
Irish based Sim Local specialise in providing eSIM services, primarily targeted at global travellers to help them stay connected without incurring expensive roaming charges. Based in Dublin and London, Sim Local sells local SIM cards and eSIM profiles through their retail outlets, vending machines, and online platforms.
Sim Local offers a variety of eSIM plans that can be activated instantly and are designed to provide a convenient and secure way to stay connected in numerous countries. Their services are beneficial for those who travel frequently, as they provide the option to switch between multiple eSIM profiles on a single device, depending on the user’s location and needs.
They also offer pretty comprehensive customer support and a range of payment options, including Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, all processed securely via Stripe.
Holafly
Plucky Spanish-based eSIM upstart Holafly has distinguished itself as a go-to eSIM provider offering a good range of tailored solutions for the savvy traveller. Holafly’s eSIMs are designed for those who travel frequently or visit multiple countries, providing seamless connectivity across various regions.
They offer regional SIMs for Europe, Asia, North America, South America, and The United Kingdom (Included on the list but not quite the same!) and The Caribbean
Let’s now take a quick look at a few different Holafly offers.
Holafly international eSIM
Holafly does not offer an international SIM but does offer a few good regional packages.
Holafly Europe eSIM
This package offers both unlimited data and talk time (unusual for eSIM) and works in 32 European countries although I will admit it is not entirely clear from the Holafly website which ones!
Unlimited data with calls
5 Days – $19
7 Days – $27
10 Days – $34
15 Days – $47
20 Days – $54
30 Days – $64
60 Days – $87
90 Days – $99
Holafly Thailand eSIM
Unlimited Data (no calls)
5 Days – $19
7 Days – $27
10 Days – $34
15 Days – $47
20 Days – $54
30 Days – $64
60 Days – $84
90 Days – $99
Vodafone (VOXI)
A stalwart and true giant in the communication industry, VodaFone’s travel SIM solutions are both reliable and diverse. From international SIMs that cover you in numerous countries to local SIMs that offer in-depth coverage, Vodafone ensures you’re always connected.
We are going to focus on VodaFone’s VOXI brand and the European packages that they offer
Voxi European Roaming Pass
1 day – £2.25
2 days – £4
8 days – £10
15 days – £15
Allowances:
Inclusive plan data, or 20GB fair usage (whichever is less)*
Unlimited Texts (including MMS)
Unlimited Minutes
15-day Roaming Extra – £25
15 days
200 minutes
200 texts
4GB data
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Final Thoughts – International or Local SIM?
Choosing between an international and a local SIM card is ultimately just another part of the process of selecting the right gear for your journey. It’s about balancing cost, convenience, and responding to your own personal needs.
If you’re a jet-setter hopping across countries, then an international SIM might be your passport to seamless connectivity. However, if your adventures are less frequent, and tend to be concentrated in one region or country, a local SIM could provide more in-depth coverage at a fraction of the cost.
Consider your travel habits, destinations, and tech preferences, and you’ll find the perfect travel SIM that doesn’t just connect your calls but connects with your way of travel.
