eSIMs (short for embedded SIM) are quickly becoming the go-to choice for frequent travellers who need reliable mobile data while exploring new destinations.
For digital nomads, whose work depends on a stable internet connection, they’re more than just convenient; they’re absolutely essential.
An eSIM is a digital version of a traditional SIM card. It can be downloaded straight to your device, whether it’s a phone or tablet, and activated from anywhere in the world. That means no more queuing at airport kiosks or searching a new city for a physical store every time you land somewhere new. Instead you’ll be instantly connected from the moment you arrive.
For digital nomads, whose income depends on staying connected, the flexibility and reliability of an eSIM makes a huge difference.
You can choose plans that suit your data needs, switch networks easily, and save money compared to using your home network abroad.
Do Digital Nomads need an eSIM?
Whether or not you need an eSIM depends on your lifestyle as a digital nomad. If you’re based in one country for most of the year, a local SIM is likely your best option. It gives you a local number and access to affordable data plans tailored to that country.
However, if you’re frequently on the move, an eSIM is the more convenient option and here’s why:
1. Instant eSim activation from anywhere in the world.
You can easily activate or switch data plans directly from your phone rather than having to go out and get a local, physical SIM and battle language barriers in each new country.
In some countries, activating a physical, local SIM requires a passport and a visit to a registered store, which may not be convenient outside major cities. With an eSIM, you simply scan a QR code and you're connected.
2. You can store multiple eSIM profiles, without removing your physical SIM.
Most modern smartphones support eSIMs alongside a physical SIM, allowing you to keep your home number active while using a separate line for data or local calls.
It’s a practical option for managing multiple numbers on a single device.
You can also store several eSIM profiles from different providers, some phones support up to eight, making it easy to reconnect in countries you visit regularly without setting everything up from scratch.
3. Enhanced security with an eSim.
Security can be a big factor for people who are working remotely. eSIMs provide greater security than physical SIMs because they can't be physically removed or stolen from a device, which helps prevent unauthorised access and SIM cloning.
Top eSIM providers for Digital Nomads
1. Holafly
› Coverage: Over 200 destinations worldwide.
› Plans: Offers unlimited data with hotspot support and no roaming fees, doesn't include text or call services.
› Ideal for: Digital Nomads who need constant connectivity without data limits.
Holafly offers unlimited data plans that suit all kinds of digital nomads. Whether you're staying briefly in a single country, travelling across multiple destinations within a region, or moving between continents
Holafly offer tailored options to match your needs, including country-specific, regional, and global eSIM plans.
Their global eSIM plan provides options such as 10GB for $39.90 per month, 25GB for $49.90 per month, and unlimited data for $64.90 per month. If you’re planning to tether your laptop to your phone, it’s worth noting that only the 25GB and unlimited data plans include hotspot support.
2. Ubigi
› Coverage: Over 200 destinations worldwide
› Plans: Offers everything from one-time 500MB plans for individual countries to unlimited annual plans covering regions or global use.
› Ideal for: Business travellers requiring reliable and fast connectivity.
Ubigi offers a comprehensive range of data plans, including options for 5G connectivity where available. One feature that makes Ubigi stand out is the ability to top up your plan without needing Wi-Fi or existing data, ensuring you stay connected even when you run out of data.
Their plans are available as one-off purchases, monthly, or annual subscriptions, ranging anywhere from $3 to $280.
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3. GigSky
› Coverage: Over 190 destinations worldwide
› Plans: Prices start at $10 for 1 GB of data, valid for 7 days in Europe. Pricing varies based on the region.
› Ideal for: international digital nomads and business professionals who need reliable, global coverage and are visiting both well-known and less common destinations.
GigSky makes it easy for digital nomads to access prepaid data plans with an app-based setup. While it’s perfect for short-term travel and offers extensive coverage worldwide, its pricing may be slightly higher compared to some competitors, particularly for longer-term usage.
However, it has great coverage and network speeds, offering widespread 4G LTE connectivity, with 5G available in select regions. One con is that the service is data-only, so you won't have access to voice or SMS.
4. Nomad
› Coverage: Over 200 destinations worldwide
› Plans: Data plans start at $20 for 5 GB, valid for 30 days in Europe, with pricing varying depending on the region.
› Ideal for: Digital Nomads who prefer a simple, no-fuss data plan and appreciate easy app management.
Nomad stands out for its transparent pricing and straightforward approach, offering a convenient solution for digital nomads who need flexible internet access without complications.
While it provides excellent coverage for top tourist destinations, offering 4G LTE connectivity, with 5G available in select countries.
Nomad is best suited for those who don't need voice or SMS services and are traveling within well-connected regions.
5. Airalo
› Coverage: Over 200 destinations worldwide.
› Plans: Provides plans ranging from 1GB to 20GB, with hotspot support. Options include data-only or plans that also include calls and texts.
› Ideal for: Digital Nomads visiting multiple countries within a short period.
Airalo provides a wide range of plans suitable for various trip durations. Their global eSIM offers data for up to 365 days, with a maximum of 20GB per month.
Prices start at just $5 for a 7 day single country plan, and go up to $93 for a global annual package that includes 20GB of data, 200 call minutes, and 200 SMS.
Loyalty points can be accumulated for discounts on future purchases. However, some users have reported occasional connectivity issues upon arrival in new destinations.
How to choose the best eSIM plan
Here’s what to consider when you’re choosing between eSIM providers:
- Which countries you are visiting,
- How many countries you’re travelling too,
- The duration of your trip,
- Your estimated data usage,
- Whether you need data only or calls and texts,
- Your budget,
- Network coverage, connectivity and speed.
Top tips to optimise eSIM usage while working remotely
Once you’ve chosen your eSIM plan, it’s important to optimise your data usage. Here’s some tips to reduce and manage your data usage while working remotely:
› Choose the Right Plan.
Select an eSIM plan that suits your work habits, whether it's a high data allowance for heavy usage or an unlimited plan if you rely on constant connectivity. This will help you avoid having to constantly top-up your data.
› Avoid Background Data Consumption.
Background apps can quickly drain your data. To prevent unexpected data usage, check which apps are running in the background and adjust settings to limit their access to data. Enabling data saver mode is another way to help control consumption by restricting unnecessary usage.
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› Use Wi-Fi When Available.
Save your mobile data for when it’s truly needed. When Wi-Fi is available, especially in cafes, coworking spaces, or hotels, connect to it instead of using mobile data. This will help preserve your data plan for when you’re on the go and need it most.
› Enable Dual SIM.
If your device supports it, using dual SIM functionality can help you manage multiple plans simultaneously. You can use your home SIM for local calls and messaging while relying on an eSIM for data usage, optimising your overall connectivity.
› Monitor Data Consumption.
Regularly track your data usage to avoid unexpected overages.
Many eSIM providers have apps or settings where you can easily monitor your data consumption and make adjustments as needed. This allows you to stay within your plan's limits and avoid surprises.
Final thoughts on the best eSIM for digital nomads
eSIMs are an essential tool for digital nomads, offering flexibility, ease of activation, and reliable connectivity across the globe.
Providers such as Holafly, Ubigi, and GigSky stand out for their wide coverage, competitive pricing, and strong network reliability, making it easier for remote workers to stay connected no matter where they are.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Moonsand receives a commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of our trusted affiliate partners, at no extra cost to yourself.
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