Best eSIM for International Travelers in 2026

If you are still buying physical SIM cards at airport kiosks, you are wasting time and money. eSIMs have completely changed the game for international travelers and digital nomads. You can activate a data plan before you even land, skip the queue at the mobile shop, and switch between countries without swapping cards.

In this guide, we compare the two leading eSIM providers -- Airalo and Yesim -- and help you decide which one fits your travel style.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you scan a QR code or install a profile through an app. Most phones released after 2020 support eSIM, including all iPhone models from XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, and many others.

Key benefits for travelers:

• Instant activation -- buy and install from anywhere, even mid-flight on WiFi
• Keep your home number -- your physical SIM stays active for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data
• No roaming fees -- local rates without the international markup
• Multiple plans -- switch between country or regional plans as you move

Airalo: The Market Leader

Airalo is the world's largest eSIM marketplace, covering 200+ countries and regions. It has become the default recommendation in most digital nomad communities.

What Airalo does well:

• Massive coverage: 200+ countries, 300+ operators
• Regional plans (e.g., one eSIM for all of Europe or Southeast Asia)
• Global plans covering 130+ countries on a single eSIM
• Clean, easy-to-use app with installation guides
• Frequent promotions and referral credits

Pricing examples (as of February 2026):

| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | |------|------|----------|-------| | Thailand | 3 GB | 30 days | $5.00 | | Thailand | 10 GB | 30 days | $12.00 | | Europe (39 countries) | 5 GB | 30 days | $16.00 | | Asia (17 countries) | 5 GB | 30 days | $14.00 | | Global | 5 GB | 30 days | $18.00 |

Drawbacks:

• No phone number included (data only on most plans)
• Speeds can vary by carrier partner
• Customer support can be slow during peak periods

Yesim: The Challenger with Calls Included

Yesim takes a different approach. While Airalo focuses on data-only plans, Yesim offers plans with a virtual phone number, allowing you to make and receive calls.

What Yesim does well:

• Plans with voice calls and phone number included
• Strong coverage in Europe and Asia
• Pay-as-you-go option alongside fixed data plans
• Built-in VPN feature in the app
• Competitive pricing for heavy data users

Pricing examples (as of February 2026):

| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | |------|------|----------|-------| | Thailand | 3 GB | 30 days | $5.50 | | Thailand | 10 GB | 30 days | $13.00 | | Europe (40+ countries) | 5 GB | 30 days | $15.00 | | Asia (15 countries) | 5 GB | 30 days | $15.00 | | Global | 5 GB | 30 days | $20.00 |

Drawbacks:

• Smaller marketplace than Airalo (fewer carrier options)
• App interface not as polished
• Voice plans cost extra

Airalo vs Yesim: Head-to-Head Comparison

| Feature | Airalo | Yesim | |---------|--------|-------| | Countries covered | 200+ | 150+ | | Regional plans | Yes (excellent) | Yes (good) | | Global plans | Yes (130+ countries) | Yes (100+ countries) | | Voice calls | Rare (data-only focus) | Yes (virtual number) | | Built-in VPN | No | Yes | | App quality | Excellent | Good | | Pricing | Slightly cheaper | Competitive | | Top-up / extend | Easy in-app | Easy in-app | | Referral program | Yes ($3 credit) | Yes |

Which One Should You Pick?

Choose Airalo if:

• You primarily need mobile data (most nomads do)
• You travel to less common destinations
• You want the widest carrier selection
• You prefer the most polished app experience

Get started with Airalo

Choose Yesim if:

• You need a phone number for calls (business travelers, visa applications)
• You want a built-in VPN
• You are a heavy data user looking for pay-as-you-go flexibility

Get started with Yesim

Pro Tips for Using eSIMs

1. Install before you fly. Download the eSIM profile while on WiFi at home. You can activate it when you land.

2. Check compatibility first. Not all phones support eSIM. Carrier-locked phones may also have restrictions. Check your phone settings under Cellular/Mobile Data.

3. Keep your physical SIM. Use eSIM for data and your regular SIM for your home number. Most modern phones handle dual-SIM seamlessly.

4. Buy regional plans for multi-country trips. If you are hopping between Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, a single Asia regional plan is cheaper and more convenient than three separate country plans.

5. Top up before you run out. Both Airalo and Yesim let you add data in-app, but it is easier to do while you still have a connection.

6. Delete old eSIM profiles. After your trip, remove expired eSIM profiles from your phone to keep things tidy. You can always reinstall later.

The Bottom Line

Both Airalo and Yesim are excellent choices for international travelers. For most digital nomads who primarily need reliable data, Airalo is the safer bet thanks to wider coverage and a better app. If you specifically need voice calls or want an integrated VPN, Yesim fills that niche well.

Either way, switching to eSIM saves you the hassle of hunting for SIM card shops in every new country. It is one of those small upgrades that makes the nomad lifestyle significantly smoother.

Check your destination on NomadFast for eSIM recommendations specific to each country.