The 10 Best International SIM Cards for 2024

Embarking on a new adventure requires a lifeline to the digital world, whether you’re backpacking through Europe or island-hopping in Indonesia. The quest for the most reliable and affordable international SIM cards is vital, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

These are my top tips and best international SIM card recommendations, based on my experiences using them around the world.

What Are International SIM Cards?

An international SIM card is a traveler’s tool for communication, planning, and navigation, offering the ability to send texts and use data at local rates without the shock of roaming charges. These cards work across multiple countries and can be a more economical choice compared to local SIMs or the roaming options provided by your home carrier. They’re preloaded with credit, ready to use in an unlocked phone, providing a hassle-free bridge to staying in touch while exploring the world.

How Do International SIM Cards Work?

You have two options when getting a SIM abroad – a local physical card or an eSIM. If you have an iPhone 14 or newer, you likely can only use eSIMs. While I resisted this at first, I love the convenience now of landing in a new destination and having signal for navigation, emailing a hotel or vacation rental host, being able to order an Uber, right from touch down.

To use an international SIM card, your phone must be unlocked, meaning it’s not restricted to a single carrier’s network​. This is crucial, so make sure you get your phone unlocked before you leave for your trip.

These eSIM cards can also be conveniently topped up online, through an app, or with vouchers, negating the need to purchase a new one each time it runs out​. Security-wise, they are on par with local SIMs, equipped with necessary safety features like a security PIN and location area identity​.

The Dos and Don’ts of Purchasing an International SIM Card

When purchasing SIM cards for international travel, there are several best practices to keep in mind:

Dos:

• Research before you go! Look up the most recommended SIM card options for your destination. Online forums, travel blogs, and reviews can be valuable resources.
• Consider convenience and cost. Make sure you evaluate the balance between the ease of obtaining the SIM card and its cost. Sometimes, paying a little extra up front can save time and hassle.
• Check if the SIM card is compatible with your phone and that your phone is unlocked.

Don’ts:

• Don’t buy at the airport. Airport kiosks can be convenient, but they often mean a premium price. It’s generally cheaper to purchase a SIM card in town or online.
• Ignore data packages. Be mindful of the data packages available with the SIM card. Opt for a plan that suits your data usage to avoid extra charges.
• Don’t forget the top-up options. Make sure there are easy ways to top up your card. Being able to add credit online or through an app is a plus, especially if you’re traveling for an extended period.

The Best International SIM Cards for Travelers

Ready to get connected worldwide? These are the tried and true SIM cards for travelers:

1. Instabridge

I recently tried Instabridge (sponsored) while traveling in the Azores and I was impressed! It was extremely easy to use, and I got it set up on my iPhone in under 5 minutes. The interface is straightforward and tells you how much data you have at any moment. The top-up was simple as well. My favorite thing about Instabridge is that you can use your physical SIM and your eSIM simultaneously.

Instabridge offers BMTM readers 10% off all of their data plans. Use “BMTM10” at checkout on their website to get the discount.

• Coverage: Over 190 countries, and geared toward a smarter, more cost-effective experience.
• Data packages: Data packages start at 1 GB for $2.50 and go up to 20 GB for $18. Not bad!
• Additional benefits: One time, monthly, and yearly packages are available, making it super flexible whether you’re hopping around from country to country or sticking around one place for a while.

2. Yesim

We tested out Yesim (sponsored) on our recent trip to Norway and there are two things I like about this company – you can get an unlimited plan, and they have a global package (as well as regional ones). Some of the countries they cover also contract with multiple local carriers, meaning you’ll have the best possible coverage at any given time.

Yesim offers BMTM readers a 3 Euro account credit with code “Muse3”.

• Coverage: Over 190 countries, and geared toward a more data heavy and multi-country experience.
• Data packages: Data packages start at 1 GB for $1.59 for their US plans and go up to $8.80/GB for their global plans.
• Additional benefits: Discounts with automatic refill subscriptions, and the ability to go limitless with data.

3. Airalo / Discover+ Global eSIM

The Airalo Discover Global eSIM, now known as Discover+, is a favorite for their lower cost options. I have used Airalo in Thailand and I love their regional cards, which is perfect for anyone on a trip spanning multiple countries. I grabbed their Southeast Asia regional card for our most recent trip to Singapore and Bali and will be using their European card for our upcoming European summer travels.

Airalo is also one of very few eSIMs that can offer a phone number as well for their global plan, which can be super helpful, however it’ll cost you $15 per 1GB. Still, it’s a feature most eSIMs lack.

• Coverage: 130 countries, allowing travelers to maintain mobile access in a wide array of locations
• eSIM compatibility: It offers the advantage of 5G NR access in various countries
• Data Packages: Alongside data, the Discover+ version includes a phone number with up to 200 minutes and 200 texts, enhancing its utility for travelers who need comprehensive communication options.
• Considerations: The price remains competitive, with the most extensive 20GB eSIM, valid for a full year, costing $89 USD. For those not needing calling or texting capabilities, the Discover version costs up to $20 USD less​.

4. GigSky

A lot of people use GigSky, because its are among the easiest eSIMs to use and is the only one we know of that provides a cruise eSIM option. Anyone who has gone on a cruise knows that the data onboard can be eyewateringly expensive, and Gigsky offers a cruise package that is much more affordable, meant for both land and sea.

• Coverage: Global connectivity, with availability in 116 countries across North America, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East/Africa, and Asia and the Pacific.
• Data packages: GigSky offers flexible plans, from short-term 1GB for 15 days starting at $12 to monthly data plans like 5GB worldwide for $60.
• Considerations: They don’t offer regional cards like some others on this list, but could be a great option for cruises in particular.

5. Orange Holiday Europe

Orange Holiday Europe is a prepaid data plan tailored for tourists traveling across Europe, offering 20GB of high-speed data across 30 European countries. They also offer plans that allow calling and texting.

They offer physical SIM cards that can be delivered to your home address and used across Europe, and eSIMs. The only thing to note is the physical SIM comes with 30GB of data and costs $49, which is more than most people realistically need.

• Coverage: Available in 30 European countries, leveraging Orange’s wide-reaching network.
• eSIM compatibility: Offered as both a physical SIM card and an eSIM; the latter provides the same service instantly via email without the need for shipping.
• Data packages: For approximately $50, you receive 20GB of data, sometimes with special offers extending up to 30GB. The data is valid for 14 days, with the option to renew for an additional 14 days for around $30.
• Considerations: This is on the pricier and most data heavy end of this list.

6. OneSIM

Touted as the overall best international SIM card, OneSim provides SIM choices with one of the largest areas, with coverage in over 200 countries. They also offer the flexibility to buy data bundles and discounted plans for calls.

• Coverage: Over 200 countries globally, with a focus on versatility and reliability.
• Data packages: You can buy data bundles and discounted plans for calls, with casual data rates starting at $0.20/MB. Data packages are available by zone or region.
• Additional benefits: Customers receive two numbers: one European and one from the USA, UK, Australia, or Canada, with free incoming calls on the European number in many countries​.

7. Holafly

While not the cheapest, Holafly is all about unlimited data eSIMs that can be used in a single country or in regions. To purchase, you select the number of days you’ll be in the country and they return a price based on unlimited data for those days, with prices varying by destination.

Some destinations make more sense than others, particularly if you know you’ll be mostly relying on your phone for data. 15 days unlimited in Mexico, for example, will set you back $47, but in the US where WiFi is widely available, I’m not sure that $60 for 10 days is worth it.

• Coverage: eSIM packages for over 100 countries, with an easy-to-use app for managing services.
• eSIMs: Suitable for modern smartphones with eSIM capabilities.
• Data packages: There are data-sharing capabilities for some destinations, which are convenient for couples or groups traveling together.
• Considerations: Unlimited packages only.

8. KnowRoaming

KnowRoaming positions itself as a versatile travel SIM provider with a presence in over 200 countries and a range of plans to keep you connected on the go. Since these SIM cards work by locating and connecting to local networks in your destination, the quality of your coverage depends on how densely populated your area is. For that reason, I don’t recommend this one for off-the-beaten-path travel, especially if you’ll be out in nature.

• Coverage: Global service spanning more than 200 countries and destinations
• eSIM Ccompatibility: KnowRoaming offers traditional physical SIM cards, an innovative SIM sticker, and scannable eSIM codes for devices that support eSIM technology, like newer iPhone models and Google Pixel 3.
• Data packages: There are unlimited data plans with durations of 3 or 7 days, priced at $9.99 and $22.99, respectively. There are also specific eSIM data plans for regions like Europe and Asia, ranging from 1GB to 5GB, valid for 30 days.
• Considerations: KnowRoaming’s plans are primarily for data, with talk and text being available on a pay-as-you-go basis, requiring users to add credit to their accounts. These add-ons can be pricey, so this one is better if you’re a data-only person.

9. Keepgo

Keepgo offers a streamlined, data-only service for travelers in the eSIM era, presenting a straightforward approach to staying connected. Though you can use Keepgo almost anywhere, it works particularly well in the USA and Europe.

• Coverage: Keepgo’s eSIM operates in over 120 countries, allowing for broad international use.
• eSIM compatibility: The service caters to the modern need for data connectivity without physical SIM cards, offering lifetime validity for purchased data bundles.
• Data packages: Options are available in set bundles of 1GB, 3GB, or 10GB, with the flexibility to top up via the Keepgo app.
• Considerations: Since Keepgo is data-only and doesn’t provide a phone number, users must rely on internet-based communication apps (WhatsApp, etc.). While the rates are a flat $10 per GB, this might be costlier than some regional eSIM offerings.

10. Nomad

Nomad’s eSIM has a global reach and a digital-first approach, which means there’s no need to fuss over physical SIM cards. There are plenty of reviews online, but my hesitation with this one is that it is one of the newest international eSIMs on the market. I’d be willing to try it, though!

• Coverage: Service in over 100 countries worldwide, with the ability to purchase regional plans or a global plan for frequent travelers
• eSIM compatibility: Compatible with eSIM-supported phones; installation is straightforward via QR code, and activation is on-demand, allowing users to pause and resume their plans as needed.
• Data packages: Nomad provides a range of data plans at competitive prices, starting as low as $2/GB, with no hidden fees. Plans range from 1GB to unlimited and from one day up to a year, giving you the flexibility to choose what best suits your travel needs.
• Considerations: While Nomad boasts high-speed and stable connections by utilizing the best local networks and allowing data sharing via hot spot, it offers data services only, not voice or text. You can only use eSIM-capable phones, and customer support is only available via email or the app, which may not offer immediate assistance.

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Staying connected across borders has never been more accessible, which I love to see! Gone are the days of hunting down a SIM and being disconnected until I could find one, which I spent a decade doing prior to the advent of eSIMs. I have to say, this is so much easier and more convenient.

Now that there are so many options out there, the hardest part about staying connected on the road is no longer finding the next source of free Wi-Fi — it’s finding the best international SIM card for your specific needs! I’m honestly not mad about that, either.

Which one will you choose?

*Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We have also been compensated by the noted companies to test and feature their cards.