eSIM or roaming: what's cheaper on a trip
Roaming is the easiest option: nothing to do. But for mobile data abroad it often costs many times more than a travel eSIM. Here's how to choose.
How roaming works
When roaming, your phone uses a foreign carrier's network and your home carrier bills you. The price depends on your plan and the country: some plans include travel packs, others charge data per megabyte — and a few hours of maps and social media can add up to a lot. Check your carrier's terms for the specific country before you go.
How a travel eSIM works
A travel eSIM is a separate data plan with a fixed price: you know in advance what you pay, and nothing extra shows up at the end of the month. Your number stays on the main SIM, while data goes through the eSIM.
What an eSIM costs in popular countries
| Country | Plan | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 5 GB · 30 days | $7.99 |
| Europe (30+ countries) | 5 GB · 30 days | $8.99 |
| Thailand | 10 GB · 30 days | $9.49 |
| Egypt | 3 GB · 30 days | $8.99 |
| USA | 10 GB · 30 days | $15.49 |
Prices are current as of the page update and follow the carriers' prices.
When roaming is fine
- A short one- or two-day trip, and your plan has a cheap pack for that country.
- You need regular calls and texts from your number — an eSIM is data only.
- Your phone doesn't support eSIM.
When an eSIM saves money
- A trip of a week or longer, or you use maps, taxis, translators and social media a lot.
- You want to know the price up front, with no surprises on the bill.
- You visit several countries — a regional Europe eSIM covers 30+ countries with one plan.
- You need unlimited data: from $2.49 a day in Turkey.
Best of both
Keep your main SIM for calls and texts (bank codes, for example), but turn off its mobile data so your carrier doesn't charge data roaming. Switch mobile data to the eSIM. How to do it on iPhone and Android — in the installation guide.
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