# Local SIM or eSIM: which is better value

Local operators' tourist SIM prices with source and date, next to Tutu eSIM. Where the local SIM is cheaper, we say so.

| Country | Cheapest local | Tutu 5 GB | Verdict | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | Vodafone Albania: 1000 GB / 15 days, $33.20 | $9.49 | eSIM is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| Cyprus | Cyta: 5 GB / 31 days, $5.60 | $5.99 | like at home | 12.11.2026 |
| Egypt | WE (Telecom Egypt): 5 GB / 30 days, $1.90 | $8.99 | local is cheaper | 08.11.2026 |
| Georgia | Magti: 5 GB / 15 days, $5.80 | $7.99 | local is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| Indonesia | Telkomsel: 24 GB / 30 days, $13.80 | $9.49 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Maldives | Ooredoo Maldives: 20 GB / 30 days, $40.00 | $42.49 | local is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| Montenegro | Crnogorski Telekom: 500 GB / 15 days, $16.70 | $10.49 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Sri Lanka | Dialog: 20 GB / 30 days, $4.20 | $8.99 | local is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| Thailand | AIS: unlimited / 15 days, $20.70 | $6.99 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Tunisia | Ooredoo Tunisie: 10 GB / 30 days, $10.00 | $8.99 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Turkey | Turkcell: 20 GB / 28 days, $35.80 | $6.49 | eSIM is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| UAE | e& (Etisalat): 8 GB / 28 days, $34.00 | $10.99 | eSIM is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| Vietnam | Vinaphone: 15 GB / 15 days, $7.80 | $10.19 | local is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| Armenia | Ucom: ? / 15 days, $6.90 | $8.99 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Azerbaijan | Azercell: 30 GB / 30 days, $22.90 | $10.49 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | BH Telecom: 40 GB / 10 days, $18.00 | $13.99 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Jordan | Orange Jordan: 90 GB / 10 days, $30.00 | $16.49 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Malaysia | Hotlink (Maxis): 100 GB / 15 days, $8.60 | $5.49 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Mauritius | my.t (Mauritius Telecom): unlimited / 30 days, $33.30 | $21.49 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Moldova | Moldcell: 20 GB / 14 days, $2.70 | $7.99 | local is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| Oman | Ooredoo Oman: 18 GB / 15 days, $27.30 | $12.99 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Qatar | Ooredoo Qatar: 10 GB / 14 days, $27.50 | $11.99 | eSIM is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| Serbia | Yettel Serbia: 50 GB / 30 days, $13.20 | $8.99 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Singapore | SIMBA (TPG): 500 GB / 30 days, $7.80 | $7.99 | depends on data | 12.11.2026 |
| Switzerland | Swisscom: 5 GB / 30 days, $35.90 | $7.99 | eSIM is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |
| UK | Lycamobile UK: 5 GB / 30 days, $4.70 | $7.99 | local is cheaper | 12.11.2026 |

## Questions

### Which is better value: a local SIM or an eSIM?

It depends on the country. A local SIM is often cheaper per gigabyte, but you buy it on arrival: a queue, a passport, sometimes a visa and cash. An eSIM installs at home and works right after landing.

### In which countries is a local SIM cheaper than an eSIM?

Egypt, Georgia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Moldova, UK.

### Can I keep my Ukrainian SIM and a local one at once on an iPhone?

Yes, on iPhone XS and newer: a physical SIM plus an eSIM. US iPhone 14 and newer have no tray, so a physical SIM won't fit; you can turn your Ukrainian SIM into an eSIM with your operator beforehand.

### Is a SIM more expensive at the airport?

Often yes: airports sell tourist packs for more than city shops and take cash.

### What if I land at night?

Operator desks at big airports (Hurghada, Bangkok, Phuket) are open 24/7, but some are unstaffed at night; in Albania and Montenegro kiosks may be closed. An eSIM installed at home works at once.