When I first started using eSIMs in 2022, they tended to offer country specific eSIM plans, with some offering regional plans for Europe, South America, or even Asia. But nowadays, more and more eSIMs are offering Global eSIM plans, which basically means, one eSIM for over 100 countries!
These are super convenient, as many of them mean you can buy them once, and use it for the entire year as you travel on your trips!
But with more and more of these eSIMs offering Global eSIMs it can be hard to understand who’s actually offering a decent product.
Well, enter Cazzy ;)
But seriously, I’ve been using eSIMS for 3 years consistently now and I’ve got a lot of experience in who offers a good product and who doesn't.
All the eSIMs in this list are brands I’ve personally used (and like!!)
So let’s go!
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone that lets you download mobile plans instantly—no plastic card, no store visit.
You scan a QR code (or tap in an app), and a plan activates on your device. Because eSIM profiles are provisioned remotely, you can store multiple plans and switch as you roam.
On newer iPhones and many Androids, you can keep your normal number active and add a travel eSIM for data at the same time.
A global eSIM is simply an eSIM data plan designed to work across many countries with one profile—so you don’t need a different plan for each stop. The catch? Global plans vary by:
Holafy << will be here.
Holafly is a travel-connectivity brand focused on easy, quick-start eSIMs for tourists and digital nomads.
It’s best known for unlimited-data plans and simple activation via QR or app.
I’ve used Holafly a number of times over the years.
And actually, they were the first eSIM I ever tried!
That was way back in 2022 when I was testing it out in Canada. (it was a life saver!)
This was before they offered unlimited data.
Since then, I’ve used the unlimited data on a European trip, and found it to be fantastic!
Holafly offers a wide range of eSIMs, including over 200 individual country eSIM plans, and 11 regional plans. All offering unlimited data.
But here, I’m specifically looking at their “Global” plan.
There are lots of different options when it comes to a Global Plan with Holafly.
If you’re looking for a product that ranges from 1-30 days, then you’ve got their standard option!
It includes:
Pricing is competitive:
And the list of countries included is super extensive! Since the plans run up to 90 days, this definitely suits business travelers jumping to different destinations in shorter periods of times, and even classic content creators who never seem to stay in one place for too long ;)
But, they’ve recently launched a whole new product, Holafly Plans, monthly global data plans that keep you connected anywhere, anytime with just one eSIM , and let me tell you….it’s GOOD!
Right now, the Unlimited Plan comes with these perks:
Country checker: I really love this feature. You can quickly, with ease, double check that your Global eSIM is going to work in the country you're visiting via this tool. Simplicity at its finest.
You get all of this for less than $65 per month OR if you opt for a year plan, $50.58 a month, which works out at $1.68 a DAY!
I mean, wow. This is literally $10 more expensive than what I currently pay for my own phone plan, and I can’t use it all around the world.
That’s a game changer, and truly fantastic value.
I love that it’s no strings attached either, so you can cancel when you need too.
But if you’re a backpacker who is spending a year adventuring all over the world, or you’re the sort of person who takes multiple trips a year (me), then this is a brilliant solution!
Don’t need unlimited data?
Don’t worry, they’ve got a Light Plan…let’s have a look.
The light plan offers:
Again, a pretty excellent offering for a great price.
If you bill monthly it’s just $1.66/day $49.90/month, or if you commit to a year, it’s $1.30/day $38.91/month
Even though you get a European number with this data plan, you can only receive SMS messages with it. Which is perfect if you need to verify stuff with an OTP.
But you can’t make calls. However, I don’t actually think you need a number.
I personally use WhatsApp for my calls and messages in daily life, and you can just continue to do that when you’re abroad!
Soooo many hotels/businesses use Whatsapp for communication. I’ve made countless restaurant reservations, campsites, and hotel reservations via Whatsapp.
They’re also launching an “All-In” plan which is currently being waitlisted, BUT looks very exciting.
It states it’s going to include all the perks of the Unlimited Global eSIM plan, but some extras, including,
When this goes LIVE, I’ll be sure to update this guide.
Setup & usage: It’s super easy to buy and set up a Holafly eSIM, regardless of which you go for.
You simply buy online, receive a QR instantly, install before you fly, then toggle on data roaming upon arrival—done.
I mean, apart from the unlimited data, great customer support and worldwide coverage? ;)
They’re a well established, and well known brand who have good reviews for a reason.
They work.
They also connect to the strongest available network, which ensures you always have reliable, high speed internet. Regardless of whether you’re in a small town in Canada, or the bustling cities of Bangkok or Paris, you will have an uninterrupted connection.
Roamless is an app-first global eSIM provider that emphasizes one eSIM for 200+ countries, with flexible pay-as-you-go or prepaid data plans. It also adds in-app calling, so you can place calls directly from the app.
I’ve used Roamless more recently on a European trip, and I had no issues with it!
But I chose a specific European eSIM, and not their Single Global eSIM.
But let’s delve into the Global eSIM plan and some of the features!
Where it works: 200+ countries with a Single Global eSIM™ you install once and keep.
Plan style & speeds: Choose between data plans or PAYG; credits don’t expire, and you can top up as needed. Rates vary by destination.
Hotspot/tethering: Supported on most destinations (as typical with data eSIMs). In-app calling is a key feature, with Roamless-to-Roamless and broader calling options.
Voice & SMS: App-based calling is available; traditional native voice/SMS depends on destination and plan. The core value is global in-app calling layered on top of data.
Pricing snapshot: PAYG is marketed as significantly cheaper than typical roaming, plus prepaid data packs.
Setup & usage: Install the app, add the global eSIM once, then buy data or pay as you go as you travel—no plan expiration pressure.
Sim Local is a long-running travel connectivity company (airport stores + online) that sells eSIMs from big local carriers—think Three and Orange—so you’re effectively buying a local plan that roams across a listed set of countries. I’ve tested this eSIM in Iceland, and had no issues!
They offer both local and regional data plans, but they also offer a Global Data plan!
On the forefront, it’s not as extensive as other eSIM providers on this list, but due to their great connectivity, it’s still worth mentioning.
Where it works: Varies by the specific “Global” plan. For example, a 30 GB/30-day Three UK (DI) plan lists 71 countries, whereas the SmartRoam plan covers 90 countries. All quite less than say Holaflys 170+ countries and Roamless 200+.
Plan style & speeds: Fixed data bundles (e.g., 30 GB) with 4G/5G speeds where available. Because these are real carrier plans, speeds and priority can be excellent. Unfortunately there isn’t an unlimited data option. But you aren’t restricted on speeds!
Hotspot/tethering: Generally allowed (as per plan), since these are standard carrier data plans. For example, you can hot spot with Orange and Three.
Voice & SMS: Not just data-only—Sim Local notes calls and texts available in popular destinations on some plans. This is particularly the case when you opt for an “orange” eSIM plan. It’s an all in one solution, with data, texts and calls!
Pricing snapshot: Pricing ranges under $7 for a one day plan, to $44 for a 30 day plan for 30GB, which is basically 1GB a day.
Setup & usage: Buy online, get an email or app-delivered eSIM, and follow the on-screen iOS/Android install guides.
Yesim is a travel eSIM app that leans into long-validity bundles and easy setup. It’s popular with travelers who want data they can bank for months rather than race to finish in a week. They are the most recent eSIM I have tested, and I find their pricing very competitive.
Alongside their Global data offerings, they do offer unlimited data options for a variety of single destinations.
Yesim offers two main types of Global eSIM.
The global 80 (covering 80 countries) and the main plan which covers 200+ countries.
Plan style & speeds: Choose 5, 10, 20 or 40 GB bundles with 30–365-day validity windows. The bigger the bundle, the cheaper your effective cost per GB becomes.
Hotspot/tethering: Supported (typical for data-only travel eSIMs); but there may be some limits depending on the carrier.
Voice & SMS: Data-only; use apps for calling/messaging.
Pricing snapshot (examples):
Setup & usage: Buy online, tap 1-Click Installation in the app, and you’re on—refund policy and 24/7 chat are also highlighted.
Firsty is a newer player with a unique freemium model: you can get basic mobile data for free by watching a short ad, or upgrade to cheap paid tiers for more speed. It aims to make staying online accessible anywhere.
Where it works: Cites 160+ countries for service coverage.
Plan style & speeds:
Hotspot/tethering: Allowed on paid tiers (and functionally possible on free, but speeds are very limited).
Voice & SMS: Just data focused.
Setup & usage: Install the app, add the eSIM, and either use Firsty Free (ad-unlocked) or upgrade in-app. Free data is ideal for airport arrivals, maps, and quick messages without buying anything.
Yes. Modern phones support dual SIM with eSIMs—you can keep your home number active for calls/texts while using the eSIM for data. (On iPhone, you can even run two eSIMs at once on supported models.)
Yes—eSIMs are tamper-resistant and can’t be cloned like a removable SIM. Profiles aren’t exportable between devices.
Most travel/global eSIMs are data-only. Sim Local has plan options with calls/SMS (check plan cards). Holafly’s site has a European number on certain monthly plan pages and Roamless adds in-app calling globally.
Generally yes, but limits vary
What about speeds?
My opinion is that Holalfy is offering the best deal here.
Not only does their monthly data plans offer unlimited data, but they’re offering unlimited hot spotting too. Which is a BIG game changer. I also think the fact you can pay monthly is a perfect, no string attached set up.
Have you tried and tested any of the above eSIM plans? What did you think?
Let me know below!
Love,
Cazzy
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