There are three ways to have data abroad. Each wins in different circumstances, and it is worth saying plainly when ours is not the right one.
The three, briefly
Roaming on your home plan. Nothing to set up. Your number keeps working. Usually the most expensive per megabyte, though some operators now sell reasonable travel add-ons.
A local SIM bought at the destination. Usually the cheapest per megabyte. Gives you a local phone number. Costs time on arrival, and you have to remove your own SIM.
A travel eSIM. Bought and installed before you leave, works the moment you land. Data only, no phone number. Priced between the other two.
Side by side
| Roaming | Local SIM | Travel eSIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works on landing | Yes | No | Yes |
| Keeps your number | Yes | Only with dual SIM | Yes |
| Price per GB | Highest | Lowest | Middle |
| Setup time abroad | None | 30–60 min | None |
| Local phone number | No | Yes | No |
| Needs a compatible phone | No | No | Yes |
When an eSIM is the right answer
- Short trips, under about two weeks.
- Several countries in one trip.
- You want data the moment you land.
- You do not want to remove your own SIM.
- Your phone has one SIM slot but supports eSIM.
When an eSIM is not the right answer
Worth saying clearly:
- Your phone does not support eSIM, or is carrier-locked. Then it is simply not an option.
- You are staying for months. A local contract will beat any travel plan.
- You need a local phone number for deliveries, bookings or local services that verify by SMS.
- You are going somewhere with no eSIM-capable operators. A few destinations still have none.
About price
A local SIM is usually cheaper, sometimes by half. That is true and we are not going to pretend otherwise.
What the price comparison leaves out is the hour you spend finding a shop and registering, and the period after landing when you have no data at all — which is exactly when you need a map and a ride.
Whether that trade is worth it depends on the trip, not on what we sell.
The safest approach: use two
Keep your home SIM in the phone with data roaming switched off, so you still receive calls and bank messages. Put the travel eSIM alongside it and let it carry the data.
That way you keep your number, avoid roaming charges, and have data from the moment you land. For most travellers this is the combination worth having.