An eSIM is a SIM card you install with a QR code instead of a plastic chip. Buy a data plan before you fly, switch it on when you land, and skip the airport kiosk queue entirely.
Our comparison
Travel data in 200 countries, from one app
Our top pick
Yesim sells travel data through a single app: install the eSIM once, then buy plans, top up, and switch countries without ever visiting a phone shop. Plans range from a few gigabytes for a city break to unlimited data for longer trips.
Pros
Data works the moment you land — no kiosks, no plastic SIM swap
Your home number stays active for calls, bank codes, and WhatsApp
One eSIM is re-usable across countries and future trips
Unlimited and pay-as-you-go options for different trip lengths
Cons
Data only — most plans don't include a local phone number
Needs an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone
Heavy data users may still find a local SIM cheaper
Saily is the travel eSIM from Nord Security, the team behind NordVPN. It covers data plans in 200+ destinations and folds in security features other eSIMs leave to a separate VPN app: an ad blocker and virtual location built into the eSIM itself.
Pros
Built-in ad blocker and virtual-location protection at the eSIM level
Plans in 200+ destinations, switchable from one app
Backed by Nord Security's established support and infrastructure
Affordable starter plans for short city breaks
Cons
Newer service with a shorter track record than rivals
Data only — no local phone number
Needs an unlocked, eSIM-compatible phone
Pairing it with a VPN anyway? Saily and NordVPN come from the same team — see our VPN comparison.
