My Preferred eSIM for Europe and Asia

eSIMs have completely changed the way I travel. They make staying connected abroad significantly easier, and they can save hundreds of dollars compared to traditional roaming.

I’ve had roaming fees add up fast, especially on longer trips. I’ve also tried relying solely on Wi-Fi at airports, cafés, and hotels. While it felt like a workaround at the time, it quickly created unnecessary stress: hunting for a connection, dealing with slow networks, or being stuck without access to maps or messages when I needed them most. With an eSIM, I land, and I’m instantly connected.

My Experience Using eSIMs

I’ve used eSIMs in Spain, Portugal, the U.S., China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and more, and they’ve been a game-changer every time.

The first time I ever used an eSIM was in Spain in July 2023. I chose Airalo on a friend’s recommendation, and since the prices were so low, I didn’t even bother looking for other options. I opted for a 7-day 3GB plan for $10. While 3GB isn’t a huge amount of data, it was more than enough for a week when I used it intentionally – navigation, quick Google searches, transit info, and messaging. I saved social media scrolling and FaceTime calls for when I was on Wi-Fi, which helped stretch my data further.

I was a bit skeptical while setting it up, as I’d never used a dual eSIM before. That said, I wasn’t too worried because Spain felt like an easy place to troubleshoot if needed. But the setup was completely seamless. The Airalo app laid out clear, step-by-step instructions for installation and activation, and it was compatible with my iPhone 14. The entire process took just a couple of minutes, and I had reliable service with no connection issues throughout my time abroad.

I’m glad that I tested Airalo for the first time in Europe because the second time I used it was when I needed it the most. I relied on it heavily in China just four months later. Staying connected there isn’t just convenient, it’s essential. Most everyday payments in China are handled through mobile apps like AliPay and WeChat Pay, and you need an active data connection for them to work. From paying for taxis and train tickets to ordering food or shopping in stores, and especially for using my translator app, having data at all times made day-to-day life far smoother. In fact, I don’t know what I would have done without it.

Roaming on top of my Rogers plan in China would have cost me over $600 for three weeks. Instead, I purchased Airalo’s 30-day 10GB eSIM for $38 CAD, and topped it up once or twice for about $10 more total. The savings were huge, and I never had to worry about being stuck without access to maps, messaging apps, or payment platforms when I needed them most.

Overall, I’ve consistently had great experiences with Airalo and will continue using it on future international trips.

Airalo eSIM Setup

Other eSIM Options Worth Considering

Saily

While I haven’t personally used Saily yet, it’s a well-reviewed option that’s gaining popularity, especially among travellers who value security and ease of use. Saily is developed by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, which adds a layer of trust for privacy-conscious users. The app is clean and user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process and built-in tools to monitor data usage and manage your plan on the go. Saily offers local, regional, and global eSIM plans, making it a flexible option for both short trips and longer, multi-country travel.

First-time users: use code ANSHUL5321 at checkout to get $5 USD off. Existing users can purchase eSIM plans here.

Current offer highlight: get 10GB+ from Saily, plus NordVPN included as a gift.

Roamless

Roamless stands out for its pay-as-you-go model, which is ideal if you don’t want to commit to a fixed data package upfront. Instead of buying a plan that expires after a set number of days, Roamless lets you load credit and use data as needed, with no expiration. This can be especially useful for infrequent travellers, short stopovers, or as a backup eSIM alongside Wi-Fi.

First purchase offer: use code HELLO15. Pay $15, Get $30 in credit.

Superalink

Another eSIM provider offering coverage across a wide range of destinations. It offers unlimited data plans and competitive pricing. For example, a 5GB plan in Thailand starts at $1.93 USD, which is one of the most affordable eSIMs out there.

Superalink supports local, regional, and global plans, and installation is done via QR code. Enjoy 30% off all plans on your first purchase, valid until December 31, 2025.

Complimentary eSIMs Through Credit Cards

For Canadian and US travellers, it’s also worth checking whether your credit card offers complimentary eSIM benefits. Some premium Visa and Mastercard cards include free or discounted eSIM data through partnerships, such as Mastercard and FlexiRoam, as well as Visa and GigSky. Eligible cardholders may receive free short-term data plans or credits.

Takeaway

Since using Airalo for the first time over two years ago, it’s become the eSIM I consistently return to. It’s affordable, reliable, and incredibly easy to install and use. While I may explore deals from other eSIM providers on future trips, I don’t feel the same pressure to shop around the way I do with flights or hotels because the pricing is already so reasonable. Paying around $10 for a week of data in Europe feels like a no-brainer, especially knowing I’ll have dependable service without any headaches.

Featured Image Credit: Saily