Pros: Yearly and monthly subscriptions, unlimited data and voice options available
Cons: None that we can see
Price for a 3GB eSIM for Indonesia: $6
Price for a 3GB eSIM for USA: $2.99
This is our best eSIM option –Airhub is a great service for frequent travellers and digital nomads especially. The app is intuitive and easy to use, and there are plenty of different plans available for trips of all lengths. One perk this service offers over the others we like is the yearly and monthly subscriptions, which make financially savvy options for those on longer trips – for example if you’re stationed somewhere for work or taking advantage of that post-Covid ‘work from anywhere’ lifestyle. There are also plans that include voice minutes and SMS services, which is an additional boast that the other services here can’t match.
EasySim
Pros: Diverse range of data plans, many plans work across multiple countries, no need for an app
Cons: No family feature for managing multiple eSims per account
Price for a 3GB eSIM for Indonesia: $10.80
Price for a 3GB eSIM for USA: $10.80
EasySim is part of the EasyJet family of brands, so they know a thing or two about roaming. True to form, it’s one of the most comprehensive services on offer, with a good range of plans at some of the best prices we’ve seen. Some may not like the lack of an app, but the website is easy to use and does the job perfectly well. As a bonus, this service covers a wide range of phones.Not all the options on this list are compatible with my Motorola –an admittedly niche handset –but the compatibility here adds an additional sweetener to this service for me.
Airalo
Pros: Worldwide and regional plans available, diverse range of plans
Cons: No family feature for managing multiple eSims per account
Price for a 3GB eSIM for Indonesia: $11
Price for a 3GB eSIM for USA: $11
All the prices on Airalo come up in US dollars, but don’t be fooled – these plans are accessible to anyone in the world. Airalo has some of the most diverse offerings out there –with regional and even worldwide SIMs available, so even the most voracious country-hoppers should be covered. For those planning treks across Asia or the like, you might want to take note.
GoMo World
Best eSIM for short trips
Pros: Low starting prices
Cons: Fewer cross-country compatible plans than EasySim, calls, SMS and MMS services aren’t currently provided
Price for a 3GB eSIM for Indonesia: No 3GB plan available; 1.5GB for $5 or 15GB for $25
Price for a 3GB eSIM for USA: No 3GB plan available; 1GB for $5 or 15GB for $25
As someone who travels regularly for work, and often only for a few days at a time, I’ve sometimes found myself paying over the odds for week-long data plans when I’m only away a few days. Case in point on a recent trip to the Maldives, where I was beholden to the airport’s singular 10gb data SIM offering despite only being in the country for three days. So, if you’re one for regular short hops, GoMo World’s smaller plans are ones to consider for maximum cost-saving benefits.
A version of this story was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK
