Staying connected matters more than ever — for maps, translation, bookings and safety. There are three main ways to do it abroad: a local SIM, an eSIM, or roaming on your home plan. For most travellers, roaming is by far the most expensive, while a local SIM or eSIM is dramatically cheaper. Which of those two wins depends on your phone, destination and how much hassle you want on arrival.
The three main options
- Local SIM card: usually the cheapest data, bought on arrival. Needs an unlocked phone and a little setup, and you get a local number.
- eSIM: a digital SIM you buy and install online before you leave — connected the moment you land, no shop visit. Needs an eSIM-compatible phone. Providers like Yesim let you set one up before you fly.
- Roaming: the simplest (your existing number just works) but usually the priciest unless your plan includes a good roaming deal or day pass.
How to choose
If your phone supports eSIM, it's often the best balance of price and convenience — buy a data plan online before departure and you're connected on arrival. If you want the absolute cheapest data and don't mind a quick setup, a local SIM at the destination usually wins, especially for longer stays. Roaming only makes sense for very short trips, or if your home plan includes cheap roaming or a reasonable daily pass. Always check your phone is unlocked before relying on a local SIM.
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Compare options by destination
Pick where you're going for a rough sense of local SIM, eSIM and roaming costs.
Compare connectivity → by destination
Indicative prices that change over time — check current plans and your phone's compatibility before you travel.
Staying connected cheaply
Buy an eSIM before you leave so you're online the instant you land — useful for arranging transport at the airport. Estimate how much data you actually need (maps and messaging use little; video streaming a lot) and pick a plan to match rather than overpaying for unlimited. Download offline maps and key documents before you go as a backup, use wifi where it's secure, and turn off data roaming on your home plan so you don't accidentally rack up charges before your SIM or eSIM is active.
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Questions
Is an eSIM or local SIM cheaper?
A local SIM bought at the destination is often the very cheapest, especially for longer stays, while eSIMs are slightly more but far more convenient since you set them up before arrival. Both are dramatically cheaper than standard roaming.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most recent iPhones and many newer Android phones do. Check your settings for an "Add eSIM" or "Add mobile plan" option, or look up your model. Older phones may only take a physical SIM.
Is roaming ever worth it?
For very short trips, or if your home plan includes free or cheap roaming or a reasonable daily pass, roaming can be the simplest choice since your number just works. For anything longer, a local SIM or eSIM is usually far cheaper.
How much data do I need?
Maps, messaging and web browsing use relatively little, so a modest plan covers most travellers. If you stream video or use your phone as a hotspot, you'll need much more. Estimate your usage and pick a plan to match rather than defaulting to expensive unlimited.
Will I keep my normal phone number?
With roaming, yes. With a local SIM you get a local number temporarily. With an eSIM you can often keep your home number active for calls and texts while using the eSIM for data — a popular setup that gives you the best of both.
How do I avoid a surprise roaming bill?
Turn off data roaming on your home plan before you travel, then rely on your local SIM or eSIM. Check your phone isn't quietly using the home network, and only re-enable roaming if you've confirmed the cost.
Connectivity options, prices and phone compatibility vary by destination and change over time. This is general guidance only — check current plans and your phone's compatibility before you travel.