eSIM vs physical SIM: which one for travel?
A travel eSIM is installed before you leave and keeps your SIM on; a local SIM card is bought on arrival and replaces yours. In 14 of the 20 countries where we checked local offers, the carrier asks for your passport; 5 of the 6 eSIM providers we compare ask for none in most destinations.
Local SIM: passport
14 of 20
countries where it is required
Local SIM at the airport
18 of 20
countries with a point of sale found
eSIM without ID
5 of 6
providers, in most destinations
The differences, point by point
| Criterion | Travel eSIM | Local SIM card |
|---|---|---|
| Where to buy | Online, before you leave | At the airport, in a shop or online, depending on the country |
| Setup | A QR code or an app, in a few minutes | A chip to insert in the SIM tray |
| Your number | Your SIM stays on for calls and texts | It replaces your SIM; a local number is often included |
| ID | None with 5 of 6 providers, in most destinations | Passport required in 14 of 20 countries checked |
| Phone | eSIM-compatible and unlocked | Unlocked, with a SIM tray |
| Price | From $8.00 for a week, depending on the destination | Depends on the country and carrier, in local currency |
The best eSIMs for a week in Thailand
Today’s podium for an everyday trip (6 GB); every destination is compared the same way.
1Ubigi
Unlimited · 7 days
- 25 GB at full speed, then reduced speed
- AIS · True
- Hotspot allowed
$22.00$3.14 per day
2Jetpac
10 GB · 7 days
- AIS
- Hotspot allowed
$9.50$0.95 per GB
3Nomad
50 GB · 10 days
- True
- Hotspot allowed
$15.00$0.30 per GB
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What a local SIM costs, country by country
Our SIM card pages compare local carriers’ offers with travel eSIMs, without converting currencies.
When to pick one or the other
- 1
The eSIM, to land connected
Taxi, map, first message: you are online as soon as you land, with no queue at a counter.
- 2
The eSIM, to keep your number
Your SIM stays in the phone: your bank’s texts and your calls keep coming in.
- 3
The local SIM, for a local number
Booking a restaurant, getting a call back from a driver: a local number helps on a long stay.
- 4
The local SIM, if your phone has no eSIM
A phone without eSIM takes a SIM card, as long as it is unlocked.
Your questions
Answered from our data.
What is the difference between an eSIM and a SIM card?
A SIM card is a chip you insert; an eSIM is built into the phone and downloaded. Both use the same mobile networks.
Is an eSIM more expensive than a local SIM card?
It depends on the country: our SIM card pages put local offers and travel eSIMs side by side, each in its own currency.
Can I use an eSIM and a SIM card at the same time?
Yes, on a dual-SIM phone: the SIM card keeps your number, the eSIM handles data.
Do I need a passport for a SIM card abroad?
In 14 of the 20 countries we checked, yes. Travel eSIMs rarely ask for one.
Can I buy a SIM card at the airport?
In 18 of the 20 countries we checked, counters or vending machines sell SIM cards at the airport.
Does a travel eSIM come with a number?
Usually not: most carry data only. Some include a number: our “eSIM with a number” page lists them.
Should I remove my usual SIM card?
No: keep it for calls and texts, just turn off its data roaming; the eSIM carries the data.
What is best for a long stay?
Beyond a month, a local prepaid SIM is often cheaper; for a few weeks, an eSIM saves the counter and the ID check.