There are three common ways to use mobile internet abroad. Here’s how they compare.
1. Roaming with your home SIM
The easiest option — nothing to set up. But outside special bundles, roaming data can be very expensive, and it’s easy to come home to a large bill.
2. A local SIM card
Often cheap per gigabyte, but you need to find a shop, sometimes show your passport, and swap out your home SIM — so you may miss calls and codes sent to your usual number.
3. A travel eSIM
Bought online before you leave, installed in minutes, and working as soon as you land. Your home SIM stays in the phone, so you keep your number for calls, SMS and bank codes.
Quick comparison
| Roaming | Local SIM | Travel eSIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Often high | Low | Low, fixed |
| Ready on arrival | Yes | No | Yes |
| Keep your number | Yes | No (one-SIM phones) | Yes |
| Setup | None | Shop visit | 2 minutes online |
Our tip
For most trips of a few days to a few weeks, a travel eSIM is the best balance of price and convenience. Choose a plan a little bigger than you think you need — maps, photos and video calls add up fast.