Your three options
For mobile data abroad you have three broad choices: a travel eSIM, a local physical SIM, or roaming on your home plan. Each suits a different situation, and many nomads mix them.
eSIMs explained
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install by scanning a QR code — no physical card, no swapping. Services like Airalo let you buy a data plan for a specific country or region before you even land, and activate it on arrival. eSIMs are perfect for short stays and for keeping your home number active on a second physical SIM. The catch: your phone must support eSIM, and per-GB cost can be higher than a local SIM for long stays.
Local SIM cards
For longer stays, a local prepaid SIM almost always wins on price and often gives the best coverage and largest data allowances. Buy one at the airport or a carrier shop (bring your passport, as registration is required in many countries). The downsides are the hassle of buying one in each country and occasionally needing local-language support.
Roaming
Roaming on your home plan is the simplest option — your phone just works — but it's usually the most expensive and sometimes throttled after a data cap. Some plans now include reasonable roaming, so check yours before assuming it's a rip-off.
What to actually do
A practical approach: keep your home SIM for your number and 2FA, use an eSIM (e.g. Airalo) for the first few days in a new country, and switch to a local SIM if you're staying more than a couple of weeks. Pair this with a VPN for security on public Wi-Fi.
Frequently asked questions
Are eSIMs better than local SIM cards for nomads?
For short stays and convenience, eSIMs like Airalo are excellent. For longer stays, a local SIM is usually cheaper with more data. Many nomads use both.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most recent flagship and mid-range phones do, but some budget and older models don't. Check your device's specifications before relying on an eSIM.
How do I get mobile data the moment I land?
Install a travel eSIM before departure and activate it on arrival, or enable roaming temporarily until you buy a local SIM.