Which one saves you money – and which one saves you time?
Short answer: for most trips a travel eSIM is the best balance of price and convenience. Roaming on your home network is the easiest option but usually the most expensive, and a local SIM card can be the cheapest but costs you time at the airport. Here is how the three compare – and how to stop surprise charges.
- A travel eSIM is usually cheaper than roaming and quicker than buying a local SIM.
- Install it on Wi-Fi before you fly; switch it on when you land.
- Keep your normal number for calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.
- Use code CONNECT and get 10% discount.
The three ways to use mobile data abroad
1. Roaming on your home network
You land, switch on your phone and it just works. The catch is the price: many networks charge a daily fee or charge by the megabyte, and a few days of maps, messages and photos can turn into a large bill.
2. A local SIM card
Local prices can be low, but you need to find a shop, sometimes show your passport, swap a tiny plastic card in and out of your phone and live with a new number for the trip.
3. A travel eSIM
An eSIM is a digital SIM you download to your phone. You choose a data plan for your destination before you leave, install it on Wi-Fi at home and switch it on when you land. No shop, no plastic card, and you keep your normal number for calls and texts.
Side-by-side comparison
| Roaming | Local SIM | Travel eSIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Often high | Low to medium | Low to medium, fixed in advance |
| Set-up | None | Find a shop on arrival | A few minutes, before you travel |
| Keep your number | Yes | No (unless dual SIM) | Yes, for calls and texts |
| Surprise charges | Possible | Rare | No – prepaid |
| Several countries | Depends on your plan | One country only | Regional and global plans |
How much data do you need?
- Light use (maps, messages, email): about 1–3 GB a week.
- Normal use (plus social media and some photos): about 3–7 GB a week.
- Heavy use (video calls, streaming, hotspot for a laptop): 10 GB or more a week.
Visiting several countries? A regional or global plan saves you buying a new eSIM at every border.
Six tips to avoid surprise charges
- Before you fly, turn off data roaming on your home SIM.
- Set the travel eSIM as the line for mobile data.
- Install the eSIM at home on Wi-Fi, but switch it on only when you land.
- Download offline maps before you leave.
- Turn off automatic app updates and photo backup on mobile data.
- Check your remaining data in the eSIM app and top up only if you need to.
How to get connected with TransConnect
- Choose a plan for your destination – plans cover more than 210 countries and regions.
- Install the eSIM by following the instructions for your phone.
- Activate on arrival and enjoy your trip.
Plans are sold and fulfilled by Airalo. TransConnect may earn a commission from eligible purchases. Customers located in the UAE may not be able to purchase; availability depends on your location.
Frequently asked questions
Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming?
Usually yes. A prepaid travel eSIM gives you a fixed data allowance for a fixed price, while roaming on your home network is often charged by the day or by the megabyte.
Can I keep my normal number while using a travel eSIM?
Yes. On most phones you can keep your home SIM switched on for calls and texts, and use the travel eSIM for mobile data only.
When should I install my eSIM?
Install it before you travel, while you are on Wi-Fi at home, and switch it on when you land.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models do, but it depends on the exact model, region and whether the phone is carrier-locked. Use the device checker on TransConnect.Global.
Do I need a promo code?
Use code CONNECT and get 10% discount.