5 Best International SIM Cards for Travel in 2024

International SIM cards let you use mobile data abroad and, in some cases, make and receive calls while traveling without incurring hefty roaming fees.

I always travel with obtaining one initially, because utilizing your common phone plan outside your nation will necessitate payment for roaming, and that will significantly heighten your phone bill. For this reason, it is preferable to employ a worldwide travel SIM when traveling.

For all our journeys abroad, we utilize the Holafly eSIM cards, which provide unlimited data in many countries at a reasonably affordable price point. While these SIM cards don’t come with calls in most nations, they regularly have limitless data allowing you to make voice and video calls using apps like Messenger, Skype, and WhatsApp. If that sounds suitable for you, and you want to get a SIM card for your next trip, don’t neglect to obtain a discount on Holafly.

5% OFF your international eSIM card

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International SIM cards, the best way to avoid roaming

There are several worldwide SIM cards that permit Internet access while traveling, as explained in this guide on online connectivity during trips. This article outlines the different options and shares other tips to help identify the ideal solution:

• International SIM card pricing
• Best international SIM cards
• How much data should an international SIM card contain?
• Is There A Multinational SIM Card Compatible In All Nations?

What is the average rental cost for a car in Tenerife?

• Guidelines for installing an international SIM card for travel

Global data SIM cards are great for relaxing trips, but if traveling for work or school requiring a laptop or tablet to be online, a portable Wi-Fi device is better. We use the Solis router from Skyroam, which truly comes in handy !

Global SIM card prices

We have relied on the international prepaid SIM cards from Holafly for years, but there are other available options like SimOptions,Airalo,KeepGo, and Knowroaming. If you need assistance determining which one to acquire, check out the table below to compare global SIM card pricing:

To summarize, Holafly is the only international SIM with limitless data in nearly every destination, so it’s an extremely convenient choice. That said, depending on where you’re journeying, it may not be the most cost-effective option. Another factor to consider is that Holafly only has eSIM cards, so if your device isn’t compatible with digital cards, you’ll need to acquire a physical card, such as the one from SimOptions.

Best international SIM cards

To help you choose the best international SIM card for your needs, I’m sharing the details for each of the top options below.

1. Holafly, an international SIM with unlimited data

First, Holafly offers the most cost effective international data bundles for most countries, allowing visitors to browse online, use social networking, navigate with maps, and connect through messaging without overspending. This SIM card delivers unlimited online access at reasonable pricing.

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Furthermore, Holafly`s cards are entirely digital, so you don`t need to worry about removing your usual SIM and inserting a new one into your device. All you must do is scan the QR code in your email and follow the installation directions. It helps to print out the QR code or download it to another device so you can scan it on your mobile phone. Also, make sure your device is compatible with the global SIM card by checking here.

Most destinations offer international SIM plans lasting five days or longer, so locating one suited to your trip is convenient. This year, we`ve traveled globally visiting over 10 countries, regularly benefiting from Holafly`s quality service. You can review our experience more through our Holafly review.

Naturally, it is only reasonable for me to also make you aware of some downsides to using Holafly. A main drawback is that you cannot share information across different devices, therefore each traveler needs to obtain their own international SIM card for connectivity abroad. Despite this limitation, I still believe Holafly represents the best pick for most travelers.

Also, don’t forget that you can get a discount on your Holafly eSIM!

5% OFF your international eSIM card

2KEEP CONNECTED WHEN YOU VENTURE AWAY

ACCESS IT HERE!

2. SimOptions, the best physical international SIM card for travelers

If your cellphone isn’t compatible with eSIM technology, then the physical international SIM card from SimOptions is the best choice. That said, it’s worth noting that SimOptions provides both standard SIM cards and digital international SIM cards.

Additionally, the company provides a wide variety of country cards with different validity periods and amounts of data. SimOptions also allows data sharing, but the cards have restricted data, so it’ll be much easier to use up all the GBs.

Purchasing an international SIM through SimOptions merely requires ordering via this connection. Physical cards typically arrive within three business days and I suggest ordering ahead of time to allow installation and resolution of any potential issues. Setup is quite simple since installation only involves inserting the SIM card into your device`s corresponding slot and following the on-screen instructions.

While SimOptions presents a suitable option, it is not my most favored selection. I prefer acquiring an globally accessible SIMcard with unlimited data volume, similar to the one accessible from Holafly. With SimOptions, the cards generally feature 10 GB or 30 GB of data, which is satisfactory for approximately a two-week excursion if you curb your video conversations and social media engagement.

3. Airalo, another popular international SIM to avoid roaming fees

Airalo is another way to bypassroaming with an international SIM. Like Holafly, all the cards from Airalo are digital, so you must be sure your device is compatible with eSIM technology. The installation method for this global SIM is similar to Holafly in that you must scan a QR code that gets sent to your email. Just follow the activation instructions, and you’re ready to go.

The primary advantage of Airalo is that it provides international SIMs for many countries, so if you’re visiting multiple destinations during your trip, you can get by with just one SIM card.

All of Airalo’s plans incorporate restricted data and, relying on the destination, validity for 7, 15, or 30 days. If you plan to share your data with other travelers or devices, be aware that you’ll use up your data fairly rapidly.

Considering the pros and cons of Airalo worldwide plans, I think the cost per GB is fairly high. It may be better to obtain an international SIM card from Holafly for each country you visit.

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4. KeepGo, another global SIM card for your trip overseas

KeepGo offers prepaid international SIM cards, but it works a little differently than the others that I mentioned. In this situation, you pay for a set amount of data, and the card is valid for one year within a given geographic area.

Additionally, KeepGo solely offers virtual international SIM cards, so you ought to check your device’s compatibility before purchasing one.

This company isn’t my initially selected choice since the cost per GB is more pricey compared to other companies. You can view the prices and data amounts in the chart below:

5. KnowRoaming, another international SIM card for foreign travel

The final company I’ll discuss is KnowRoaming, which provides digital international SIM cards. You’ll get your card instantly through email after purchase, and from there simply scan the QR code to install it on your device. Naturally, your phone must support eSIM technology to utilize the cards from this business.

While KnowRoaming`s client aid is accessible throughout the day, the organization has some downsides that you ought to think about. To start with, the expense each GB is generally high looked at to other choices. Additionally, all of its cards have restricted information, so it might not be an extraordinary arrangement relying upon how much information you utilize.

In conclusion, KnowRoaming doesn`t provide worldwide SIM cards in as many nations as Holafly and SimOptions. You can purchase their SIM card with global coverage, if necessary, but this also has restricted data, so it may end up costing you more money.

How much data should an international SIM card have?

One of the commonly posed queries when scouting an international mobile SIM card is how much data ought to be included. To offer a rough approximation, I constructed a comparative chart exhibiting common apps and phone uses and how much data each consumes, taking into account my typical consumption while traveling:

As is evident, voice and video calls consume the most mobile information. If you only apply your global SIM card for things like Google Maps and search, or to post on social media, a prepaidinternational SIM with restricted information could be suitable. Of course, keep in mind that if you plan on sharing information with a travel companion, you’ll end up using up your information twice as fast, so a limited information plan could fall short.

If communicating with friends and family via calls is a priority while traveling, an international SIM with unlimited data, like one from Holafly, is your best option. You could also try setting a daily restriction on your data usage, turning off your device’s data when not in employment, and, when possible, utilizing the Wi-Fi in hotels, restaurants, and other public places.

What is the best international SIM card for travel?

After comparing the best global SIM cards available on the worldwide market, in my assessment the cards offered by Holafly proved to be the top selection. Most of Holafly’s plans deliver unlimited data, allowing users to make full use of favorite apps and phone calls without anxiety about depleting available GBs.

Just remember that Holafly only has virtual cards, so if your device isn’t compatible with eSIM technology, you can’t use them. The next best option is SimOptions, which provides digital and physical international SIM cards. For most countries, the minimum data plan incorporates 10 GB for 14 days.

Both Holafly and SimOptions provide customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can contact them if any issues arise.

International eSIMs vs. physical international SIM cards

Whether it’s an internationally accessible eSIM or a portable international SIM card, it will serve the same purpose. So, in that sense, one option isn’t better than the other. It’s the format of the card that must be considered since digital virtual international SIM cards employ a more modern technology that isn’t compatible with all devices.

As long as your phone can support it, eSIMs are much more practical and convenient since you don’t need to remove your regular SIM card to utilize them. Additionally, you can purchase an eSIM anytime, even when traveling, as it arrives via email. As a result, digital SIM cards decrease plastic usage and transportation, making them better for the environment. This is why I believe that in the future, all international SIM cards will be virtual.

If your device lacks compatibility with eSIM technology, one of the better options is to acquire a physical internationalglobal SIM like those provided by SimOptions.

Is there a global SIM card that works in every country?

Only Airalo and KnowRoaming provide international SIM cards designed for use acrossall countries (or nearly every country). Holafly also offers some multi-region cards that cover multiple locations in Europe, Latin America, Asia, North America, and the Caribbean. Therefore, if your travels will take you to several different countries, a worldwide SIM card of this type may be worth considering.

Holafly’s multi-country SIM, a global eSIM that works in many countries

Holafly provides several multi-country cards, which are perfect if you plan on visiting various countries back to back. It’s a digital international SIM card, so all you must do is scan the QR code in your email to automatically connect to the mobile network.

Below is a depiction of the varied global SIM cards accessible through Holafly:

Airalo global SIM, an international SIM card you can use anywhere

Airalo also provides an international prepaid SIM card that operates in nearly every country. Once installed, the card will immediately connect you to the top mobile network in that location.

However, in contrast to Holafly, Airalo’s worldwide SIM cards have considerably constrained data, making it effortless to exhaust, even if you merely employ basic applications. I propose evaluating Airalo’s data boundaries to ascertain whether it suffices for mobile data use throughout your journey and with your telephone. It may prove worth procuring diverse international SIMs from Holafly for shorter periods as you tour each country.

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KnowRoaming global SIM, another worldwide SIM card

KnowRoaming is another provider that offers SIM cards with coverage across several nations. However, with this card, you would encounter the same issue as with Airalo: very restricted data. Dependent on what you will use your worldwide SIM for, it may not have adequate data, so it may be preferable to acquire several Holafly cards of shorter timeframes.

Pros and cons of using an international SIM card for travel

While using a SIM card facilitates international travel, it has benefits as well as drawbacks, though I feel the advantages outweigh the disadvantages:

Purchasing a global SIM card may augment trip expenses, but proves worthwhile, especially factoring how costly roaming becomes. Personally, I wouldn`t travel abroad without an international SIM permitting Internet connectivity and contact with loved ones. I`ve used the global SIM from Holafly for years, and recommend using the 5% discount if acquiring your own.

5% OFF your international eSIM card

2KEEP CONNECTED WHEN YOU VENTURE AWAY

ACCESS IT HERE!

How to choose an international SIM card

Before acquiring a new SIM card for international travel, it’s essential to check its compatibility with your device and the data amount it offers.

In the case of global eSIMs, they’re not compatible with all phones. Holafly, Airalo, KeepGo, and KnowRoaming solely offer worldwide eSIMs, while SimOptions has both digital and physical international SIM cards.

In terms of data, the quantity available from each card varies. Some international SIM cards offer unlimited data, while others have restricted data that wouldn`t be sufficient for regular phone usage. Holafly is unique in that it provides unlimited data with just a handful of exceptions, rendering it the most convenient alternative in this regard.

Another aspect to contemplate when obtaining an international SIM card for travel is customer support. Holafly and SimOptions provide 24/7 customer assistance through chat, so you can receive help from them no matter where you are worldwide. KeepGo and KnowRoaming have restricted customer support hours, while Airalo doesn’t offer this service at all.

Given the various aspects, I strongly propose Holafly as the best global SIM generally speaking, although SimOptions is the finest as far as being compatible .

Finding a global SIM that’s compatible with your device

Verifying your phone`s compatibility before acquiring a global SIM card is crucial. You must also ensure that your phone is unlocked, otherwise you won`t be able to utilize any type of international SIM card.

Regarding compatibility, be conscious that all new devices support virtual international SIM cards, but older models may be compatible only with physical SIMs. You can verify here to view a full listing of phone models that are compatible with digital data cards.

Similarly, physical SIM cards are usually compatible with any device. However, if your phone doesn’t have a dual SIM slot, you’ll need to remove your regular SIM to insert the international SIM card. In the case of SimOptions, they offer three SIM card formats – standard, micro, and nano – ensuring you`ll find one fitting your device. .

How to activate a SIM card for international travel

If possessing a physical SIM, the usual SIM card must first be removed so the new one can be inserted. Of course, if the device has a dual SIM slot, both SIM cards can be inserted simultaneously. Once inserting the global SIM card, it is ready to be utilized.

If you have an international digital SIM, scan the QR code on the device on which you want mobile info. I recommend printing out the QR code or downloading it to another device with a screen.

The following outlines how to activate an international SIM card on an Android device:

1. Navigate to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager > Add SIM.
2. Scan the printed or downloaded QR code, which should be available on another device.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and steps.
4. Open Settings > Connections > SIMManager
5. In preferred SIM, click on Mobile data and select the eSIM to install.
6. Go to Connections and enter Mobile networks to trigger Data Roaming and for the eSIM to be fully activated.

If you have an iOS device, here are the instructions to activate it:

1. Go to Settings > Mobile network > Add data plan.
2. Scan the printed or downloaded QR code, which should be available on another device.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions and steps.
4. Open Settings > Configuration > Mobile network
5. Firmly select the eSIM to install and activate data roaming.

In just a handful of quick steps, you can install and activate your worldwide SIM card and begin using it to connect to the internet. It`s wise to do this before your trip so you can contact the company`s customer support team if you encounter any issues.

FAQs – International SIM cards for travel

Just in case you have any other doubts, here are the answers to the most common questions about international SIM cards:

That covers everything you need to know about SIM cards for international travel, where to purchase them, and how much data you`ll require. If you have any other questions or want to share your experience using a global SIM card, leave me a comment below. I`d appreciate hearing from you!

Remain safe, and enjoy your trip!