Compare your options
Three ways to get mobile data abroad, side by side. None is best for every trip: the right choice depends on your carrier, your destination and how long you're staying.
| Feature | Data roamingYour usual SIM and plan, on a partner network abroad. | Travel eSIMA separate data plan you download to your phone. | Local SIMA SIM card from a carrier in the country you visit. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup | Nothing to install; turn on data roaming | Install a profile, usually by QR code, before you travel | Buy one in a shop or at the airport and insert it |
| Phone number | Your usual number | Usually data only; your home SIM keeps your number | A new local number |
| Data | Depends on your plan; may have daily caps | Fixed data packages for your trip | Local packages, which vary by carrier |
| Coverage | Your carrier's partner networks | The partner networks listed on each plan | That carrier's own network |
| Convenience | Works automatically once roaming is on | Set up once before you go | Needs a shop visit and a SIM swap |
| Cost | Varies by carrier and destination; can be high outside included zones | Varies by plan, destination and data amount | Varies by country; often good value for long stays |
| Multiple countries | Yes, at each country's roaming rate | Yes, with regional plans | Usually one country only |
| Activation | Starts when you connect abroad with roaming on | On installation or first connection, depending on the plan | After purchase, often with ID registration |
| SIM swapping | None | None; works alongside your SIM on dual-SIM phones | Remove your home SIM unless you have two slots |
Your usual SIM and plan, on a partner network abroad.
A separate data plan you download to your phone.
A SIM card from a carrier in the country you visit.
Costs vary by carrier, destination and plan. Check current prices before you travel.
Often suits short trips where your plan already includes the destination, or when you need your usual number for everything.
Often suits short and multi-country trips with a compatible, unlocked phone, especially when roaming isn't included in your plan.
Often suits long stays, or trips where you need a local number, if you don't mind a shop visit and a SIM swap.
Prices depend on your carrier, your destination and the plan you choose, so there's no single answer. The quickest way to find out is to compare your carrier's rate with a plan for your trip.
Use the roaming cost calculatorNo. It depends on your carrier, your destination and the plan. Some carriers include certain countries at no extra cost; others charge high daily or per-megabyte rates. Compare your carrier's rate with a plan for your destination using the roaming cost calculator.
On a dual-SIM phone, yes. A common setup keeps your home SIM on for calls and texts with data roaming off, and uses the travel eSIM for mobile data.
No. On dual-SIM phones, the eSIM works alongside your physical SIM, so your home SIM can stay in place.
For long stays, when you need a local phone number, or when your phone doesn't support eSIM. Expect to buy it in person, often with ID registration.
See plans for your destination by data, validity and network, with live prices.
Explore Travel eSIMsTravel eSIM
Neither roaming nor an eSIM is always the better choice. Compare cost, convenience and phone requirements, then use our decision guide for your carrier, destination and travel style.
Travel eSIM
How eSIMs and SIM cards compare for travel, when each one wins, the risks of each and the dual-SIM setup most travelers end up using.
Travel eSIM
Beyond price: how your number, calls, texts, two-factor codes, messaging apps and hotspot behave when you use a travel eSIM instead of roaming on your home plan.
