TL;DR
eSIMs have replaced physical SIM cards as the easiest way to get data while traveling. In 2026, the cheapest eSIM providers are Saily (from $2.50/GB, best value for single-country trips), Airalo (from $3.00/GB, widest country coverage, 200+ countries), Holafly (from ~$3.50/day for unlimited data, best for heavy users), and Nomad (from $2.80/GB, competitive pricing, good regional plans). For a 2-week trip, expect to pay $10–$50 depending on data needs. All are dramatically cheaper than Australian carrier roaming ($5–$10/day).
Why eSIMs Beat Physical SIMs and Roaming
An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your phone—no physical card to swap or lose. When you arrive in a new country, you buy a data plan through the eSIM provider’s app, scan a QR code (or the app installs it automatically), and you’re connected within minutes. You keep your Australian number active for calls and SMS while using the eSIM for data. Dual SIM support (one physical, one eSIM active simultaneously) has been standard on iPhones since the XS/XR (2018) and on most Android flagships since 2020.
Compared to Australian carrier roaming ($5–$10/day with Telstra/Optus/Vodafone), eSIMs cost 70–90% less. A 2-week trip to Europe using Telstra roaming costs $70–$140. An eSIM for the same trip costs $15–$40.
Top eSIM Providers Compared
| Provider | Cheapest 1GB | 5GB Plan | Unlimited Data? | Countries | App Rating | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saily | ~$2.50 | ~$12 | ❌ | 150+ | 4.8 | Cheapest per GB |
| Airalo | ~$3.00 | ~$15 | ❌ | 200+ | 4.7 | Widest country coverage |
| Nomad | ~$2.80 | ~$14 | ❌ | 170+ | 4.7 | Best regional plans |
| Holafly | N/A (unlimited) | $19 (5 days unlim) | ✅ | 130+ | 4.5 | Unlimited data, no throttling |
1. Saily — Cheapest Per GB
Saily (from Nord Security, makers of NordVPN) entered the eSIM market with aggressive pricing—typically $2.50/GB for single-country plans. The app is clean, activation is instant, and data speeds are on par with local carrier networks (Saily partners with local carriers in each country). For light to moderate data users (1–5GB per trip), Saily offers the lowest total cost. Regional plans (Europe, Asia, Latin America) are also competitively priced.
2. Airalo — Widest Coverage
Airalo covers 200+ countries and territories—the most comprehensive eSIM network. If you’re traveling to less common destinations (Myanmar, Madagascar, Uzbekistan), Airalo is often the only eSIM option. Prices range from $3.00–$8.00/GB depending on the country. Airalo’s regional plans (e.g., “Asialink” covering 14 Asian countries in one plan) are good value for multi-country trips. The “Discover+” global plan covers 125+ countries on one eSIM.
Browse Airalo’s country plans →
3. Holafly — Best for Unlimited Data
Holafly is the only major eSIM provider offering truly unlimited data (no throttling after a cap). Plans are sold by duration (5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 90 days) rather than by GB, making pricing simple. A 15-day unlimited plan for Europe costs ~$47—about $3.13/day. If you stream video, use Google Maps navigation heavily, or hotspot to a laptop for work, Holafly’s unlimited plans eliminate data anxiety. The trade-off: you can’t hotspot on some Holafly plans (country-dependent), and there’s no data-thrifty 1GB option for short trips.
How to Choose
- Light user (maps, messaging, email): 1–3GB per week. Saily at $2.50/GB is cheapest.
- Moderate user (social media, browsing, occasional video): 3–5GB per week. Airalo or Nomad for widest country coverage.
- Heavy user (streaming, hotspotting, video calls for work): Holafly unlimited plan. $3/day for unlimited data beats worrying about caps.
- Multi-country trip (3+ countries in one region): Regional plans from Airalo or Nomad are cheaper than buying per-country plans.
FAQ
Does my phone support eSIM? Most phones from 2019+ do: iPhone XS/XR and newer, Google Pixel 3+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and recent flagships from most brands. Check Settings → About → look for “EID” or “Digital SIM.” If you see it, your phone supports eSIM.
Can I keep my Australian number active? Yes—set your Australian SIM for calls/SMS and the travel eSIM for data. This is standard dual-SIM behavior. Just make sure data roaming is OFF on your Australian SIM to avoid accidental roaming charges.
Will the eSIM work immediately when I land? Yes, if you install it before departure and activate it on arrival. Most eSIMs activate when they connect to a supported local network. Install the eSIM at home (needs WiFi), turn it off, then turn it on when you land.
What’s the catch with “unlimited” data? Holafly’s unlimited plans are genuinely unlimited (no throttling). Other providers that advertise “unlimited” typically throttle after 1–5GB per day to 128–256kbps (unusable for anything beyond messaging). Read the fine print.
Can I make phone calls with a travel eSIM? Most travel eSIMs are data-only (no phone number). Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Signal, or Skype for calls. If you need a local number (for ride-hailing apps, restaurant reservations), buy a local SIM instead of an eSIM.
Final Verdict
For most travelers, Airalo offers the best combination of country coverage (200+), competitive pricing ($3–$8/GB), and a reliable app. For the absolute cheapest per GB, Saily at ~$2.50/GB wins. For heavy data users who want unlimited and don’t want to think about caps, Holafly is the best choice.
Get Airalo eSIM → | Check Holafly → | Try Saily →
Disclosure: Affiliate links. Pricing as of May 2026.