eSIM comparison: finding the best travel eSIM
eSIM or roaming? Local SIM card or Wi-Fi router? Here is an honest comparison of which data plan suits your trip best.
For most trips, an eSIM is the cheapest and simplest choice: you are online straight away, with no SIM swapping and no expensive roaming charges. A local SIM card is only worthwhile for longer stays, and a Wi-Fi router mainly for groups with several devices. Within the EU, your normal plan is often enough thanks to EU roaming.
The best travel eSIM depends on your destination and how much data you need. Within the EU, your normal plan is often enough thanks to EU roaming. Outside the EU, for example in Turkey, the USA or Thailand, an eSIM is usually the cheapest and simplest solution: install it before your trip with a QR code and be online as soon as you arrive.
eSIM vs. roaming vs. local SIM vs. Wi-Fi router
| Reisechip eSIM | Roaming (your provider) | Local SIM card | Wi-Fi router (rental) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Transparent per GB, no contract | Expensive outside the EU (up to several € per MB) | Cheap, but takes effort on arrival | Daily rental plus deposit |
| Setup | Scan the QR code before your trip | Nothing needed, active automatically | Buy and register the SIM on arrival | Collect and charge the device |
| Online straight away | Yes, right on arrival | Yes | No, only after buying it locally | Yes, after collection |
| Keep your German number | Yes, runs alongside your main SIM | Yes | No, or only with dual SIM | Yes |
| Multiple countries | Yes, with regional plans | Yes, but expensive | No, a new SIM for each country | Usually limited |
| Requirement | eSIM-compatible smartphone | Any phone | Phone with a SIM slot | Extra device needed |
| Ideal for | Travellers with an eSIM phone | Short trips within the EU | Longer stays in one country | Groups with many devices |
How to choose the right eSIM plan
1. Check your destination
Within the EU, your normal plan is usually enough thanks to EU roaming. Outside the EU (Turkey, USA, Thailand, Egypt, Dubai), an eSIM is almost always worthwhile.
2. Estimate your data needs
For navigation, messaging and a bit of social media, 1–3 GB per week is enough. If you stream a lot or use a hotspot, choose more data or an unlimited plan.
3. Trip length and countries
For a single destination, take a local plan. For round trips through several countries, a regional eSIM plan (such as Europe or Asia) is cheaper.
4. Check your device
Check in advance that your smartphone supports eSIM: most iPhones from the XS, Samsung from the Galaxy S20 and Google Pixel from the 3 onwards. You will find a full list on our devices page.