Best Esim For Digital Nomads
Airalo, Holafly Connect Unlimited, and SimLocal’s Three eSIM rank as the top choices for digital nomads in 2025 based on coverage, value, and reliability. The optimal pick depends on usage patterns: heavy data users benefit from Holafly’s unlimited plan at $64.90/month, budget-conscious travelers get the best per-GB value with SimLocal at $1.26/GB, and frequent multi-country travelers prefer Airalo’s 200+ country coverage starting at $5.
Quick Summary: Top eSIMs for Digital Nomads (2025)
| Provider | Best For | Coverage | Hotspot | Starting Price | Price/GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly Connect | Unlimited data | 145 countries | Yes | $64.90/month | Unlimited |
| SimLocal (Three) | Best value | 50 countries | Yes | $25.25/18GB | $1.26-$1.47 |
| Airalo | Multi-country travel | 200+ countries | Yes | $5/1GB | $3.45-$9.00 |
| Nomad | Budget travelers | 200+ countries | Yes | $6/1GB | $4.00-$6.00 |
| Jetpac | 5G speed | 86 countries | Yes | $35/15GB | $2.17-$2.93 |
| Maya Mobile | Global unlimited | 104 countries | Yes | $159.99/30 days | Unlimited |
Which eSIM Offers the Best Value Per GB?
SimLocal’s Three eSIM delivers the lowest cost at $1.26/GB for 90GB over 90 days ($113.50 total). For shorter trips, their 18GB plan costs $25.25 ($1.40/GB). Coverage spans 50 countries including USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and most of Europe, but excludes Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Japan, and Maldives.
For 5G connectivity, Jetpac’s 30GB plan at $65 ($2.17/GB) offers the best value among 5G-enabled global eSIMs.
Does Unlimited Data Actually Work for Remote Work?
Holafly Connect Unlimited at $64.90/month provides true unlimited data with unlimited hotspot tethering across 145 countries. This differs from standard Holafly plans that cap hotspot usage at 500MB-1GB daily. The plan supports 5G speeds where available and automatically renews monthly.
Maya Mobile offers an alternative unlimited global plan at $159.99/30 days with 5GB daily at max speed, then unlimited at 1Mbps.
Do Digital Nomads Need Voice and SMS?
Most eSIMs are data-only, which works for nomads using WhatsApp, Telegram, or VoIP apps. For traditional calling:
- Orange Travel provides voice/SMS starting at $29.99/20GB across 200+ countries
- Roamless offers in-app calling to local numbers via pay-as-you-go credit (starting $2.45/GB)
Two-factor authentication texts remain accessible by keeping your home SIM active in a dual-SIM setup.
What About Tethering and Technical Setup?
Hotspot/tethering support varies by provider:
- Full hotspot: SimLocal, Airalo, Nomad, Jetpac, Maya, Holafly Connect
- Limited hotspot: Standard Holafly plans (500MB-1GB/day)
APN settings configure automatically on most eSIMs after QR code activation. Manual configuration is rarely needed with major providers. Installation typically takes under 5 minutes via the provider’s app.
Device compatibility: Modern iPhones (XS and newer), Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy devices support eSIMs. Phones must be carrier-unlocked.
Which eSIM Works Best for Long-Term Travel?
For stays exceeding 30 days:
| Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Per GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GlobalYO World Explorer | 50GB | 360 days | $89.99 | $1.80 |
| StaffTraveler | 50GB | 365 days | $119 | $2.38 |
| SimLocal Three | 90GB | 90 days | $113.50 | $1.26 |
Roamless Wallet functions as an emergency backup with pay-as-you-go rates across 180 countries and credit that never expires.
Tasnima Tabassum Ema is the Founder and Lead Data Analyst at eSIM Expart. Driven by her own costly roaming nightmares, she built the site to save fellow travelers money. She specializes in rigorous, real-world testing and calculating the true cost per Gigabyte ($/GB) to ensure you always get the cheapest, most reliable connection.
