eSIM vs roaming
Three ways to get online abroad. One clear winner for most trips.
Carrier roaming, a local SIM from the airport kiosk, or a travel eSIM you set up at home. Here's how they really compare.
Side by side
How the options compare
Price model
- BestOneSim eSIM
- One-off price for a fixed amount of data (1–50 GB), valid 30 days
- WeakCarrier roaming
- Daily pass or pay-per-use, charged on your home bill
- OKLocal SIM at the airport
- Local prepaid price, plus airport mark-up in many places
Setup
- BestOneSim eSIM
- Buy online, install in about 2 minutes before you fly
- BestCarrier roaming
- Usually nothing to set up; just turn on roaming
- WeakLocal SIM at the airport
- Find a shop or kiosk, queue, often show your passport, swap SIM cards
Keeps your number
- BestOneSim eSIM
- Yes: your home SIM stays in the phone (dual SIM)
- BestCarrier roaming
- Yes
- OKLocal SIM at the airport
- Only if your phone has dual SIM; otherwise your home SIM comes out
When you get connected
- BestOneSim eSIM
- As soon as you land
- BestCarrier roaming
- As soon as you land
- WeakLocal SIM at the airport
- After you've found a shop and set it up
Top-ups
- BestOneSim eSIM
- Online in a few taps, to the same eSIM
- OKCarrier roaming
- Buy another pass, or keep paying per use
- OKLocal SIM at the airport
- Local top-up vouchers or apps, often in the local language
Risk of bill shock
- BestOneSim eSIM
- None: prepaid, no surprise charges
- WeakCarrier roaming
- High if you go beyond your pass or forget it's on
- OKLocal SIM at the airport
- Low, but you may run out of data unexpectedly
Cost example
One week in Italy with 5 GB
An illustrative comparison for a 7-day trip. Roaming prices vary a lot between carriers and plans.
OneSim eSIM
$12.49
5 GB local Italy plan, valid 30 days. One payment, no extra charges.
Find your destinationCarrier roaming
≈ $70–105
Daily roaming passes from Israeli and US carriers typically cost about $10–15 per day, so a week adds up to roughly $70–105. Pay-per-MB roaming can cost much more.
Local SIM at the airport
Varies
Can be cheap per GB, but you'll spend time finding a shop, and airport kiosks often charge more than city stores.
Roaming figures are approximate and general, not a quote from any specific carrier. Check your own carrier's current rates.
When each makes sense
Pick what fits your trip
A travel eSIM is best when…
- You want data from the moment you land
- You want a fixed price with no surprises
- Your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked
Roaming can make sense when…
- It's a very short trip and your plan includes roaming
- You need lots of regular calls on your own number
- Your phone doesn't support eSIM
A local SIM can make sense when…
- You're staying for months and need a local number
- You don't mind spending time finding a shop
- Your phone isn't eSIM-compatible
eSIM vs roaming questions
Roaming, costs and keeping your number, answered simply. For setup help, visit our help centre.
Get supportIs a travel eSIM cheaper than roaming?
For most trips, yes. Daily roaming passes typically cost about $10–15 per day, while a travel eSIM is a one-off price for a set amount of data valid for 30 days. Exact savings depend on your carrier, destination and how much data you use.
Will I still get calls and texts on my number?
Yes, if you keep your home SIM switched on. Our eSIM handles data only, and your home SIM can still receive calls and SMS. Your carrier's roaming rates apply to those, so many travellers rely on WhatsApp or FaceTime instead.
How do I avoid roaming charges from my home carrier?
Set the travel eSIM as your mobile data line and turn off data roaming on your home SIM. That way all data goes through the eSIM you've already paid for.
Do I need to visit a shop to use an eSIM?
No. You buy it online, receive it instantly by email and on your order page, and install it on your phone in about two minutes.
What if I run out of data?
Top up the same eSIM from your order page. There's nothing to reinstall.
Skip the roaming bill on your next trip.
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