Why Travelers Need an eSIM (and What to Know Before You Use)

If you’ve ever been lost abroad or had zero internet connection without a Wi-Fi spot in sight, you’ll understand just how much of a lifeline your phone can be when you’re traveling. That’s why travelers need an eSIM to stay connected, online, and in touch without roaming (no matter where you roam).

Whether you’re navigating ancient alleyways in Marrakech, planning your next hike in the Peruvian Andes, or trying to translate a confusing street sign in rural Vietnam, staying connected becomes more important with every mile you travel from home.

But international roaming fees can add up fast. Traditional SIM cards are a hassle, especially if you’re hopping from country to country or landing late at night when local shops are closed.

eSIMs are the solution to every connectivity issue you’ll face while you’re exploring. They’re a truly modern, seamless way to stay online, save money, and stress less on your travels.

I’ll break down what an eSIM is, how setup works, why you need it, and everything you should know before using one. You’ll also get some creative ideas to put an eSIM to use and must-have travel occasions where you can’t be without one. 

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What Is an eSIM, and How Does It Work?

An eSIM (it stands for “embedded SIM”) is a digital version of a physical SIM card that’s built into your smartphone or device. Instead of buying a new SIM card in every new country you visit, you can download a data plan directly to your phone with an app. There’s no need for a physical swap-out or hunting down a shop to get a SIM once you land.

It’s one less thing to worry about, and if you have big travel plans, you know that managing your itinerary, hikes, timelines, and activities already takes up enough brainpower on your trip without making sure you have the right SIM card to use your phone.

Setting it up is super easy. You just:

1. Choose a provider (I use Saily—more on that below).
2. Download their app.
3. Pick your plan and country.
4. Install the eSIM to your phone with just a few taps.

That’s it. You can be ready to explore with fast, reliable mobile data wherever your journey takes you.

Why You Need an eSIM When Traveling Internationally

For someone like me who’s always exploring natural wonders, visiting remote areas, and staying far from the nearest café with Wi-Fi, being able to access the internet is completely essential. It’s not about checking Instagram or watching adventure travel videos (but those are other great reasons to get one). For me, it’s more about staying safe, being informed, and having the freedom to travel smarter.

Here’s why travelers need eSIMs and how they’re a game-changer for exploring the world more confidently.

1. No More Roaming Fees, Ever

With traditional carriers and physical SIM cards, international roaming can cost a small fortune. Ask anyone who traveled the world pre-eSIM! An eSIM gives you local or regional data at a fraction of the price. And no roaming fees, no matter where you roam is a huge plus if you’re trying to keep travel costs down (aren’t we all?).

2. Stay Connected in Remote Places

Knowing you won’t have service when you get too far off the grid can add worries to a trip you’ve been looking forward to forever—what if there’s an emergency? Even if you’re far from civilization, an eSIM still works. Having cellular data gives you anywhere access to GPS, offline maps, and emergency services so you can stress less and enjoy more of every moment.

3. Quick to Set Up with Easy Activation

No need to wait in line at airports or kiosks to buy a SIM or physically swap yours out once you land. With an eSIM, you can activate it before you even take off and get set up in just a few quick steps. It’s like having an easy button for international data.

4. Switch Plans On the Go When You Need To

As much as I love a good national park road trip, some of my favorite trips have been those where I jetted from one country to the next with lots of exploring in between. I love that an eSIM makes it so much simpler. All you have to do is switch to a different plan or a global eSIM, and with some providers, you can do it all in the same app (I’ll explain more below).

What’s the Best eSIM for International Travel?

When you’ve visited as many places as I have, trust me—you try a lot of different SIM cards and eSIMs along the way. Of the several eSIM providers I’ve used, Saily is my current go-to and what I recommend as the best for international travel. It’s a new app developed by the trusted team behind NordVPN (so yes, it comes with powerful security features too).

With Saily, you can choose from data plans in over 190 countries and 8 regions. One thing that I especially love is that I only have to install the eSIM once. One time, that’s it. Even if I’m moving between countries, I just switch the plan in the app with no reinstallation needed. It makes touring through different countries so much easier.

Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Download the app and use code [AliceFord] at checkout.

When Is an eSIM Absolutely Essential?

There are times when having an eSIM is more than just smart—it’s critical. These are those times.

Border Crossings

Ever landed in a new country without access to the internet until you have time to grab a physical SIM card? It can be pretty stressful. With a regional or global eSIM, you’re connected the moment you land. That’s peace of mind.

Solo Adventures

If you’re traveling solo, especially in nature or less developed areas, a working phone connection is your lifeline to loved ones, emergency services, and anything else you might need while you’re away. I wouldn’t be able to confidently take trips like spending 8 days solo traveling across Japan or backpacking 50 miles on Canada’s West Coast Trail without one!

Remote Work or Digital Nomad Life

For anyone working from home-away-from-home, spotty hotel Wi-Fi just won’t cut it. A reliable eSIM makes sure you’re always able to upload content, attend meetings, or send that important email, no matter where you go.

Layovers & Stopovers

Even short stops in another country can be a lot smoother with an eSIM keeping you connected. Get local info, connect to transport options, and avoid the airport Wi-Fi traps with data always in your pocket.

Smart Ways to Use an eSIM While Traveling

If you’re an adventurer like me, chances are you’ll find a few clever uses for an eSIM that go beyond simply browsing or checking social media. Here are a few of my favorites (and keep these in mind for your next trip)!

• Trail Mapping & Navigation: From hiking in Patagonia to road-tripping across New Zealand, real-time maps are a must. With a reliable eSIM, I can pull up AllTrails or Google Maps anytime, even when signage is scarce or hard to read.
• Language Assistance: Apps like Google Translate need an internet connection for live translations. Super handy when you’re trying to order vegetarian food in rural Laos or explain a food allergy in Italy!
• Last-Minute Booking: With an eSIM, I can jump on a hotel or airline booking site in minutes with no need to hunt for Wi-Fi. Sometimes you just need one more night!
• Local Transportation: Apps like Uber, Bolt, and local public transit tools need mobile data to work. An eSIM keeps me from getting stranded or paying inflated tourist taxi fares when I’m out and about.
• Emergency Services: Let’s be real: accidents do happen. With an eSIM, you always have the internet access you need to reach out for help or find the nearest hospital, embassy, or police station.

Other Must-Haves for International Travel

A great eSIM is just one part of a truly savvy international traveler’s toolkit. Here are a few other things I never leave home without.

• Universal Power Adapter: Stay charged up no matter where you are. Even better if it has USB-C ports.
• Translation Apps: Google Translate or iTranslate save the day more often than you think.
• Portable Charger: Power is crucial when you’re out all day and can’t seem to find an outlet.
• Offline Maps: If you’re truly out of cell service range, downloading maps helps you get your bearings.
• Travel Insurance: Instant peace of mind for health, gear, or flight issues.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Keeps you hydrated and eco-friendly. Bonus points if you grab one with a built-in filter.
• VPN App: Essential if you’re using public Wi-Fi at hotels or cafes (and Saily eSIMs are made by the NordVPN team, so you know they take security seriously).

Connecting Flights? eSIMs Help You Stay Connected Wherever You Roam.

The world is wide, wild, and waiting to be explored. There’s no reason to be disconnected or hit with outrageous fees while doing it when you’ve got international service and cellular data at your fingertips.

Whether you’re a casual vacationer, a frequent flyer, or someone like me who thrives on venturing into lesser-known corners of the globe, an eSIM is a must-have. It keeps your travels smooth and safe so you can feel free to be a little more spontaneous. So next time you plan an adventure, make sure your first download is the Saily eSIM app. You never know when you’ll need that signal, but with Saily, it’s always just a tap away.

Now you just need somewhere to use your eSIM!

Explore more of my favorite international travel destinations below.

• 10 Reasons to Visit the Azores for Your Next International Trip
• How to Visit the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador
• Exploring Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
• The 12 Best Adventure Destinations in Japan