7 Best eSIMs for Digital Nomads

If you’ve ever landed in a new country, opened your phone, and realized you had no data, you know the stress. Searching for a SIM card kiosk, dealing with translation apps, and swapping plastic chips while balancing your luggage? Total nightmare.

That’s why most remote workers (us included) have switched to using the best eSIMs for digital nomads. These tiny digital SIM cards let you activate data plans instantly from anywhere in the world. 

And here’s the best part: you can get unlimited data in multiple countries in just minutes. No more waiting in line, handing over your passport, and trying to get your phone case off to insert a local (and probably overpriced) SIM card.

If you’re working remotely from cafes in Porto, coworking in Bali, or applying for a digital nomad visa in Europe, staying online is non-negotiable for digital nomads. 

But not all eSIMs are created equal. Some are better for quick trips, while others are designed for the long-haul lifestyle of remote workers who live, work, and wander around the world full-time.

Today, we’re comparing the best eSIMs for digital nomads, so you can pick one that actually fits your travel style, budget, and data needs. 

What Exactly Is an eSIM (and Why Nomads Love Them)

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM chip already built into your phone. Instead of buying a plastic SIM and swapping it in, you can just scan a QR code and boom—you’re connected!

Why it’s a game-changer for digital nomads:

All of the modern iPhones, Google Pixels, and most Samsung Galaxy phones support eSIMs. However, it’s important to make sure that your phone is unlocked. You verify this is your mobile phone company if you bought it through them (this is especially important for US-based digital nomads!). 

Learn more about eSIMs in our blog post, “eSIM for International Travel: How Digital Nomads Stay Connected.” 

How to Choose the Right eSIM for Your Nomad Lifestyle

Not every eSIM plan is made the same. And depending on what kind of traveling you plan and the digital nomad job you have, you might need more or fewer features. 

So, before you go ahead and download one of the best eSIMs for digital nomads, we’ll dive into what to look for before deciding which is right for you. 

Coverage

Coverage is everything. If your eSIM doesn’t connect where you’re headed, it’s basically useless. The best eSIMs for digital nomads automatically switch between partner networks so you’re always on the strongest signal. That means fewer dropped calls, smoother uploads, and no panic when your train crosses into another country.

Data Allowance & Validity

Running out of data mid-meeting is every digital nomad’s nightmare. That’s why long validity and big data buckets matter so much. Short “tourist” plans are fine for vacations, but for us digital nomads, they expire way too fast.

eSIMs that are made for longer stays—think 30, 60, or even 90 days of solid connection are best for digital nomads. More data and longer validity mean less stress, fewer renewals, and more time spent exploring instead of reloading plans.

Hotspot

If you’ve ever tried to send client work from a cafe with weak WiFi, you already know why hotspot access is a lifesaver. Being able to share your phone’s data with your laptop is essential for digital nomads who work on the go. 

Not all eSIMs allow this. So, if you need hotspot access while in airport lounges or your Airbnb, it’s important to find a plan that offers it. Having that flexibility means your next office can literally be anywhere with a good view! 

Speed & Reliability

Fast, reliable internet isn’t a luxury; it’s your lifeline. Lagging calls and slow uploads can derail your day, so look for eSIMs that partner with trusted local carriers offering solid 4G or 5G speeds.

Ease of Top-Up

You’re busy hopping from country to country (or cafe to cafe). You don’t have time to reinstall a new eSIM every time you run out of data. It’s such a hassle. Thankfully, many eSIM providers let you top up directly from their app with just a couple of taps. 

For long-term travelers juggling projects, flights, and time zones, that kind of convenience is priceless. The less time you spend managing plans, the more time you get to actually live the nomad lifestyle.

Voice & Text

Even in the age of WhatsApp and Telegram, sometimes you just need a real phone number, especially for banking codes or local apartment rentals. That’s where eSIM options that provide a real phone number shine. 

They often include call and text features, so you can still receive those important verification messages without begging your bank for an email alternative. It’s a small detail, but for long-term travel, it makes day-to-day life way easier.

Price per GB

Let’s be real—when you’re streaming, on video calls, and using your hotspot daily, data adds up fast. Paying attention to the prices per GB can save you a lot over time. 

That’s where eSIMs with unlimited data plans keep costs predictable. For anyone living the remote lifestyle, balancing speed, data, and price is key. You want reliable internet that doesn’t eat half your monthly budget, so make sure to compare prices before you buy! 

Best eSIMs for Digital Nomads

Provider	Best For	Coverage	Hotspot	Data Type	Starting Price	Stand-Out Feature
Holafly	Heavy data users	160+	⚠️ Limited	Unlimited data	$64	Unlimited Plans
Saily	Secure remote work	113+	✅	Data only	$10	Privacy features
TooSIM	Long-term nomads	200+	✅	Data only	$12	60 to 90 day regional plans
Orange Travel	European reliability	200+	✅	Data + Voice	$20	Carrier-grade stability
Airalo	Frequent Travelers	200+	✅	Data only	$5	Huge coverage + regional bundles
Nomad	Budget nomads	200+	✅	Data only	$6	Simple pricing app
Maya Mobile	Global travel	200+	✅	Unlimited	$50	One global plan

Holafly – Best Unlimited Data Plan for Remote Work

• Coverage: 160+ countries
• Plans start at: $50/month for 25 GB
• Hotspot: ⚠️ Limited on some plans
• Voice/SMS: ❌ Data only

Holafly is the eSIM you’ll find most digital nomads raving about in coworking spaces. It’s the go-to for anyone who doesn’t want to worry about data limits. Their unlimited plans span more than 160 countries, with instant activation and great speeds.

Nomads love that you can install it once and forget it. No monitoring data, no surprise cutoffs. Reviews mention strong 4G/5G performance and a super-responsive support team that answers even at odd hours (a lifesaver for travelers across time zones). 

Saily – Best for Privacy and Security

• Coverage: 113+ countries
• Plans start at: $69.99 for 30 GB
• Hotspot: ✅ Allowed

Saily is the eSIM for the security-conscious nomad. Created by a major VPN company, it adds an extra layer of privacy protection right into your data plan. That means built-in ad blocking, encrypted browsing, and safer connections when you’re working from public WiFI—a dream for freelancers and digital marketers.

Setup is straightforward, and users rave about how helpful the support team is. Travelers also love the sleek app that makes monitoring data and topping up quick and painless. It might cost a little more per GB, but for anyone working with client data or logging into sensitive accounts on the go, Saily is worth every penny.

TooSIM – Best for Slow Travel Nomads

• Coverage: 200+ countries
• Plans start at: $3.99 per GB
• Hotspot: ✅ Allowed
• Voice/SMS: ❌ Data only

TooSIM is quickly earning its reputation as the digital nomad’s new favorite eSIM. It’s built specifically for long-term travelers. You know, those nomads who stay months in one region and need generous data without worrying about constant renewals.

Plans run for 30 days and cover entire regions like Europe, Asia, or the Americas. Activation is effortless: buy, scan, and go live within minutes. Users love that renewals don’t require a new profile, so your phone stays clutter-free. TooSIM’s customer support also gets high marks for quick replies via WhatsApp and Telegram, a small but meaningful perk for remote workers on the move.

Orange Travel eSIM – Best for European Nomads

• Coverage: 200+ countries (worldwide)
• Plans start at: $29.99 for 20 GB
• Hotspot: ✅ Allowed
• Voice/SMS: ✅ Included

If you’re spending time in Europe, Orange Travel is one of the safest bets. It’s powered by Orange’s own network—one of the strongest in the EU—so the coverage is rock-solid. Installation is quick, top-ups are easy through their website, and you even get the option for a local number.

Nomads praise its reliability in places like France, Italy, and Spain, where connection speeds remain steady even in smaller towns. While it’s slightly pricier than the typical global eSIM, the dependable signal makes it a favorite among those who prioritize stability for long-term stays. 

Airalo – Best for Multi-Country Travelers

• Coverage: 200+ countries
• Plans start at: $5 for 1 GB
• Hotspot: ✅ Allowed
• Voice/SMS: ❌ Data only

Airalo is the eSIM most nomads start with—and for good reason. It’s available in over 190 countries, with regional and global plans that fit practically any itinerary. The app is smooth and intuitive, and setup usually takes less than five minutes.

Users love how Airalo automatically connects to the strongest network as they move, meaning no loss of signal when crossing from one country to the next. 

The downside? It’s data-only, but that’s an easy fix with apps like WhatsApp or Telegram. 

With flexible top-ups and coverage nearly everywhere, Airalo is the perfect companion for nomads who move fast but still want steady, reliable service.

Nomad – Best for Budget-Conscious Travelers

• Coverage: 200+ countries
• Plans start at: $6 for 1 GB
• Hotspot: ✅ Allowed

Nomad keeps things simple. No confusing menus or hidden conditions. You open the app, pick your country or region, choose your data amount, and activate. It’s known for smooth setup, easy renewals, and some of the most affordable data packages available.

Users appreciate the transparency: what you see is what you pay. Plus, Nomad supports hotspot tethering and offers regional bundles that make it easy to roam across multiple destinations. It’s perfect for travelers who don’t need unlimited data but want good value and zero complications.

Maya Mobile – Best for Global Unlimited Coverage

• Coverage: 200+ countries
• Plans start at: $139.99 for unlimited data
• Hotspot: ✅ Allowed

Maya Mobile is designed for full-time nomads who want to stay connected across continents without juggling multiple eSIMs. Their global unlimited plans automatically connect you to 4G and 5G networks in over 200 countries, making it one of the most convenient options for frequent travelers.

Users highlight the simplicity—a QR code arrives by email, you scan it, and you’re live within minutes. Speeds are consistently solid, and the ability to renew without reinstalling keeps it low-maintenance. For nomads who treat the world as one big workspace, Maya Mobile is a set-it-and-forget-it solution that delivers.

Which of These Best eSIMs for Digital Nomads Will You Use to Stay Connected?

For digital nomads, connection is currency. Whether you’re editing videos from a beach cafe or managing client calls from Barcelona, a reliable eSIM makes your workday effortless and enjoyable.

Whichever eSIM you choose, you’ll never scramble for WiFi again—and that’s true digital nomad freedom! 

FAQs About Using eSIMs as a Digital Nomad