Best eSIM Providers Compared: Airalo, Holafly, Saily & Orbit Mobile

Published June 29, 2026Updated October 25, 202615 min readEditorial integrity

When you’re getting ready for your next trip abroad, there’s often loads of things to consider and prepare. You’re probably thinking about what to pack, what sights you’ll visit, how to book tickets to that crazy-busy museum, and more. Plus, if you’re like most of us, you’re also wondering about the best way to make sure you can stay connected using your mobile device.

Luckily, technology has advanced to the point where keeping in touch with family and friends, and enjoying access to your important documents and reservations online is easier than ever. Using an eSIM from a reputable supplier is a simple and reliable way to make your travel to-do list one item shorter.

To help you choose the best eSIM for your next trip abroad, we’ve put together the guide below in which we compare 4 of the best eSIM providers: Orbit Mobile, Saily, Holafly, and Airalo. Read on to find out which company has the best option for you. Unlike most eSIM comparisons that stick to the usual names, we also include Orbit Mobile, so you can weigh four real options side by side before you travel. For broader context, see our roundup of the best eSIMs for Europe and our Holafly vs Airalo comparison.

two friends wearing backpacks with phone

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is an entirely digital SIM card that works with preinstalled software on your compatible device to connect you with data networks in destinations across the globe.

While a physical SIM card (like the one you get from your cell phone provider) has to be manually put into your device, an eSIM doesn’t have any physical components, so there’s no fussing with tiny parts.

As long as you have a compatible device, you can easily install an eSIM with just a couple steps using a QR code. Once it’s installed, you can access networks from multiple service providers in the country you’re visiting and enjoy data, texting, and calling options (depending on which eSIM plan and provider you choose).

Why Choose an eSIM?

Choosing to get an eSIM for your next trip is a great idea and can make staying connecting easy and stress-free.

Unlike with a physical SIM card that you have to manually put in your phone, an eSIM is entirely digital, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your regular SIM card safe while travelling.

eSIMs can also save you money compared to roaming or using your home service’s travel plans. Rogers Roam Like Home and Bell’s Roam Better options cost between $13 and $18 per day (as of June 2026), which can really add up over the course of a trip abroad. Comparatively, eSIM plans let you choose the services you need and will typically cost considerably less than $10 a day.

Additionally, eSIMs are easy to install before your trip, making you confident that you’ll be connected almost immediately after arriving at your destination.

Best eSIM Providers

Before we get into our comparison of the 4 best eSIM providers, there are a few things that you’ll want to consider when choosing a plan from one of the companies:

Are you travelling to one country or multiple countries?: Each of the 4 eSIM providers we’re comparing offer data plans for individual countries, popular regions, and even global options. Take a moment to consider what type of coverage you’ll need.
How many days will you be travelling?: You’re going to need to choose the length of your data plan, so make sure to note how many days or weeks you’ll be in each country and region.
How much data do you think you’ll use?: eSIM data packages range from 1 GB to unlimited data, and the price tends to go up the more data you want. Before you sign up for a new eSIM, take a look at how much data you typically use at home and then look for an eSIM plan that fits. Keep in mind that you can also top-up any plan you choose, so you don’t have to be overly exact with your estimation.

Now, let’s look at the details of what’s on offer with Orbit Mobile, Saily, Airalo, and Holafly to see how they compare in key areas.

Available Plans

To start our comparison, we’ll look at the variety of plans that are on offer with Orbit Mobile, Saily, Airalo, and Holafly.

To keep the comparison clear, we’ve arranged the information into the following table:

	Orbit	Saily	Holafly	Airalo
# of countries/regions served	200+	200+	200+	200+
Regional eSIMs available	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Global eSIM available	Yes; works in 77 countries	Yes; works in 121 countries	Yes; works in 113 countries	Yes; works in 169 countries/regions
Plan lengths	Common plan length = 30 days (+ regional plans up to 365 days)	Common plan length = 7 and 30 days (+ regional plans up to 90 days)	Choose the exact number of days; up to 90	Common plan length = 7, 15, and 30 days (+ regional plans up to 365 days)
Data quantity	Up to 100GB	Up to unlimited	Always unlimited	Up to unlimited
Texting/calling plans	No	No	No	In select countries

It’s also worth noting that Orbit Mobile, Holafly, Airalo, and Saily won’t always have the same agreements with telecommunication networks in each country you’re in.

For example, in some countries, one eSIM provider may use a single network regardless of where you’re travelling within the borders, while another provider may switch between two or even three networks based on signal strength.

Switching networks can be quite helpful if you’re travelling around a country since a network’s strength can change significantly as you move between regions.

To find out which network(s) will be used and whether you’ll be able to switch networks as you move around, you can look up the technical specs/additional information on each eSIM providers website.

Monthly plans

In addition to the plans listed in the table above, a couple of our favourite eSIM vendors have also started providing an option to sign up for an on-going monthly plan/subscription.

Holafly currently offers two monthly plans, the Unlimited Plan and the Light Plan. Each of these give you global connection that automatically renews each month until you cancel. The Light Plan gives you 25 GB per month and the Unlimited Plan provides unlimited data plus a phone number. The price for these plans ranges from $68.95 to $89.95 per month (as of June 2026), and you can also qualify for a discount if you pay for a full year upfront.

The other eSIM provider that offers a subscription is Saily. With Saily Ultra, you pair a global data plan with airport perks: one lounge pass and one security fast-track pass every month, plus an extra lounge pass if your flight is two hours late. For other ways into the lounges, see our guide to free airport lounge access.

Three tiers are available: Standard at $39.99 USD a month for 10 GB, Plus at $59.99 USD for 30 GB, and Premium at $69.99 USD for 30 GB with 50 minutes and 50 texts. All three give you the same travel perks, 10 ClassPass credits (a trial partnership that Saily may end), NordVPN and the rest of Nord Security's tools, and 8% of your purchases back in credits. Once you use up your quota, you keep unlimited access at 1 Mbps in 121 destinations.

We work out the real cost of each lounge pass, and compare it with the Canadian credit cards that do better, in our Saily eSIM review.

At this time, neither Orbit Mobile nor Airalo are offering similar monthly plans.

Cost

Next, to compare the prices of plans across Orbit Mobile, Saily, Airalo, and Holafly, we’ll look at the cost for one country plan, one regional plan, and the global plans. As of June 2026, all prices below are pulled from each provider’s website and can change at any time, so check the current rate before you buy.

Mexico (country-specific eSIM)

Length of trip	Orbit	Saily	Holafly	Airalo
7 days	N/A	1 GB for $4.99 USD	Unlimited data for $40.00	3 GB–Unlimited data for $12.00–35.00
15 days	N/A	Unlimited data for $48.99 USD	Unlimited data for $65.00	5 GB–Unlimited data for $17.50–$56.00
30 days	1–20 GB for $4.00–34.50	3 GB–Unlimited data for $11.99–71.99 USD	Unlimited data for $103.00	5 GB–Unlimited data for $18.50–83.00
90 days	(Multiply prices from above)	(Multiply prices from above)	Unlimited data for $193.00	(Multiply prices from above)

Note that Saily charges in US dollars, so if you end up choosing this provider, it’s a good idea to use a credit card like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card that doesn’t charge the usual foreign transaction fee. This way, you can save the 2.5% that’s charged by most other Canadian credit cards. For a deeper look at one destination, see our guide to the best eSIM for Mexico.

Compare

Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Card

Scotiabank Scene+

Annual fee: $150
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $350
Welcome offerAfter $2,000 in 3 months: Up to 35,000 points; Ends Nov 1, 2026

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite^+* Card, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

No fees for foreign currency transactions
6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

Legal

* The potential value of savings and rewards during the first 12 months includes the value of the welcome offer, the potential value of points earned in the first year, the value of savings on foreign currency transaction fees and the cost of airport lounge access as of May 22, 2026:

$250 in travel rewards (25,000 bonus Scene+ points) for new Scotiabank Passport^® Visa Infinite +* Cardholders who charge $2,000 in purchases to their account within the first three (3) months;

$100 in travel rewards (10,000 bonus Scene+ points) for cardholders who charge $40,000 in purchases to their account;

$50 in savings from the annual fee waiver on the first additional card for new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card account holders;

$132 in savings on foreign currency transaction fees based on the average amount of foreign currency purchases made per active account over the past 24 months (by saving on the 2.5% foreign currency transaction fees typically charged by other credit card issuers);

$364 representing the potential value of points earned in the first year (36,400 Scene+ points) based on the average amount of purchases made per active account over the past 24 months, assuming an average spend of 21% of purchases in categories eligible for accelerated earn rates of 2X and 3X points;

$358 representing the value of complimentary membership in the Visa Airport Companion program which includes 6 airport lounge passes (based on « Preferred » membership valued at approximately $357 CAD/$259 USD). Based on the exchange rate in effect on May 22, 2026.

Maximum potential value after the first year = $1,254 (rounded to $1,250)

The actual value of offers, savings realized and points earned will vary depending on card usage and eligibility for applicable offers. Conditions apply.

1 Offer description and conditions: The 25,000 Scene+ points offer (the « offer ») applies only to new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit card accounts (the « accounts ») opened between August 4, 2026 and November 1, 2026 (regardless of the date you apply for the account) subject to the conditions below. The offer may be modified, cancelled or extended at any time without notice, and it cannot be combined with any other offer.

In addition, as a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Cardholder, you are eligible for an annual bonus of 10,000 Scene+ points if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible everyday purchases to your Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account over the course of one year. Conditions apply; see below for more details.

Description and conditions of the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer: To be eligible for the 25,000 bonus Scene+ points offer (« 25,000 bonus points »), you must charge at least $2,000 in total eligible purchases to your account within the first three months following the account opening date.

Conditions for the annual 10,000 Scene+ points bonus:
As a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card credit cardholder, you can earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points (the « annual points bonus ») if you charge at least $40,000 in eligible purchases to your account over the course of one year (12-month period). The annual period begins on the account opening date; a new period starts again every twelve months thereafter. If you replace another Scene+-eligible credit card with the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card (i.e., it is not a new card or an additional card), the opening date of your original account will be carried over to your new Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card account and your annual period under this offer will begin on the next anniversary date of your original account opening. For example, if you originally opened a Scotiabank Gold American Express^® Card account on January 15, 2022 and you switch to the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card on July 15, 2025, your annual period under the 10,000 Scene+ points annual bonus offer will begin on January 15, 2026 (your next anniversary date) and a new period will start again on January 15 each year thereafter. You will earn 2,000 bonus Scene+ points for each additional $10,000 in purchases made during the same year once you have reached the $40,000 annual purchase threshold.

Eligible purchases means purchases, less refunds, returns and any other similar credits, and excludes payments, cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions), interest charges, as well as card fees and other fees.

Fulfillment of the annual points bonus: Bonus points will be credited within approximately eight weeks after you become eligible for a bonus, provided the account is open and in good standing. In the case of a joint account with a primary borrower and a co-borrower, bonus points will be credited as follows: (i) the 25,000 bonus points and the annual points bonus will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the account of the borrower who made the transaction that reached the eligible purchase threshold ($2,000, or $40,000) within the appropriate timeframe (the first three months, or the first 12 months). If an additional cardholder makes the transaction that reaches the eligible purchase threshold for the 25,000 bonus points, or the annual points bonus, the bonus points will be credited to the Scene+ account linked to the primary borrower’s account. It is possible to transfer points between the Scene+ accounts of a primary borrower, a co-borrower or an additional cardholder by contacting Scene+. An account is in good standing if it is not past due, there is no over-limit, and the cardholder(s) have complied with the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement that applies to the account. All other program conditions continue to apply during the offer period.

Offer eligibility and exclusions: You cannot take advantage of the offer if you are currently a primary or secondary cardholder of a Scotiabank personal credit card or have been one in the past two years, including if you transfer your balance from an existing Scotiabank personal credit card account, and if you are a Scotiabank employee. Subject to the exclusions mentioned above, small business credit cardholders are eligible for this offer.

Rates and fees: The annual fees are $150 for the primary card, $0 for the first additional card and $50 for each additional card thereafter (including those issued to joint account holders and additional cardholders). The preferred annual interest rates applicable to the account are as follows: 20.99% on purchases and 22.99% on cash advances (including balance transfers and quasi-cash transactions). The rates, fees, and features and benefits, which are described in the disclosure statement accompanying the application, may be changed.

Savings at Shell

Get up to 7 cents per litre in instant fuel discounts for a limited time and earn up to 3 cents per litre in Scene+ points value with an eligible Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + card linked to a Shell Go+ Account:

Instant 3 cents per Litre Discount on Fuel Purchases (All Grades): Receive an instant 3 cents per litre discount on purchases of fuel (all grades) (“Fuel Purchases (All Grades)”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank debit card or credit card linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per Scotiabank debit card and per Scotiabank credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per payment card account. This discount is subject to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Instant 4 cents per Litre Discount on Premium Fuel: Between May 26, 2026 and June 1, 2027 (“Promotional Period”), receive an instant 4 cents per litre discount on purchases of V-Power^® gasoline, or V-Power^® diesel (“Premium Fuel Purchases”) at participating Shell locations in Canada when you use any eligible Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points linked to a Shell Go+ Account, up to a maximum of 1,000 litres per month per credit card account. This total limit resets at the start of each new month per credit card account. This promotional offer, including the Promotional Period, may be changed, extended, or withdrawn at any time without notice. These promotional offer terms are in addition to the Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.
Earn up to 3 cents per Litre in Scene+ points Value (Equivalent) on Fuel Purchases: Each time you use your linked Scotiabank credit card that earns Scene+ points on Fuel Purchases (All Grades) at participating Shell locations in Canada, you will earn at least 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent. Plus, as a Scene+ Member you will also automatically earn 1 Scene+ point for each litre in Fuel Purchases (All Grades), and as a Shell Go+ member, automatically earn 1 additional Scene+ point for each litre in Premium Fuel Purchases, made with your linked Scotiabank credit card. This means that for every litre in fuel purchased with your linked credit card, you can earn the equivalent of up to 3 cents of redeemable Scene+ points value based on a redemption value of $10 for every 1,000 Scene+ points redeemed for fuel purchases at participating Shell locations. Actual value may be lower depending on how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points. Earn and redemption limits may apply. See the Scene+ Program Terms and Conditions available at sceneplus.ca/terms-and-conditions for full details including redemption options and additional terms.

Note: Highest value of 10 cents per litre assumes a Premium Fuel Purchase made with a Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite + Card linked to a Shell Go+ Account. Actual value will vary depending on payment card used and whether or not the card is linked, fuel grade purchased, and how you choose to redeem your Scene+ points.

Additional 3¢/L at Shell (limited time)

Additional 3¢/L Fuel Discount Offer: Offer valid from October 5, 2026 to December 31, 2026 (“Promotional Period”), eligible Scotiabank credit and debit cardholders enrolled in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program who have linked an eligible Scotiabank payment card (an “Eligible Card”) to their Shell Go+ account will receive an additional instant fuel discount of 3 cents per litre on eligible fuel purchases at participating Shell-branded retail locations in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories (the “Eligible Provinces”) excluding Shell Flying J locations. Fuel purchases made outside the Eligible Provinces are not eligible for this offer.

To receive the additional fuel discount, customers must pay with their linked Eligible Card at the time of purchase.

The additional fuel discount is in addition to the fuel savings available through the Shell Fuel Benefits Program and may be combined with other eligible fuel discounts, rewards programs, and promotional fuel offers unless otherwise stated in the applicable offer terms and conditions.

The additional fuel discount is available on up to 1,000 litres of eligible fuel purchases per calendar month for each Eligible Card. The 1,000-litre limit resets at the beginning of each calendar month.

The additional fuel discount is non-transferable, is not redeemable for cash, and cannot be substituted or exchanged.

Participation in the Shell Fuel Benefits Program is subject to the applicable program terms and conditions available at Scotiabank Fuel Benefit Terms and Conditions.

Shell Canada reserves the right to make changes to this offer and to terminate the offer at any time, for any reason and without notice.

All other applicable terms and conditions of the Shell Fuel Benefits Program, Shell Go+ and Scotiabank continue to apply.

Annual fee

Primary card$150

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$60,000

Household$100,000

Conversion fees

Earning rate

3xWith the partner brand
2xGroceries
2xRestaurants
2xTransit
2xEntertainment
1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$704

2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 25 days

Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 3 days

Trip CancellationUp to $1,500

Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500

Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000

Lost BaggageUp to $1,000

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

If you don't meet these requirements, the Wise Visa Card also lets you pay in US dollars without the usual 2.5%. It's a debit card with no annual fee and no minimum income, and it converts your money at the market rate with low fees.

Europe (regional eSIM)

Length of trip	Orbit	Saily	Holafly	Airalo
7 days	N/A	1 GB for $4.99 USD	Unlimited data for $34.30	3 GB–Unlimited data for $15.50–38.00
15 days	N/A	Unlimited data for $49.99 USD	Unlimited data for $65.00	5 GB–Unlimited data for $27.00–$69.00
30 days	1–20 GB for $3.50–29.00	3 GB–Unlimited data for $12.49–71.99 USD	Unlimited data for $103.00	5 GB–Unlimited data for $27.50–101.00
90 days	(Multiply prices from above)	(Multiply prices from above)	Unlimited data for $193.00	50 GB for $140.00

In addition to the above, Orbit Mobile also offers 50 GB 60-day plans for $48.00 and full-year plans with 100 GB for $88.00. Airalo offers a 180-day plan with 100 GB for $259.00

In terms of coverage, each provider covers the following number of countries as part of their Europe plan:

Orbit Mobile: 39 countries (including some in the Caribbean)
Saily: 35 countries
Holafly: 33 countries
Airalo: 42 countries

Global eSIM

Length of trip	Orbit	Saily	Holafly	Airalo
7 days	N/A	1 GB for $8.99 USD	Unlimited data for $62.00	1 GB for $12.00
15 days	N/A	2 GB for $16.49 USD	Unlimited data for $125.00	2 GB for $23.50
30 days	1–20 GB for $8.50–36.00	N/A	Unlimited data for $224.00	3 GB for $34.00
60 days	50 GB for $72.00	5 GB for $33.99 USD	Unlimited data for $490.00	5 GB for $49.00

With Orbit Mobile, you can also get a Global Plan for a full year plan with 100 GB for $120.00. Saily also offers 180-day plans with 10 GB for $56.99 USD and full-year plans with 20 GB and 50 GB for $66.99 USD and $129.99 USD, respectively.

Additionally, Airalo offers 180-day plans with 10 GB for $80.00 and full-year plans with 20 GB for $92.50. This provider also offers global packages with limited calling and texting for an additional fee.

With the Global eSIM plans, each provider covers a different number of countries:

Orbit Mobile: 77 countries
Saily: 121 countries
Holafly: Not listed online
Airalo: 169 countries

Installation and Support

Orbit Mobile, Airalo, Holafly, and Saily all make it simple to download and install your new eSIM. In fact, all 4 providers offer nearly identical processes.

Regardless of which vendor you choose, the installation process is essentially as follows:

Purchase your eSIM plan
Scan the QR code that’s provided
Follow the step-by-step instructions

Alternatively, you can choose to manually install your new eSIM following similar prompts.

If you happen to struggle while downloading, installing, activating, or using your eSIM, Orbit Mobile, Saily, Airalo, and Holafly all have excellent customer service that can help you resolve any issues.

Extras

As a way to entice new clients and build customer loyalty, Orbit Mobile, Saily, Holafly, and Airalo each offer multiple ways for you to save on your next eSIM.

Loyalty program

One way that a few of the eSIM providers help you earn some savings is through loyalty programs.

Holafly and Airalo each offer a different type of program to make it more attractive for you to return for your next eSIM time and again.

Holafly: When you buy an eSIM from Holafly, you’re immediately signed up for the Holafly Travel Club through which you can collect HolaCoins. You earn HolaCoins when you purchase eSIM plans and when you successfully refer your friends to the company. Your HolaCoins can be used to save on your next eSIM purchase, with 100 HolaCoins = 1 Euro.
Airalo: With Airalo, you get cash back (as Airmoney) when you purchase an eSIM, and this can then be used to discount the price of your next purchase. The amount of cash back you earn depends on the level you’ve achieved in the Airalo loyalty program, with the lowest amount being 5% and the highest being 10%.

Discounts, coupons, and referral programs

In addition to loyalty programs, all 4 eSIM providers offer additional ways to save through discounts, vouchers, coupons, and referral programs.

Orbit Mobile: With Orbit Mobile, you can save 10% off your eSIM plan with our special Milesopedia discount code: « MILES10« . Orbit Mobile also often provides additional discounts, such as 20% to 40% off select data plans.
Holafly: In collaboration with the Holafly Travel Club loyalty program, Holafly lets you earn savings through its referral program. With this option, you can access a personalized referral link that your friends can use for a discount and that will also net you some savings on your next eSIM purchase.
Airalo: Airalo offers a referral bonus of $4.50 CAD in Airmoney for each friend that you successfully refer (as of June 2026). This is in addition to cash back Airmoney that you earn when you spend on your own eSIM plans.
Saily: Saily gives customers a variety of ways to save. From student discounts to monthly coupon codes to discounted credit vouchers, Saily makes it possible to nearly always enjoy lowered prices on their plans. Additionally, through its referral program, Saily also offers $5 USD in credit to both you and your friend when they purchase their first plan.

Bottom Line

Orbit Mobile, Holafly, Airalo, and Saily all offer an impressive range of eSIM data plans that suit the needs of any traveller. Whether you’re looking for a lot of data or just a little, one of these 4 eSIM providers certainly has the right plan for you. To pair your eSIM with a card that earns on travel and skips foreign transaction fees, see our roundup of the best credit cards in Canada.

Orbit Mobile stands out for its simple install process, letting you download a single eSIM for all your future data plans. Plus you can save 10% off your eSIM plan with our special Milesopedia discount code: « MILES10« .

Travellers who don’t want to worry about running out of data may prefer Holafly, which only offers plans with unlimited data, or if you’re in the market for a single eSIM to use around the world, Airalo’s Global Plan tops this category, offering connectivity in 169 countries.

Or perhaps you prefer something like the Saily Ultra plan, which bundles an eSIM with additional travel perks for a singular monthly fee. In the end, choosing the right eSIM for your trip will come down to how long you’re travelling, where you’re headed, how much data you need, and whether any of the additional perks have won you over.

Once you’ve decided on which eSIM plan you like and you’ve made your purchase, we recommend you also explore our travel guides on using two-factor authentication while out of the country, enjoying your favourite TV shows from anywhere, and keeping your data safe with services like NordVPN. To stay on top of the latest travel and card offers, sign up for our newsletter.

Best eSIM Providers – Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that lets you enjoy data access in almost every country in the world by using the preinstalled software on your compatible device.

Since they’re entirely digital, eSIMs can be purchased and installed before you leave for your next trip, and there’s no need to physically switch out your existing SIM card. When you get to your first destination, you can then easily activate your eSIM and data plan and enjoy connectivity pretty much right away.

Can I trust eSIMs?

Yes, you can absolutely trust eSIMs that are bought through reputable vendors like Orbit Mobile, Airalo, Holafly, and Saily.

How do eSIMs work?

eSIMs work the same as physical SIM cards, just without the need to manually add or remove anything to or from your device. eSIMs use preinstalled software on your compatible device to connect you with internet access in nearly every country around the world.

To use an eSIM, you need to:

Buy an eSIM online
Download it and install it onto your compatible device before you head out on your trip
Activate it when you arrive at your destination so that you can access the local data network

Are eSIMs cheaper than roaming?

In most cases, yes. Canadian roaming options like Rogers Roam Like Home and Bell Roam Better run between $13 and $18 per day. An eSIM plan typically costs less than $10 per day, and you only pay for the data and length you actually need.

How much data do I need for a trip?

It depends on how you use your phone abroad. Light users who mostly check maps and messages can often get by with 1 to 3 GB, while heavy users who stream or share a hotspot may want 10 GB or more. If you are unsure, pick a plan you can top up, or choose an unlimited plan from a provider like Holafly.

Which eSIM provider has unlimited data?

Holafly offers unlimited data on every plan, which suits travellers who do not want to track their usage. Saily and Airalo both offer unlimited options in select countries and regions, alongside smaller fixed-data plans.

Do eSIM plans include calls and texts?

Most eSIM plans are data-only, which covers messaging apps like WhatsApp. Two of the four providers here go further: Airalo offers plans with limited local calling and texting in select countries, and Saily sells a US phone number with minute and text plans, with 50 minutes and 50 texts included in the Premium tier of Saily Ultra.

Can I use one eSIM in multiple countries?

Yes. All four providers sell regional plans (for example, a Europe plan) and global plans that work across dozens of countries. A regional or global plan saves you from buying a separate eSIM for each border you cross.

How do I save money on an eSIM purchase?

Use the loyalty and referral programs offered by each provider, and apply the Milesopedia code MILES10 for 10% off with Orbit Mobile. If a provider charges in US dollars, pay with a card that has no foreign transaction fee, such as the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Card, to avoid the usual 2.5% charge.

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