eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM: which is best abroad?

Updated 31 October 2026

There are three ways to get mobile data abroad: your home carrier's roaming, a local SIM bought on arrival, or a travel eSIM bought before you go. Each wins in some situations. Here's an honest comparison.

At a glance

	Roaming	Local SIM	Travel eSIM
Setup	Nothing to do	Find a shop, show your passport	Install at home in a minute
Online when you land	Yes	After you buy it	Yes
Your number for calls and texts	Yes	No (swap SIMs or use two)	Yes, on your own SIM
Cost for data	Often the highest	Usually the lowest	In between, close to local
Risk of a surprise bill	Yes, past your allowance	No	No, it's prepaid
Local phone number	No	Yes	No (data only)

When roaming makes sense

If your home plan already includes the country (for example many EU plans inside the EU), or your carrier sells a cheap day pass and you'll only be away a day or two, roaming is the least effort. Check the exact price per day and what happens when the allowance runs out.

When a local SIM makes sense

For long stays, heavy data use or when you need a local number (for local apps, deliveries or bookings that confirm by SMS), a local SIM is usually the cheapest. Expect a shop visit, a passport check and, in some countries, registering your phone.

When a travel eSIM makes sense

For most holidays and business trips: you're online the moment you land, prices are fixed in advance, your own number keeps working for calls and bank codes, and one eSIM can be topped up for the next trip.

The catch: it's data only, and your phone has to support eSIM (dial *#06# and look for an EID).

Questions

Can I use a travel eSIM and keep my number?

Yes. The eSIM handles data while your usual SIM stays on for calls and texts.

Is a travel eSIM slower than a local SIM?

It uses the same local networks. Speeds are usually similar, though some local operators give their own customers priority at busy times.

Will I be charged roaming if I use an eSIM?

Not for data, as long as data roaming is off on your home SIM and mobile data is set to the eSIM. Calls you take on your own number are charged by your home carrier.