eSIM, physical SIM, roaming or pocket WiFi? How to choose for your trip

Updated：2026-10-23

There are four common ways to get online when you travel. None is always best. It depends on your phone, your trip and how many people travel together. This guide compares them in practical terms.

eSIM

How it works: after payment you get a QR code, scan it with your phone and the plan is installed. No card to swap and no courier to wait for.
Good: your regular SIM and number stay unchanged, so you can still get calls and texts. Quick to set up, and there's no physical card to lose or damage.
Watch out: your phone must support eSIM and not be carrier-locked. Most travel eSIMs are data only with no phone number. A QR code can usually be installed only once, so don't delete the eSIM after installing.
Suits: travellers with an eSIM phone who want to be ready before departure and use their own phones.

Physical SIM card

How it works: buy it at the airport or a local shop, or have it delivered or collected beforehand, then swap it into your phone.
Good: works on phones without eSIM, and some local SIMs come with a phone number.
Watch out: you have to swap cards, so keep your home SIM safe. Some places ask for a passport or registration at purchase. Collecting and queuing takes time.
Suits: people whose phone doesn't support eSIM, or who need a local phone number.

Roaming on your home carrier

How it works: turn on data roaming, or buy a roaming day pass or data pack beforehand.
Good: nothing to install and the easiest option. Your number stays the same.
Watch out: prices vary a lot. Some plans charge by the day, and roaming without a pack can lead to high bills. Always confirm the charges with your carrier before you go.
Suits: short business trips, occasional use, or people who want zero preparation.

Pocket WiFi (rented device)

How it works: book with a rental company, pick up the device, charge and carry it, then return it after the trip.
Good: several devices can connect at once, which suits families or friends travelling together.
Watch out: one more device to charge, set pickup and return points, possible charges for loss or damage, and it's no use if your group splits up.
Suits: groups that stay together and don't mind carrying an extra device.

Quick guide

eSIM phone, want it simple and fast: eSIM.
No eSIM support, or you need a local number: physical SIM.
Only occasional use for a few days: check the roaming charges first.
A big group sharing one connection: consider pocket WiFi.

Three things to check before choosing an eSIM

Your phone supports eSIM. Dial *#06#; if an EID number appears, it usually does.
Your phone is not carrier-locked. If it came with a monthly contract, ask your carrier first.
Check when the plan's validity starts, and remember the data is a hard limit: when it runs out the connection stops instead of slowing down.

For phone compatibility see the compatibility guide, and for installation see the install guide. To look at plans, pick from the destination list, for example Japan, South Korea or Thailand.

Ready?

Pick your destination and get the eSIM QR code by email after payment. Choose a destination