Frequently Asked Questions
Europe eSIM
Does my European data plan work in the UK after Brexit?
Only if the provider explicitly lists "United Kingdom" in coverage. Brexit ended automatic UK inclusion. Each provider decides independently.
Is Switzerland included in European data plans?
50-60% of plans include Switzerland. Check your provider's coverage list—Switzerland's non-EU status means frequent exclusion despite geographic location.
What's the cost difference between Europe-only and Europe+UK+Switzerland plans?
15-30% more for UK+Switzerland coverage. 10GB Europe-only: $20-$30. Same data including UK and Switzerland: $29-$37.
How much data do I need for a 2-week European trip?
5-10GB for most travelers. Light users (maps, messaging): 2-5GB. Moderate users (social media, music): 5-10GB. Heavy users (video streaming, calls): 15-20GB+.
Can I add more data mid-trip?
Yes. Most providers process top-ups through mobile apps within 1-5 minutes. Same pricing as original purchase. No new eSIM installation required. MTX Connect's balance system lets you add credit and activate new packages instantly without reinstalling profiles.
Do I need separate plans for UK and Switzerland?
No. Regional plans listing both UK and Switzerland provide seamless connectivity across all included countries. One eSIM, no manual switching.
Will my UK phone work in the EU after Brexit?
Yes, but carriers may charge roaming fees. O2 offers free EU roaming (25GB cap). EE, Vodafone, Three charge £2-£2.47 daily for EU access.
Can I use hotspot/tethering with my travel eSIM?
Most providers allow hotspot functionality. Check specific plan terms—some restrict tethering on unlimited plans.
What happens if I run out of data?
Most providers stop service when allowance expires. Purchase additional data through app. Some throttle speeds instead of cutting service. Set usage alerts for warnings before depletion.
How do I know which network I'm connected to?
Network name displays in phone status bar. UK networks: EE, O2, Vodafone, Three. Switzerland networks: Swisscom, Sunrise, Salt. Most eSIMs auto-connect to strongest available network.
Global eSIM
What is a global eSIM and how does it work?
A global eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your smartphone that allows you to activate mobile data plans remotely without physical SIM swapping. You download a profile via QR code or app, select a destination plan, and the eSIM connects to partner networks when you arrive. One eSIM can support multiple plans across different countries.
How much does a global eSIM cost in 2025?
Global eSIM prices in 2025 range from $1.99/1GB (Saily, select countries) to $64.90/month for unlimited global data (Holafly). Typical pricing: Airalo global 1GB/7 days at $9, Nomad global 3GB/30 days at $26, Ubigi global 1GB/30 days at $22, MTX Connect 4GB/14 days at $17.35. Long-term plans like Nomad Global-EX 50GB/365 days cost $170 ($3.40/GB).
Which global eSIM provider has the best coverage?
Airalo, Ubigi, Saily, and KnowRoaming all claim 200+ country coverage, making them the broadest options. However, coverage quality varies by destination. Airalo and Ubigi publish specific network partners for each country, allowing you to verify coverage depth. For transcontinental travel, MTX Connect's 130+ country network often provides stronger coverage density in covered destinations.
Can I use a global eSIM for phone calls and texts?
Most global eSIMs are data-only, requiring VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype for calls. Exceptions include: Airalo Discover+ (provides Austrian +43 number with calls/SMS from $15), MTX Connect (MTX Number subscription for calls to any phone number, SMS service), and KnowRoaming ReachMe (voice calling feature). Keep your home SIM active for receiving bank 2FA codes.
Which eSIM is best for unlimited data while traveling?
Holafly leads in unlimited data options with daily plans from $6 and monthly subscriptions at $49.90-$64.90. KnowRoaming offers Global Unlimited in 145+ countries. Saily Ultra provides 30GB high-speed plus unlimited 1Mbps data for $59.99/month. Note that "unlimited" plans typically include fair usage policies that may reduce speeds after 5-10GB/day of high-speed use.
How do I install and activate a global eSIM?
Installation typically takes 2-5 minutes: 1) Purchase plan through provider app/website, 2) Receive QR code via email or in-app, 3) Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > Scan QR code, 4) Label the new line (e.g., "Travel Data"), 5) Enable data roaming. Install before departure while on WiFi, but most eSIMs only activate billing when you connect to destination networks.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Most phones since 2018 support eSIM: all iPhone XS and newer (except some China models), Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, recent Motorola, OnePlus, and Huawei models. Your phone must be carrier-unlocked. Check by dialing *#06# (EID number indicates eSIM support) or visiting Settings > General > About (iPhone) or Settings > About Phone (Android).
Can I keep my regular phone number while using a travel eSIM?
Yes. Dual-SIM functionality allows your physical SIM (home number) and eSIM (travel data) to work simultaneously. Configure settings to use your home SIM for calls/texts and travel eSIM for data. This keeps your number active for receiving messages while avoiding roaming data charges. Disable data roaming on your home SIM to prevent unexpected charges.
What happens if my eSIM doesn't work abroad?
First: toggle airplane mode on/off, ensure data roaming is enabled, manually select a network in Settings > Cellular > Network Selection. If problems persist, contact your provider: KnowRoaming offers 24/7 WhatsApp support, Holafly has 24/7 live chat, most others respond within hours via email. Having provider contact info saved offline before departure is essential.
Which global eSIM is most cost-effective for frequent travelers?
For frequent travelers: Nomad Global-EX offers 50GB/365 days for $170 ($3.40/GB). MTX Connect's reusable eSIM plus pay-as-you-go data suits those making 4+ international trips annually. Ubigi's reusable eSIM eliminates reinstallation hassle for repeated trips. Airalo's Airmoney loyalty program provides up to 10% cashback on regular purchases.
How do global eSIMs compare to international roaming?
Global eSIMs typically cost 70-90% less than carrier roaming. Example: 5GB of T-Mobile international roaming can exceed $50, while Airalo offers 5GB in Europe for $16 and Nomad provides 5GB global for approximately $25. eSIMs also provide predictable, prepaid costs versus surprise roaming bills. Carriers like T-Mobile Magenta Max do include free international data (limited speed), making comparison worthwhile.
Can I share my eSIM data via hotspot?
Most providers allow hotspot/tethering: Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Ubigi, MTX Connect, and KnowRoaming all support data sharing. Holafly's daily plans typically allow 500MB-1GB hotspot data, while their unlimited monthly subscription offers unlimited tethering. Check specific plan details as some budget plans may restrict hotspot functionality.
What's the difference between local, regional, and global eSIM plans?
Local plans cover one country (best per-GB value, e.g., Airalo Thailand 5GB/$11). Regional plans span multiple nearby countries (e.g., Nomad Europe 10GB/$29 for 35 countries). Global plans work across all covered destinations (e.g., Airalo Global 1GB/$9 in 138 countries). Choose based on itinerary: local for single-country trips, regional for contained travel areas, global for multi-continent itineraries.
Do I need to buy a new eSIM for each trip?
Depends on provider: Ubigi and MTX Connect offer truly reusable profiles where you install once and only purchase new data plans. Saily allows destination switching without reinstallation. Airalo, Nomad, and Holafly typically require new eSIM profiles for different destinations, though the process takes only minutes. Reusable options save hassle for frequent travelers.
Which global eSIM has the best customer support?
KnowRoaming and MTX Connect leads with 24/7 support via WhatsApp, live chat, and email, with users reporting responses within minutes. Holafly offers 24/7 live chat in multiple languages. Saily Ultra includes priority support. Airalo and Nomad provide business-hours support with extensive self-help documentation. For travelers in challenging time zones or remote destinations, 24/7 availability provides critical peace of mind.