Nomad eSIM: Is It the Best eSIM for International Travel in 2025?
March 18, 2025
Nomad eSIM is a top contender for international travelers in 2025. It offers global coverage in 170+ countries, affordable data plans, and an easy 5-minute setup process through an app or QR code. With prices starting at $1.50/GB and features like mobile hotspot support and automatic network switching, it’s designed for convenience and cost savings.
| Feature | Nomad eSIM | Airalo eSIM | Holafly eSIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 170+ countries | 199 countries | 160+ countries |
| Pricing | From $1.50/GB | From $5 (1GB local) | ~$19 (unlimited) |
| User Ratings | 4.5/5 TrustPilot | 2.3/5 TrustPilot | 4.7/5 TrustPilot |
| Unique Feature | Multi-network switching | Loyalty rewards | Unlimited data |
For digital nomads, staying connected globally and getting set up quickly is crucial. Nomad eSIM makes this easy with wide coverage, affordable plans, and a setup process that takes just 5 minutes.
Nomad works in over 170 countries by partnering with local networks. Here's how its download speeds stack up in different locations:
| Location | Download Speed |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 155 Mbps |
| Portugal | 95.6 Mbps |
| Sapporo, Japan | 69.2 Mbps |
| Malaysia | 49.2 Mbps |
Along with reliable speeds, Nomad offers data plans that fit various budgets.
Nomad provides both regional and global data plans with flexible options:
| Region | Data Allowance | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 10GB | 30 days | $15 |
| Europe | 20GB | 30 days | $22 |
| Japan | 20GB | 45 days | $25 |
| Thailand | 50GB | 10 days | $9 |
| Global (106 countries) | Various | 30 days | From $7.20/GB |
These plans are designed to meet the needs of frequent travelers while staying cost-effective.
Getting started with Nomad is quick and easy. The setup process includes:
The entire process takes just about 5 minutes.
Nomad eSIM comes with several useful features:
Pro Tip: Make sure your device is unlocked, eSIM-compatible, and that data roaming is enabled at your destination.
Airalo is making travel connectivity simpler with its wide coverage and affordable data plans.
Airalo works with leading carriers in 199 countries. In the U.S., it connects through AT&T and T-Mobile, while in the U.K., it uses Telefonica O2. With over 10 million users globally, the network's performance depends on the location - some areas provide 5G speeds, while others may only support 3G. Be sure to check the available speeds for your destination before committing to a plan.
Airalo’s plans cater to a variety of travel needs:
| Plan Type | Starting Price | Data Allowance | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local eSIMs | $5 | 1GB | For single countries |
| Regional Plans | $15 | 5GB | Covers multiple areas |
| Global Plans | $50 | Up to unlimited | Worldwide connectivity |
For example, a traveler in Ireland used a $15 Airalo plan for a week - saving significantly compared to a $35 carrier charge for less than 500 MB of daily high-speed data. Plus, the setup process is designed to be quick and hassle-free.
Airalo makes installation simple with three methods:
"Airalo has been, by far, the easiest, most useful, and most cost-effective option for traveling abroad that I have found." – BCGregory
Pro Tip: Ensure your device is carrier-unlocked and made after 2018, as most flagship models from that year onward support eSIM technology.
Holafly stands out with its unlimited data plans and easy activation process. Since 2017, it has served over 1 million customers and offers coverage in more than 160 countries.
Holafly partners with local carriers to provide reliable 3G/4G LTE service, with 5G available in many areas. Their service quality is backed by a 4.7-star rating from around 35,000 Trustpilot reviews.
| Region | Coverage Details | Starting Price (5 days) |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 40+ countries | ~$19 |
| Asia | Includes destinations like Japan, India | ~$19–$29 |
| Americas | USA and Canada | ~$19 |
| Middle East | UAE and nearby regions | ~$19 |
Holafly's pricing aligns with its broad global coverage. For example, in the US, a 5-day plan costs $19, a 15-day plan is $47, and a 60-day plan is $87. Similar pricing tiers apply for countries like the UK and Japan.
Pro Tip: While Holafly's upfront costs might seem higher, you get truly unlimited data with no hidden caps.
Activating a Holafly eSIM is simple: scan the QR code sent to your email. If you encounter issues, detailed device-specific guides are provided.
"The instructions were super easy to follow and I had no problems with the service for the whole 20 days that I used it. It was nice not to worry about how much my phone company was going to charge me for service abroad."
– Karen Christensen, Verified buyer
However, there are some limitations to keep in mind. Hotspotting and tethering may not work in many countries, fair usage policies could affect speeds, and activation should be done only after arriving at your destination.
In July 2024, traveler Milet Miranda highlighted Holafly's dependability by maintaining steady 4G connectivity in remote areas of Finnish Lapland and Iceland, even when users of other services faced signal issues.
Tests show noticeable performance differences between Nomad and Airalo. For example, Nomad achieved speeds of 155 Mbps in the United Kingdom and 49.2 Mbps in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Airalo recorded speeds of 181 Mbps in Dubai and 112 Mbps in Vietnam. These results provide a clear basis for comparing their network performance, pricing, and standout features.
| Feature | Nomad | Airalo |
|---|---|---|
| Global Coverage | Over 170 countries | Over 200 destinations |
| Network Type | 4G/5G | 4G/5G |
| Network Switching | Multi-carrier support | Limited switching options |
| Data Plans | Pay‑per‑GB | Pay‑per‑GB |
| Customer Rating | TrustPilot: 4.5/5 | TrustPilot: 2.3/5 |
Nomad generally offers better pricing for larger data bundles. For example, a 10GB plan for Japan costs $17 with Nomad, compared to $18 with Airalo. While Airalo is competitive for smaller data packages, Nomad provides more savings for higher-volume plans. Here's a comparison of 5GB plan pricing across a few destinations:
| Destination | Nomad (5GB) | Airalo (5GB) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $14.00 | $16.00 |
| UK | $11.00 | $15.00 |
| Japan | $13.00 | $11.50 |
Nomad eSIM has proven to be a dependable option for international travelers, backed by feedback from 2025 users and a solid 4.7/5.0 average rating from over 12,000 reviews. With coverage spanning more than 170 countries, it offers reliable connectivity that meets the needs of modern travelers. Let’s break down its pricing and technical performance.
Nomad stands out for its cost-effective options, especially for extended trips and larger data plans. Regional plans start at $1.44/GB, while global plans are priced at $7.20/GB. Current deals, like a 30-day global plan with 3GB for $26, make it even more appealing.
From a technical perspective, Nomad is both reliable and easy to use. An expert review highlighted its strengths:
"One of, if not the best travel eSIM provider available right now. We have been impressed with Nomad's signal strength, pricing and ease of use."
However, no product is without its drawbacks. While the app is visually appealing, its navigation can feel slower compared to other options. Additionally, global plans cover 106–113 countries, which may require users to purchase regional plans for complete worldwide coverage.
For digital nomads and frequent travelers, Nomad eSIM offers a strong combination of dependable connectivity, competitive pricing, and a user-friendly interface. Its flexible data options and multi-network support make it a practical solution for staying connected on the go.
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