Practical guides for the road
Everything you need to know about eSIM and VPN, from the basics to concrete tips, in one place.
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card already built into compatible phones. Instead of swapping a plastic card, you buy and activate a data plan with a QR code or a few taps in your settings. For travelers, that's the difference between hunting for a SIM card shop at the airport and being back online within minutes of landing.
How to install an eSIM on Android and iPhone
Installing an eSIM usually takes a few minutes, as long as you follow the right order. Here's the step-by-step route for both iPhone and Android, plus what to check beforehand so you don't get stuck halfway through.
The best eSIM for Europe (2026)
If your mobile plan is with an EU or EEA provider, you can usually already roam for free within the EU. Once you travel outside the EU, say the UK (roaming charges here depend on your provider), Switzerland or the Balkans, or if you're crossing several countries on a non-European plan, a regional Europe eSIM is usually the simplest option: one plan, coverage across dozens of countries, no hassle at every border.
How much data do you need while traveling? eSIM plans explained
The biggest pitfall when choosing an eSIM plan isn't buying too little data, which is annoying because you have to top up, it's buying too much, which just wastes money. Here's a practical rule of thumb by traveler type.
eSIM for digital nomads: working remotely for the long haul
If you work from different countries for weeks or months at a time, an eSIM isn't just convenient, it's your backup office. Coworking wifi drops out, hotel wifi lags during a video call, and a stable mobile connection is the difference between a missed deadline and just carrying on.
What is a VPN and why do you need one while traveling?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts the connection between your device and a VPN server, from there your traffic carries on into the internet. At home, that's mainly a privacy choice. For many travelers a VPN is a practical addition, especially on public wifi or in countries with internet restrictions: from an extra layer of security on hotel wifi to sometimes accessing services that are restricted in a country.
The best VPN for travel (2026)
There are dozens of VPN services, but not all of them are well suited to travel. On the road you care about different things than at home: battery use on your phone, speed on changing networks, and whether the app works smoothly in the country you're in.
Free VPN vs paid VPN: is free safe enough?
A free VPN sounds appealing, but 'free' has to come from somewhere. Here are the key differences, so you make an informed choice instead of getting caught out later.
eSIM or a local SIM card: which is the better choice?
Both options keep you connected, but the better choice depends on your destination, how long you're staying, and how much hassle you're willing to deal with on the road.
The 10 biggest mobile internet mistakes travelers make abroad
Most internet problems while traveling are avoidable with a bit of preparation. Here are the mistakes we see most often, along with the simple fix for each.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM
A collection of the questions we get asked most often about eSIM, answered briefly and concretely.
Is a VPN legal? What's allowed and what isn't
In most countries, including every EU country, the United States, Canada and Australia, using a VPN is allowed. Rules differ by country and can change, and even in countries where VPN use is legal, restrictions can apply to specific uses.
Installing a VPN on iPhone and Android: step by step
Unlike an eSIM, a VPN doesn't need a QR code, you simply install an app. Still, a few settings differ slightly between iPhone and Android.
Airalo review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Airalo is one of the best-known eSIM providers worldwide, with coverage in more than 200 countries and regions. We break down the pros and cons, based on current user reviews.
Holafly review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Holafly stands out with unlimited data plans: one fixed price per day, no matter how much you use. That makes it popular with travelers who don't want to track data allowances.
Nomad eSIM review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Nomad positions itself as a budget-friendly eSIM provider, with competitive per-GB pricing and a simple app. Here's whether that holds up in practice.
Saily eSIM review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Saily is a relatively new eSIM service from the team behind NordVPN, covering more than 200 destinations and offering an optional US number for two-factor verification.
NordVPN review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
NordVPN is one of the largest and best-known VPN services worldwide, with a large server network and several subscription tiers. We break down the pros and cons.
Surfshark review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Surfshark stands out with a low entry price and unlimited simultaneous devices, making it popular with families and people with lots of devices.
ExpressVPN review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
ExpressVPN is one of the longest-established VPN services, with a reputation for speed and reliability. Pricing tends to run a bit higher than some competitors.
Proton VPN review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Proton VPN, from the Swiss company behind Proton Mail, positions itself primarily around privacy and security, with one of the few genuinely usable free plans in the VPN market.
Private Internet Access (PIA) review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the longest-running VPN services, known for its low price, unlimited devices, and extensive customization options for advanced users.
Airalo vs Holafly: which eSIM should you choose?
Airalo and Holafly are two of the best-known eSIM providers, but with fundamentally different pricing models: Airalo charges per GB, Holafly per day with unlimited data. That difference largely determines which one fits you.
Saily vs Airalo: which eSIM should you choose?
Saily is the new eSIM service from the team behind NordVPN, Airalo is one of the most established names in the market. Both charge per plan rather than unlimited data, but differ in extras and reputation.
NordVPN vs Surfshark: which VPN should you choose?
NordVPN and Surfshark are two of the biggest names in VPNs, at a similar price point but with different strengths: NordVPN emphasizes features and brand recognition, Surfshark unlimited devices and price.
Internet in Japan: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Japan is one of the best-connected countries in the world, but how you get online differs quite a bit from home. Here's what you need to know about roaming, local SIMs, eSIM and VPN for a trip to Japan.
Internet in Thailand: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From the temples of Bangkok to the islands in the south, Thailand is a popular destination where a good internet connection makes the difference between smooth travel and a lot of hassle. Here's what you need to know.
Internet in the United States: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
The US is vast, and which network your plan runs on often matters more than exactly where you're headed. Here's what you need to know about internet during a trip across the United States.
Internet in Indonesia: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From the buzz of Bali to quieter islands further out, Indonesia is an archipelago where coverage can vary by island. Here's what you need to know about internet while traveling.
Internet in Spain: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
As an EU citizen, Spain is one of the easiest destinations for internet, but things look different for non-EU travelers or longer stays. Here's what you need to know.
Internet in Canada: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Canada is enormous, and coverage outside major cities isn't a given. Here's what you need to know about internet during a trip across Canada.
Internet in Australia: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Distances in Australia are vast, and that has a direct impact on your internet connection once you leave the coastal cities behind. Here's what you need to know.
Internet in Vietnam: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From the bustle of Hanoi to the mountains around Sapa, Vietnam is a country where you'll rely heavily on your phone while traveling. Here's what you need to know about internet on the road.
Internet in Malaysia: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Malaysia consists of two parts that differ quite a bit in travel experience and coverage: the peninsula and Borneo. Here's what you need to know about internet on the road.
Internet in the Philippines: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
With more than seven thousand islands, coverage can vary hugely from one island to the next. Here's what you need to know about internet while traveling the Philippines.
Internet in China: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
China has tightly regulated internet access, which calls for different preparation than most other destinations. Here's what you need to know before you go.
Internet in Greece: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
As an EU citizen you usually already travel to Greece with free roaming, but things can look different on the smaller islands. Here's what you need to know.
Internet in Italy: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Italy generally has strong coverage, but there are some specific things to watch for around busy tourist spots. Here's what you need to know.
Internet in Sri Lanka: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From the tea plantations in the hills to the surf spots along the coast, Sri Lanka is compact but varied. Here's what you need to know about internet while traveling.
Internet in Latin America: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
A trip through several Latin American countries usually means crossing borders regularly. Here's what you need to know about internet on a multi-country trip like this.
Internet in South America: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
South America is a continent of extremes: the dense Amazon, the remote plains of Patagonia, and the high-altitude Andes. Here's what you need to know about internet while traveling.
Internet in Brazil: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Brazil is roughly the size of the US or Canada, with similarly large differences in coverage. Here's what you need to know about internet while traveling.
Internet in Argentina: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From the cosmopolitan streets of Buenos Aires to the empty plains of Patagonia, Argentina is a country of vast distances. Here's what you need to know about internet while traveling.
Internet in Mexico: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From the resorts of Cancún to bustling Mexico City, coverage in Mexico varies a lot between tourist and rural areas. Here's what you need to know about internet while traveling.
Internet in Costa Rica: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Costa Rica is compact but green: rainforests, volcanoes and national parks set the pace of travel. Here's what you need to know about internet while traveling.
Maya Mobile review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Maya Mobile stands out with a global unlimited plan with no speed throttling and an unusually generous 180-day money-back guarantee. We break down the pros and cons.