Practical guides for the road
Everything you need to know about eSIM and VPN, from the basics to concrete tips, in one place.
eSIM
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM
A collection of the questions we get asked most often about eSIM, answered briefly and concretely.
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.
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
If your mobile plan is with an EU or EEA provider, you can usually already roam for free within the EU. Traveling outside the EU, say the UK (roaming charges here depend on your provider), Switzerland or the Balkans, or 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.
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.
VPN
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is a VPN and why do you need one while traveling?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. For travelers, that mainly means extra security on public wifi, and sometimes access to services that are restricted in a given country.
Review
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 public user reviews and current product information.
ExpressVPN review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
ExpressVPN is one of the longest-established VPN services, with a reputation for speed and reliability. This review is based on public user reviews and current product information.
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. This review is based on public user reviews and current product information.
Maya Mobile review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Maya Mobile stands out with a global unlimited data plan and an unusually generous money-back guarantee of up to 180 days. This review is based on public user reviews and current product information.
Nomad eSIM review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Nomad positions itself as a price-focused eSIM provider with competitive rates for many destinations, and a simple app. This review is based on public user reviews and current product information.
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. This review is based on public user reviews and current product information.
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. This review is based on public user reviews and current product information.
Proton VPN review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Proton VPN, from the company behind Proton Mail, is based in Switzerland, known for relatively strong privacy legislation. The service positions itself primarily around privacy and security, with one of the few genuinely usable free plans in the VPN market. This review is based on public user reviews and current product information.
Saily eSIM review: honest experience and pricing (2026)
Saily is a relatively new eSIM service, developed by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, covering more than 200 destinations and offering a separately purchasable US number for calls, texts and verification. This review is based on public user reviews and current product information.
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. This review is based on public user reviews and current product information.
Comparison
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.
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.
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.
Travel guide
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 how to stay online along the way, whether you're spending a weekend in Buenos Aires or crossing the country for months.
Internet in Australia: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Distances in Australia are vast, and coverage can disappear entirely outside coastal cities. Here's how to stay online, from Sydney to deep in the Outback.
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. Worth knowing: Brazil speaks Portuguese, not Spanish.
Internet in Canada: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Canada is enormous, and coverage outside major cities isn't a given. Here's how to stay online, from Toronto to the Rocky Mountains.
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 leave.
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. Coverage is generally better than in neighboring countries, but can still drop out in dense nature areas.
Internet in Greece: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
With a plan from an EU or EEA provider, you can usually browse across Greece without extra roaming costs. Mobile coverage on smaller or remote islands can be more limited, though.
Internet in Indonesia: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Bali is popular with digital nomads and holidaymakers: coworking spaces generally have solid wifi, but mobile data is your backup once you're out and about or wifi drops.
Internet in Italy: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Italy generally has strong coverage, from Milan to Sicily. As an EU citizen your own plan often already works for free, but for non-EU travelers or busy tourist periods, a local eSIM is still worth it.
Internet in Japan: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Japan has one of the most reliable mobile networks in the world, but free public wifi is scarcer than most travelers expect. Here's how to stay online from the moment you land.
Internet in Latin America: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From Mexico to Argentina, a trip through several Latin American countries usually means crossing borders regularly. Here's how to stay online without buying a new SIM at every border.
Internet in Malaysia: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
Malaysia is split into two parts with quite different coverage: the busy peninsula with Kuala Lumpur and Penang, and the much wilder Borneo with Sabah and Sarawak.
Internet in Mexico: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
In cities and popular beach towns, mobile internet is generally fast and reliable. Off the tourist routes, in parts of Chiapas or Oaxaca for example, coverage can be considerably more limited.
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 how to stay online, from Cebu to Palawan.
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 how to stay online from country to country.
Internet in Spain: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
If you're an EU citizen traveling to Spain, your own plan usually already works for free thanks to EU roaming. For non-EU travelers, longer stays, or digital nomads, a local eSIM is often still cheaper.
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, and coverage differs by region as a result.
Internet in Thailand: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From the buzz of Bangkok to islands like Koh Samui and Phuket, your phone is essential in Thailand for Grab, maps and translations. Here's how to stay connected everywhere.
Internet in the United States: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From the New York skyline to the remote roads through Yellowstone, in the US which network your eSIM runs on often matters more than the provider itself, especially once you leave the major cities behind.
Internet in Vietnam: roaming, eSIM, local SIM and VPN explained
From navigating in Hanoi and booking a Grab taxi to reserving night buses and showing e-tickets, a reliable internet connection is almost essential while traveling Vietnam.