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Nomad eSIM top up: How to add data and what it costs
Topping up a Nomad eSIM takes a few taps, as long as your plan is still active. Here is how to add data, what it costs, and what to check before you buy.
Yes, you can top up a Nomad eSIM, provided the plan is still active and that particular eSIM supports add-ons. You top up in the Nomad app or on the website, under Manage. An add-on costs the same as buying the equivalent plan outright.#
If your plan has already expired or the data is used up, a top-up is not available, and a new eSIM is the way back online.
Below is the walkthrough for both routes, plus what add-ons cost across Nomad’s USA data plans. It also covers how their unlimited plans work, and how it compares to unlimited data options like Holafly. Let’s dive in.
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Can you top up a Nomad eSIM?
Yes, you can top up a Nomad eSIM. You can only complete a eSIM top up while the plan is still active. That means no more data once your original plan has already expired, or once you have used up all your data.
Also, not all Nomad eSIMs allow top-ups and other add-ons. Check the details of your eSIM plan before you buy.
Top-ups suit travelers who prefer to pay for data in increments. You start with the allowance you expect to need, then add more if the trip runs longer or the usage runs higher. Nomad also sells unlimited data plans for some destinations, which work differently. Those are covered further down.
How to top up a Nomad eSIM
There are two ways to finalize your Nomad eSIM top-up, provided your plan allows it.
Nomad eSIM app top-up (iOS/Android):
- Open the app and navigate to the Manage section.
- Pick the eSIM you want to add data to.
- Tap Add more data and follow the steps to check out.
Nomad website top-up:
- Log in and head to the Manage page.
- Select the eSIM you’d like to top up.
- Click Add more data and complete your purchase.
Add-on packages activate automatically once your current plan runs out of data or expires. If your plan expires, any unused data will not carry over. To avoid a interruptions with you Nomad eSIM connection, top up manually while the plan is still active.
Nomad eSIM top-up costs
Rates for Nomad eSIM top-ups depend on three things: the country or region, the data amount and the plan duration. An add-on is priced the same as the equivalent new plan. Here are Nomad’s USA data plans:
| Data | Duration | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $5 |
| 3 GB | 30 days | $10 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $16 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $25 |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $38 |
| 50 GB | 30 days | $60 |
| 75 GB | 180 days | $89 |
| 100 GB | 365 days | $120 |
It is worth knowing that top-ups, or add-ons, cost the same as buying a new Nomad eSIM. When you top up, though, you keep using the same eSIM. There is no installation or activation to go through again, which is more convenient mid-trip.
Nomad’s USA eSIM connects to T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon, and you can switch between them if one performs better where you are. Tethering and hotspot are supported on Nomad eSIMs, so an add-on can be shared with a laptop or another device.
Disclaimer: The data in this comparison is accurate as of September 17, 2026, and is subject to change.
Nomad unlimited plans
Nomad does sell unlimited plans, including six for the USA. They are priced by duration rather than by data, and the range runs from USD 11 for 3 days to USD 52 for 20 days.
They work differently from an uncapped unlimited plan. Each day brings a high-speed allowance. Once that is used, the connection continues at 512 kbps for the rest of the day, and high-speed data resets every 24 hours from the time you activate. That suits messaging, maps and email throughout a trip, and it is worth knowing about before you plan on streaming.
Every new Nomad user also gets a free 1 GB trial eSIM covering 48 destinations.
How long do you have to activate a Nomad plan?
You have 60 days from the purchase date to activate a Nomad plan. After that it activates automatically and the validity period starts counting down whether you are using it or not. If you buy ahead of a trip that later moves, that window is the thing to watch.
Nomad top-ups or unlimited data eSIMs?
Unlimited data eSIMs, like those offered by Holafly, avoid the need for top-ups and keeping track of your data usage. They’re a great fit for digital nomads, business travelers, or anyone who wants to stream, call, and scroll stress-free while abroad..
Meanwhile, when comparing Nomad and Holafly, Nomad’s top-up system allows you to control costs with gradual payments. You only pay for a select amount of data and can add more through the app as needed.
If your plans change or you don’t have an eSIM-compatible phone, you’ll want to take a look at Nomad’s refund policy to see what returns you are eligible for.
Get unlimited travel data with Holafly
At Holafly we do it the other way round. A Holafly travel eSIM covers 200+ destinations with unlimited data and no daily cap, so there is no allowance to watch and nothing to top up mid-trip.
You choose the length rather than the data tier, anywhere from one to 90 days, so the plan matches the trip instead of the other way round. Speeds run up to 5G where the local network supports it, and 24/7 support is available in live chat, WhatsApp and email.
Holafly Plans is a monthly eSIM subscription covering 160+ destinations. It suits travelers who are away often enough that per-trip plans get repetitive. It includes hotspot sharing, with no long-term contract and no local address or ID required.
Every Holafly eSIM also includes Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data across 150+ destinations, at no added cost. It stays active for as long as the eSIM is installed, and covers the gap between landing and sorting out a plan, or the extra day nobody planned for.
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I am a Liverpool-based SEO content specialist with years of experience crafting content that connects. I combine my love for clear communication with a passion for travel and languages (currently diving into Japanese!). At Holafly, I'm here to help you understand everything about staying connected abroad, turning technical jargon into straightforward advice you can actually use.
