Best Prepaid International SIM cards in 2023

If you’re traveling abroad, it’s important to have an internet connection. Modern travelers rely on fast, reliable data, whether it’s for booking a cab, searching for restaurants, or texting those back home. But how can you get internet without paying for expensive data roaming fees? Well, with an international data SIM card, it’s easy.

And, if you have a compatible cellphone, you can buy a Digital SIM card, the future of cellular connectivity technology. Let’s learn more about international data SIM cards.

What is an international data SIM card?

An international SIM card helps you connect and use internet services in several countries. International SIM cards are categorized into specific areas, continents, or regions.

They work thanks to contract agreements between the providers issuing the chip and the local operators in each country.

An international data SIM card does not work with a nonestablished provider. If you connect with the incorrect provider, you must select the right network manually on your phone’s settings.

International data SIM card vs Pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi is another option to connect to the internet during your travels. It allows you to share data between multiple devices, and, most importantly: it’s unlimited!

But make sure to read the terms or conditions and the fine print regarding restrictions. Sometimes, there are restrictions even if providers claim to offer the longed-for unlimited internet.

Look closely at the daily limit they offer, it is usually around half a gigabyte or 1 GB. If you start watching a Netflix movie or series, you’ll be halfway through the movie and then left in the middle of the road without internet.

One limitation of Pocket WiFi is the number of devices you can connect to the internet. If you’re traveling in a group, it’s possible someone may be left without a connection.

Be aware of these limits when using Pocket WiFi. Firstly, battery life will be extremely low  (you can rent a new battery for around $10). Also, remember to review the conditions in case of loss or theft, The price of the penalty can be $150 with immediate effect.

Sometimes pocket WiFi sellers don’t mention the shipping fee, which could be between $8-10. You may also have to pay to return the device once your rental period is over.

Where can I buy an international data SIM card?

If you’re going traveling, you have two options when buying a SIM card:

1. Buy before you go from an online store.

2. Buy in your destination.

How much do international SIM cards cost: Data SIM card comparison

Let’s take a look at the costs of an international SIM card from different carriers. Remember that some providers charge separately for the card and the data it offers.

International Virtual SIM card plans for travelers

It’s time to get to know the recent innovative way to get internet. Digital SIM cards or eSIMs (short for embedded SIM) are SIM cards that provide internet at a competitive price. The main advantage of virtual SIM cards is that you can get one anywhere in the world, and it’s delivered to you via email immediately!

Advantages and disadvantages of Virtual SIM cards

Why buy an international Digital SIM card? You can pay for data roaming provided by your domestic cellular carrier, rent a Pocket WiFi or buy a SIM card, but they are more expensive than an eSIM, and the Pocket and the traditional SIM card are physical devices that can be lost, damaged, or never be delivered to your house.

To buy a virtual SIM card, you only need an email address and ten minutes to complete the purchase, install it, and activate it. That is all! No matter where you are.

Advantages:

• Quick purchase and activation processes

Purchasing and activating a digital SIM card is easy. You just make your purchase from a store like Holafly and wait a few seconds for a QR code to arrive at your email. With this, you can activate your Digital SIM and get connected.

• Get a Digital SIM anywhere in the world

Are you already at your destination and struggling to get online? No matter where you are, you can always buy a virtual SIM card, and it will arrive directly to your cellphone. There is no delivery fee, and you don’t have to wait more than a few minutes!

• Affordable rates

Compared to paying data roaming charges, Digital SIM cards are incredibly cheap. You pay one upfront fee for the eSIM, so you don’t have to worry about surprise bills. Holafly offers Virtual SIM card deals for as little as $19 USD.

• Multi-country coverage

If you’re traveling around multiple countries on your vacation, with Holafly’s multi-country virtual SIM cards you can connect to the internet in any country.

• Unlimited data

In some countries, you can get unlimited internet, so you’ll never be cut off.

Disadvantages:

• Limited compatibility with cell phones

The main disadvantage of eSIM cards is their limited compatibility. As a new form of technology, many older cellphones do not support this tech, so before you buy, check your cellphone is compatible.

How much does it cost an international virtual SIM card from Holafly?

Many virtual SIM cards from Holafly have unlimited data for a low cost, such as the USA, Europe, Mexico, Turkey, and more. Let’s see the prices of its unlimited data plans:

Why should I buy a Virtual SIM card?

Having compared the prices of major SIM card providers, we recommend Holafly’s international data virtual SIM card. It is one of the cheapest options but also includes a high-quality service with unlimited data and 24-hour tech support in different languages.

What else makes Holafly a suitable option?

• Keep your WhatsApp number – you’ll have access to all your current contacts and conversations even with the virtual SIM card
• Easy to use – it’s simple to set up a Holafly virtual SIM, but if you experience any problems, just contact the 24-hour customer support team!

International virtual SIM cards for traveling to North and South America

Traveling around several countries in North America, Central America, or South America? You can use just one digital card to connect across the continent – isn’t that a great idea?

Latin America

Latin America has a lot to offer for your travels. Home of the Amazon rainforest (“The lungs of the world”) and vibrant cities like Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, you won’t have to worry about an internet connection with an international Digital SIM.

You will be able to travel to several Latin American countries without having to look for local SIM cards or change your phone number. 

One of the main benefits of a Latin America virtual SIM card is that it connects automatically to the best network providers each time you arrive in a new country.

Countries included

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Chile
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Peru
• Costa Rica
• Paraguay
• Uruguay

North America

Visit Niagara Falls in Canada, New York City, or end up on the beautiful Cancun beaches in Mexico. And do it all without worrying about your connection.

With a digital SIM card for North America, you can travel without limits. It doesn’t matter whether you’re on the border or in the downtown area, this card will connect to the highest quality provider across the continent.

Countries included:

• United States
• Mexico
• Canada

International virtual SIM card for traveling to Europe

If you’re from outside the EU and visiting several European countries, we suggest the international digital data SIM card for Europe with unlimited data.

Where can you use your Europe virtual SIM?

Destinations included:

• United Kingdom
• Åland Islands
• Austria
• Azores
• Balearic Islands
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Canary Islands
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• French Guiana
• Malta
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Guadeloupe
• Guernsey
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Isle of Man
• Italy
• Jersey
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Madeira
• Martinique
• Mayotte
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Meeting
• Saint Martin
• Romania
• Saint Barthélemy
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Netherlands
• Vatican City

Digital SIM card for traveling to Asia

Being able to connect in Asian countries will be a challenge. Remember that support might not be available in English. So if you have a problem, it might be harder to solve it than in your native language.

The international virtual SIM card makes your life easier because you won’t need to do anything, as it will connect you to the internet regardless of the place or language.

Countries included:

• China
• South Korea
• Japan
• Cambodia
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Taiwan
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Hong Kong and Macao
• Laos

Prepaid virtual SIM card for traveling to Australia

Oceania is another continent you can visit with a good Internet connection. On this continent, you can explore New Zealand and Australia without fear of running out of data in the middle of your trip.

Digital SIM card for traveling to Africa

You can buy a digital SIM for Africa or individual country cards, like the International virtual SIM card for Egypt.

FAQ about the international data SIM card