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Best international SIM card for travel: 2025 Essential list
International SIM cards offer an easy way to stay connected abroad without roaming fees. Discover how they work, their benefits, and top providers.
The best international SIM card should give you data, calls, and flexibility across multiple countries without the hassle of SIM switching or changing numbers in each destination.
In 2025, you can choose between a physical SIM card or a travel eSIM. Both let you stay connected while traveling abroad, but the best choice depends on your phone, your trip, and how much data you need.
This guide explains how international SIM cards work, where to get them, how to manage them, and which providers offer the best travel SIM card plans this year. You’ll also see how they compare to local SIMs and more context on where you can use an international SIM card.
How does a SIM card for international travel work?
An international SIM card allows your phone to connect to local networks abroad, depending on your location and the agreements your provider has in place. This lets you use data, call, or text in multiple countries without paying high roaming charges.
A physical SIM card connects to local networks when inserted, while an eSIM is activated digitally with a QR code. All you need is an eSIM phone.
How to get an international SIM card
Getting an international SIM card is simple. You can purchase it in person at a shop or order one from the comfort of your own home.
You can find a prepaid international SIM card online and have it shipped to your address, or choose an eSIM delivered instantly by email. eSIMs are activated by scanning a QR, while SIMs connect to local networks automatically once inserted into your phone.
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Where to buy a SIM card for international travel
As mentioned above, you can buy a SIM card for international travel in three main ways: online, at the airport, or in local stores once you arrive. This will help you decide:
Online stores (recommended): Buying from eSIM providers or ordering a prepaid SIM before departure is the easiest route.
✅ Instant delivery for eSIMs by QR code
✅ Wide choice of regional plans and internet data packages with affordable rates
❌ Requires internet access for activation, and SIM shipping can take several days
⭐ Best for travelers who want to tick off connectivity from their international travel packing list ahead of time
Airport kiosks or vending machines: Many international airports sell SIM cards on arrival.
✅ Quick access to data as soon as you land
✅ Sometimes, the staff is willing to set it up for you
❌ Fewer choices and higher prices than online. Instructions may only be in the local language
⭐ Best for last-minute travelers
Local stores at your destination: Mobile carriers and electronics shops often sell SIMs in-country.
✅ Good prices for longer stay
❌ Usually requires passport registration, and setup may take extra time
⭐Best for those staying in a single country for several weeks or more
💡 Tip: If you’re traveling through multiple countries, buying online before your trip is usually more cost-effective and avoids wasting time looking for a shop after landing.
Best international SIM cards in 2025
When choosing the best SIM card for international travel, think about where you’re going, how much data you’ll need, and whether your device supports eSIM or requires a physical SIM.
Not every international SIM card gives you the same coverage or support. Here are some top picks.
Holafly: Best unlimited data SIM card
Holafly specializes in prepaid eSIMs with unlimited data in over 200 destinations worldwide. There’s even a global plan. It’s the best data SIM card for international travel for tourists and business travelers who want fast setup and reliable mobile data without roaming charges.
Why choose Holafly eSIM?
- Instant activation via scanning a QR
- Data plans with no hidden limits or caps
- 24/7 support in several languages
- Known for great service among international travelers
- Works in Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, Oceania, and Africa
⭐ Ideal for: Travelers who need a reliable global plan with fast setup and unlimited internet
eSIMs for every destination
Get eSIMs for 200+ destinations with Holafly, keeping you connected wherever you go.
Orange Holiday Europe: Best for Europe with calls and SMS
The Orange Holiday Europe SIM is a physical SIM card designed for travelers visiting the EU. In addition to generous data, it also includes phone calls and SMS. For those who can’t use an eSIM, this is the best travel SIM card, especially if you need a European phone number.
Why choose Orange Holiday Europe?
- Up to 500 GB of internet
- Includes minutes and texts
- Valid up to 90 days
- Works in over 30 European countries
⭐ Ideal for: Tourists and business travelers who need a physical European SIM card
Holafly Plans: Best for digital nomads and long-term travel
Holafly Plans is a monthly, postpaid global eSIM plan that works in over 170 countries. It’s designed as a reliable internet solution for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and people working abroad. With Holafly Connect, get an actual international SIM card with unlimited data, making it easy to stay connected wherever you go.
Available plans:
- Unlimited plan: $64.90/month (unlimited mobile data + hotspot)
- 25 GB plan: $49.90/month (includes hotspot)
- 10 GB plan: $39.90/month (data only)
Why choose Holafly Connect?
- One global eSIM for all trips — no switching by region
- Up to 5G speeds in supported destinations
- Easy management via online dashboard
- Possibly the best data SIM card for international travel
⭐ Ideal for: Remote workers or long-term travelers who want a single internet solution worldwide
KnowRoaming: Alternative for flexible top-ups
KnowRoaming offers global SIM coverage and a SIM sticker option for older mobile phones. It’s mainly useful if you want flexible top-up data plans, though it’s less convenient than modern eSIMs.
- Coverage in 200+ countries
- Prepaid international SIM card with pay-as-you-go pricing
- Flexible top-up options
ℹ️ Good to know: Handy as a secondary SIM, but eSIMs are faster and easier for most travelers
WorldSIM: Alternative for calls + data
WorldSIM offers a global SIM card that includes calling, SMS, and data bundles. While coverage extends beyond popular destinations, its setup and pricing aren’t as competitive as those of leading travel eSIM providers.
- Works in 190+ countries
- Includes calls, SMS, and data
- Offers bundles
ℹ️ Good to know: Useful if you specifically need bundled calls, but it’s not the best international SIM
International SIM card vs. local SIM for travelers
For short trips, multiple destinations, or when you want seamless connectivity, an international SIM card (or international eSIM) is the smarter option. For long-term stays in one place, a local SIM can be more economical.
An international SIM is prepaid, works across multiple countries, and avoids surprise roaming charges. A local SIM usually comes with cheaper data rates in one country but requires registration, finding a shop, and temporarily changing your number.
| Feature | International SIM card | Local SIM card |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Works in many countries with a single SIM | Works only in a single country |
| Setup | Instant activation with a QR (eSIM) or insert a card | Buy in-store, show passport/ID, manual setup |
| Phone number | Often gives you a new number, but you can still receive SMS on your home SIM if using dual SIM | Local number only |
| Flexibility | One plan across regions, easy to manage, no hidden fees | Good for longer stays in one country |
| Cost | Fixed prepaid price; may be higher per GB but predictable. Might include discount codes for returning customers. | Affordable rates per GB, but contracts or top-ups may apply |
| Convenience | Buy online, no need to search for shops | Requires time at arrival, language barriers possible |
Where can I use a travel SIM card?
You can use a travel SIM card across different countries and regions. For example, the Holafly eSIM for Europe works in 40+ destinations, while the eSIM for Asia covers countries such as Japan, China, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, and many more. Coverage also extends across North America, Latin America, Oceania, and Africa.
Alternatively, a local SIM gives you coverage in a single country. Looking for SIM options for a specific destination? Explore our detailed guides and prepare for your next trip:
- Europe (Western & Central): Europe SIM card, Spain SIM card, UK SIM card, Germany SIM card, France SIM card
- Eastern Europe: Czech Republic SIM card, Slovakia SIM card, Slovenia SIM card, Serbia SIM card, Croatia SIM card
- Asia (General): Asia SIM card, Japan SIM card, Korea SIM card, China SIM card, India SIM card
- Southeast Asia: Thailand SIM card, Vietnam SIM card, Singapore SIM card, Philippines SIM card, Indonesia SIM card
- North and Central America: USA SIM card, Canada SIM card, Mexico SIM card, Costa Rica SIM card, Panama SIM card
- South America: South America SIM card, Argentina SIM card, Colombia SIM card, Peru SIM card, Brazil SIM card
- Middle East: UAE SIM card, Turkey SIM card, Israel SIM card, Saudi Arabia SIM card
- Africa (General & Sub-Saharan): Africa SIM card, South Africa SIM card, Ghana SIM card, Uganda SIM card, Sudan SIM card
- North Africa: Morocco SIM card, Egypt SIM card
- Oceania: Australia SIM card, New Zealand SIM card
Which is the best international SIM card?
The best international SIM card in 2025 is the one that gives you reliable data wherever you travel for an affordable price. While several providers offer competitive options, Holafly stands out for its wide range of eSIM choices:
- Local eSIMs: Perfect for single-country trips like Japan, the USA, or Mexico.
- Regional eSIMs: Cover entire areas such as Europe, Asia, or Latin America with one plan.
- International eSIMs: Work across many countries worldwide, ensuring you’re always connected when crossing borders.
- Holafly Plans subscriptions: Monthly postpaid global eSIMs designed for long-term travelers and digital nomads, with options for unlimited or fixed data allowances.
With instant QR activation, unlimited data SIM card plans, and 24/7 multilingual support, Holafly makes it easy to stay connected abroad without worrying about roaming charges or hidden fees.
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FAQs about international SIM cards
It’s a SIM (physical or eSIM) that works in various countries, giving you one plan instead of buying local SIMs at every stop. Most are prepaid, with clear data packages and no long-term contracts.
Not always, but it’s an easy way to avoid roaming charges and get reliable data abroad. If you’re visiting one country for a long time, a local SIM may be cheaper. For multi-country trips, an international SIM is the smarter option.
Yes, a physical SIM card will assign you a new number while it’s active. With dual SIM phones, you can keep your own phone number active while using the international SIM for data plans, ensuring seamless connection on the go. Otherwise, you’ll have to change SIM cards. Apps like WhatsApp remain linked to your original account.
Your phone automatically connects to a supported network abroad. With an eSIM, activation happens by scanning a QR. With a SIM card, you just insert it like a regular SIM. Either way, you’ll have seamless connectivity for data, and in some cases, calls and texts.
Yes. Providers like Holafly offer SIM card plans with no data usage limits in over 200 destinations. This means no daily caps and no hidden limits in most countries.
If your SIM card isn’t working, restart your device , enable data roaming, and if needed, select a network manually in your settings. Most eSIM providers like Holafly also have 24/7 customer support to help if you can’t connect.
Install it (physically or via QR), set it as your main data line in settings, and turn off data on your home SIM to avoid accidental roaming. From there, just use your phone as normal.
Plans that may interest you
With a background in English literature and a focus on storytelling, I’ve turned my interests in travel and technology into a career helping others stay connected abroad. Originally from Serbia, I work remotely with my husband, experiencing local cultures firsthand and bringing that perspective to my writing for Holafly. Fun fact: before focusing on content creation, I was a professional volleyball player.
