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It has never been easier to access high-speed cellular data while traveling, thanks to the advent of eSIM internationally. There's now no need to keep your smartphone shut off for the duration of your international trip or hunt down an overpriced travel SIM card vending machine. Instead, you can use eSIMs to load up cheap data plans on your phone that'll work in the country you're traveling to. Sounds great, right?
I've never been afraid of spending more for extra convenience, especially when it comes to my most-used devices (like smartphones). That's why I've also never used travel eSIMs for my personal devices. I use a solution that, admittedly, costs a lot more than a prepaid travel eSIM. However, it lets me keep my U.S. phone number and unlimited data plan in over 210 countries and regions, and I'll gladly pay a premium for that.
Why everyone loves travel eSIMs They're cheap, easy to use, and customizable
Credit: Brady Snyder / MakeUseOf
eSIM technology has quickly become a godsend for frequent international travelers. Compared to physical SIM cards, eSIMs remove a barrier to entry for tourists getting access to in-country cellular plans when they're away from home. You can download eSIMs immediately with a supported phone (most modern devices support eSIM), making them way easier than tracking down an overpriced physical travel SIM at the airport.
Travel eSIMs are also highly customizable, so that users only pay for the data and features that they need. For example, you can choose a low-cost plan for the particular country or region you are visiting, specifying the amount of data you need and how long you need it for. With prepaid options, it's possible to ensure you never pay additional charges and fees.
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Effectively, travel eSIMs eliminate price gouging on cellular data for tourists, giving travelers complete control over their international plans. If you run out of data or need to switch plans, simply purchase a new eSIM and download it to your device. For people with phones that support multiple eSIMs, you can do all of this while retaining your usual eSIM, which can be effortlessly re-enabled when you return home.
Make no mistake: cheap, prepaid eSIMs are the most cost-effective way to access cellular data while traveling abroad. However, you'll have to give up the familiarity of your cell phone number and unlimited data plan. There's a better way—if you're willing to pay for it.
I pay for AT&T's International Day Pass instead Keeping my number, SIM, and data plan identical while traveling
Credit: Brady Snyder / MakeUseOf
I use an unlimited data plan from AT&T, and although I regularly shop around for offers from Verizon and T-Mobile, nothing beats the value I get out of my AT&T coverage. I travel a few times each year internationally, and stumbled upon an AT&T program called International Day Pass. By accidentally leaving my phone's cellular data on when landing in a foreign country, my AT&T phone connected to an international cell tower, and I received the text message pictured above.
My phone automatically gained unlimited cellular data internationally with the International Day Pass for $12 per day, with an additional charge of $6 for each additional line that uses it daily. That sounds expensive, because it is. When you start to look at what International Day Pass offers compared to a cheap travel eSIM, it's easy to see the appeal.
International Day Pass lets me keep my regular phone number, make and receive calls and texts, and use the same unlimited data plan I get in the U.S. when I'm traveling abroad. I don't have to give anyone in my life alternative contact methods for when I'm away, because they can simply use my normal phone number. Similarly, I don't have to watch for prepaid international data caps or additional charges and fees. International Day Pass costs $12 per day, and that's it.
It comes with all the features I usually get out of my AT&T unlimited plan, like high-speed data and mobile hotspot support. Additionally, I can make international calls to any of the International Day Pass' over 210 included destinations without paying a dime extra.
Best of all, if you travel to multiple countries within a 24-hour period, you'll only be charged the daily fee once. Finding a travel eSIM with all of those features would be all but impossible—and it actually is impossible because no travel eSIM will have your home cell number.
I only have personal experience with AT&T's offering, but Verizon has a similar TravelPass option for unlimited data subscribers. Verizon's TravelPass is only $6 per day in Mexico and Canada, although my AT&T unlimited plan grants me free access in those countries. For all other supported countries, Verizon charges $12 per day per line. It has international speed caps, though, as your data will be throttled to 3G speeds after the first 5GB.
Yes, International Day Pass is expensive Overpriced? Maybe, but I won't stop using it anytime soon
Credit: Brady Snyder / MakeUseOf
I don't blame anyone for going the cheaper route with a prepaid travel eSIM. In fact, it's what I'd recommend for most people. However, my AT&T unlimited plan plus International Day Pass have combined to change the way I travel. I get free talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada, and only have to pay $12 daily to get my exact same unlimited coverage in other international destinations.
If you're like me and don't mind spending a bit more for a better experience, consider using AT&T's International Day Pass the next time you travel outside the country.