Best prepaid SIM & eSIM cards for travelers
Whenever I travel abroad, one of the first things I weigh is how to stay connected — should I rely on my carrier’s international plan, or opt for a local or international SIM card? More often than not, I choose the SIM card route. Why? Because it gives me control and predictability. Instead of returning home to a surprise wireless bill, I know exactly what I’m spending upfront with a prepaid card.
These days, though, there’s another decision to make: physical SIM or eSIM? Each has its own pros and cons, especially when it comes to security — something I take seriously, given the growing risk of SIM-swapping scams and insider threats.
A physical SIM card is tangible and easy to move between devices, and I like having that flexibility. But the downside is vulnerability — scammers can potentially trick carriers into issuing a replacement card and hijack your number.
On the other hand, an eSIM is built into your device and activated digitally, making it harder for criminals to pull off a swap without breaching your carrier account. It’s convenient, often more secure, and great for frequent travelers who like to manage plans with a tap. However, it’s not immune to risk if your carrier account or credentials aren’t properly protected.
For me, the choice depends on where I’m going, how long I’ll be there, and what kind of peace of mind I’m looking for. If you’re planning to travel, here’s what you need to know about each option — and how to keep your personal information safe while staying connected.
Physical SIM (Hard Card) Pros:
- Tangible control — You physically own and hold the SIM, and it’s not possible for someone to swap it remotely without insider help or access to your carrier account.
- Easy to remove — If you’re concerned about device hacking or tracking, you can pull the SIM out.
- Can be moved between devices — Handy if you frequently swap phones or need temporary devices.
- Carrier-agnostic if unlocked — Good for international travel if you want to pop in local SIMs.
Physical SIM Cons:
- Vulnerable to SIM swap attacks — Carriers can be tricked or bribed into issuing a replacement SIM, transferring your number to a scammer.
- Loss or theft — If someone steals your SIM, they could potentially use it with a 2FA code.
- Time-consuming replacements — If compromised or damaged, you’ll need to wait for a new card.
eSIM Pros:
- No physical theft risk — There’s no card to steal, and transfers between devices require login and authentication.
- Harder for scammers to swap remotely — Because it typically requires additional authentication steps (carrier app login, device verification).
- More convenient for frequent travelers — You can store multiple eSIM profiles on one device.
- Quicker setup and replacement — If something happens, you can activate a new eSIM remotely.
eSIM Cons:
- Still susceptible to social engineering — If scammers gain access to your carrier account or if the carrier’s systems are compromised, they could potentially initiate an eSIM transfer.
- More reliance on carrier security — If your carrier’s app or website security isn’t strong, you’re at risk.
- Not easily removed — If you’re worried about privacy or tracking, you can’t just pop it out.
- Device compatibility limitations — Some devices, especially older or budget ones, don’t support eSIM.
Which is more secure?
- eSIMs are generally considered more secure if you:
- Use strong, unique passwords on your carrier accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication for carrier accounts.
- Avoid using SMS as your only 2FA method for critical accounts (use an authenticator app or hardware key).
- The biggest risk in both cases is carrier-side social engineering and insider threats, which are unfortunately real.
SIM Cards
Mint Mobile SIM card
Credit: Mint
This SIM card is a great option if you’re traveling to Canada or Mexico because it includes 5G for free, 10GB of mobile hotspot, WiFi calling and text, free international calls to Mexico and Canada, and a 7-day money-back guarantee. It costs $30 per month and there are different plans you can choose from. At the time of publishing, this SIM card had over 7,300 global reviews on Amazon with 68% giving it 5 stars.
Keepgo Lifetime SIM card
Credit: Keepgo
With this SIM card, you can get high-speed internet in over 100 countries around the world and there are multiple networks per country for the best coverage. It has various data packages that you can choose from and it includes 1 GB of mobile data that is valid for a lifetime if refilled at least once a year. It’s super easy to install and does not require any ID documents or any personal information. At the time of publishing, this product had nearly 200 global reviews on Amazon with 56% giving it 5 stars.
OneSIMCard
Credit: OneSIMCard
The OneSIMCard has coverage in over 200 countries and you can get free incoming calls in over 160 countries. You can also get mobile data service in over 160 countries for just $0.01 per MB. It includes an American and European phone number as well as 4G service in 50+ countries, along with 5G available. At the time of publishing, this product had over 400 global reviews with 54% giving it 5 stars.
eSIM Cards
An eSIM is just a digital version of the physical SIM card identifying your device virtually to provide a network connection. It’s programmable remotely via software and is built into newer smartphones.
eSIM cards are great because they are more secure than a physical SIM because they can’t be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen. You also wouldn’t need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards. Your carrier might also offer the ability to manage your eSIM plan digitally and add more data as needed. To determine if your device has an eSIM or a physical SIM card, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the settings menu on your smartphone
- Look for the “Cellular” or “Mobile Data” option and tap on it
- Within the cellular settings, you should see an option related to your SIM card or mobile network
- Look for an option called eSIM. If you see this option, it means your device supports eSIM
Many phone carriers offer eSIM cards to customers as well. See my picks below.
Maya
Maya is a US-based mobile data provider using eSIM technology to deliver highly secure, on-demand travel SIM cards to tourists and travelers around the world. Get fast 4G/5G international roaming data and the best coverage in 194 countries with our eSIM plans for international travel.
Airalo
Airalo provides eSIM cards in over 200 countries and is super simple to begin using. All you have to do is download the Airalo app, which is available for iPhone and Android. Then you simply follow the steps for setting up your eSIM card. You can purchase your eSIM card from anywhere in the world and there are no hidden fees. Plus, their customer service is around 24/7 in case you run into any hiccups. Plans vary from $4.50 to $42 for local eSIMs, and you can get regional or global eSIMs as well.
Holafly
Travel smarter with Holafly’s international eSIM card, your hassle-free solution for staying connected abroad. Say goodbye to SIM swapping and hello to instant activation, unlimited data plans, and reliable coverage in over 130 countries. Whether you’re jet-setting for business or adventure, Holafly ensures you’re always online with a simple QR code setup. No hidden fees, no roaming charges—just seamless connectivity, so you can focus on what matters most. Stay connected, stay global.
Don’t forget about WhatsApp
As long as you have an internet connection while you’re traveling abroad, you should also take advantage of WhatsApp so that you can easily communicate with your friends and family. You can text, call, use group chats, send photos and videos, and more, and it is cheaper and offers more than simple SMS messaging. It also has end-to-end encryption for your messages and phone calls so that you don’t have to worry about being hacked.
WhatsApp is available for both iPhone and Android phones, and you can download it before your next big trip to familiarize yourself with how it works.
Also, before you pack your bags and jet off, be sure to check out the best travel gear at cyberguy.com/TravelGear
What stresses you out the most when it comes to traveling abroad with your phone? Let us know by commenting below.
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