Best eSIM for Travel: What I Use (Ubigi) + How to Choose One Without Getting Burnt
I’ve been using eSIMs for about two years now, and I’m not “team eSIM” because it’s trendy, I’m team eSIM because I’ve had the exact nightmare you’re trying to avoid.
7/9/20254 min read
If you’re here because you typed “best eSIM for travel” while stressed, tired, or already abroad, same. This isn’t a shiny “top 10” list. It’s the stuff that actually matters when you just need your phone to work.
I’ve used eSIMs for about two years. I’m not loyal to tech brands. I’m loyal to whatever stops me standing outside a station with 2% battery and no data, pretending I’m calm.
Affiliate note: some links in this post are affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Quick answer (then the real value)
If you want the short version: I use Ubigi.
Discount code: STAFA10
Now the part that actually helps: how to choose one, what breaks, and how to not get mugged off by bad setup.
If you want the full system, start here: Staying connected abroad →
What an eSIM is (and what it isn’t)
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. You install a data plan without swapping a physical SIM card.
What it usually is:
fast to set up
good for landing and instantly having maps/messages
data-only (no local phone number)
What it isn’t:
magic
immune to bad settings
automatically “on” just because you installed it
The real reason people think eSIMs are “bad”
Most eSIM disasters are not the eSIM. They’re one of these five things:
Your phone is using the wrong SIM for mobile data
Dual SIM phones love chaos. You think you’re on the eSIM, but your phone is quietly trying to use your normal SIM.Data roaming is off
I know. It feels wrong. But many travel eSIMs need roaming switched on to work properly.You installed it, but didn’t activate it properly
Installed ≠ active. Some plans only activate when they first connect in the destination country.You’ve got an eSIM installed but no data selected
Your phone can store multiple eSIMs. If you’ve got old ones sitting there, it’s easy to select the wrong line.You didn’t test it before leaving Wi‑Fi
This is the big one. People wait until they’re outside the airport, then panic.
My “airport test” (do this before you leave Wi‑Fi)
Do this while you still have Wi‑Fi, even if you feel silly:
Turn Wi‑Fi off for 30 seconds
Check you’ve selected the eSIM for mobile data
Turn data roaming on (if required)
Open Google Maps and load a route
Send a WhatsApp message (or load a webpage)
If it fails, fix it now, not later when you’re dragging your bag down a street
If you can load Maps and send a message, you’re basically safe.
How to choose the best eSIM for your trip (without overthinking it)
Ignore the hype and choose based on your actual travel style.
If you’re moving around a lot (backpacking / multi-city)
You want:
easy top-ups
reliable coverage
a plan you can extend without drama
If you’re travelling for work
You want:
reliability over “cheapest”
hotspot/tethering if you’ll use a laptop
enough data to not babysit it
If you’re doing a short city break
You probably need less data than you think. Most people overbuy because they’re scared of being offline. Fair. But you don’t need a massive plan to use maps, messages, and bookings.
How much data do you actually need? (realistic scenarios)
This is the simplest way to think about it:
Low use (maps + messages + bookings): you’ll use less than you think.
Medium use (social scrolling + some uploads): you’ll use more than you admit.
High use (hotspot, laptop, lots of video): you’ll chew through data fast.
The trap is buying a tiny plan, then spending your whole trip rationing Google Maps like it’s wartime.
The “don’t get burned” checklist before you pay
Before you buy any eSIM, check:
Does your phone support eSIM? (sounds obvious, but people skip it)
Is your phone unlocked?
Is the plan for the right country/region?
Is it data-only (most are)?
Can you top up easily if you misjudge your usage?
If a provider makes these answers hard to find, that’s already a red flag.
What I actually do (my boring but effective setup)
This is my default approach:
I keep my normal SIM active for calls/texts (if needed)
I use the eSIM purely for data
I test it before I leave Wi‑Fi
I screenshot any setup info I might need later (because you won’t have data if it breaks)
It’s not glamorous. It just stops problems.
Final word (and the only time I’ll “sell” in this post)
If you want the eSIM I personally use, it’s Ubigi.
Discount code: STAFA10
If you’re heading to Japan, start here: https://stafaislive.com/japan-esim
FAQs
What’s the best eSIM for travel?
The best eSIM is the one that works reliably where you’re going, is easy to install, and lets you top up without drama. I use Ubigi because it’s been consistent for me, but “best” depends on your destination and how you travel.
Are travel eSIMs data-only?
Most are data-only, yes. That means you usually won’t get a local phone number for calls/texts. If you need a local number, you may be better off with a physical local SIM (or using WhatsApp/iMessage for everything).
Why is my eSIM installed but not working?
Most of the time it’s one of these:
your phone is using the wrong SIM for mobile data
data roaming is switched off
the eSIM line is installed but not selected for data
it hasn’t activated yet (some plans activate when you first connect in the destination)
Do I need to turn data roaming on for an eSIM?
Sometimes, yes. It feels backwards, but many travel eSIMs require roaming to be on to connect properly. If you’re worried about charges, double-check you’ve selected the eSIM for data so your normal SIM doesn’t rack up fees.
Can I use hotspot/tethering with an eSIM?
Often yes, but it depends on your phone settings and the provider/plan. If hotspot matters to you (laptop, work, travel days), test it before you leave Wi‑Fi.
How much data do I need for travel?
If you’re mainly using maps, messages, and bookings, you’ll use less than you think. If you’re scrolling social, uploading, or hotspotting a laptop, you’ll burn through data quickly. When in doubt, choose a plan you can top up easily so you’re not rationing your internet mid-trip.
HAPPY TRAVELS!
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