eSIM for International Travel: How to Stay Connected Abroad

Handy Guide

An eSIM for international travel can make staying connected abroad much easier. Instead of relying on expensive roaming charges, searching for a local SIM card or swapping the physical SIM in your phone, you can purchase a digital data plan before your trip and install it directly on your compatible device.

Whether you’re going on a weekend in Europe, travelling through several countries or flying across multiple continents, an international eSIM gives you a flexible way to access mobile data when you need it. With ZIM, travellers can choose from eSIM plans covering more than 200 destinations, including local, regional and global options.

What Is an eSIM for International Travel?

An eSIM is a digital version of a traditional SIM card. Rather than inserting a physical card into your phone, you download the eSIM directly onto a compatible device.

For international travel, this means you can arrange your connectivity before leaving home.

Instead of arriving at your destination and then trying to find a SIM card shop, you can install your travel eSIM in advance and connect when you arrive.

This can be useful for everything from:

Using Google Maps after landing
Booking transport from the airport
Messaging friends and family
Checking hotel reservations
Using social media
Accessing travel apps
Looking up restaurants and attractions
Making online bookings

ZIM offers prepaid eSIM plans with 4G/5G connectivity, with plan options including data, unlimited data on selected plans and local phone numbers where available.

Why Use an eSIM When Travelling Internationally?

There are several ways to stay connected abroad, but an eSIM can remove some of the inconvenience associated with traditional travel connectivity.

Avoid Expensive Roaming

International roaming can become expensive, particularly when you use your phone regularly for maps, social media, video calls or streaming.

With a prepaid travel eSIM, you choose and pay for your data plan in advance.

ZIM’s plans are prepaid, meaning you know what you’re purchasing upfront rather than relying on your usual mobile provider’s roaming charges.

Get Connected Before You Travel

One of the biggest benefits of an eSIM for international travel is that you can organise your connectivity before your trip.

You don’t have to wait until you land to find a local provider.

After purchasing a ZIM eSIM, you receive installation instructions and can download the eSIM digitally. Depending on the plan, your connectivity begins when the eSIM connects to a supported local network.

Keep Your Physical SIM in Your Phone

If your device supports Dual SIM functionality, you may be able to keep your regular physical SIM in your phone while using a travel eSIM for mobile data.

This can be useful if you want to continue receiving messages or calls on your usual number while using your international eSIM for data.

You can learn more in our guide to using an eSIM and physical SIM at the same time.

How Does an International eSIM Work?

Using an international eSIM is generally straightforward.

1. Check That Your Phone Supports eSIM

Before purchasing a plan, make sure your device is eSIM-compatible and unlocked.

Most newer smartphones support eSIM technology, but compatibility can vary depending on the device and region.

2. Choose the Right Travel Plan

Think about where you’re going and how much data you’re likely to use.

ZIM offers three main types of travel eSIM:

Local plans for one country
Regional plans for multiple countries in the same region
Global plans for travel across multiple regions

For example, if you’re spending a week in Italy, a local plan may make the most sense. If you’re visiting Italy, France and Spain on one trip, a regional Europe plan could be more convenient.

If you’re travelling across several continents, a global eSIM may be the better option. ZIM’s regional and global plans are designed to let travellers stay connected across multiple destinations with one eSIM.

3. Purchase and Install Your eSIM

After purchasing your plan, ZIM provides your eSIM digitally.

You can generally install it by scanning a QR code or following the activation instructions provided with your purchase.

If you’re using the ZIM app, eligible users can also install their eSIM directly through the app.

The installation process is designed to be quick. Our guide to how long an eSIM takes to activate explains that ZIM eSIM installation typically takes under five minutes, depending on your device and internet connection.

4. Turn On Your eSIM When You’re Ready

Once installed, you’ll need to configure your phone settings correctly.

For ZIM travel plans, this generally includes selecting the eSIM as your data line and enabling data roaming for the ZIM eSIM. Your plan can then connect to a supported local network at your destination.

Local, Regional or Global: Which International eSIM Should You Choose?

The right eSIM for international travel depends on your itinerary.

Local eSIM Plans

A local eSIM covers one destination.

This is often the simplest option if you’re staying in one country for your entire trip.

For example, you can explore ZIM plans for:

Local plans can be a good choice when you know exactly where you’re going and don’t need coverage elsewhere.

Regional eSIM Plans

Regional plans are designed for travellers visiting multiple countries in the same part of the world.

A Europe eSIM, for example, can be particularly useful for a multi-country trip.

Rather than buying and installing a new eSIM every time you cross a border, you can use one regional plan across the destinations included in its coverage.

ZIM offers regional plans including Europe, Asia and other regions.

Global eSIM Plans

A global eSIM is designed for travellers visiting multiple regions.

This can be useful for long-term travel, business trips or more complex itineraries involving several continents.

ZIM’s Global Plan covers multiple destinations across North America, South America, Europe and Asia, allowing travellers to stay connected with one eSIM across a broader journey.

How Much Data Do You Need for International Travel?

The amount of data you need depends on how you use your phone.

As a general guide, ZIM recommends:

Light use: Around 850MB to 1.5GB per week

This may be suitable if you mainly use:

Maps
Messaging
Music
Social media

Moderate use: Around 2.5GB to 4GB per week

You may need more data if you regularly use:

WhatsApp calls
Video calls
Social media
Browsing
Travel booking apps

Heavy use: Around 7GB to 10GB per week

A larger plan may make sense if you frequently:

Watch YouTube
Make video calls
Stream content
Use your phone as a hotspot

These are estimates, so your actual data use can vary depending on the apps you use and how often you connect to Wi-Fi.

If you’re unsure how much data you normally use, read our guide on how to check and reduce your data usage on iPhone before choosing a plan.

Can You Use an eSIM for Hotspot While Travelling?

Yes. ZIM states that its eSIM plans can be used for hotspot, allowing you to share your mobile data connection with other compatible devices.

This can be useful if you need to connect:

A laptop
A tablet
A second phone
Another travel device

However, using hotspot can consume data more quickly and may also affect your phone’s battery life.

If you’re planning to work while travelling, make sure you choose a data allowance that reflects your expected usage.

Why an eSIM Can Be Better Than Buying a Local SIM Card

Buying a local SIM card can still be a good option for some longer trips, but it can involve extra steps.

You may need to:

Find a local mobile shop
Compare providers and plans
Show identification in some countries
Swap your existing SIM card
Keep track of your original SIM
Set up the new plan after arrival

With an eSIM for international travel, much of the setup can happen before you leave.

You can buy your plan online, install the eSIM digitally and prepare your phone ahead of time.

That can be especially helpful when you land somewhere unfamiliar and want access to mobile data immediately.

How to Choose the Best eSIM for International Travel

Not every international eSIM will be right for every trip.

Before purchasing a plan, consider the following.

Your Destination

First, check that your destination is covered.

ZIM offers travel eSIM connectivity in more than 200 destinations worldwide. You can browse all ZIM destinations to find the right plan for your trip.

How Many Countries You’re Visiting

If you’re travelling to one country, a local plan may offer the best fit.

For several countries in one region, consider a regional plan.

For a longer trip involving multiple continents, a global plan may be more convenient.

How Much Data You Need

Think about your normal phone usage rather than simply choosing the largest plan.

If you mostly use Wi-Fi and only need data for maps and messaging, a smaller allowance may be enough.

If you plan to work remotely, make video calls or use your phone as a hotspot, consider a larger plan.

Whether You Need a Phone Number

Some travellers only need mobile data.

Others may need voice services or a local phone number.

Check the details of your chosen plan before purchasing to make sure it includes the features you need.

International eSIM vs Roaming: What’s the Difference?

The main difference is where your travel connectivity comes from.

With traditional roaming, you continue using your home mobile provider while connecting to networks abroad.

With a travel eSIM, you purchase a separate mobile plan for your destination or region.

For many travellers, the advantages of an eSIM include:

More choice over the plan
Prepaid pricing
Digital installation
No need to remove your physical SIM
Local, regional and global options

The best option depends on your existing mobile plan and where you’re travelling.

Why Choose ZIM for International Travel?

ZIM is designed around making global connectivity easier for travellers.

With ZIM, you can choose from:

eSIM coverage in 200+ destinations
Local plans for individual countries
Regional plans for multi-country trips
Global plans for broader international travel
4G/5G connectivity where available
Unlimited data on selected plans
Local phone numbers on selected plans
Hotspot support
Digital eSIM installation
Prepaid plans with no hidden roaming charges
Real-time data tracking and top-ups through the ZIM app

After purchasing a plan, you can manage your connectivity through the ZIM app, including monitoring your data use and topping up eligible plans.

Make Your International Travel Easier With an eSIM

An eSIM for international travel can remove one of the most frustrating parts of going abroad: figuring out how to stay connected.

Instead of waiting until you land to deal with roaming or search for a local SIM card, you can choose your plan and install your eSIM before you travel.

Whether you’re visiting one country, travelling around Europe or heading across several continents, there’s a ZIM option to match different types of trips.

Explore ZIM’s eSIM plans for 200+ destinations before your next trip, and download the ZIM app to keep your connectivity, data usage and eligible top-ups in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best eSIM for international travel?

The best eSIM depends on where you’re travelling, how many countries you’re visiting and how much data you need. A local plan may suit a single-country trip, while regional or global plans can be more convenient for multi-country travel.

Can I install an eSIM before travelling internationally?

Yes. You can generally purchase and install your eSIM before travelling. With ZIM, you can install your eSIM digitally and configure it to connect when you reach a supported destination.

Will my eSIM work in multiple countries?

It depends on the plan. Local plans generally cover one country, while regional and global plans can cover multiple destinations. Check the plan’s coverage list before travelling.

Can I keep my normal SIM while using an international eSIM?

On compatible Dual SIM devices, you may be able to keep your normal SIM active while using a separate eSIM for travel data.

How long does an eSIM take to activate?

Installation can often be completed in just a few minutes. ZIM’s eSIM setup typically takes under five minutes, depending on your device and internet connection.