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Our Top eSIM Recommendations for your next Vacation, Extended Stay, and Workcation

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Are you planning a trip, extended stay, or workcation in Europe? The importance of staying connected on your journey while not breaking the bank cannot be overstated. In our recent near month-long road trip through the stunning locales of Italy and Malta, we put the Holafly eSIM and the Nomad eSIM Prepaid Data plan to the test, and the results were nothing short of impressive. Keep reading to discover our firsthand experience with these remarkable eSIMs.

Example of traditional physical cell phone sim cards

What exactly is an eSim?

This cutting-edge technology simplifies the process of switching mobile carriers and managing multiple phone plans on a single device. In other words, it eliminates the need to visit a store and purchase a physical SIM card, thereby avoiding exorbitant fees for international voice and data usage. The process of buying, installing, and using an eSIM is as straightforward as downloading and installing an app on your device, significantly reducing the inconveniences associated with traditional SIM cards.

Here are some key points about eSIMs:

  1. Embedded, Not Physical: eSIMs are integral to your device, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. This design simplifies the activation process, making it a breeze to get started with eSIMs like Holafly and Nomad. Most modern phones are already equipped to support eSIM technology.
  2. Remote Activation: Changing mobile carriers or activating a new plan doesn’t require the traditional hunt for a physical SIM card. Instead, you can conveniently and remotely manage your carrier profile.
  3. Multiple Profiles: With eSIM-enabled devices, you can effortlessly store multiple carrier profiles. This flexibility means you can switch between different mobile plans or utilize a local carrier when traveling abroad without the hassle of swapping SIM cards.
  4. Convenience: eSIMs offer unparalleled convenience, sparing you the chore of searching for a store or interrupting your travels. You can purchase, set up, and manage your eSIM without leaving your current location.
  5. Security: eSIMs are more secure as they are less susceptible to physical theft or tampering, thanks to their non-removable nature.
  6. Global Roaming: For travelers, eSIMs are a godsend, allowing easy transitions to local carriers while avoiding exorbitant roaming charges.
  7. Compatibility: Not all devices support eSIM technology, so it’s essential to check if your device is eSIM-compatible. Fortunately, this technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in newer smartphones and other mobile devices.
  8. Activation Process: To activate an eSIM, you typically need an activation code from your mobile carrier or a QR code provided by the carrier. Both Holafly and Nomad offer user-friendly processes, and their customer service can assist with any hiccups.
  9. Data Backup: It’s crucial to have a backup of your eSIM profile in case of loss or device replacement. A physical SIM card can serve as a backup option.

Our Experience with Holafly and Nomad

Our Holafly and Nomad Prepaid eSIM’s worked great while hiking deep in the Italian Dolomites on the Tre Crime trails!

To provide a comprehensive comparison, Emily and I used different eSIMs during our journey. I opted for the Holafly 15-day eSIM with “unlimited data with calls,” while Emily chose the Nomad eSIM for a 30-day period.

I spent $47 USD for unlimited data and 60 minutes of calling within a 15-day European window, while Emily invested $24 USD for 20GB of data during her 30-day adventure. Emily did have to top up with another 20GB of data after about 3 weeks of use. Since we have Croatian phone numbers but rely on WhatsApp for messaging and calling, eSIMs made more financial sense.

Reliable Coverage

Both Holafly and Nomad delivered consistent performance throughout our journey, even in rural Italian locations like the Dolomites. We ventured deep into wilderness on hikes and were pleasantly surprised that our eSIMs never faltered. Our experiences in Tuscany, Pozzalo, and Sicily were equally seamless, with no noticeable coverage drops. Malta’s tiny island status and robust 5G network made eSIM performance there a given.

In Conclusion

Before we embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, international data and minutes from our home country (USA) were our go-to options for travel. Shortly after starting our journey into full time digital nomading however, we quickly realized how much money we were throwing away by paying for international data and calling. We now use eSIM’s for all our trips outside of Croatia, including for visits back home in the USA. As eSIMs become increasingly more user-friendly and dependable, they are an excellent choice for everyone, whether you’re on a week-long vacation in Paris, studying abroad, or living as an expat.

We wholeheartedly recommend both Holafly and Nomad as excellent eSIM options. Share your eSIM experiences in the comments below and join the conversation!

Emily

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