If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from travelling around the world with two kids, it’s that having internet access when you need it can make life a whole lot easier.
Whether that’s trying to find your accommodation after a long flight, ordering an Uber in a country you’ve never visited before, or simply checking where on earth you’re going, having mobile data is something we’ve come to rely on.
And after spending nine months travelling through Latin America, we’ve certainly had our fair share of moments where having a reliable connection made all the difference.
The thing is, getting connected abroad isn’t always as straightforward as it should be. You’ve got international roaming charges, local SIM cards and now what seems like hundreds of different eSIM providers all promising to be the best.
One of those is Nomad eSIM, which offers prepaid mobile data across more than 200 destinations, including fixed-data, unlimited and multi-country plans.
But is Nomad eSIM actually any good? And more importantly, is it worth choosing over the likes of Airalo, Holafly or Saily?
In this Nomad eSIM review, we’re taking a proper look at its plans, prices, coverage and features to see where it stands among the best eSIM options for international travel.
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Is Nomad eSIM Worth It? Our Quick Verdict
Nomad eSIM looks like a solid option for international travel, particularly if you want the flexibility to choose between smaller data packages, unlimited plans or an eSIM that covers several countries.
It covers more than 200 destinations, most plans give you up to 60 days to activate them, and there’s even a free 1GB trial available in 76 destinations for eligible new customers.
What also caught my attention was Nomad eSIM’s performance in independent testing by Ookla, which found it had the fastest global median download speed among the travel eSIM providers included in its analysis.
That’s impressive, although it doesn’t automatically mean it’ll be the fastest everywhere you travel.
Of course, there are a few things to consider. Unlimited plans can come with daily high-speed data limits, prices vary depending on where you’re going, and the quality of your connection ultimately depends on the local mobile network.
Our take? Nomad eSIM is definitely worth comparing when you’re looking for an international travel eSIM, especially for multi-country trips or if you want more choice over your data allowance. But we’d still compare the actual plans for your destination before buying.
What Is Nomad eSIM and How Does It Work?
If you’ve never used an eSIM before, the idea is actually pretty simple.
Instead of buying a physical SIM card and swapping it into your phone when you arrive in a new country, an eSIM is installed digitally.
You choose a destination, buy a data plan, install it on your phone and connect to a supported mobile network when you arrive.
That’s essentially what Nomad eSIM does.
It offers prepaid data plans across more than 200 destinations, with options for individual countries, regions and international travel.
So rather than arriving somewhere and immediately trying to find a shop selling local SIM cards, you can have your mobile data organised before you’ve even left home.
And believe me, after travelling with kids, anything that removes another job from the list when you’ve just arrived somewhere new is worth considering.
Another useful thing is that you can usually keep your regular SIM active alongside your travel eSIM, provided your phone supports it.
That means you can continue using your normal number for things like WhatsApp while using Nomad eSIM for mobile data.
Just remember that your regular provider may still charge for calls, texts or roaming if you use those services abroad.
Nomad eSIM at a Glance
Feature | What Nomad eSIM Offers |
Destinations | 200+ worldwide |
Data plans | Fixed-data and unlimited options |
Multi-country coverage | Regional and global plans |
Activation | Typically within 60 days of purchase |
Hotspot/tethering | Available on applicable plans |
Free trial | 1GB in 76 eligible destinations |
Rewards | Nomad Points, Weekly Wins and Membership |
Physical SIM needed | No |
One thing I’d point out is that not every destination offers the same plans.
Just because Nomad eSIM covers more than 200 destinations doesn’t mean you’ll find the same prices, unlimited data options or network coverage everywhere.
It’s always worth checking the specific country you’re visiting rather than assuming every plan works the same way.
Nomad eSIM Plans and Pricing: What Do You Actually Get?
One thing I do like about Nomad eSIM is the choice of plans.
Because when it comes to travelling, not everyone needs the same amount of data.
If you’re heading away for a few days and mainly using Google Maps, WhatsApp and the occasional Google search, you probably don’t need a massive data package.
But if you’re travelling for weeks at a time, working remotely or uploading videos and photos regularly, that’s a completely different story.
Nomad eSIM offers a mixture of fixed-data, unlimited and regional plans, depending on where you’re travelling.
Fixed-Data Plans
These are probably the most straightforward option.
You buy a set amount of data, such as 1GB, 5GB, 10GB or 20GB, and have a certain number of days to use it.
For example, if you’re spending a week somewhere and your accommodation has decent Wi-Fi, you might only need a smaller plan for when you’re out exploring.
That’s often how we’ve used mobile data during our travels.
Most of the time, we’re not sitting on our phones when we’re out doing things. We just need enough data to find our way around, check opening times, book transport and occasionally look something up.
In that situation, paying extra for unlimited data might not make much sense.
Unlimited Data Plans
Now, this is where I’d pay a bit more attention to the small print.
Nomad eSIM also offers unlimited data plans in selected destinations, which sounds great if you’re travelling for longer or using a lot of mobile data.
But unlimited doesn’t always mean unlimited full-speed data.
Some plans have a daily high-speed allowance, after which your connection slows down until the allowance resets.
If you’re mainly using maps or messaging, that might not bother you too much.
But if you’re uploading Reels, making video calls or using your laptop through a hotspot, it could become frustrating.
So before paying extra for unlimited data, I’d compare the high-speed allowance against one of the larger fixed-data plans.
You might find that a 20GB package is actually better suited to how you use your phone.
Regional and Global eSIM Plans
This is probably one of the more useful options for anyone travelling between several countries.
During our nine months travelling through Latin America, we visited Ecuador, Peru, Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia.
And when you’re moving between countries regularly, the last thing you want is another thing to organise every time you cross a border.
Nomad eSIM offers regional and global plans that can cover multiple destinations under one package.
So, for example, if you’re travelling around Europe or visiting several countries in Asia, you may be able to use the same eSIM throughout your trip.
Of course, you’ll still need to check which countries are included, how much data you get and how long the plan lasts.
But having one data plan that works across several countries is certainly something I’d consider for longer trips.
Is Nomad eSIM Cheaper Than Other Travel eSIMs?
This is where things get a little more complicated.
There isn’t really one travel eSIM provider that’s always the cheapest.
Prices depend on the destination, how much data you need and how long you’re travelling for.
A provider might offer excellent value for a week in Europe but be more expensive than its competitors for a month in South America.
That’s why I’d always compare like-for-like plans rather than simply looking at the starting price.
For example, compare a 10GB plan valid for 30 days with another 10GB plan for the same destination.
And don’t forget to check the local networks and any restrictions on the plan.
We’ve already compared two popular providers in our Airalo vs Nomad eSIM guide, which is worth reading if you’re deciding between the two.
Ultimately, I’d rather pay a little more for a plan that suits our trip than save a couple of dollars and spend half the holiday worrying about running out of data.
Nomad eSIM Coverage: Will It Work Everywhere You Travel?
One thing I’ve learnt from travelling is that just because you’ve got mobile data doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got a good connection.
We experienced this quite a bit during our nine months in Latin America.
You could be somewhere like Medellín with a perfectly good connection, then head into the mountains or somewhere more remote and suddenly find yourself with little to no signal.
And that’s something worth remembering when choosing any international travel eSIM.
Nomad eSIM covers more than 200 destinations worldwide, which is impressive, but it doesn’t mean you’ll have reliable internet everywhere within those countries.
Like most travel eSIM providers, Nomad eSIM uses local mobile networks to provide its service.
So the actual coverage you get depends on which networks are available, where you’re travelling and even the phone you’re using.
If you’re mainly visiting cities and popular tourist destinations, you’ll generally have more network coverage to choose from.
But if you’re heading into national parks, mountainous areas or somewhere well off the beaten track, I’d definitely check which local networks your plan uses before purchasing.
Is Nomad eSIM Good for Travelling Between Multiple Countries?
This is probably one of the features I’d be most interested in if we were planning another long-term trip.
Rather than buying a different eSIM every time you enter a new country, Nomad eSIM offers regional and global plans covering multiple destinations.
For example, if you’re travelling through several European countries or spending a few months exploring Southeast Asia, you may be able to use one plan throughout your trip.
That’s one less thing to worry about when you’re constantly moving around.
However, don’t assume a regional plan automatically covers every country in that region.
I’d check the destination list, the validity period and whether the data allowance is shared across all the countries you’re visiting.
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How Fast Is Nomad eSIM? What Does Independent Testing Show?
Having coverage is one thing, but what about speed?
For most travellers, you probably don’t need ridiculously fast internet.
If you’re mainly using Google Maps, checking restaurant reviews, sending messages or booking transport, a reasonably stable connection is usually enough.
But if you’re working remotely, making video calls or uploading content, things are a little different.
And this is where Nomad eSIM has something interesting going for it.
According to an independent travel eSIM performance analysis by Ookla, the company behind Speedtest, Nomad eSIM recorded the fastest global median download speed among the travel eSIM providers included in its analysis.
That’s a pretty strong result, particularly considering how many international eSIM providers there are now.
But there’s an important distinction here.
It doesn’t mean Nomad eSIM will always be the fastest option in every country.
The analysis looks at performance across multiple destinations and networks, whereas your actual connection will depend on where you are, which local network you’re connected to and how busy that network is.
Personally, I’d take independent speed testing into consideration when choosing an eSIM, but I wouldn’t base my entire decision on it.
I’d still want to know which networks it uses in the country I’m visiting.
You can read the Ookla travel eSIM performance analysis for more detail.
Can You Use Nomad eSIM as a Hotspot?
Yes, Nomad eSIM supports hotspot and tethering on applicable plans, meaning you can share your phone’s mobile data connection with another device.
This is something that’s particularly useful for us.
When we were travelling, I was still working on Travel Venture Four, which meant regularly needing internet access for my laptop.
And while plenty of accommodation advertises Wi-Fi, that doesn’t always mean it’s particularly good.
Being able to use your phone as a hotspot gives you another option when the accommodation Wi-Fi isn’t up to much.
Just remember that hotspot use comes out of your data allowance, and some unlimited plans have restrictions on how much high-speed data you can use.
If you’re planning to work remotely, I’d check those conditions before buying.
How to Install and Activate Nomad eSIM
One of the main reasons I like the idea of travel eSIMs is that you can get everything sorted before you leave.
There’s nothing particularly enjoyable about arriving somewhere after a long flight, especially with kids, and then having to find somewhere selling SIM cards before you can even get connected.
With Nomad eSIM, you can purchase and install your plan before travelling, provided your phone supports eSIM technology and isn’t network-locked.
The process is fairly straightforward.
- Visit the Nomad eSIM website or download the app.
- Choose the country or region you’re travelling to.
- Select the data plan that suits your trip.
- Purchase the plan and follow the installation instructions.
- When you arrive, enable the eSIM and the required mobile data settings to connect.
The exact steps will depend on whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device, but Nomad provides instructions for both.
I’d recommend installing the eSIM while you’ve still got a decent Wi-Fi connection rather than leaving everything until you’ve landed.
When Should You Activate Nomad eSIM?
One thing that’s quite useful is that most Nomad eSIM plans give you 60 days from purchase to activate them.
So you don’t necessarily have to wait until the day you’re travelling to buy one.
You can get it installed beforehand and have one less thing to think about.
However, there is a catch.
If you don’t activate the plan within that window, it may activate automatically once the 60 days are up.
Some plans also have different activation rules, so it’s worth checking the details before purchasing.
Personally, I’d probably sort mine out a few days before travelling. That gives you enough time to make sure everything is installed properly without buying it unnecessarily early.
Can You Try Nomad eSIM for Free?
Something I quite like about Nomad eSIM is that it offers a free trial.
Eligible new customers can get 1GB of data in 76 supported destinations, giving them the opportunity to try the service before purchasing a larger plan.
Now, 1GB isn’t going to get you very far if you’re constantly streaming videos or uploading content.
But for checking maps, sending messages and general browsing, it could be a useful way to see how the service works.
And considering you’re not paying anything for the data, it’s a decent option if you’re curious about trying an eSIM for the first time.
There are eligibility requirements and restrictions, so make sure you check the details for your destination.
Nomad eSIM Rewards: Are They Actually Worth Anything?
Now, this probably isn’t something I’d personally choose an eSIM provider for, but Nomad eSIM does have a few additional features worth mentioning.
And if you’re travelling regularly, they could potentially save you a bit of money over time.
Weekly Wins
Nomad eSIM has a feature called Weekly Wins, where eligible users can check in and unlock points or discounts.
It’s essentially an additional rewards programme for people using the app.
Nomad Points and Rewards
You can also earn Nomad Points on eligible purchases, which can then be redeemed towards future eSIM plans.
If you’re travelling regularly and purchasing mobile data anyway, earning something back on those purchases is a nice bonus.
Nomad Membership
Nomad Membership is a free loyalty programme that automatically enrols eligible customers.
As you make qualifying purchases, you can progress through membership tiers and potentially unlock additional benefits.
For someone travelling once a year, I wouldn’t say these features should influence your decision too much.
But if you’re travelling regularly or working remotely while moving between countries, they might be worth taking advantage of.
For me, coverage, reliability and price would still come first. I’d rather have an eSIM that works properly when I need it than one offering loads of rewards but a poor connection.
The rewards are just an added extra.
Nomad eSIM vs Airalo, Holafly and Saily: Which Is Better?
With so many travel eSIM providers around now, choosing one isn’t always straightforward.
You’ve got Airalo, Holafly, Saily and Nomad eSIM, all offering slightly different plans, prices and features.
And while it’s tempting to just go with whichever one appears cheapest, I’d actually look at what you’re getting for your money.
Because a cheap eSIM isn’t much use if you run out of data halfway through your trip or discover it doesn’t cover somewhere you’re planning to visit.
Here’s how Nomad eSIM compares with some of the other popular international travel eSIM providers.
Provider | What I’d Consider It For |
Nomad eSIM | Flexible data allowances, regional plans, unlimited options and rewards for frequent travellers |
Airalo | A wide choice of local, regional and global prepaid data plans |
Holafly | Travellers looking for unlimited data options in supported destinations |
Saily | Straightforward travel eSIM plans with additional security features |
Of course, these aren’t necessarily reasons to choose one provider over another.
All four offer international travel eSIMs, and the best option will depend on your destination, how much data you need and the price of the available plans.
For example, if I were travelling somewhere for a week, I’d compare the cost of a 5GB or 10GB package across the different providers.
But if we were heading off on another long-term trip through several countries, I’d be more interested in regional coverage, plan validity and whether we could avoid purchasing a new eSIM every few weeks.
We’ve also put together a more detailed Airalo vs Nomad eSIM comparison if you’re deciding between those two providers.
What Makes Nomad eSIM Different?
For me, the main thing that stands out about Nomad eSIM is the combination of features rather than one particular selling point.
You’ve got coverage across more than 200 destinations, fixed-data and unlimited plans, regional options and a free trial for eligible new customers.
There’s also the independent Ookla performance analysis, which is worth considering if connection speed is particularly important to you.
And while I wouldn’t choose an eSIM purely because of its loyalty programme, Nomad’s rewards and membership benefits could be useful for anyone regularly travelling internationally.
That said, I wouldn’t automatically assume Nomad eSIM is the best choice for every trip.
I’d still compare the actual plans available for the country I’m visiting.
Nomad eSIM Pros and Cons
After looking through Nomad eSIM’s plans, features and available performance information, here’s what I think are its main advantages and disadvantages.
Pros | Cons |
Coverage across more than 200 destinations | Not every destination offers the same plans |
Fixed-data and unlimited options | Unlimited plans may have daily high-speed limits |
Regional and global plans for multi-country trips | Coverage depends on local mobile networks |
Typically 60 days to activate most plans | Plans can activate automatically after the activation deadline |
Free 1GB trial in eligible destinations | Trial availability and eligibility are restricted |
Strong independent global speed results | Global results don’t guarantee speeds in individual countries |
Rewards and membership benefits | Rewards may be less useful for occasional travellers |
For me, the biggest positives are the flexibility of the plans and the ability to get everything organised before travelling.
The main thing I’d be careful about is assuming unlimited data means unlimited full-speed internet.
If you’re planning to work remotely or regularly upload content, I’d definitely check those conditions before purchasing.
Nomad eSIM FAQs
Is Nomad eSIM reliable for international travel?
Nomad eSIM uses local mobile networks to provide data coverage across more than 200 destinations.
Its performance in Ookla’s independent travel eSIM analysis is encouraging, but reliability will ultimately depend on the network available where you’re travelling.
I’d recommend checking the supported networks for your destination, particularly if you’re planning to spend time in rural or remote areas.
Does Nomad eSIM offer unlimited data?
Yes, Nomad eSIM offers unlimited data plans in selected destinations.
However, some plans include a daily high-speed data allowance, after which speeds are reduced until the allowance resets.
It’s worth checking the fair-use conditions before purchasing, especially if you use a lot of mobile data.
Can I use Nomad eSIM in multiple countries?
Yes, Nomad eSIM offers regional and global plans that can cover several countries under one data package.
This can be useful for longer trips where you’re travelling between destinations regularly.
Just make sure every country on your itinerary is included in the specific plan you choose.
Can I keep my normal phone number with Nomad eSIM?
Yes, provided your phone supports using your regular SIM alongside an eSIM.
You can generally keep your existing number for calls and messages while using Nomad eSIM for mobile data.
However, your usual mobile provider may still charge for certain services abroad, so check your roaming settings and charges.
When should I activate Nomad eSIM?
Most Nomad eSIM plans allow up to 60 days from purchase for activation.
You can generally install your eSIM before travelling and connect when you arrive at your destination.
However, some plans have different activation rules, and plans may activate automatically if you don’t activate them within the required period.
I’d personally get everything organised a few days before travelling rather than purchasing too far in advance.
Is Nomad eSIM better than Airalo?
That depends on where you’re travelling and what you need from your data plan.
Both offer local, regional and global travel eSIM options, but their prices, allowances and available networks can differ.
Nomad eSIM also offers unlimited plans in selected destinations, alongside rewards and a free trial for eligible customers.
I’d compare the plans for your destination rather than assuming one provider is always better.
You can read our full Airalo vs Nomad eSIM comparison for a closer look.
Is Nomad eSIM worth it for long-term travel?
It could be, particularly if you’re visiting multiple countries and want the convenience of regional or global coverage.
However, if you’re spending several months in one country, it’s also worth comparing the cost of a local mobile plan.
During our travels, we often stayed in destinations for weeks at a time, so finding the right balance between cost, convenience and data allowance was important.
A travel eSIM can be incredibly convenient, but it isn’t necessarily the cheapest solution for every long-term stay.
Final Verdict: Is Nomad eSIM Worth It in 2026?
So, would I consider using Nomad eSIM for our next international trip?
Yes, absolutely.
After looking at its plans, coverage and features, there’s plenty that makes it worth considering, particularly for anyone travelling between countries or wanting more flexibility with their mobile data.
The coverage across more than 200 destinations is useful, the choice between fixed-data and unlimited plans gives travellers more options, and the independent speed testing is certainly encouraging.
I also like that you can organise everything before leaving home.
After travelling internationally with two kids, anything that makes arriving somewhere new a little less stressful gets my attention.
But I wouldn’t say Nomad eSIM is automatically the best travel eSIM for everyone.
Prices and network coverage vary, and depending on where you’re travelling, another provider might offer a better deal.
My advice would be to compare the plans for your destination, check the local networks and choose the one that genuinely suits how you’ll use your data.
For our next trip abroad, Nomad eSIM would certainly be on the shortlist.
And if you’re currently looking for an international travel eSIM, it’s worth seeing what plans are available for your destination.
