eSIM vs local SIM vs roaming
Which option is cheapest when — an honest comparison.
4 min
Roaming on your own plan
Inside the EU you usually roam for free within your bundle, so no eSIM needed. Outside the EU, carriers often charge €5–€15 day passes or per-megabyte rates that add up fast.
Local SIM card
Often the lowest price per GB, but you have to find a shop, sometimes register your passport, and you get a different number. Great for long stays, awkward for short trips.
Travel eSIM
Active the moment you arrive, your own number stays reachable, and you can compare prices before you go. Slightly pricier per GB than a local SIM, far cheaper than roaming outside the EU.
For multi-country trips a regional eSIM is usually cheapest — you will find those on our region pages.