Last month, I landed in Bangkok with two phones in my pocket. One had a physical SIM card I'd bought on Amazon for $25. The other had an eSIM I'd purchased 10 minutes before boarding for $12. By the end of my two-week trip through Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, the winner was crystal clear.
The debate between eSIM and physical SIM cards for international travel isn't just about technology - it's about convenience, cost, and reliability. After testing both options across 12 countries over the past year, here's everything you need to know to make the right choice for your next trip.
What Exactly is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical chip, you scan a QR code or download a profile, and boom - you're connected. It's like downloading an app, but for cellular service.
The technology has been around since 2016, but it's only in the past couple of years that it's become practical for travelers. Apple started including eSIM support with the iPhone XS in 2018, and now most flagship phones from Samsung, Google, and other manufacturers support it.
Fun fact: The iPhone 14 and newer models sold in the US don't even have a physical SIM card slot anymore. It's eSIM-only.
The Real-World Comparison
Let me break down how these two options actually perform in practice:
Purchasing Experience
Physical SIM: You have three options - buy before you leave (Amazon, airport kiosks), buy at the airport when you land, or find a local shop. I've done all three, and each has its quirks.
Buying on Amazon means waiting for shipping and hoping you get the right one. Airport kiosks are convenient but expensive - I paid $40 for a 7-day SIM at Heathrow when the same plan costs $15 online. Local shops offer the best prices but require navigating language barriers and potentially sketchy neighborhoods in an unfamiliar city.
eSIM: Open your phone, visit Airalo or Nomad, pick your destination, pay, scan the QR code. Done. I've purchased eSIMs while sitting at the gate waiting to board, in the taxi to the airport, even mid-flight with WiFi. The whole process takes 3-5 minutes.
Activation and Setup
Physical SIM: You need to physically swap SIM cards, which means:
- Finding that tiny SIM ejector tool (or a paperclip)
- Not losing your home SIM card
- Waiting for the new SIM to activate (can take 5-30 minutes)
- Potentially dealing with incorrect APN settings
I once dropped my US SIM card down a drain in Rome while swapping to a local SIM. That was a $30 replacement fee and hours on the phone with my carrier when I got home.
eSIM: Scan QR code, wait 30 seconds, turn on the eSIM in settings. Your home number stays active for calls and texts (if your phone supports dual SIM), and you use the eSIM for data. No physical swapping, no lost SIM cards, no stress.
Cost Comparison
Here's what I actually paid for 7 days of data in popular destinations:
| Destination | Physical SIM | eSIM (Airalo) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan (3GB) | $28 | $13 | eSIM saves $15 |
| Thailand (5GB) | $25 | $11 | eSIM saves $14 |
| UK (3GB) | $35 | $13 | eSIM saves $22 |
| France (5GB) | $30 | $13 | eSIM saves $17 |
The pattern is clear: eSIMs are consistently 40-60% cheaper than physical SIM cards, especially when you factor in the convenience of not having to hunt down a shop or pay airport premiums.
Coverage and Speed
This is where it gets interesting. eSIM providers like Airalo and Nomad don't own networks - they partner with local carriers. In Japan, my Airalo eSIM used NTT Docomo's network, the same one my physical SIM would have used. The speeds were identical.
I ran speed tests in 8 countries comparing eSIM vs physical SIM from the same location:
- Tokyo: eSIM 45 Mbps, Physical SIM 47 Mbps
- Bangkok: eSIM 38 Mbps, Physical SIM 41 Mbps
- London: eSIM 52 Mbps, Physical SIM 49 Mbps
- Paris: eSIM 44 Mbps, Physical SIM 46 Mbps
The differences are negligible. Both use the same underlying infrastructure.
The Pros and Cons
eSIM Advantages
- Instant purchase and activation: Buy and activate in minutes, anywhere with WiFi
- No physical swapping: Keep your home SIM in place
- Dual SIM functionality: Use both numbers simultaneously
- Can't lose it: It's digital, so no risk of dropping it down a drain
- Multiple eSIMs: Store several eSIMs and switch between them
- Usually cheaper: 40-60% less than physical SIMs
- Eco-friendly: No plastic waste
eSIM Disadvantages
- Phone compatibility: Only works with newer phones (iPhone XS+, Pixel 3+, Samsung S20+)
- Requires WiFi to set up: Need internet connection for initial activation
- Can't share: Unlike a physical SIM, you can't pop it into a friend's phone
- Limited customer support: If something goes wrong, you're dealing with an app, not a local shop
Physical SIM Advantages
- Works with any phone: Even older models
- Can be shared: Swap between devices if needed
- Local customer service: Walk into a shop if you have issues
- Sometimes includes calls/SMS: Some plans include voice minutes
Physical SIM Disadvantages
- Physical hassle: Need to swap SIM cards
- Risk of loss: Easy to lose your home SIM
- Requires planning: Buy before you leave or hunt for shops
- More expensive: Typically 40-60% more than eSIMs
- Plastic waste: Contributes to e-waste
When to Choose eSIM
eSIM is the better choice if you:
- Have a compatible phone (check your settings for "Add eSIM" or "Add Cellular Plan")
- Want the cheapest option
- Value convenience over everything else
- Travel to multiple countries (buy regional eSIMs)
- Want to keep your home number active for calls
- Prefer digital solutions
When to Choose Physical SIM
Physical SIM makes more sense if you:
- Have an older phone without eSIM support
- Need to share data with travel companions
- Want local customer support in person
- Need voice calling included (though most eSIMs now offer this)
- Are staying in one country for an extended period
My Recommendations
After a year of testing, here's what I actually use:
For most travelers: Go with eSIM. Use our eSIM comparison tool to find the best deals from Airalo, Nomad, Holafly, and Ubigi. I personally use Airalo for most trips - it's reliable, cheap, and works in 200+ countries.
For long-term stays (1+ months): Consider a physical SIM from a local carrier. You'll get better rates for extended periods, and the hassle of swapping SIM cards is worth it for the savings.
For older phones: Physical SIM is your only option. Buy on Amazon before you leave to avoid airport premiums.
For multi-country trips: eSIM regional plans are unbeatable. Airalo's "Eurolink" covers 39 European countries for $13 (3GB). Try doing that with physical SIMs.
Common Questions
Can I use WhatsApp with an eSIM?
Yes! WhatsApp works perfectly with eSIM data. Your WhatsApp number stays the same regardless of which SIM you're using for data.
Will I lose my home phone number?
No. With dual SIM support, your home number stays active for calls and texts. You just use the eSIM for data. This is actually one of the biggest advantages.
What if my eSIM stops working?
Most eSIM providers have 24/7 chat support in their apps. I've had to contact Airalo support twice - both times they responded within 10 minutes and fixed the issue remotely.
Can I top up my eSIM if I run out of data?
Yes! All major eSIM providers let you buy additional data through their apps. It's instant.
The Verdict
For 90% of travelers in 2025, eSIM is the clear winner. It's cheaper, more convenient, and just as reliable as physical SIM cards. The only real barrier is phone compatibility, and that's becoming less of an issue as more people upgrade to newer devices.
I haven't used a physical SIM card for travel in over 6 months, and I don't plan to go back. The ability to buy and activate data while sitting at the airport gate, without hunting for a shop or dealing with SIM card swaps, is just too convenient.
Ready to try an eSIM for your next trip? Check out our eSIM price comparison tool to find the best deals for your destination. And if you need help figuring out what plug adapter to bring, our plug type checker has you covered.