When time is money on a business trip, that matters.įor travelers who have a home base and take a few short trips a year, international SIM cards are worth considering. They’re typically cheaper than roaming with your usual cell company, and more convenient than local SIMs. International SIM cards aren’t our first choice for long-term trips, but what if you’re not constantly on the road? Is it always worth buying a new SIM card and package every time you step off a plane, or do international SIMs have their place?įor business travelers who dip in and out of countries on short trips several times a year, international SIM cards can be a sensible choice. So, Which International SIM Card Should You Buy? International SIM Cards With Calls, Texts, and Data

You can read our full Airalo review here. OneSIM (below) offers an eSIM with calls, texts, and data, but if you only need data, we’ve found better prices with Airalo. You’ll need a recent iPhone or other smartphone that supports this technology, however, so it’s not yet a universal solution. Note that using an international eSIM rather than a physical SIM card will usually save you money. We’ve done the legwork to discover which ones are best for certain types of traveler, and whether any of them might be right for you.

There are several of these cards on the market, each with different plans and pricing. International SIM cards (sometimes called “travel SIM cards”) aren’t tied to a specific country or group of nations, but allow you to use your phone all around the world - for a price. They provide a local number for making and receiving calls, and are typically cheaper than other options, especially if you’re a heavy data user.īuying them can be a hassle, though, especially in countries where there’s a language barrier, or you’re short on time and just want to get connected with a minimum of fuss. As a rule, local SIM cards are the most affordable option for calls, texts, and data while traveling.

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