To eSIM or Not To eSIM? That is the Question (When Traveling)

You’re sitting at a sunny little café in Rome, sipping an espresso the size of a thimble and nibbling on a biscotti that could chip a tooth—but in the most delightful way.

The Colosseum is in view. There’s a light breeze. Life is good.

Then your phone rings. Out of habit, you answer.

It’s your cousin Linda. She’s deep in a gutter-related crisis. Hers is making a “weird noise,” and she needs the number of that guy who fixed yours in 1997. You’re about to remind her you’re in Italy, when the call drops.

What doesn’t drop? The $12 your carrier just slapped onto your bill for the privilege of picking up that call.

Welcome to the magical world of international roaming—where every call, text, or accidental GoogleGoogle is a multinational technology company known for its internet-related products and services, i... More search (“Is limoncello a fruit?”) can torch your travel budget faster than you can say ciao bella.

But don’t panic. There are smart, simple ways to stay connected abroad without mortgaging your cat. One of the most popular these days being an eSIM.

In this article, we’ll break down the three best options for using your phone overseas. We’ll explain what the heck an eSIM is, and help you pick the best phone plan for your next adventure.

📱 First Things First: What’s an eSIM (And Is It Complicated?)

Let’s start with the basics. Your phone uses something called a SIM card. It’s a tiny chip that tells your phone which carrier to connect to—like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. It’s also what makes your phone number your phone number.

An eSIM is the digital version of that chip. The “e” stands for “embedded,” which means it’s already built into your phone—no physical card required. Instead of inserting anything, you just download"Download" is a term used to describe the process of copying files from the internet or another remo... More a new plan right onto your phone using an appAn app (short for application) is a program that helps you do specific tasks on your smartphone, tab... More or a QR codeA QR code (Quick Response code) is a special type of barcode that stores information in a square pat... More.

While not all smartphones support eSIMs, most newer ones do. Here’s a quick overview:

✅ iPhones that support eSIMs:

• iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max (2018)
• All newer iPhones after that (including iPhone SE [2nd gen and later], iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15… you get the idea)
• Note: iPhone 14 and 15 models sold in the U.S. don’t even have a SIM card slot—they’re eSIM-only

✅ Android phones that support eSIM (varies by model and carrier):

• Google PixelA pixel is like a tiny dot that helps make up the pictures you see on your phone, computer, or TV. T... More 3 and newer (except some older Verizon models)
• Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer
• Samsung Z Flip and Fold series
• Some Motorola, Oppo, and Sony Xperia models

Basically, if your phone is from 2018 or newer, there’s a good chance it supports eSIM.

So why does this matter when you travel?

Because without an eSIM, getting connected in another country can be a pain.

You’d have to go to a kiosk the size of a broom closet and buy a new physical SIM card that comes in a tiny box. Then you’d have to jab your phone with something resembling a dental pick to swap out your current SIM card for the new one.

With an eSIM, however, you can just sit back, connect to Wi-FiWi-Fi, short for Wireless Fidelity, revolutionizes connectivity by enabling devices to access the in... More, and download a travel plan in minutes. No tools, no stress, no accidentally dropping a SIM card into your cappuccino.

eSIMs are a game-changer for international travel. And coming up, we’ll show you exactly when to use one, how to set it up, and which option makes the most sense for your trip.

Your 3 Top Options for Staying Connected While Traveling

Now that you know you’ve got options, let’s talk about what those actually look like in the real world.

You’ve got three solid choices. Each comes with its own perks, quirks, and little “gotchas” to watch out for.

Let’s break them down, starting with the easiest, most hands-off option.

🌍 Option 1: Use Your Carrier’s International Plan

Let’s say you’re headed to Spain. You’ve packed your walking shoes, your stretchy waistband pants (for tapas reasons), and your trusty smartphone. You land, turn it on, and—voilà!—it works just like it did back home.

No new apps. No setup screens. No panic GooglingGoogling is the practice of conducting internet searches using the Google search engine. It involves... More “how to not bankrupt myself while using my phone in Europe.”

That’s the magic of your carrier’s international plan. It’s simple, familiar, and requires zero tech know-how. For many travelers, especially on short trips, that’s a big win.

Here’s what the big providers are offering in the Spring/Summer of 2025:

📱 AT&T International Day Pass

• Cost: $12/day for the first line; $6/day for each extra line used that day. (The good news? You only get charged on the days you actually use your phone abroad. If you stick to Wi-Fi or leave your phone in airplane mode, it won’t cost you a dime.)
• Monthly Cap: You’ll never pay more than $120 per line in a 30-day period, no matter how long you travel. So if you’re gone for three weeks, you’ll only be charged for the first 10 days.
• Coverage: Works in 210+ countries.
• What You Get: Use your plan like you’re at home—talk, text, and data included.
• Bonus: If you’re cruising, they offer a $20/day cruise option that covers both land and sea (up to 500MB/day).

📱 Verizon International Travel Plans

Option 1: TravelPass

• Cost: $12/day in most countries; $6/day in Canada and Mexico.
• Coverage: Available in 210+ countries and destinations.
• What You Get: Unlimited talk, text, and data. After 5GB of high-speed data in a 24-hour period, speeds reduce to 3G.
• Billing: Charged only on days you use your phone abroad.

Option 2: International Monthly Plan

• Cost: $100/month per line.
• Coverage: Available in 210+ countries and destinations.
• What You Get:
  • Unlimited data (20GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 3G speeds).
  • Unlimited text messaging.
  • 250 minutes of international calling; additional minutes at $0.25 each.
• Best For: Trips lasting 9 days or more, where daily TravelPass fees would exceed $100.

Let’s Look at the Pros and Cons

If you’re leaning toward using your carrier’s international plan, it’s probably because of one big reason: convenience.

And for many people—especially on short trips—that’s a perfectly valid reason. But like any option, it comes with trade-offs. Here’s what to keep in mind:

👍 Pros:

• No setup stress: Just turn your phone on and go.
• Keep your number: Great if you’re expecting important calls or texts from the U.S.
• Pay-as-you-go: You’re only charged on days you actually use your phone.

👎 Cons:

• Pricey for longer trips: $12 a day adds up fast—especially if you’re traveling for more than a week.
• Data slows after a certain point: Verizon users get reduced speeds after 5GB/day.

This Option is Best For:

This option really shines for shorter trips or anyone who just wants their phone to “work like normal” without fiddling with settings.

But for longer travel—or anyone watching their budget—there are other options that might make more sense. Let’s look at one of them next… the eSIM.

🌍 Option 2: Use an eSIM for Local or Global Data

Now here’s where things get a little more high-tech—but stay with us, because this option can save you serious money (and no, you don’t have to be a tech wizard to make it work).

Instead of sticking with your U.S. carrier’s pricey international plan, you can buy a prepaid travel plan from a company like Airalo, Holafly, or Nomad.

These plans are designed specifically for travelers and work with that eSIM feature we talked about earlier—the one built right into many newer smartphones.

The setup usually goes like this:

1. Pick a plan based on where you’re going and how long you’re staying.
2. Download it to your phone using their app or a QR code.
3. Turn it on when you land—and boom, you’ve got international data.

No waiting in line at a kiosk. No tiny plastic SIM cards to fumble with. No language barrier moments that end with you accidentally signing up for a Bulgarian long-distance plan.

Is It a Smart Swap? The Pros and Cons

Using an eSIM while traveling might sound high-tech, but it’s surprisingly manageable—and potentially a big money-saver.

Here’s how it stacks up:

👍 Pros:

• Much cheaper than your carrier’s plan – Many eSIM plans start at just $5–$30 total for a week or more, depending on where you’re going.
• No hardwareHardware refers to the physical components of a computer system or electronic device, as opposed to ... More to swap – You don’t need to take out your SIM card or fumble with those tiny trays. Just download the plan and activate it.
• Good data speeds – In most popular travel spots, speeds are fast enough for maps, email, messaging, and uploading your favorite pastry photos to friends back home.

👎 Cons:

• Usually data-only – Many eSIM travel plans don’t include traditional phone calls or regular SMS texts. But apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, FaceTimeFaceTime is Apple’s video and audio calling service that lets you connect with people in real-time... More, and ZoomZoom is a versatile video conferencing platform that enables users to connect and collaborate remote... More let you stay in touch just fine—as long as you’re using data or Wi-Fi.
• Some setup required – If this is your first time using an eSIM, you’ll need to follow a few steps to get it up and running. That might sound intimidating, but most apps walk you through the process clearly.

This Option is Best For:

Using an eSIM is a great fit for longer trips—generally a week or more—when daily fees from your regular carrier would start to add up.

It’s also ideal for cost-conscious travelers who want reliable data for things like maps, emailEmail, or electronic mail, is a digital communication tool that allows users to send and receive mes... More, and messaging, without shelling out $10 to $12 a day.

And if you’re comfortable using apps like WhatsApp or iMessage instead of traditional phone calls or texts, this option can be a simple, stress-free way to stay connected while saving money.

🔄 Option 3: Combine Both (Keep Your Number, Use eSIM for Data)

Can’t decide between using your regular phone plan or switching to an eSIM? Good news—you don’t have to.

If your phone supports Dual SIM, you can run both at the same time:

• Your regular SIM stays active so you can still receive calls and texts from the U.S. (In most cases incoming texts are free when you’re roaming and calls that go straight to voicemail usually won’t cost you a dime. Just check your carrier’s rules on this to make sure!)
• Your eSIM handles all your data needs affordably while you’re abroad.

It’s kind of like bringing a suitcase for your clothes… and a backpack for snacks. They both do different jobs, and together they make the trip a whole lot smoother.

How does this setup hold up when you’re actually on the road? Let’s take a quick tour through the perks—and a few pitfalls—so you can decide if this tag-team approach is your travel tech match.

👍 Pros:

• Keep your U.S. number active: You’ll still get texts from the grandkids, your neighbor, or your bank (you know, the one that panics every time you buy a croissant in Paris).
• Save money on data: Use a low-cost eSIM to check email, look up directions, or uploadUpload is the process of transferring data or files from a local device or computer to a remote serv... More your gelato selfies without getting gouged.

👎 Cons:

• Juggling two lines can be confusing. You might forget which line is active for data or calls. One minute you’re calling on Wi-Fi, the next you’re racking up roaming fees because you forgot to switch.
• Battery drain. Running two lines at once can be a little harder on your battery. Not a dealbreaker, but pack that portable charger just in case.
• Not totally seamless. You might need to fiddle with settings more than once during your trip, especially if you hop between countries or Wi-Fi networks.

💡 Tips to Save Money:

• Turn OFF cellular data for your U.S. line while traveling. This prevents your regular plan from quietly racking up roaming charges in the background.
  • (On most phones, you can do this under Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data.)
• Use Wi-Fi calling when available. That way, you can still call or text home—even on your regular number—without paying a dime.

This Option is Best For:

This combo setup is best for tech-savvy travelers who feel comfortable toggling a few settings.

It’s also great for anyone who needs to stay reachable on their U.S. number but doesn’t want to pay international prices for simple tasks.

If you like saving money without sacrificing connection, this option offers a nice balance between convenience and cost.

🧭 Quick Comparison Table: What’s Best for You?

Still not sure which option is the best fit for your trip?

Don’t worry—here’s a simple cheat sheet to help you decide based on how long you’re traveling, how tech-comfortable you feel, and whether saving money or keeping things simple is more important to you.

Your Situation	Best Option
1-week trip and want it simple	Carrier’s international plan
2+ week trip and want to save money	eSIM
Want to use data apps and still get texts/calls	Combo (eSIM + Primary SIM)
Don’t want to mess with phone settings	Carrier’s plan
Comfortable trying something new to save a bundle	eSIM or combo

🛫 Tips for Getting Started

Before you jet off for wine tastings, scenic boat rides, or eating your body weight in pastries, take a few minutes to get your phone travel-ready. A little prep now can save you a lot of headaches later.

✅ Check if your phone supports eSIM

As mentioned earlier, not all phones are eSIM compatible. Make sure your is before anything else!

To double-check: Google your phone’s model and “eSIM compatible.”

📶 If using an eSIM, set it up before you leave

Sure, you can install an eSIM after you land—but why make life harder? Doing it at home, on your own Wi-Fi (and yes, probably still in your pajamas), is way easier. Apps like Airalo or Holafly walk you through it step by step, and it usually takes less time than making a cup of coffee.

⏱️ When should you activate your eSIM?

Here’s where things can get a bit tricky, so let’s clear it up: installing an eSIM isn’t the same as activating it.

Most travel eSIMs don’t start the clock until you actually turn them on. That’s good news—because you don’t want your plan burning through data while you’re still in the U.S. or stuck at the airport Starbucks.

Pro tip: Wait to activate your eSIM until you land. That way, you won’t waste a single megabyte—or day—before you actually need it.

Some eSIM apps even let you schedule a start date ahead of time, so it kicks in automatically. If yours doesn’t? No big deal. Just wait to flip the switch until you’re on foreign soil and ready to roll.

📝 Write down your carrier’s support number

Technology is great—until it isn’t. Before you go, jot down (or screenshot) your carrier’s international support number so you can reach them if things get weird while you’re abroad.

If you lose service mid-trip, you’ll be glad you have it saved somewhere besides your phone.

🧳 Final Thoughts: A Little Prep Can Save You Big

Traveling abroad is all about the experience—new places, new foods, maybe even getting lost (on purpose). What you don’t want is to come home and find out your phone bill had a more expensive adventure than you did.

For many seniors, the easiest route is to stick with your carrier’s international plan. It’s familiar, it works, and you don’t have to change a thing.

But if you’re feeling just a little adventurous—or would rather spend that extra money on gelato than gigabytes—an eSIM can be a smart, affordable alternative.

And if you want to stay reachable on your U.S. number while still saving on data? The combo option might be just right.

No matter what you choose, the key is to plan ahead. A few minutes of setup before your trip can help you stay connected, avoid surprises, and focus on what really matters: enjoying the journey.