Best eSIM Apps for Digital Nomads: What We've Learned After a Year of Use

Best eSIM Apps for Digital Nomads: What We've Learned After a Year of Use

Best eSIM Apps for Digital Nomads: What We’ve Learned After a Year of Use

As digital nomads, staying connected while traveling is a top priority. Over the past year, we’ve tested several eSIM apps to keep us online, whether working from a café in Paris or a beachside spot in Bali. On paper, eSIMs seem like the perfect solution—no more SIM card swaps, no kiosks, no waiting in long lines. Just download, install, and boom, you’re connected.

However, after using these apps extensively, here’s the honest truth: eSIMs are helpful but come with their own set of frustrations. Sure, they offer convenience, but many apps are buggy, slow, and occasionally fail when you need them most. Some require a bit of troubleshooting, and live customer support is often hard to find. But despite these challenges, we’d still choose eSIMs over traditional SIM cards for travel any day.

Why eSIMs Are Ideal for Digital Nomads

When my wife and I first started as digital nomads, we found ourselves working from the same café every day. It soon began to feel like a regular 9-to-5 job, just with better coffee. These days, we like to mix things up by working from different spots—some with Wi-Fi, some without.

This is where eSIMs really shine. Instead of being locked into one location with a fixed Wi-Fi connection, we can easily grab a bit of data, tether our laptops, and keep up with emails. The ability to stay connected on the go is invaluable, especially when you’re traveling from one destination to the next.

What Makes the Best eSIM App for Digital Nomads?

After a year of testing, we’ve narrowed down the top features that make the best eSIM app for traveling professionals:

  • Ease of Use: The app should be intuitive and simple to navigate.
  • Easy Setup: Activating your plan should be quick and hassle-free.
  • Minimal Maintenance: Once activated, the app should require little to no intervention.
  • Stability: The app should be stable and not crash during use.
  • Good Customer Support: Easy access to a responsive support team directly within the app.
  • Reliable Renewal Process: Clear and simple renewal options when your plan is about to expire.
  • Reliable Reviews and Ratings: The app should have solid reviews, reflecting quality and user satisfaction.

eSIM Provider Apps: A Quick Breakdown

We’ve tested multiple eSIM apps for iPhone from major providers like Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad. While some were great, others were frustrating. Here’s our quick breakdown of our experiences:

1. Airalo App

  • Coverage: Available in over 200 countries and regions.
  • User-Friendliness: Simple design but can be tricky to navigate.
  • Cost-Effective: Affordable plans, but frequent top-ups can add up.
  • Global Plans: Offers both regional and global eSIM plans.
  • Customer Support: Tends to be slow but helpful.

Pros: Great global coverage and affordable pricing.
Cons: Customer support can be slow, and app navigation could be improved.

2. Saily App

  • Affordable: Budget-friendly option with both regular and unlimited data plans.
  • Easy to Use: Simple setup and activation process.
  • Security-Focused: Backed by NordVPN for additional security features.
  • App Experience: Outdated design and prone to crashing during activation.
  • Customer Support: Slow within the app, but manageable via email.

Pros: Easy to use and security-focused with NordVPN.
Cons: Crashes during activation and slow customer support.

3. Nomad App

  • Coverage: Good coverage in urban areas but spotty in rural locations.
  • Customer Support: Reliable but slower than larger providers.
  • App Experience: Easy navigation but not the best user experience.
  • Costs: Higher prices and frequent top-ups required.

Pros: Solid urban coverage and responsive support.
Cons: High costs and less-than-ideal user experience.

4. Holafly App

  • Unlimited Data: Offers unlimited data plans in many locations, but speeds slow after 1GB.
  • App Experience: Easy to use but occasionally freezes or crashes.
  • Long-Term Plans: Plans up to 90 days.
  • Customer Support: Slow; may need to contact via both the app and email.
  • Refunds: Refund process can take up to 15 days or longer.

Pros: Unlimited data options for extended stays.
Cons: Slow customer support, and the app can freeze.

5. aloSIM App

  • Coverage: Decent coverage in over 150 destinations.
  • Costs: Average pricing compared to other providers.
  • Customer Support: Slow within the app, better via email.
  • Features: Known for offering voice and SMS plans.

Pros: Decent coverage and additional voice/SMS options.
Cons: Slow customer support and average pricing.

Tips for Choosing the Best eSIM App

Even if you find a legitimate eSIM provider, make sure to do the following before committing:

  • Check Local Carriers: Verify which local carriers the provider uses.
  • Read App Store Reviews: Focus on 1–3 star reviews, as they often provide the most accurate feedback.
  • Test Customer Support: Contact support before committing to see how responsive and helpful they are.

Final Thoughts: Is an eSIM App Worth It?

Despite some frustrations, we’d still choose an eSIM over a traditional SIM card for traveling. The convenience of staying connected without swapping SIM cards or dealing with kiosks is invaluable—especially for digital nomads like us who are always on the move.

If you’ve found an eSIM app that works seamlessly for you, feel free to share it with us! We’re always looking for the best tools to make our digital nomad lifestyle smoother.

Happy travels!