📜 Introduction.

Nowadays, with the best eSIM and VPN providers there is no more hunt for a SIM card kiosk as soon as you land in a new country.

Travelling the world is amazing, but stressing over finding a reliable internet connection not so much. Staying connected is not just about posting stories on Instagram. It’s a huge safety factor especially for us solo female travellers. You need maps to get to your hotel, translation apps to communicate, and WhatsApp to let your mum know you’re alive.

And then there is the issue of public Wi-Fi. We all use it, but it can be super dodgy. That is why having a good VPN is just as important as having data. It keeps your passwords safe and lets you watch your favourite shows from back home when you’re having a chill night in.

Here is my list of the best eSIM and VPN providers that so you can sort your connection out before you even pack your bags.

⚠️Disclaimer: Some of the websites below are affiliate links or require a promo code for receving a discount. If you book through them or use my personal promo code at the time of subscription or reservation, I’ll earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you), and you’ll get a discount or a special promotion too. It’s a win–win!

Please be aware that affiliate links may expire and promo codes may reach their usage limit. If you find that a link or code no longer works, kindly let me know. I’ll be happy to share an updated one (if available) directly with you.

Table of Contents

• 📜 Introduction.
• 📱 Best eSIM Providers.
• 📄 Prefer a Physical Card?
• 🔒 Best VPN for Safety.
• 💡 Travel Tips.
• 🎈 Conclusion.

📱 Best eSIM Providers.

Gone are the days of fiddling with tiny plastic cards and losing your main SIM. eSIMs are instant and effective especially for frequent flyers.

Yesim.

Yesim stands out as a premier Swiss-based eSIM provider. Its comprehensive coverage across 150+ countries (incuding North America, EU, and Middle East) it’s perfect for globe-trotters who demand flexibility and cost-effectiveness. With a focus on affordability and flexibility, Yesim offers a diverse range of data plans tailored to individual needs, such as single-country, regional, and global eSIM packages. One of Yesim’s standout features is its International eSIM operating on a convenient Pay-as-You-Go model. So users only pay for the data they consume, eliminating the burden of hefty roaming charges.

🔽 Click the button below to purchase your eSim with Yesim! 🔽

Saily.

This is a newer player on the market developped by Nord Security, the same team behind NordVPN. Saily is fantastic because it focuses heavily on security and ease of use. The setup is lightning fast, and they offer very competitive rates, especially for longer holidays. Global Coverage extends in 200+ countries and regions and connects to top local networks, offering 4G/5G speeds in many areas. They also have 24/7 customer support via live chat or email.

🔽 Click the button below to purchase your eSim with Saily! 🔽

Airalo.

This is arguably the most famous eSIM app in the world right now. Airalo covers over 200 countries and regions and it is incredibly user-friendly even if you aren’t a tech person. You can buy local, regional or global eSIMs. It’s my go-to when I’m hopping between a few countries in the same region and don’t want the hassle of switching profiles constantly. The support team is available 24/7, and are happy to offer prompt assistance via chat on the Airalo website, social media, or email.

🔽 You can search for your next destination and purchase your eSIM directly in the search bar below! 🔽

Trip.com.

You probably already know Trip.com for booking flights and hotels, but their eSIMs are a massive hidden gem too. They offer reliable data packages for loads of countries around the world. But here is the absolute game-changer that made me want to include them on this list. Some of their eSIMs actually come with a VPN included! If you are travelling to places where your favourite apps are blocked, this is an absolute lifesaver. I love that you don’t have to worry about buying and setting up two separate apps. You just download the eSIM, install it and you are instantly connected and ready to scroll through Instagram or message your mum back home.

🎁 Use the referral code below or register via Trip.com to unlock your €10 discount 🎁

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📄 Prefer a Physical Card?

Drimsim is the first universal SIM card and free app for travellers and just like any other sim card, you can insert into your phone, tablet, or router. The difference is that it is not tied to an operator. Once your plane lands in a new country, Drimsim is immediately ready to work. It operates in 229 countries, provides stable communication, a fast Internet connection, and prices similar to those of local operators.

You can call your friends and they can call you. You can chat, post photos, and make routes without being afraid of spending all your money on roaming. Drimsim has an app to help you keep track of your expenses and the balance can be refilled manually or via auto-payment. Money is written off in seconds and megabytes, but not for packages or subscribers.

🔽 Click the button below to purchase your Sim with Drimsim! 🔽

🔒 Best VPN for Safety.

Whether you are working from a cute cafe in Bali or connecting to the airport Wi-Fi in London, NordVPN protects your personal data from hackers lurking on those open networks. Beyond safety, it is the undisputed queen of streaming. It lets you change your virtual location so you can access your home Netflix or BBC iPlayer library from anywhere in the world. It’s fast, secure, and one subscription covers multiple devices. So your phone, laptop, and tablet are all sorted.

🔽 Click the button below to purchase your VPN with NordVPN! 🔽

💡 Travel Tips.

Before you jet off, let me share a few tips I’ve picked up after my many travels abroad.

The Truth About European Roaming.

If you are travelling within Europe, things can get a bit confusing depending on where your SIM card is from.

For my EU friends, you are lucky! You can use your normal allowance in other EU countries without extra fees. Just be careful with use limits, they might cap you at around 12GB or 20GB while abroad. Check with your provider.

Sadly, since Brexit, free roaming isn’t guaranteed anymore. Big providers have brought back daily roaming charges (usually around €2 a day). Always double-check your contract before you fly, or you might come home to a nasty bill.

If you are visiting Europe from the US, Australia, or anywhere else, your home provider will likely charge you a fortune. Buying one of the eSIMs I have mentioned above is honestly the cheapest and easiest way to stay connected across multiple borders.

How to Save Data Like a Pro.

Even with an eSIM, data isn’t infinite. Here is how you can save some GB during your trip.

Before you leave your hotel Wi-Fi, download offline Maps. Open Google Maps, search for the city, and type “ok maps” in the search bar. You can download the whole city map to your phone. You can still navigate and find places without using a single megabyte of data!

If you have an iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Service and scroll all the way to the bottom. Turn off Wi-Fi Assist. If your hotel Wi-Fi is a bit dodgy, this feature switches you to 4G/5G, and you won’t even realise you are burning through your data allowance.

Go into your phone settings and turn off “Background App Refresh” for apps you don’t need instantly.

If you are low on data and also battery but need to keep your map open, load your route, then pop your phone on Airplane Mode. The GPS still works even without a signal!

🎈 Conclusion.

Say goodbye to dropping off the grid or paying extortionate roaming fees with the best eSIM and VPN providers while exploring the globe.

Honestly, once you switch to an eSIM, you will never look back. It is just so much easier than hunting for tiny plastic chips in a foreign airport with all your luggage. It completely takes the stress out of arrivals. And please, do not skip the VPN! It is such a small price to pay for total peace of mind (and keeping up with your favourite series even during a trip).

If you want to make sure the rest of your tech game is just as sorted before your next flight, be sure to have a read of my post on essential electronic devices for travelling.

💬 And you? Do you prefer using eSIMs or do you still stick to physical SIM cards when you travel? Let me know in the comments below!

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