The process of air travel is constantly evolving in response to regulations and technology. These days, planes have screens and chargers and Wi-Fi, customs offers quick passes and pre-checks, and almost everyone has a digital wallet and app for boarding.
All this progress, yet one aspect is still a roadblock for many travellers: how to get mobile data abroad.
We still ask if we should buy a SIM card at an airport kiosk, or buy one in town, or maybe just eat the roaming charges with a regular plan.
Often, the answer might come down to affordability, but it isn’t always about the cheapest option. Savvy travellers need to consider things like their travel style, type of device, and time abroad.
Too many factors and too little time? Here’s a comparison that breaks down airport SIMs, eSIMs, and roaming, including data from 10 cities around the world.
Airport SIM vs eSIM vs roaming: Why your choice matters
As recently as 5 years ago, most people didn’t even think twice: they simply landed at their destination, hit up the first SIM kiosk or vending machine at the airport, handed over some local currency, and had a data plan by the time their luggage hit the carousel.
With each passing year, the price gap between SIM cards, eSIMs, and roaming has continued to widen. Speedy eSIM apps like aloSIM have made it simple to download a travel plan in minutes, while some mobile carriers now charge unbelievable daily roaming rates (even for light or basic data use).
Consider that most new phones no longer even have physical SIM trays (hello iPhone 17 Air and Pixel 10 series), and suddenly an airport SIM card isn’t even an option.
Choosing the right setup now means you have weigh such factors as:
- How quickly you get online at your destination
- The cost of basic data, even if you’re only using Maps
- Flexible plans that can pivot with your travel arrangements
Here’s how each of these options stack up side-by-side in 10 major cities.
The 10-city price comparison
These 10 popular international destinations offer travellers their pick of mobile data options: London, Paris, Bangkok, Tokyo, New York, Toronto, Dubai, Sydney, Cape Town, and Mexico City.
For each location, we compared prices from:
- Airport SIM card providers inside the arrivals terminal
- eSIM marketplaces like aloSIM and others
- Roaming packages from major home carriers (the USA, UK, Canada, and across the EU)
To keep the analysis transparent and fair, this comparison is based on 10 GB of data for 7 days, which is typical for travellers who use Maps, rideshare apps, messaging apps, and occasional streaming services. Prices are in USD and based on per-GB costs.
Airport SIM vs eSIM vs roaming: What we found in 10 cities
Surprisingly, airport SIM cards came out as still the cheapest in Bangkok and Cape Town, offering 10 GB for as little as $7–10 USD.
Alternatively, eSIMs were the best value in Tokyo, Sydney, and Mexico City, especially for iPhone or Pixel users who can enjoy the ability to activate data instantly.
Though roaming tends to top the price scale it was shockingly competitive in cities like London and Toronto, where some carriers offered flat-rate 7-day passes for $15–$20.
In contrast, roaming in places like Thailand or the UAE could cost $10–$15 per day, which makes it the most expensive option if you’re not careful with your data use.
Where Airport SIMs still win
Despite the rise of eSIMs for their convenience and affordability, airport SIM cards still remain on the scene. In some places, they even still make more sense than you might expect.
In countries where mobile service is super affordable, including Thailand, South Africa, or India, airport counters or vending machines offer prepaid deals that beat any app. These options also provide a local number, which is pertinent if you’re calling hotels, booking tours, or using apps that require SMS verification.
With an old-school SIM card, there’s no need to mess with apps, QR codes, or settings. It’s just “grab and go.”
That being said, airport SIMs often require passport copies, registration, and cash-only payment, and lineups can be exhaustingly long after long-haul flights.
Where eSIM is the clear winner
Travellers with newer phones that support eSIMs are in luck. In many cities, eSIM providers now offer plans that are:
- Cheaper than airport SIM cards
- Easier to activate in advance of travel
- Able to be switched or topped up mid-trip to meet usage needs
Countries like Japan, Australia, and France now have robust eSIM offerings from both local and global providers. Users can browse and install plans through apps like aloSIM, even before leaving home.
Other perks of eSIMS include being able to keep your home number active for WiFi apps like iMessage and being able to switch data plans between countries with ease.
When roaming surprisingly makes sense
While it feels natural to assume roaming is always the worst option, it’s not necessarily always true.
In big cities like London, Toronto, and New York, some carriers offer daily max caps on cost or even week-long passes that are surprisingly reasonable. AT&T, for example, offers a $12/day plan with unlimited data in 200 countries; Vodafone, UK, has a £10 for 8 days or £15 for 15 days roaming plan; and Bell Canada offers a $16/day plan with a max 7-day cap.
Keep in mind that roaming is also the easiest option with no installation or setup, no switching SIM cards, and your primary number will remain active for texts, calls, and logins.
This option is a decent one for a business traveller with an expense account, anyone on a micro trip (a day or two), or someone who might fear technology and want to skip the (albeit very simple) set up.
Pros and cons of each option
While the price point is a good place to start, let’s break it down to examine convenience, time, and phone compatibility matters too.
Airport SIM cards
Pros:
- Affordable in some countries
- Readily available at major airports
- Allows you to retain local number
Cons:
- Sometimes requires sharing passport and registration
- Vendors might have language barriers that impede setup
- Cannot work on eSIM-only phones
eSIM providers
Pros:
- Activate anytime, including before or after landing
- Store multiple eSIMS and plans on one device
- Easy to top-up and with flexible pricing
Cons:
- Requires a phone with eSIM capabilities
- Can vary in quality depending on provider and partner carriers
- No local number tied to eSIM in most cases
Home-carrier roaming
Pros:
- No setup needed and you can use your phone as normal
- Full, ongoing access to your original number
- Works well for short trips or emergencies
Cons:
- Expensive in many countries
- Might be subject to usage caps
- Can accidentally trigger excessive data charges
Best option by traveller type & trip length
Business travellers
Best: Roaming or eSIM
Keep your main number and only switch plans if needed, and expense it easily.
Backpackers and long-term travellers
Best: eSIM or local SIM
Cost-effective options for lengthy trips, flexible across borders, and no roaming fees.
Frequent flyers
Best: eSIM
Switch between data plans instantly, save multiple country profiles, and travel light.
Tourists on a short trip
Best: Using an eSIM
No fussing with anything for a couple of days, especially if your carrier offers caps on price.
Quick decision guide: How to choose in under 5 minutes
If you just want to make a quick choice about what type of data to access, ask yourself these three questions:
1. Does my phone support eSIM?
If yes, go eSIM.
If no, go with an airport SIM or roaming.
2. Am I staying longer than 5 days?
If yes, an eSIM is usually the most economical choice.
If no, roaming may be fine, especially if capped.
3. Do I need a local number for calls and texts?
If yes, then an aloSIM eSIM is the perfect option, as every eSIM plan comes with a free international phone number for calling and texting.
FAQ: Airport SIM vs eSIM vs Roaming
Is buying at the airport really more expensive?
In most cases, purchasing a SIM at the airport is more expensive than purchasing an eSIM. Sellers know that connectivity is a need for many travellers, so prices at SIM kiosks tend to be inflated.
Can I switch from airport SIM to an eSIM midway through my trip?
Yes! You can purchase and install an eSIM plan anytime, even while using a physical SIM card. On dual-SIM devices, you can run both at once or switch between them as needed.
How do roaming caps and fair-use policies work?
While there are some carriers that offer unlimited roaming with no throttling, most providers have data caps or throttle speeds after you use a certain amount of data. Always be sure to check your carrier’s fair-use policy before toggling on roaming while abroad.
What if my phone doesn’t support eSIM?
If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, you can still stay connected with a local SIM card, which can often be purchased at a kiosk at the airport (or close by). eSIM is the future, but it’s not universal yet.
