Thorough review of the best eSIM and SIM cards for overseas travel! Practical recommended ranking

When traveling abroad or on business trips, the communication environment at the destination is a very important issue. In particular, the use of eSIMs and overseas SIM cards is popular among many travelers because they tend to be more cost-effective compared to traditional carrier roaming and can provide sufficient communication speeds. However, the market offers numerous services, making it difficult to decide which overseas recommended eSIM to choose, whether it is compatible with your smartphone, and what the communication quality at your destination will be.

In this article, we conduct a detailed review and comparison of 10 popular overseas SIM card and eSIM services based on three key evaluation axes: affordability, measured communication speed, and resistance to speed restrictions. We introduce the features and selection points of each service, as well as recommended eSIMs and SIM cards tailored to user needs, in a ranking format.

Three Evaluation Criteria for Choosing eSIMs and SIM Cards Suitable for Overseas Travel

To find the best overseas eSIM and SIM card services, we examined the following three points:

Evaluation ①: Cost Efficiency - Comparing the price levels for using the same data volume across different countries and regions
Evaluation ②: Measured Communication Quality - Speed measurements at major travel destinations such as South Korea, Hawaii, Taiwan, Thailand, and Italy
Evaluation ③: Resistance to Speed Restrictions - The extent and likelihood of speed reduction during high-volume usage

Overall Ranking of 10 Overseas eSIM and SIM Card Services

1st Place: World eSIM (Provided by Vision) - Overall Score 4.68 points

The greatest appeal is balancing high-speed communication with affordable prices

This eSIM service supports over 200 countries and regions, with excellent speeds especially in South Korea and Hawaii. It can be easily purchased via website and app, and supports tethering. A 10% discount is available when purchasing through the app, which is attractive for long-term stays.

The high rating is due to stable speeds even when browsing videos, and a proven track record of no speed restrictions with about 15GB of usage. The pricing in Thailand is industry-standard, and competitive in Korea and Hawaii. However, Taiwan’s pricing tends to be relatively higher.

2nd Place: Glocal eSIM (Provided by GlocalNet) - Overall Score 4.36 points

A balanced service with a variety of plans and stable quality

This service can be activated immediately by scanning a QR code, with flexible usage periods from 3 to 30 days. It supports 5G communication and offers comprehensive Japanese-language support.

Speed tests show Korea’s speeds are sufficient for video viewing, and restrictions are unlikely after using 15GB. Prices are lowest in Thailand, with reasonable prices in Hawaii, Korea, and Taiwan. However, in Hawaii, there are some speed fluctuations depending on the time of day, and Italy’s prices are relatively high.

3rd Place: Ubigi (Provided by Transatel) - Overall Score 4.21 points

Specialist with outstanding high-speed communication in Hawaii

Available in over 200 countries and regions, offering various plans from weekly to monthly and yearly options. It allows checking data remaining and purchasing additional data via app.

Speeds in Hawaii are sufficient for video viewing, and even daily video streaming in Korea is less likely to encounter restrictions. Prices are relatively low in Hawaii and Italy. However, in Korea, speeds may feel insufficient even for SNS browsing, and the lack of 3-day plans is a challenge for short-term travelers. There are also reports of delays in SIM recognition after activation.

4th Place: eSIM square (Provided by Telecom Square) - Overall Score 4.17 points

Specialized service with high praise for Korea and Hawaii’s high speeds

Supports SIMs in over 200 countries and regions, equipped with recharge functions for data shortages and 24-hour Japanese chat support. Achieves speeds suitable for video viewing in Korea and Hawaii, with a proven track record of minimal restrictions after about 15GB of usage.

Korea SIMs are competitively priced, but prices for Hawaii and Italy are higher. No short-term plans for Taiwan and Thailand (3 days) are available, which limits flexibility.

5th Place: airalo (Provided by AIRALO) - Overall Score 4.08 points

A global provider with overwhelming cost advantages

Originating from Singapore, this provider is available in over 200 countries and regions worldwide, supporting 53 languages and multiple currencies, ensuring an international user base. 24-hour multilingual support is also available.

Notably, using discount codes can provide a 15% discount. Prices in Korea, Hawaii, and Italy are among the lowest in the industry, and Taiwan is also affordable. Speed is sufficient for SNS browsing in Korea for a day without restrictions. However, the 3-day plan for Thailand is missing, and speeds may be insufficient for video viewing in Korea and Hawaii.

6th Place: DHA SIM (Provided by DHA SIM) - Overall Score 4.02 points

Limited supported countries but high cost-effectiveness within supported regions

Offers both eSIM and physical SIM options, with easy activation via QR code for eSIM. While not needing a physical card is advantageous, QR codes are received by mail, which requires attention.

Speeds in Korea and Hawaii support video viewing, with the lowest prices in Taiwan and reasonable prices in Korea and Hawaii. The absence of 3-day plans for Thailand and 7-day plans for Italy is a concern, and prolonged SNS or site browsing in Korea may trigger restrictions.

7th Place: TRAVeSIM (Provided by a2network) - Overall Score 3.99 points

Cost-focused, with less emphasis on communication quality

Supports over 140 countries and regions, with multi-country travel plans available. Compatible with 5G, and Japanese support is available 24/7.

Speeds are sufficient for daily video viewing in Korea without restrictions, and prices for Korea, Taiwan, Hawaii, and Italy are low. However, speeds are inadequate for video in Korea and Hawaii, and there are no 3-day plans for Thailand.

8th Place: Holafly (Provided by Holafly) - Overall Score 3.82 points

Unlimited plans are attractive, but basic speeds are an issue

Originating from Spain, this service offers unlimited data plans in over 120 countries with a unique strategy. Monthly and yearly plans over 30 days are available, and points can be earned through eSIM purchases and referrals via HolaCoins.

Prices in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hawaii, and Italy are reasonable, with proven minimal restrictions during one-day video viewing in Korea. However, speeds are somewhat lacking even for site browsing, and SNS use may be less comfortable.

9th Place: Trifa (Provided by Trifa) - Overall Score 3.72 points

High resistance to restrictions but overall less balanced

Supports over 200 countries and regions, with easy app-based purchase and activation. Features 24/7 Japanese chat support and various data plans from short to long term.

Speeds in Hawaii are sufficient for video, and restrictions are unlikely during 15GB usage in Korea. However, speeds in Korea for SNS and site browsing are insufficient, and overall prices are high, making it less suitable for cost-conscious users.

10th Place: SkyeSiM (Provided by FREEDiVE) - Overall Score 3.71 points

Higher prices outside Hawaii. Concerns about unstable restrictions

A renewed version of SkySiM, allowing selection of data volume and period on a daily basis. Available in over 120 countries, purchased directly from the website without app download, with various payment options.

Hawaii prices are relatively low, but SIMs for Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Italy tend to be more expensive. The 7-day unlimited plan in Italy is missing. SNS browsing in Korea and Hawaii can be unstable depending on the time, with reports of restrictions during SNS use in Korea.

Summary of Choosing eSIMs and SIM Cards for Overseas Travel

Selecting the best eSIM or SIM card for overseas travel requires a comprehensive assessment of your destination country, stay duration, data usage, and communication quality priorities. The 10 services introduced in this ranking each have their own features, and the optimal choice varies depending on your usage scene. For cost-conscious users, options like airalo and Holafly are effective, while for those prioritizing communication quality, World eSIM and Glocal eSIM are strong candidates. To achieve a stress-free communication environment during overseas trips, please refer to the information in this article.

Supervised by: Atsushi Ishikawa (Mobile & Smartphone Journalist)
Guide: Kenji Takayama (Former Mobile Phone Salesperson / MyBest Communications Company & Carrier / Service Specialist)