How to choose overseas eSIM? 10 services thoroughly tested & practical guide

When traveling abroad for business or leisure, whether you can communicate smoothly on-site is an important point. When choosing an overseas ESIM or SIM card, many people wonder, “Which one is ultimately the most usable?” and “What is the balance between cost and speed?”

This time, we have verified 10 popular overseas ESIM and SIM card services based on actual usage scenarios. We organized the features of each service from three axes: affordability, communication speed, and difficulty in speed restrictions. Use this as a reference to select the service that best fits your usage pattern.

Three Evaluation Criteria for Choosing Overseas ESIM Services

The key points to keep in mind are as follows:

Evaluation Axis ①: Cost-effectiveness
Check the variety of plans and price competitiveness for short-term trips to long-term stays according to your purpose.

Evaluation Axis ②: Communication Speed
Test whether the speed is sufficient for actual use cases such as video streaming and SNS browsing.

Evaluation Axis ③: Resistance to Speed Restrictions
Verify whether there is a slowdown after using up data capacity or fluctuations in speed depending on the time of day.

For Speed-Focused Users: ESIM with High-Speed Communication

World ESIM (Vision) - Overall Balanced

World ESIM, which recorded comfortable video viewing in Korea and Hawaii, supports over 200 countries, and offers a 10% discount via app, making it attractive. Data management is easy, and tethering is available.

In the Korea 15GB test, no speed restrictions were observed, and the low-cost pricing in Thailand was well received. However, note that the Taiwan pricing is somewhat higher.

Score: 4.68 (as of 2025/12/22)

Glocal eSIM (GlocalNet) - Aiming for Balance Between Cost and Speed

Glocal eSIM can be activated immediately by scanning a QR code. Flexible period settings from 3 to 30 days, support for 5G, and Japanese support provide peace of mind.

Speed in Korea is sufficient for video viewing. No restrictions when using 15GB, and the low-cost rates in Thailand, Hawaii, Korea, and Taiwan are appealing. However, there are issues such as speed reduction during certain times in Hawaii, and higher prices in Italy.

Score: 4.36 (as of 2025/12/22)

Ubigi (Transatel) - Ideal for Hawaii Use

Ubigi offers fast speeds suitable for video streaming in Hawaii. Supports over 200 countries, with not only flexible 7-30 day plans but also monthly and yearly plans.

Low likelihood of restrictions during one-day video use in Korea. Prices are relatively low in Hawaii and Italy. Be aware that speeds for SNS browsing in Korea may be insufficient, and there are no 3-day plans or activation delay issues.

Score: 4.21 (as of 2025/12/22)

eSIM square (Telecom Square) - Support for Japanese Language Users

eSIM square provides comfortable video viewing in Korea and Hawaii. Supports over 200 countries, with recharge options as needed. 24-hour Japanese chat support is a strong point.

In tests, no restrictions after using 15GB in Korea, and Korean SIMs are inexpensive. However, prices are high in Hawaii and Italy, and the lack of 3-day plans for Taiwan and Thailand is a disadvantage.

Score: 4.17 (as of 2025/12/22)

Cost-Conscious Users: Cost-Performance Optimized ESIM

airalo (AIRALO) - More Savings with Discount Codes

Airalo, offered by AIRALO from Singapore, supports over 200 countries and regions, with 53 languages and multiple currency payment options, plus 24-hour multilingual support.

Using discount codes can give 15% off, with Korea, Hawaii, and Italy at the lowest prices, and Taiwan also affordable. For browsing sites, Korea’s 1-day limit is less likely to be triggered. However, speeds may be insufficient for video streaming, and the 3-day plan in Thailand is not available.

Score: 4.08 (as of 2025/12/22)

DHA SIM - Limited Supported Countries but Very Cheap

DHA SIM offers both eSIM and SIM card options. Activation via QR code is simple, but delivery by mail requires some pre-arrangement.

Speeds in Korea and Hawaii are sufficient for video viewing, and Taiwan is at the lowest price level. Korea and Hawaii are also reasonably priced. Be aware that the supported countries are limited, and there are no 3-day plans for Thailand or 7-day plans for Italy. Long-term SNS and site browsing in Korea may face restrictions.

Score: 4.02 (as of 2025/12/22)

TRAVeSIM (a2network) - Emphasizing Resistance to Restrictions

TRAVeSIM supports over 140 countries, with multi-country roaming plans available. Compatible with 5G, and offers Japanese support 24/7/365.

Restrictions are less likely during one-day video use in Korea. Prices are affordable for Korea, Taiwan, Hawaii, and Italy SIMs. However, speeds for video are sometimes insufficient, and the 3-day plan for Thailand is not available.

Score: 3.99 (as of 2025/12/22)

Holafly - Unlimited Plans as a Feature

Holafly, originating from Spain, offers unlimited plans in over 120 countries, with monthly and yearly plans available for over 30 days of use. Purchases and referrals earn HolaCoins, which can be used for discounts on future purchases.

Affordable rates in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hawaii, and Italy, with low risk of speed restrictions during one-day video streaming in Korea. However, browsing sites may experience slower speeds.

Score: 3.82 (as of 2025/12/22)

Overall Balanced Choice: For Those Prioritizing Balance

Trifa - Reliable Support

Trifa supports over 200 countries and regions worldwide, with easy purchase and activation via app. Features 24/7 Japanese chat support and a wide range of plans from short to long term.

Video streaming in Hawaii is at a sufficient speed, and there are no restrictions after using 15GB in Korea. Overall, prices are somewhat high, and SNS/site browsing speeds in Korea could be better.

Score: 3.72 (as of 2025/12/17)

SkyeSiM (FREEDiVE) - Flexible Plan Settings

Revamped from SkySiM, SkyeSiM allows selection of data volume and days on a daily basis. Usable in over 120 countries. No app needed; easy purchase via website, with multiple payment options.

Prices in Hawaii are relatively low. However, prices are higher in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Italy. The 7-day unlimited plan in Italy is unavailable, and SNS browsing speeds in Korea and Hawaii can be unstable depending on the time.

Score: 3.71 (as of 2025/12/22)

Points to Consider When Choosing an Overseas ESIM Service

From the verification results of these 10 services, it becomes clear that “there is no single best ESIM.” The optimal service varies depending on the destination country, purpose of use, and length of stay.

If you prioritize video and SNS browsing, consider services with good speed test results like World ESIM or Glocal eSIM. To save costs, utilize discounts on airalo or Holafly. For comprehensive support, choose services with robust Japanese language support. Clarify your priorities before selecting a service.

Next time you travel or go on a business trip abroad, refer to these comparison results to choose the most suitable overseas ESIM service.