Which overseas SIM card/eSIM is the best? We thoroughly tested 10 services through actual measurements

Communication environment is essential for overseas travel and business trips. Do you know that your choice of sim card can significantly change the balance between cost and speed? In fact, there are so many types of overseas SIM cards and eSIM services that most people struggle to choose the right one. This time, we have conducted real-world tests on the top 10 popular overseas eSIM services from three perspectives: “affordability,” “communication speed,” and “ease of speed restrictions.” We provide a comprehensive guide to help you find the best one for your travel style.

Three Evaluation Criteria That Influence Overseas Communication

To avoid mistakes when choosing a sim card abroad, there are key points to keep in mind. Simply choosing the “cheapest” option can lead to tragedies like being unable to watch videos or access social media.

Affordability: Even with the same data volume, price differences by country are obvious. Especially in Asia and Europe, the differences are significant.

Communication Speed: More important than the “Mbps” number is the actual website loading speed and whether videos can be played smoothly without interruption.

Ease of Speed Restrictions: Even with large data plans, depending on usage, speed may unexpectedly drop at certain times.

Actual Ranking: Which overseas eSIM is best for you?

【1st Place】World eSIM (Vision) - Overall Score 4.68 points

Unbeatable in Korea and Hawaii. Affordable and versatile

This service supports over 200 countries, with outstanding performance especially in Korea and Hawaii. There is a modest but appreciated 10% discount via the app.

In Korea, using 15GB did not trigger speed restrictions, and videos played smoothly. The same level of comfort is achieved in Hawaii. It is also among the cheapest options in Thailand. However, the higher pricing in Taiwan is a bit disappointing.

【2nd Place】Glocal eSIM (GlocalNet) - Overall Score 4.36 points

Balanced. Successfully combines price and speed

You can start using immediately by scanning a QR code, with plans from 3 to 30 days available. Supports 5G and offers Japanese support, making it user-friendly.

In Korea, speeds are sufficient for video viewing. Confirmed to use 15GB without restrictions. Prices are low in Thailand, and also affordable in Hawaii, Korea, and Taiwan. However, speed drops were observed during nighttime in Hawaii, and Italy’s prices are somewhat high, so caution is advised.

【3rd Place】Ubigi (Transatel) - Overall Score 4.21 points

Top choice for Hawaii travelers

Supports over 200 countries, with flexible plans from 7 to 30 days, as well as monthly and yearly options. Data management via app is intuitive.

Hawaii’s communication speed is among the best tested. In Korea, even after watching videos for a day, the risk of restrictions is low. Prices are reasonable in Hawaii and Italy, offering excellent cost performance. However, in Korea, speeds for browsing SNS and websites are somewhat lacking, and the absence of a 3-day plan is a minor drawback. The activation process can take a bit longer to recognize the device.

【4th Place】eSIM square (Telecom Square) - Overall Score 4.17 points

High-speed communication in Korea and Hawaii is a highlight. 24-hour Japanese support available

Supports over 200 countries/regions, with recharge options. 24-hour Japanese chat support provides peace of mind when needed.

Ensures video-level speeds in Korea and Hawaii. Capable of using 15GB in Korea without restrictions. The price in Korea is relatively low. On the downside, prices in Hawaii and Italy are higher, and 3-day plans for Taiwan and Thailand are not available.

【5th Place】airalo (AIRALO) - Overall Score 4.08 points

Lowest-cost candidate, but with some speed compromises

A provider originating from Singapore, supporting over 200 countries and regions worldwide. Offers support in 53 languages, multi-currency payments, and 24-hour multilingual support, reflecting an international operation.

Has a trick of 15% discount with referral codes. Prices in Korea, Hawaii, and Italy are among the lowest during testing. Browsing sites in Korea for a day is unlikely to cause restrictions. However, video streaming speeds are insufficient, and the 3-day plan for Thailand is not available, which is a downside.

【6th Place】DHA SIM (DHA SIM) - Overall Score 4.02 points

Limited supported countries, but good if supported

Allows choosing between eSIM and physical SIM; eSIM activation via QR code. However, receiving the QR code by mail requires some planning.

Achieves video-level speeds in Korea and Hawaii. Taiwan’s prices are among the lowest, and Korea and Hawaii are also affordable. Good options for short-term use. But missing plans include the 3-day in Thailand and 7-day in Italy, and long browsing sessions in Korea may risk restrictions.

【7th Place】TRAVeSIM (a2network) - Overall Score 3.99 points

Cost-conscious users should consider. Speed could be better

Supports over 140 countries, with multi-country roaming plans available. 5G compatible, with 24/7 Japanese support, highly rated.

Features durability, such as limited restrictions even after watching videos in Korea for a day. Prices are low in Korea, Taiwan, Hawaii, and Italy, making it a good choice for travelers planning multiple countries. However, speeds are somewhat lacking for video streaming in Korea and Hawaii, and the 3-day plan for Thailand is missing.

【8th Place】Holafly (Holafly) - Overall Score 3.82 points

Unlimited plans and discount systems are attractive. Speed issues present

Originating from Spain, offering unlimited plans in over 120 countries. Also provides monthly and yearly plans for over 30 days of use. Has a point system to accumulate discounts for future purchases.

Affordable pricing, with low likelihood of restrictions during 1-day video viewing in Korea. However, speed is insufficient for browsing in Korea and Hawaii, and SNS use may be hindered.

【9th Place】Trifa (Trifa) - Overall Score 3.72 points

Flexible restrictions, but price and speed are concerns

Supports over 200 countries, with easy app purchase and activation. 24/7 Japanese chat support and a variety of plans are impressive.

Achieves video-level speeds in Hawaii. Confirmed to use 15GB in Korea without restrictions. However, speeds in Korea for SNS and browsing are insufficient, and overall prices are relatively high, making it less suitable for cost-conscious users.

【10th Place】SkyeSiM (FREEDiVE) - Overall Score 3.71 points

More expensive outside Hawaii. Stability concerns

A revamped version of SkySiM, allowing selection of daily data volume and days. Supports over 120 countries, with simple purchase from the website without needing an app.

Hawaii’s prices are relatively low. Other countries like Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Italy have higher prices, and Italy’s unlimited 7-day plan is missing. SNS browsing in Korea and Hawaii can be insufficient depending on the time, with some restrictions observed in Korea.

Conclusion: The best overseas SIM depends on your travel plan

For short trips to Korea or Hawaii, World eSIM is recommended. For balanced performance, Glocal eSIM is suitable. For multiple countries, TRAVeSIM is a good choice. The key to choosing an overseas SIM card or eSIM is not just comparing prices but considering your usage patterns and destinations. Use these test results as a reference to find the perfect sim card for you.