Roaming with your operator
You keep your SIM card and your number, with nothing to install. It is the simplest solution, but the price depends entirely on your operator and your plan: some zones are included, others are charged by usage or by the day.
- Who it suits: short stays in a zone included in your plan, or very occasional use.
- Check before you travel: rates for the zone, included allowance, charges beyond it.
- European Union: if your plan is from an EU country, roaming within the EU is generally charged as it would be at home, within the limits set by your operator.
Local SIM card
A card bought on arrival from an operator in the country. It gives you a local number, useful for calling businesses, receiving codes by text or using mobile payment services tied to a number.
- Who it suits: long stays, people who need a local number.
- Drawbacks: finding a shop or counter when you arrive, often showing ID, inserting the card (and removing yours if the phone only has one slot).
Data eSIM
A digital profile that you install before you leave. It provides mobile data on the networks of partner operators in the country, while your usual SIM stays in place for calls and texts.
- Who it suits: travellers who want to be online as soon as they land, short or multi-country trips, travellers who want to stay reachable on their own number.
- Limits: no local number, and a compatible, unlocked phone is required.
In short: which option for your trip
- Short stay, need internet as soon as you arrive: data eSIM.
- Several countries in a row: regional eSIM (a single plan), or roaming if all the countries are included in your plan.
- Long stay with a need for a local number: local SIM card, possibly as well as an eSIM.
- Zone included in your mobile plan: roaming, after checking your allowance.
Whatever you choose, turn off data roaming on the line you are not using for internet: it is the main source of unexpected charges.
To stay reachable on your number while using the eSIM for internet, see keeping your main number.