eSIM for International Travel

Are you trying to find an eSIM for travel worldwide? Stay seamlessly connected across borders by downloading a global eSIM directly to your smartphone—just scan, activate, and go. Whether you're flying from Toronto to Tokyo, road-tripping from Vancouver to Baja California, or hopping across Europe from Montreal, an eSIM has you covered.

In this guide, we will walk you through every aspect of choosing, activating, and using an eSIM for international travel. Keep reading to get an eSIM that suits you best!

*Price would fluctuate due to different season and activities.

What Is an International eSIM?

An eSIM is built into your smartphone, tablet, or wearable device, which is like a digital version of the traditional SIM card.

It functions just like a traditional physical SIM card—except you simply scan a QR code or enter configuration details to download a mobile plan, without a physical card.

Trip.com eSIM Reviews—from Global Users

Throughout my stay abroad. It's easy to install the eSIM QR with compatible phone checks. No problem on video call at all. Upload high-resolution photos to my IG without delays! Awesome..highly recommended, pls see How other users comment after using it for more reference:

How Does a Global eSIM Work?

In a way, an eSIM is like a digital SIM card that you can use to connect to the internet and make calls over your network. It is electronically built into the device chip, so there is no need for a physical card.

You don't have to turn off, remove, or insert physical cards when you get to a new country. Just change your default cellular data line to your travel eSIM.

ESIM works with the latest top-of-the-line phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and other companies. Major Canadian carriers, as well as many mobile virtual network operators, now offer eSIM provisioning for both domestic and international plans.

🔥✨Below are our popular eSIM packages on Trip.com. Grab New User Coupon for eSIM, Attraction Tickets & Tours Below!

eSIM vs. Physical SIM vs. WiFi Router

We are going to look at three ways to connect to a network: eSIM cards, physical SIM cards, and Wi-Fi routers. Which connectivity option is best for you depends on how much it costs, how easy it is to use, how much you want to share, how well it supports voice calls, and what devices you have.

The main differences between the 3 ways to connect are shown below in a table👇

• Many Canadians who travel choose eSIM cards because they are quick and easy to use. You don't need a physical card, and they are easy to set up on your device.
• If your device doesn't support eSIM or you'd rather use the old-fashioned way, you should switch to a physical SIM card when you get there.
• Groups or families who need to share an internet connection can use a Wi-Fi router. They are also useful when neither an eSIM nor a SIM card is available.

Do international eSIM cards include voice and data capabilities?

Data-Only vs. Voice & Data Plans

• Most international eSIMs are data-only, optimized for internet access, messaging apps (WhatsApp, iMessage), and VoIP services (Skype, Zoom). They often do not include a traditional phone number or voice minutes.
• Some providers offer voice-capable eSIM plans, charging per minute or bundling local minutes. Availability varies by region.

Using eSIM for Voice

If you need voice calls on a local number (like to confirm tours or call your hotel, for example), just consider👇

• Hybrid solution: Maintain your Canadian physical SIM for voice and shift only the data to eSIM.
• eSIM voice add-ons: Opt for a plan with local minutes.
• VoIP services: Use apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and Google Voice to make free or affordable calls over data.

Best Global eSIM Providers for International Travel by Canadians

Trip.com eSIM: Cheap Price & Flexible Plans

It is safe to use Trip.com as an eSIM provider for travelers. It lets you buy prepaid global data plans that cover a lot of countries, and you can start using them right away.

Trip.com's eSIM works in more than 100 countries, such as the USA, UK, EU, China, Australia, and Japan. Plan sizes range from 500 MB to 30 GB or even unlimited. You will be able to find the best package for your needs and length of stay.

👉Here are some recommended plans:

Trip.com eSIM: 24/7 Customer Support

Trip.com provides 24/7 customer service to address any issues that may come up. With fluency in English, Korean, Cantonese, and other languages, the multilingual staff serves a diverse range of tourists. From eSIM questions to any other travel-related issues, Trip.com is always here to help!

How to Activate an International eSIM？

Before purchase, just confirm whether you have an eSIM phone according to the description of the product page. The activation process is slightly different per device OS.

Here are detailed instructions for the two most widely used platforms, customized specifically for those traveling worldwide👇

Troubleshooting Activation Issues

• Invalid QR code: Make sure you scanned the right version of the code and that it wasn't expired. Request a new QR if needed.
• No network: Toggle Airplane Mode on/off; Restart device; Ensure Data Roaming is activated.
• Profile will not download: Verify the device's Operating System version (iOS 12.1+ & Android 10+ are typically needed).
• Several eSIM profiles: Remove outdated or unused profiles to release the provisioning slots.

How Much Does an eSIM for International Travel?

Pricing is determined by the volume of data and their date ranges, your geographic coverage, and the source you select. Trip. com offers a number of international travel options in their eSIM.

We recommend the “Unlimited Data” plan: If you're a short-term traveler, or just want to ensure unlimited access without having to monitor your data usage. If you're looking to minimize your costs for international eSIM use, the "Limited Data" plan is probably a wise choice.

We'll create a price list for you based on your interests. Click the button, and away you go to your destination!

3 Reasons eSIM Is Great for Travel Abroad

1. Immediate Communication

Connect minutes after touching down in Bangkok, Paris or Calgary. Forget about selling out or scrounging for airport kiosks.

2. Kill Physical SIM Hassles

It is easy to lose, damage or deactivate small cards if they are improperly ejected. These profiles are securely stored in your device and always on hand.

3. Smooth Dual-SIM Control

Keep your Canadian number for calls and SMS while also accessing another international data plan. Alter the voice and data defaults in settings without turning it off.

3 Major Cons of Using eSIM while Traveling Internationally

1. Limitations on Device Compatibility

eSIM is only compatible with new devices (iPhone XR/XS and above; premium Android 10+ devices). But older or cheaper models still won't work.

2. Incompatible with Other Devices

Unlike a physical SIM, which you can port between any unlocked phone, eSIM profiles are hard-locked to the devices they came with and cannot be traded between one another.

3. Limited Capabilities for Voice

A lot of plans are data-only. If you need local voice minutes as part of your itinerary (perhaps calling local services or hotel desks or taxi dispatch), then you may want a hybrid approach with your home SIM (or VoIP apps).

Handy eSIM Tips for International Travelers of Canada

Check device compatibility: Make sure your device is compatible with dual-SIM and eSIM features before you're in Canada to make purchases.

• Have a roaming backup plan: Keep an active roaming pack with your Canadian carrier as a backstop in the event that your eSIM provider goes down.
• Check coverage maps: The international eSIM provider's partner networks vary by country. Check coverage quality in remote or rural areas.

Many travelers prefer Trip. com's eSIM: it's reliable and not too expensive. Start using Trip. com's eSIM right now!