Top 10 Travel Destinations Where eSIM Saves You the Most Money
Not all destinations are created equal when it comes to mobile data costs. In some countries, local SIMs are expensive and tourist-targeted plans come with a hefty markup. In others, international roaming fees can drain your budget before you've had your first local coffee.
Here are the top 10 destinations where eSIM saves you the most money — and exactly how much you'll save.
1. Japan 🇯🇵
Without eSIM: Japan is notorious for expensive tourist SIMs. A 7-day tourist data card at the airport often costs $30–$50 for just 3–5 GB.
With Roaming2 eSIM: A Japan-specific plan with 10 GB costs around $12–$18.
You save: 60–70%
Tip: Japanese convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) sell SIMs too, but setup requires registration with a passport, and instructions are often in Japanese only.
2. United States 🇺🇸
Without eSIM: US carriers charge a premium. Prepaid tourist SIMs at airport kiosks run $40–$60 for 15 GB. Roaming from abroad? That's $10–$25 per GB.
With Roaming2 eSIM: A US regional plan with 10 GB costs $15–$22.
You save: 55–75%
3. Thailand 🇹🇭
Without eSIM: Tourist SIMs at Bangkok airport start at $15–$25 for 8–15 GB. The process involves registration and Thai-language menus.
With Roaming2 eSIM: An Asia regional plan with 10 GB costs $10–$16.
You save: 40–60%
4. United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Without eSIM: UK pay-as-you-go SIMs at airports cost $20–$35 for 5–10 GB. Roaming from EU carriers often adds surcharges post-Brexit.
With Roaming2 eSIM: Europe regional plan with 10 GB costs $12–$18.
You save: 45–65%
5. Australia 🇦🇺
Without eSIM: Prepaid SIMs at Australian airports cost $25–$45 for 10–20 GB, with limited validity periods.
With Roaming2 eSIM: A global plan covering Australia with 10 GB costs $15–$22.
You save: 40–60%
6. United Arab Emirates (Dubai) 🇦🇪
Without eSIM: Tourist SIMs at Dubai airport cost $20–$35 for just 5–10 GB. Hotel Wi-Fi often has time limits.
With Roaming2 eSIM: A global plan with 10 GB costs $15–$22.
You save: 40–55%
7. Brazil 🇧🇷
Without eSIM: Brazil has high import taxes on electronics, and tourist SIMs reflect that. Expect to pay $25–$40 for 5–10 GB.
With Roaming2 eSIM: Americas regional plan with 10 GB costs $12–$18.
You save: 55–70%
8. South Korea 🇰🇷
Without eSIM: Korea has excellent 5G but expensive tourist SIMs: $30–$50 for 5–10 GB. Pocket Wi-Fi rental adds another $3–$5/day.
With Roaming2 eSIM: An Asia plan with 10 GB costs $10–$16.
You save: 55–70%
9. South Africa 🇿🇦
Without eSIM: Tourist SIMs at Cape Town or Johannesburg airports cost $20–$35 for 5–10 GB. Roaming from international carriers is extremely expensive.
With Roaming2 eSIM: A global plan with 10 GB costs $15–$22.
You save: 45–60%
10. Italy 🇮🇹
Without eSIM: Tourist SIMs in Rome or Milan cost $25–$40 for 10 GB. Many shops have limited hours and long queues.
With Roaming2 eSIM: Europe regional plan with 10 GB costs $12–$18.
You save: 50–65%
How to Maximize Your Savings
| Strategy | Savings |
|---|---|
| Buy a regional plan for multi-country trips | Up to 40% vs buying per-country plans |
| Pre-book before you fly | Avoid airport markup (15–30% premium) |
| Choose the right data amount | Don't over-buy; top up if needed |
| Use dual SIM | Keep home SIM, no extra device needed |
Pro tip: For trips covering multiple countries on this list (e.g., Japan + Korea, or Italy + UK), a regional plan saves even more than individual country plans.
Start Saving with Roaming2
Ready to cut your mobile data costs by half or more on your next trip?
Roaming2 offers affordable eSIM plans for 150+ countries with instant delivery, easy installation, and 24/7 support.
- No tourist markups — fair prices everywhere
- Regional and global plans — one plan, multiple countries
- Instant activation — no queues, no paperwork
Find your destination on Roaming2 →
More data, less money, zero hassle. That's the eSIM advantage.
