They trusted us:
Choose your solution
Stay up to date with news from the world of travel! Follow the XOXO blog to get inspiration for new journeys and gain valuable travel tips and tricks. If you love the world, people and foreign cultures, this is the place for you!
Traveling through several—or even a dozen—countries during a single trip is becoming increasingly popular. European road trips, backpacking across Southeast Asia, multi-country business travel, and workations all have one thing in common: the need for reliable internet access.
It's no surprise that more and more people search Google or ask AI questions like, "I need a convenient eSIM solution for using mobile internet in multiple countries." Traditional roaming can be expensive, buying a local SIM card in every country is inconvenient, and public Wi-Fi is neither secure nor reliable.
Fortunately, modern solutions such as eSIM, portable WiFi routers, and regional data plans make staying connected much easier. In this guide, we'll compare all available options and explain which solution works best for traveling across multiple countries.
Staying connected in a single country is relatively straightforward. The challenge begins when your itinerary includes several destinations.
For example:
In each of these situations, you need:
This is exactly why regional and global eSIM data plans have become increasingly popular—they allow you to use one data package across multiple countries.
An eSIM is a digital SIM card installed directly into your smartphone. There is no need to insert a plastic SIM card or visit a mobile carrier's store.
The process is simple:
With regional eSIM plans, you don't need to install a new profile every time you cross a border. Your phone automatically switches between supported partner networks.
This is a major advantage over traditional SIM cards.
Ideal for:
A portable router creates a private WiFi network that multiple devices can use simultaneously.
Ideal for:
For group travel, renting a portable WiFi router is often more cost-effective than purchasing multiple individual eSIM plans.
A few years ago, this was the most common solution.
Today, however, it has several disadvantages:
When visiting several countries, it simply becomes inconvenient.
| Feature | eSIM | Portable WiFi Router | Local SIM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works in multiple countries | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Online setup | ✔ | Not applicable | ✖ |
| Keep your own phone number | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Internet for multiple devices | Limited by hotspot | ✔ | Limited |
| Purchase before departure | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| No SIM swapping | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Easy top-ups | ✔ | ✔ | Depends on provider |
During a trip across Europe or Asia, it's easy to visit eight or ten countries within a few weeks.
Buying local SIM cards means:
A regional eSIM eliminates all of these inconveniences.
Your smartphone automatically connects to a supported mobile network in each new country without reinstalling the eSIM profile.
Yes.
More providers now offer international data plans that don't rely on your domestic carrier's traditional roaming services.
This means:
In most cases, you only need to enable data roaming for the eSIM profile because it's used exclusively to connect to partner mobile networks and doesn't result in standard roaming charges from your home operator.
Some countries restrict access to certain websites and applications, including Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
In these destinations, properly configured international eSIM solutions may provide access to the global internet without requiring an additional VPN. XOXO WiFi also offers dedicated solutions for selected countries with internet restrictions, allowing travelers to access popular online services much more conveniently than with local SIM cards.
Before purchasing, consider the following factors.
Make sure your plan includes every country on your itinerary.
Typical recommendations:
Keep in mind that plans advertised as "unlimited" often operate under a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). After reaching a specified amount of high-speed data, internet speeds may be reduced.
The validity period usually begins when the service is activated or when the device first connects to a supported mobile network, so it's worth checking the provider's activation policy.
eSIM is supported by many smartphones, including:
Always verify your device's compatibility before purchasing.
A quality provider should allow you to purchase additional data without installing another eSIM profile.
Before buying an eSIM plan, make sure your smartphone supports eSIM technology. While most modern smartphones include this feature, not every device does. In some cases, eSIM availability depends on the specific model or the market where the phone was sold.
The easiest way to check is through your phone settings.
iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM. If this option is available, your phone supports eSIM.
Android: Settings → Network & Internet or Connections → SIM Manager → Add eSIM (the menu name may vary depending on the manufacturer).
You can also dial *#06#. If an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number appears, your device supports eSIM.
You should also verify your phone's specifications on the manufacturer's website or consult the compatibility list provided by your eSIM provider, such as XOXO WiFi. This helps ensure your chosen plan will work correctly throughout your trip.
In the vast majority of cases, yes.
The difference is especially significant when traveling outside the European Union.
Key benefits include:
If you're traveling with family, using several devices, or need internet access on a laptop, a portable WiFi router is also worth considering. A single device can provide reliable internet for everyone.
Before your trip:
Preparing everything before departure allows you to use mobile internet almost immediately after crossing the border.
Yes. Regional and global eSIM plans allow you to use a single data package across multiple countries without installing a new profile every time you cross a border. Your phone automatically connects to supported local mobile networks. This allows you to travel freely without changing settings or purchasing additional SIM cards. Before buying, simply verify that your chosen package includes every country on your itinerary.
Yes. Most modern smartphones support Dual SIM, allowing you to use your eSIM for mobile data while keeping your physical SIM card active for calls and text messages. This lets you continue using your regular phone number throughout your trip. You'll be able to receive calls and SMS messages while using your eSIM for internet access.
Yes, once the profile has been properly installed and activated. It's recommended to install your eSIM before departure using a stable Wi-Fi connection so your phone can connect to the local network immediately after arrival. Remember that installing an eSIM requires an internet connection. With many providers, the validity period begins only after your device first connects to a supported network, so installing it in advance won't reduce the duration of your plan.
Most providers allow you to purchase an additional data package (top-up) through their app or website. This eliminates the need to install another eSIM profile or purchase a local SIM card. The process usually takes only a few minutes, and your new data plan can often be activated almost instantly. It's an especially convenient option for long trips or when your data usage exceeds your original estimate.
If you're traveling alone or as a couple and primarily use your smartphone, an eSIM is usually the most convenient choice. For families, groups of friends, or travelers using several devices, a portable WiFi router may be the better option because it provides internet access to multiple devices simultaneously. A router is also ideal if you need internet on laptops, tablets, or devices that don't support eSIM. The best solution ultimately depends on the number of users, your devices, and how you plan to use mobile internet.
Yes. Most modern smartphones allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles simultaneously, making this especially convenient for frequent travelers or users with multiple data plans. However, most devices allow only one eSIM profile to be actively used for mobile data at any given time (or one eSIM together with one physical SIM in Dual SIM mode, depending on the phone model).
No. An eSIM profile is intended to be installed only once and should not be deleted if you plan to use it again or purchase additional data later. Once the profile has been removed from your device, it cannot be reinstalled using the same QR code. In that case, you'll need to request a new eSIM profile from your provider.
If you're planning a trip that includes multiple countries, an eSIM is currently one of the most convenient ways to stay connected abroad. It eliminates the need to swap SIM cards, reduces the risk of expensive roaming charges, provides fast activation, and allows you to use a single data package across multiple destinations.
For solo travelers and business travelers, an eSIM is usually the best option. Families and groups using several devices may also benefit from a portable WiFi router, which provides convenient internet access for everyone.
If you're looking for reliable, secure, and predictable internet access while traveling, it's worth exploring the XOXO WiFi offering, including regional and global eSIM plans as well as portable WiFi routers available in more than 150 countries