Global coverage where digital nomads actually go
For digital nomads, the best eSIM is the one that works in the places you actually live and work, not just on a coverage map. In 2026, hotspots like Lisbon, Barcelona, Chiang Mai, Bali, Mexico City and Medellín are well served by most major travel eSIM brands, but performance still varies by provider and local network partner.
Before buying, always check two things: which local network the eSIM uses, and whether 4G/5G is available in the areas you’ll stay. For example, an eSIM that connects to the strongest carrier in Lisbon might default to a weaker one in Bali, which can affect video calls and hotspot use.
Tools like RoamCompare make this quick: you can filter by country or region, see which networks each plan uses, and compare live prices for the cities on your route. That way you avoid guessing at the airport and pick a plan that’s already proven in nomad hubs.
Regional and multi‑country plans for border hopping
If you move between countries every few weeks, regional eSIMs are usually better value than buying a new country plan each time. Europe‑wide, Asia‑Pacific and Pan‑Americas eSIMs let you cross borders without losing data or re‑installing profiles.
For example, a Europe regional plan can cover a month of Schengen‑hopping between Portugal, Spain and Germany on one eSIM. In Southeast Asia, a single Asia‑Pacific plan can follow you from Thailand to Vietnam and Indonesia, ideal for slow travel and visa runs. This reduces admin and avoids surprise roaming fees when you forget to switch plans at the border.
On RoamCompare you can view both country‑specific and regional options side by side. The recommendation engine ranks plans by value, so you can see whether a 30‑day regional pass or a stack of shorter local plans will be cheaper for your itinerary.
Data‑only vs full‑service eSIMs and dual‑SIM setups
Most travel eSIMs are data‑only. They’re perfect if you live in WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack and Zoom, and don’t need a local number. These plans are often cheaper and simpler, and you can handle almost everything through apps, from client calls to landlord messages.
Full‑service eSIMs add local numbers, voice minutes and SMS. They’re useful for banking one‑time codes, job interviews, or booking apartment viewings where agents prefer to call or text a local number. In some countries, delivery drivers and government services still rely heavily on regular calls and SMS, so having that option can save time and stress.
A powerful setup for nomads is dual‑SIM: keep your physical SIM from home active for 2FA, family and long‑term clients, and add a travel eSIM for local or regional data. You can route mobile data through the eSIM while leaving your home number on standby for calls and texts. RoamCompare’s compatibility checker helps you confirm your phone supports dual‑SIM with eSIM before you commit to this workflow.
Pricing, data needs and hotspot use for remote work
Nomads work very differently, so the best eSIM plan depends on how you use data. Light users who mostly check email, maps and messaging can often get by on small, low‑cost bundles or day passes. Heavy video‑call users and content creators usually need larger monthly plans or unlimited options to avoid constant top‑ups and throttling.
If you run daily Zoom calls or upload large files, look for plans that clearly allow hotspot and tethering. This lets you turn your phone into a reliable router for your laptop, tablet and even a travel partner’s devices during coworking sessions or long train rides. Some cheaper plans block tethering or slow speeds after a small allowance, which can break your workflow mid‑project.
At RoamCompare you can estimate your data needs using an intelligent data estimator based on thousands of travellers. Combine that with live prices and filters for hotspot‑friendly plans, and you can quickly match your work style to the right bundle, whether that’s a flexible day pass, a 30‑day regional plan or a heavy‑data option for creators.
Staying connected with confidence
Choosing an eSIM as a digital nomad becomes much easier once you focus on a few key points: coverage in real nomad hubs, regional flexibility, the right mix of data and calls, hotspot support, and a device that can juggle multiple lines. With a bit of planning and the help of comparison tools like RoamCompare, you can land in any new city already connected, ready to work, and free from airport SIM hunts or bill shocks.