Real-World Price Comparison by Destination
| Country | Best Local Physical SIM | Price | Best Travel eSIM (Airalo) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | DTAC Tourist SIM (15 GB / 15 days) | $10 | Airalo 10 GB / 30 days | $18 |
| Japan | IIJmio Voice + Data SIM (15 GB / 30 days) | $25 | Airalo 10 GB / 30 days | $22 |
| Spain / EU | Lebara SIM (30 GB / 30 days) | $20 | Airalo 20 GB / 30 days | $20 |
| USA | T-Mobile Prepaid (50 GB / 30 days) | $30 | Airalo 10 GB / 30 days | $35 |
| Indonesia | Telkomsel Tourist SIM (10 GB / 7 days) | $8 | Airalo 5 GB / 30 days | $13 |
The Case for Local Physical SIM
- Cheapest option, full stop — local carriers don't add a reseller margin
- Usually includes local calls and SMS — useful for booking local transport or restaurants
- Can be topped up at any convenience store or carrier shop
- Better network selection: you can choose any local carrier, not just those partnered with eSIM resellers
- In Thailand: 7-Eleven sells DTAC, AIS, and True Move SIMs — no queuing at the airport
Thailand is arguably the world's most tourist-friendly country for local SIM cards. DTAC, AIS, and True Move tourist SIMs are sold at every 7-Eleven, airport convenience store, and major shopping mall — no ID required for tourist prepaid plans. A 15 GB / 15-day SIM costs roughly ฿299 ($8). See our Thailand eSIM guide for a full comparison of local vs eSIM options in Bangkok and beyond.
The Case for Travel eSIM
- Convenience: purchase and install before you land, arrive with internet already working
- No airport queuing, no language barriers at carrier shops
- Zero risk of losing or damaging the SIM card
- Works immediately upon landing (great for navigating from the airport)
- Multi-country plans: eSIM regional plans cover multiple countries; physical SIM typically doesn't
- Identity verification not required (unlike China, India, Saudi Arabia for physical SIM)
When You Can't Get a Local Physical SIM (or It's Not Worth It)
| Country | Physical SIM Barrier |
|---|---|
| China | Requires passport, possibly local address; limited tourist SIM availability |
| India | Requires passport, address proof, 24-48h activation delay for foreigners |
| Saudi Arabia | Requires passport; some carriers require a local sponsor or hotel address |
| South Korea | Tourist SIMs widely available, but airport queues can be 45+ minutes |
| Japan | Data-only tourist SIMs are easy; voice SIMs require ID and can be complex |
Get eSIM plans, speed data, and connectivity tips for your destination.
The Verdict: When to Use Each
For trips under 5 days: the convenience premium of an eSIM is worth it. For trips of 2+ weeks in a single country where local SIM purchase is easy: buy local and save 40–70%. For multi-country trips or countries with ID barriers: eSIM wins every time.
Airalo — Best eSIM for Multi-Country Trips
Regional eSIM plans cover up to 17 countries under a single plan. From $17 for Asia, $15 for Europe. No physical SIM juggling, no airport queues.
Compare Regional Plans