Over the past few years, I’ve become a big advocate for eSIMs. When I travel, I don’t leave home without installing one. I’ve tried several international eSIM providers and, through trial and error, have settled on three I use regularly. For this Nomad eSIM review, I’m taking a closer look at one of my favourites.
There was a time when I relied entirely on physical SIM cards. The problem was that I often had no mobile data when I first landed, which made simple tasks like using Google Maps, contacting my accommodation, or messaging a driver much harder than they needed to be.
That happened to me in Guatemala City, where I spent hours searching for a physical SIM before finally finding one at a local mall. That was the last time I arrived somewhere unfamiliar without mobile data already set up on my phone. Since then, having an eSIM ready before arrival has made trips much easier, whether I’m finding transportation in Bangkok, navigating in Kolkata, or messaging a driver in Delhi.
👉 Check out my carry-on packing list to see how a travel eSIM has become part of my pre-trip checklist.
This post is sponsored by Nomad eSIM. I was compensated for this review, but all opinions and experiences are my own. Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
My Nomad eSIM Test
For this Nomad eSIM review, I tested the service in Canada, and it performed flawlessly. I’ll cover setup, plans, coverage, pricing, activation, customer support, pros and cons, and who I think Nomad eSIM is best suited for.
Quick answer: Nomad eSIM is a flexible international eSIM option with coverage in 200+ destinations, fixed-data and unlimited plans in many locations, straightforward app-based installation, and the ability to view the local mobile network provider before purchasing. In my experience, setup has been easy, and coverage has been strong.
👉 Check current Nomad eSIM plans and pricing for your destination. Use code GLOBEDIGGER15 at check out for a 15% discount
What Is Nomad eSIM?
Nomad eSIM is an international eSIM service that lets travellers purchase and activate mobile data plans without needing a physical SIM card. It offers coverage in 200+ destinations, with individual country-specific plans as well as regional options for travelers visiting multiple destinations.
Depending on the destination, Nomad eSIM offers a mix of fixed-data and unlimited-data plans, giving travelers some flexibility based on how much data they expect to use and how long they’ll be away. Everything can be purchased and managed through the Nomad app, including choosing a destination, selecting a plan, and activating the eSIM.
Nomad eSIM is primarily designed for mobile data, rather than replacing a traditional SIM card with a local phone number. For me, that works well because most of what I need while traveling — Google Maps, WhatsApp, transportation apps, email and social media — relies on data anyway.
How Does an International eSIM Work?
If you aren’t familiar with travel eSIMs, don’t stress. They aren’t complicated. An eSIM is simply a digital SIM that lets you connect to a mobile network without a physical SIM card. You can usually keep your regular SIM or eSIM from home on your phone and add a travel eSIM alongside it. That means no swapping tiny SIM cards in and out every time you arrive in a new country.
And trust me, that matters. When you’re traveling, you lose or misplace things. You’re packing in a rush, moving between hotels, airports and buses, and carrying a SIM card the size of a fingernail is asking for trouble. I’ve lost SIM cards while traveling, which meant arriving back in Canada without service on my regular number.
With an international eSIM, you install the plan on your phone before your trip. When you arrive at your destination, you switch your mobile data to the travel eSIM and connect to a supported local network. It really is that simple.
👉 Are you currently looking for a flight to your destination? Check out My Top 10 Flight Booking Tips
My Experience Using Nomad eSIM
I tested the Nomad eSIM for this review in Canada, which gave me a useful benchmark because I know the local networks and coverage well. In my area, the Nomad eSIM connected to Bell, which I already know is one of the strongest mobile providers in Canada. Because I’m familiar with the network and its performance where I live, I expected solid coverage — and it was.
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Installation Experience
One of the things I wanted to test carefully for this Nomad eSIM review was how easy the installation process would be in real-world use. This may have been the easiest installation experience I’ve had with any travel eSIM. I installed the eSIM directly through the Nomad app. Nomad says setup can take about five minutes, but for me the entire process felt closer to two minutes from start to finish. I didn’t have to leave the app to manually copy codes or dig through emails, which made the whole process very fast.
The Nomad App Experience
Finding and buying a plan in the Nomad app is easy. The homepage highlights popular destinations, and if the country you need isn’t listed, you can use the search bar to find it. From there, you select a plan, add it to your cart, complete your purchase, and follow the installation steps.
Data Performance
I tested the connection the way I would use it while traveling. I uploaded new Reels, scrolled through social media, sent WhatsApp messages, searched for restaurant recommendations, and ordered an Uber to head downtown to a concert. Across the city, I didn’t run into any connection problems, and performance was consistently strong.
I rely on mobile data the same way when I’m traveling, whether I’m navigating a city, ordering transportation, or looking up places to eat. During my time in Lima, having reliable data made getting around the city much easier.
Nomad eSIM Coverage: Where Does It Work?
Nomad eSIM works in 200+ destinations worldwide, with country-specific plans and regional options for trips that cross multiple countries.
One feature I really like about Nomad eSIM is that it shows the local mobile network associated with the plan before you buy. That gives me a better idea of the coverage I can expect before I arrive.
The local carrier matters because Nomad eSIM relies on partner networks in each destination. In Canada, for example, my Nomad eSIM connected through Bell. In Mexico, the plan I looked at listed AT&T and Movistar.
Coverage and performance can vary by destination, the local carrier, and your location within that country. For that reason, I think it’s worth checking the listed network before choosing a plan.
Nomad eSIM Review Plans and Pricing
Nomad eSIM offers a mix of fixed-data and unlimited-data plans, although the options available depend on the destination. Fixed-data plans are available in different sizes, making it easier to choose a package based on the length of your trip and how much data you expect to use.
Some destinations also offer unlimited plans for travelers who don’t want to worry about monitoring their usage. Depending on the destination and package, plans may last just long enough for a short trip or remain active for several weeks.
Nomad eSIM offers both single-destination and regional plans. Country plans are designed for travelers staying in one destination, while regional plans can cover multiple destinations on a single eSIM. I used a regional eSIM while traveling through Europe and have also purchased regional plans for Central and South America.
Pricing varies by destination, the data package you choose, and the plan length. For example, the Mexico plan I checked offered 10 GB for 30 days at CAD $21.91, which came to about CAD $2.19 per GB. Because prices and available plans can change, I’d always check the current options for your destination before purchasing.
Fixed Data vs Unlimited eSIM Plans: Which Should You Choose?
One of the biggest decisions before your trip is choosing between a fixed-data plan and an unlimited plan. The right choice depends on how much data you use, not just on how long you’ll be away.
For a short trip, say three days to a week, a fixed-data plan will often be enough. Even on a longer trip, a fixed plan can still work well if you mainly use Google Maps, messaging, email and light social media. If you’re constantly uploading videos, streaming, using social media heavily or working from your phone, an unlimited plan may make more sense where it’s available.
I use a lot of data when I travel. I’m constantly uploading reels, posting on social media, watching videos, and using my phone throughout the day. Even then, I usually purchase a 10 GB plan, which works for me because I’m using Wi-Fi at my hostel or hotel whenever it’s available. If you keep Wi-Fi connected when you can, a fixed-data plan can go a long way. No one knows your data habits better than you, so think about how you actually use your phone before choosing a plan.
👉 Check current Nomad eSIM plans and pricing for your destination. Use code GLOBEDIGGER15 at checkout for a discount.
Is Nomad eSIM Expensive?
One of the things I wanted to look at closely in this Nomad eSIM review was value for money. This is very important, especially if you’re a budget traveller like me.
Nomad eSIM pricing varies by destination, data allowance, and plan length. Smaller fixed-data packages can be quite inexpensive, while larger 30-day plans generally cost more, depending on the amount of data you choose. Nomad has historically promoted plans from around US $2 per GB, though actual pricing varies by destination.
For my upcoming trip to Mexico, I compared several eSIM options. A 30-day Nomad eSIM plan with 10 GB of data was CAD $21.91, while a 20 GB plan was CAD $38.97. By comparison, a 30-day Holafly plan was about CAD $90, although Holafly included unlimited data. It’s not a perfect apples-to-apples comparison because the plans include different amounts of data. But for the way I travel, 10 GB is usually enough, especially when I’m also using Wi-Fi at my accommodation. A 20 GB plan would be more than enough for almost any traveler I know, including heavy social media users and content creators. If you stream heavily or don’t want to worry about data limits, paying more for unlimited data may be worthwhile.
For travelers who know roughly how much data they use, Nomad eSIM’s fixed-data plans offer very good value.
How to Buy and Install A Nomad eSIM
Buying and installing a Nomad eSIM is pretty straightforward, especially if you’re using the app.
1. Download or Open the Nomad App
Create an account if you don’t already have one.
2. Choose Your Destination
Search for the country or region you’re traveling to.
3. Compare the Available Plans
Look at the amount of data, plan length, and whether data is fixed or unlimited.
4. Check the Listed Mobile Network
Nomad shows the local network associated with the plan, which gives you a chance to research coverage before you buy.
5. Purchase Your Plan
Choose the option that best matches your trip and data needs.
6. Install the eSIM Through the App
Follow the installation instructions in the Nomad app.
7. Leave the eSIM Installed Until Your Trip
You can install it in advance, then switch your mobile data to the Nomad eSIM when you arrive. Nomad gives you up to 60 days to activate your eSIM after purchase, which is helpful if you’re a planner.
How to Activate Nomad eSIM Without Problems
The easiest way to avoid problems is to install your Nomad eSIM before you travel and ensure everything is set up while you still have reliable Wi-Fi. Once you arrive, you only need to switch your mobile data to the Nomad eSIM and confirm the correct settings.
1. Install Your Nomad eSIM Before Leaving Home
Set it up before your trip so you aren’t trying to troubleshoot after you land.
2. Make Sure the eSIM Is Installed Correctly
Check that the Nomad eSIM appears in your phone’s cellular or mobile-data settings.
3. Stop Your Regular SIM From Using International Data
Keep your home SIM active if you need it for calls or verification, but make sure it isn’t using cellular data abroad if you want to avoid roaming charges.
4. Select Nomad eSIM for Cellular Data
When you arrive, choose the Nomad eSIM as the line your phone should use for mobile data.
5. Enable Data Roaming for Nomad eSIM
In my experience, I’ve needed data roaming turned on for travel eSIMs to work properly.
6. Check the Network Selection
Automatic network selection will usually work, but if you have problems, make sure your phone is connecting to one of the supported local networks. Personally, I like to do this manually.
7. Test the Connection While You Still Have Wi-Fi
Before leaving the airport, hotel, or another place with Wi-Fi, open Google Maps, send a WhatsApp message, or load a webpage to make sure everything is working.
8. Try Airplane Mode or Restart Your Phone
If the connection doesn’t start immediately, toggle airplane mode on and off or restart your phone.
9. Don’t Delete the eSIM
If you’re having trouble connecting, don’t delete the eSIM unless Nomad support specifically tells you to. Removing it can make troubleshooting harder.
Quick activation tip: Install Nomad eSIM before your trip, switch it on for cellular data when you arrive, enable roaming, and test the connection before you leave Wi-Fi.
What to Do If Your International eSIM Doesn’t Work
If your eSIM is installed and activated but you still don’t have mobile data, there are a few things worth checking before assuming there’s a problem with the eSIM itself.
1. Confirm the Correct eSIM Is Selected for Mobile Data
Make sure your travel eSIM — not your home SIM — is selected as the line being used for cellular data.
2. Check the APN Settings
Some eSIMs require specific APN settings. If your provider supplied instructions, compare those settings with what’s entered on your phone.
3. Try Manual Network Selection
If automatic network selection isn’t working, switch to manual selection and try one of the supported local networks.
4. Make Sure the Plan Is Still Active
Check that the plan hasn’t expired and that you still have data remaining.
5. Refresh the Connection
If everything looks correct, toggle airplane mode on and off or restart your phone to force a new network connection.
6. Contact Support Before Deleting the eSIM
If you still can’t connect, contact the eSIM provider before deleting anything. Removing the eSIM can make troubleshooting more difficult.
If you’re still having trouble, Nomad offers support through live chat in the Nomad app and through its website chat, so I’d contact support before deleting the eSIM or making major changes to your settings.
Nomad eSIM also has a strong review footprint beyond my own experience. As of October 2026, the app has a 4.8/5 rating on the Canadian App Store from about 12,000 ratings and a 4.7/5 rating on Google Play from about 16,000 reviews. On Trustpilot, Nomad has roughly 45,000 reviews, with a displayed rating of 4.3/5 and a TrustScore label of 4.5/5.
Nomad eSIM Pros and Cons
Before wrapping up this Nomad eSIM review, here’s a quick look at the main pros and cons based on my own experience and the features I found most useful while testing the service.
Pros
- Coverage in 200+ destinations
- Fixed-data and unlimited plans available depending on the destination
- Easy app-based purchase and installation
- Up to 60 days to activate after purchase
- Shows the local mobile network before purchase
- Country and regional plan options
- Strong performance in my own testing
Cons
- Primarily a mobile-data service rather than a replacement for a local phone number
- Performance depends on the local carrier used in each destination
- Unlimited plans aren’t available everywhere
- Travelers who need a local phone number may prefer a traditional local SIM
- Pricing varies by destination, so Nomad won’t always be the cheapest option in every country
Nomad eSIM vs Other International eSIMs
Nomad eSIM may not be perfect for every traveler. Providers such as Holafly and GigSky offer different plan structures and strengths.
Nomad’s strengths include offering travelers a nice mix of fixed-data and unlimited-data options depending on the destination. I have used several international eSIM providers for different trips, and the best choice often comes down to how much data you need, where you’re traveling, coverage, available networks and providers, and whether you prefer a fixed-data plan or unlimited data.
I’ll cover these differences in more detail in my full international eSIM comparison review once it’s published.
Who Is Nomad eSIM Best For?
Nomad eSIM is a good fit for:
- solo travelers who want mobile data ready before arrival
- frequent international travelers
- travelers visiting multiple countries who may benefit from regional plans
- people who like setting up connectivity before departure
- travelers who want to see the local network before buying
- people who want a choice between fixed-data and unlimited plans, depending on the destination
Nomad eSIM may be less suitable for:
- travelers who need a local phone number
- people who want unlimited data at every destination
- long-term travelers who may find a local SIM cheaper for an extended stay
Nomad eSIM Review Final Verdict
eSIMs have changed how I travel. I no longer want to land in a new country and search for a physical SIM card before I can use Google Maps, message my accommodation, or call an Uber.
Based on my experience, I will continue to use Nomad eSIM as I travel the world. In fact, I already plan to use this travel eSIM for my upcoming trip to Mexico and Central and South America, which starts in October.
It was easy to set up, reliable during my testing, and flexible enough to accommodate different trip types and data needs. It’s also priced very competitively, especially for fixed-data plans.
Given how I travel, Nomad eSIM has earned a place among the eSIM providers I’ll continue to use. If you’re looking for a straightforward international eSIM option before your next trip, Nomad eSIM is worth checking out.
👉 Check current Nomad eSIM plans and pricing for your destination. Use discount code GLOBEDIGGER15 to save 15% on your purchase.
👉 On the fence about whether you should have travel insurance for your next trip? Check out my Travel Insurance Review
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