Nomad eSIM vs Holafly vs GigSky: Which eSIM Is Best for International Travel?

For years as a solo traveler, I thought I was clever. I was a big advocate for buying a physical SIM card after landing in a new destination. It felt like part of the adventure, and I believed I was saving heaps of dough at the same time. But that SIM card adventure eventually became more of a hassle, if I’m being honest.

Walking aimlessly through the streets of Guatemala City or Mumbai with no data, trying to find a SIM card when you don’t speak the language, isn’t much fun. After spending hours searching for one in Guatemala City, I decided it would be the last time I traveled internationally without an eSIM already installed on my phone.

I’ve now used several international eSIMs while traveling the world, and in this review I’m comparing three of my favourites: Nomad eSIM , Holafly and GigSky.

Nomad eSIM is the newest addition to my eSIM lineup and has quickly become a favourite. In my experience, it offers the best overall balance of price, flexibility, and usability. I still like Holafly for its excellent unlimited-data plans, though I often find I don’t actually need unlimited data. I recently used GigSky on a trip to Barcelona and had no issues with the service. What initially attracted me to GigSky was the complimentary 10 GB eSIM included with my Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite card.

👉 Read why I include an eSIM on my Carry-On Packing List

Disclosure: This comparison was sponsored by Nomad eSIM. All opinions, experiences, and conclusions are my own. This article also contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Nomad eSIM vs Holafly vs GigSky at a Glance

Before diving into my experience with each provider, here’s a quick look at how Nomad eSIM, Holafly and GigSky compare on the features that matter most to international travellers.

Trustpilot ratings and review counts are approximate as of October 2026 and may change over time.

My Experience Using Nomad eSIM, Holafly and GigSky

I’ve now used Nomad eSIM, Holafly and GigSky while traveling, and all three worked well for me. Where they differ most is how they structure their plans, the types of travelers they are best suited for, and the extra features they offer.

My Experience With Nomad eSIM

What impressed me most was how easy the installation process was. I completed the setup through the Nomad eSIM app in roughly two minutes, and I didn’t have to manually copy codes or dig through emails to get connected. The setup was so easy and straightforward that I didn’t need to contact customer service, and the activation was flawless.

Nomad eSIM is the latest addition to my eSIM lineup, and it has quickly become one of my favourites. I first tested the Nomad eSIM in Canada, where it connected to the Bell network. Since I’m already familiar with Bell, I had a pretty good idea of what kind of coverage to expect, and the performance was strong.

I also like that Nomad eSIM shows the local mobile network available with many plans before you purchase. That gives me a chance to research the local carrier and get a better idea of the coverage I can expect before arriving.

Nomad eSIM offers both fixed-data and unlimited plans in many destinations, along with country-specific and regional options. That flexibility suits my travel style because I often don’t need unlimited data. Even as someone who uses a lot of social media on the road, I find 10 GB can go a long way when I’m also using hotel or hostel Wi-Fi.

I’m planning to use Nomad eSIM again during my upcoming travels across Mexico, Central America and South America.

👉 Read my full Nomad eSIM review

My Experience With Holafly

Holafly was one of the first eSIM providers I started using regularly, and I still think it’s a strong option for travelers who want the simplicity of unlimited data. The setup process has been pretty easy in my experience, and I’ve also dealt with Holafly customer support directly.

One of the biggest selling points for me is that you don’t have to spend much time worrying about how much data you have left. That can be especially useful for heavy data users who are constantly using Google Maps, rideshare apps, WhatsApp, social media, and uploading content while traveling.

For the way I travel, though, unlimited data isn’t always necessary. I’m often connected to Wi-Fi at my accommodations, so I sometimes prefer buying a smaller fixed-data plan to save money. That’s where the difference between Holafly and Nomad eSIM becomes interesting: Holafly makes unlimited data extremely simple, while Nomad eSIM gives me more flexibility to choose exactly how much data I want to pay for.

👉 Read my full Holafly eSIM review

My Experience With GigSky

I used GigSky during my trip to Barcelona this summer and had no issues with the service. Installation and setup were straightforward, and the connection worked well throughout my trip.

What originally attracted me to GigSky was a benefit included with my Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite+ card. The card gave me a complimentary 10 GB GigSky eSIM valid for 15 days, making it an easy choice to try in Barcelona.

I also had an interesting experience with the GigSky app while looking at eSIM plans for an upcoming trip to Mexico. Because my credit card and billing information were already saved, purchasing a plan was almost too easy. I accidentally tapped the purchase button, and the transaction went through immediately. I contacted GigSky customer support, but I resolved the issue myself before they replied. The app allowed me to cancel the purchase, and the credit was applied to my account immediately, which I thought was excellent.

Support eventually responded roughly 24 hours later. The outcome was fine, but the response time is something I’d keep in mind. If an eSIM isn’t working after you land in a new country, waiting a full day for support could be a much bigger issue.

Overall, my GigSky experience was positive. The Barcelona eSIM worked without any issues, the app was easy to use, and the Visa benefit made it especially good value for me.

Nomad eSIM Review — Best Overall for Most Travelers

For me, Nomad eSIM’s biggest strength is the balance it offers between price, flexibility and usability. Nomad eSIM has plans in more than 200 destinations, with both country-specific and regional options. Depending on the destination, travelers can choose between fixed-data and unlimited plans, making it easier to match the plan to how you actually travel.

Pricing is another reason I rate Nomad eSIM highly. Its fixed-data plans are often competitively priced, while unlimited options are available in many destinations for travelers who need more data. That gives budget-conscious travelers like me more control, avoiding the automatic charge for unlimited data they may not use.

Many Nomad eSIM plans can also be purchased well before departure, with up to 60 days to activate them. I like having the option to arrange connectivity before a trip rather than waiting until I arrive.

Nomad eSIM also runs Weekly Wins, which gives travelers another way to take advantage of promotional offers.

The brand also has a substantial review footprint. As of October 2026, Nomad eSIM has a 4.3/5 rating on Trustpilot, based on roughly 46,000 reviews.

I think Nomad eSIM currently offers the best overall mix of value, flexibility and ease of use among the eSIM providers I’ve tested. They do have a free 1GB trial if you’d like to test it.

👉 Check out Nomad eSIM plans for your destination and use code GLOBEDIGGER15 for 15% off eligible plans.

Who Nomad eSIM Is Best For

I think Nomad eSIM is well suited for solo travelers, groups and travelers visiting multiple countries. It’s also a strong choice for travelers who want more control over how much data they buy. If you expect to use Wi-Fi regularly, a smaller fixed-data plan may make more sense. If you’re a heavy user, unlimited data is available in many destinations. That flexibility is one of the main reasons Nomad eSIM stands out to me.

Frequent travelers can also take advantage of Nomad eSIM Points and Rewards, which adds another benefit for people who use Nomad regularly. They also offer a Nomad eSIM Membership for travelers who want access to additional member benefits.

👉 Read why I still stay in hostels when I travel, and why I always want an eSIM as a backup when hostel Wi-Fi lets me down.

Holafly Review — Best for Unlimited Data

Holafly’s biggest strength is simple: unlimited data. For travelers who don’t want to think about how many gigabytes they’re using, that can be a major advantage.

Holafly offers destination-specific and regional eSIM plans, with unlimited data available at many of its most popular destinations. That makes it especially convenient for travelers who rely heavily on Google Maps, rideshare apps, WhatsApp, social media, video, or other data-intensive services while they’re away.

There’s also something appealing about its simplicity. Instead of guessing whether you’ll need 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB, you can opt for an unlimited plan and stop worrying about your data usage.

The trade-off is price. Unlimited data can cost considerably more than a fixed-data plan, and that extra cost may not make sense for everyone. In my case, I’m often connected to Wi-Fi at hotels or hostels, so I don’t necessarily need unlimited mobile data on many trips.

Holafly also has one of the strongest customer-review footprints among the eSIM providers I’ve reviewed. As of October 2026, it has a 4.7/5 rating on Trustpilot, based on about 115,000 reviews.

For travelers who value convenience and unlimited data more than the lowest price, Holafly remains one of the strongest options I’ve used.

Who Holafly Is Best For

Holafly is particularly well suited to heavy data users and travelers who simply don’t want to monitor their usage. If you’re constantly uploading content, watching videos, navigating, messaging, or using your phone as your primary travel tool, paying a little more for unlimited data can remove one more thing to worry about.

I’d also recommend Holafly if simplicity matters more than finding the cheapest plan. You may pay more than you would for a smaller fixed-data package, but for some travelers, the convenience is worth it.

👉 Check out Holafly eSIM plans for your destination and use code GLOBEDIGGER for a discount.

GigSky Review — Best for Visa Benefits and Specialized Connectivity

GigSky stands out by offering a few features that go beyond the typical international travel eSIM.

They offer both standard fixed-data and unlimited options, depending on the destination, but its specialized connectivity products are what set it apart from many competitors. The company offers plans for cruises, cruise-and-land travel, ferries, in-flight connectivity and offshore use, which can be valuable for trips where a conventional destination eSIM may not be enough.

GigSky also has a solid customer-review footprint. As of October 2026, it has a 4.3/5 rating on Trustpilot, based on about 7,700 reviews.

Overall, GigSky may not be the provider I’d automatically choose for every international trip, but its Visa benefits and specialized connectivity options give it a clear place in the market.

Who GigSky Is Best For

GigSky is an especially strong option for eligible Visa cardholders who can take advantage of complimentary data or discounted plans.

I’d also look closely at GigSky if your trip involves a cruise, ferry, in-flight connectivity, or offshore travel, as those are areas where its product lineup goes beyond what many traditional travel eSIM providers offer.

👉 Check out GigSky eSIM plans for your destination to compare current data options and pricing.

Nomad eSIM vs Holafly

Nomad eSIM and Holafly are both strong international eSIM options, but I think they appeal to slightly different types of travelers.

Price and Data Options

Nomad eSIM gives you more control over your spending with a mix of fixed-data and unlimited plans, while Holafly focuses heavily on unlimited data. That makes Holafly appealing if you don’t want to monitor usage, but Nomad eSIM can be better value if you only need a smaller amount of data

Setup

I found both providers easy to install and activate. My Nomad eSIMsetup through the app took about two minutes, with no need to manually copy codes or search through emails. Holafly has also been pretty straightforward to set up during my travels.

Network Transparency

This is one area where I particularly like Nomad eSIM. Many Nomad eSIM plans show you the local mobile network before you purchase, allowing you to research the carrier and get a better idea of the coverage you can expect. That extra transparency is useful when I’m deciding between plans.

Flexibility

Nomad eSIM wins this category for me. The ability to choose between different data amounts, unlimited plans, country-specific plans, and regional options makes it easier to buy only what I need. Holafly keeps things simpler by focusing largely on unlimited-data options.

Best Traveler Type

I think Nomad eSIM is better suited for budget-conscious and solo travelers, as well as those who want more control over how much data they purchase. Holafly makes more sense for heavy data users or travelers who simply don’t want to think about data limits.

Nomad eSIM vs Holafly verdict

Given how I travel, I prefer Nomad for its flexibility and overall value. However, if unlimited data is your top priority and you don’t mind paying more for it, Holafly is an excellent option.

Nomad eSIM vs GigSky

Nomad eSIM and GigSky are both useful international eSIM options, but they stand out for different reasons.

Plan Flexibility

Nomad eSIM has the edge here. Depending on the destination, you can choose from smaller fixed-data packages, larger data allowances, unlimited options, and regional plans. GigSky also offers a range of plans, but its biggest differentiators are less about everyday plan variety and more about the specialized situations it covers.

App Experience

I found both apps easy to use. Nomad eSIM’s setup was especially simple, and I had my eSIM installed in about two minutes. GigSky’s app was also straightforward, and I liked how much I could manage myself in the app, including canceling an accidental purchase and receiving an immediate account credit.

Pricing

For conventional travel, I generally find Nomad eSIM more appealing from a value perspective because you can buy only the amount of data you expect to use. GigSky can be especially attractive if you qualify for one of its Visa benefits, which can significantly reduce the cost.

Specialized Connectivity

In addition to standard international eSIM plans, GigSky offers options for cruises, cruise-and-land travel, ferries, in-flight connectivity, and offshore use. If your trip includes one of those situations, GigSky may offer something Nomad eSIM does not.

Visa Benefits

GigSky has a clear advantage for eligible Visa cardholders. Depending on the card, eligible travelers may also receive discounts on additional GigSky plans.

Nomad eSIM vs GigSky Verdict

For most conventional international trips, I’d choose Nomad eSIM for its flexibility, value and straightforward setup. But if you have an eligible Visa benefit or need connectivity for a cruise, ferry, flight or another specialized trip, GigSky is a compelling option.

Holafly vs GigSky

Holafly and GigSky appeal to very different types of travellers.

Unlimited Data and Simplicity

Holafly is the better choice if you want unlimited data without worrying about how much you’re using. Its plans are particularly attractive for heavy data users who value simplicity over finding the lowest possible price.

Pricing and Visa Benefits

GigSky can be excellent value for eligible Visa cardholders, especially when complimentary data or discounted plans are available.

Specialty Coverage

GigSky has the advantage for cruises and other specialized travel where a conventional destination eSIM may not be enough.

Holafly vs GigSky verdict

Choose Holafly if unlimited data and simplicity are your priorities. Choose GigSky if you have an eligible Visa benefit or need specialized connectivity for cruises, flights, or other less conventional trips.

Nomad eSIM vs Holafly vs GigSky Pricing

Pricing is one of the clearest differences between Nomad eSIM, Holafly and GigSky, but the cheapest plan is not always the best value.

Since I’m heading to Mexico for the next few months, I looked up data plans from all three providers for the same 30-day period. Fixed-data pricing: For a 30-day Mexico plan, Nomad eSIM currently offers 10 GB for CA$21.93, while GigSky lists 10 GB for CA$25.07 at its current promotional rate. Holafly is different because its Mexico plans focus on unlimited data rather than fixed-data packages.

Unlimited Pricing

The comparison shifts when you consider unlimited data. Nomad eSIM currently offers shorter unlimited Mexico plans, including 10 days for CA$42.44, but it does not appear to offer a 30-day unlimited option. Holafly lists 30 days of unlimited data for CA$92.00, while GigSky currently shows 30 days of unlimited data for CA$50.14 at a promotional price.

Regional Plan Value

Regional plans can make more sense if you’re crossing borders rather than staying in one country. Nomad eSIM, Holafly and GigSky all offer regional options, but the value depends on whether you prefer fixed or unlimited data and how many countries you plan to visit.

For me, this is why the best value does not always mean the cheapest advertised plan. If I only need about 10 GB because I’m also using hotel or hostel Wi-Fi, Nomad’s lower-cost fixed-data option may be the best fit. If I want unlimited data for a full month, Holafly or GigSky may be more suitable. And if a Visa benefit covers part or all of the trip, GigSky can make the most sense.

Coverage and Network Quality

Nomad eSIM, Holafly and GigSky all offer broad international coverage, including country-specific and regional plans. However, the quality of any eSIM still depends heavily on the local mobile network it connects to.

That’s one reason I like being able to see the local carrier before purchasing a Nomad eSIM plan. It gives me a chance to research the network before I arrive. In my own testing, Nomad eSIM connected to Bell in Canada and performed well, while GigSky worked reliably throughout my trip to Barcelona. The key point to remember is that eSIM providers rely on local carrier networks. Coverage can still vary by destination, city, rural area, and network conditions, so I always check the carrier if I can.

👉 Read my 3 Days in Lima itinerary, where reliable mobile data made getting around the city much easier.

Hotspot and Tethering

As a travel blogger and content creator, I’m always looking for interesting places to work. That might be a restaurant or coffee shop with a view, a cool bar, a park overlooking a volcano, or even the beach. The problem is that I can’t always count on reliable Wi-Fi. When that happens, I tether my MacBook to my phone and use my eSIM connection as a hotspot. I do this often while traveling, so hotspot access is an important feature for me. And, of course, not every tequila or mezcal bar has Wi-Fi — something I’m probably about to find out firsthand in Mexico.

Nomad eSIM, Holafly and GigSky all support hotspot or tethering, although the exact rules can vary by plan. All three remain viable options when I need to connect my MacBook in places without reliable Wi-Fi. This isn’t just a nice extra for me. It’s something I genuinely use while working on the road, especially when I find a great place to sit and work, but the Wi-Fi is weak or nonexistent.

Which eSIM Is Best for Different Types of Travelers?

After comparing all three providers, I think the best choice depends on how you travel and what matters most to you.

• Best overall: Nomad eSIM — The best balance of value, flexibility, ease of use and plan choice for the way I travel.
• Best for unlimited data: Holafly — Ideal for travelers who want unlimited data without monitoring usage.
• Best for Visa cardholders: GigSky — Eligible Visa benefits can make it extremely good value.
• Best for value: Nomad eSIM— Competitive fixed-data pricing makes it easy to pay for only the data you actually need.
• Best for heavy data users: Holafly — Unlimited plans are especially useful for travelers constantly using maps, social media, video and other data-heavy apps.
• Best for multi-country trips: Nomad eSIM — Regional plans and flexible data options make it an excellent choice for travelers moving between countries.
• Best for specialized connectivity: GigSky — its cruise, in-flight, ferry, and offshore products go beyond the typical travel eSIM.

Nomad eSIM vs Holafly vs GigSky: Final Verdict

After using all three providers, I don’t think there’s one eSIM that is best for every traveler. The right choice depends on how you travel, how much data you use and the type of trip. For the way I travel, Nomad eSIM is my overall pick. I like the combination of competitive pricing, flexible fixed-data and unlimited options, regional plans, network transparency and a very easy setup process.

Holafly remains a great choice if unlimited data is your priority. If you use a lot of mobile data and don’t want to think about how much you have left, the simplicity can be worth paying more for.

GigSky impressed me more than I expected. Its pricing can be very competitive, especially when promotions are available, and it becomes even more attractive if you have an eligible Visa benefit. Its cruise, ferry, inflight and offshore options also make it particularly useful for specialized trips.

For most of my international travel, though, Nomad eSIM currently offers the best overall balance of value, flexibility, and usability.

👉 Check out Nomad eSIM plans here and use code GLOBEDIGGER15 for 15% off eligible plans.

👉 Planning on venturing off on your first backpacking adventure? Check out my top Solo Travel Tips For a First-Time Backpacker

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Globe Digger AKA Geoff Josey is a Canadian travel blogger, content creator and solo traveler who left the corporate world in 2022 to travel the world. After visiting more than 40 countries, I now share the stories, people, food and off-the-beaten-path experiences I discover along the way through my blog, social media and podcast. My goal is simple: inspire people to travel differently, get beyond the usual tourist trail and find the experiences they’ll still be talking about years later.