An eSIM for your backpacking trip
Hostels, night buses and border crossings: keep maps, bookings and messages working along the way. Prepaid data, with no SIM shop to find in every new country.
Why an eSIM helps when you're backpacking
Fewer SIM cards, fewer queues and no roaming bill waiting at home.
One eSIM, several countries
A regional plan covers several countries on one eSIM, so a border crossing doesn't mean hunting for a new SIM. Your eSIM picks up a local network in each country with no settings to change, and each plan's page lists the countries it covers.
Online when you step off the bus
Install your eSIM on Wi-Fi before you set off. The plan's validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network, not when you install it, so you can set it up at home and switch it on when you arrive.
Top up as the trip grows
Staying longer than planned? Add data to the eSIM you already have from your account, with nothing new to install. Top-ups are for the same country or region your eSIM covers; for somewhere new, buy a new eSIM.
Less reliance on hostel Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi in hostels, cafés and stations is often unencrypted. Using your own eSIM data for banking and bookings keeps them off networks you don't control.
Popular backpacking destinations
Regional plans for multi-country routes, and country plans if you're staying put. Allowances, prices and covered countries are on each destination page.
How much data will I need?
Maps and messages need little. Video calls home and streaming use the most, so save those for Wi-Fi when you can.
Maps, messages and bookings
Light useFinding the hostel, checking bus times, booking the next bed and keeping in touch.
Sharing photos and browsing social apps
Moderate usePosting from a long trip adds up, and video most of all. Set photo backups to run on Wi-Fi only, so they don't upload over your data.
Video calls home
Heavy useCalls over WhatsApp, Messenger or Teams use your data, and video calls are among the heaviest uses. Keep long ones for Wi-Fi where you can.
Streaming and big downloads
Heavy useThe biggest use. Download playlists, podcasts and shows on Wi-Fi before a long bus or train ride.
Tips for backpacking with an eSIM
Check your phone first
Your phone needs to support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if an EID number appears, your phone can use an eSIM.
Turn on data roaming for the eSIM
When you arrive, choose the eSIM as your mobile data line and turn on data roaming for it: the eSIM needs roaming on to connect. With the eSIM as your data line, your home SIM isn't used for data by mistake.
Download offline maps
Before heading into the hills, the jungle or a remote island, download offline maps on Wi-Fi. Coverage can thin out or drop to 3G in rural areas, and offline maps still find your way.
Earn as you go
Buy your eSIMs and top-ups while signed in and you earn cashback as Roam Credits, which you can spend on your next plan. Handy when a trip turns into several.
Learn more
Backpacking eSIM questions
Other kinds of trip
Every trip needs data. Here's what to know for the next one.
Ready to hit the road?
Pick a region or country, install before you leave and land connected.
