How To Get Mobile Data Abroad In 2026 (eSIMs, Holafly, Local SIMs)

Dec 9

A country by country guide to staying online and avoiding roaming fees.

Travel basics

How To Get Mobile Data Abroad In 2026

A country by country guide to staying online without getting rinsed by roaming fees. Local SIMs, eSIMs, public WiFi and what I actually recommend to my own clients.

I am a full time travel advisor who basically lives on the road with my family, so this is the simple, honest version. No panic at the airport, no mystery charges when you get home.

Check current Holafly deals ↗

My Holafly code: STEPHANDPETE

Traveler checking phone with city views in the background — Somewhere between airport coffee and the hotel WiFi password.

Quick overview

Every country in this guide follows the same basic pattern. You have three ways to get mobile data abroad:

Roam with your home carrier. Easiest, usually the most expensive. Works fine for a weekend, not ideal for a big multi country trip.
Buy a local SIM at the airport or in town. Cheap once you have it, but you need to find a shop, show your passport, deal with plans and translations and keep track of the tiny plastic card.
Use an eSIM. This is a digital SIM you download as a QR code. No shop, no physical card, you switch it on when you land. This is what I personally use most of the time now.

In each region below I will tell you how easy local SIMs are, how good the WiFi usually is and when I think an eSIM like Holafly is worth the money.

If you are traveling as a family or couple, it often makes sense for at least one person to have an unlimited eSIM so you are never stuck without maps or rideshares. Everyone else can lean on hotel WiFi and download offline maps.

How this guide works

This is not meant to be a technical deep dive. It is the practical version I walk my clients through before big international trips.

Country by country. Under each region you will see quick cards for the countries most of my travelers visit, plus what I would do there.
Honest trade offs. Sometimes local SIMs are so easy that you do not need an eSIM at all. Sometimes you really do not want to deal with it after a long flight.
Realistic WiFi expectations. Hotel WiFi is not the same everywhere. In some places it is great and in others it is flaky or throttled.

Airport lounge with people using phones and laptops — Airport lounges are nice. Still do not rely on them as your only plan for data.

Why I usually use an eSIM

I am a big fan of local experiences, but wrestling with a SIM shop after a red eye flight is not a fun travel memory. An eSIM takes that whole errand off your plate. You scan a QR code at home, land with data already set up and get straight into the good stuff.

I partner with Holafly, which has unlimited data plans in many countries and regions. You pay once, keep your regular WhatsApp number and do not have to keep track of a tiny piece of plastic while you are hopping between cities.

If you do not feel like hunting for an airport SIM, Holafly is the easy button. Use my code STEPHANDPETE at checkout for a discount on most plans.

Code: STEPHANDPETE

I also have a full Holafly guide with screenshots and FAQs here: stephandpete.co/holafly.

Europe

Getting mobile data in Europe

Europe is usually one of the easiest regions for mobile data. WiFi is common in hotels and cafes, and you can often buy a single eSIM or local SIM that will roam across multiple countries on the same trip.

Phone on a café table in a European city — Most European cities have plenty of WiFi, but I still like having my own connection for maps and ride shares.

France

Paris, Nice, Lyon, Provence

Airport SIMs are easy to find and reasonably priced, especially in Paris.
Hotel and café WiFi is usually solid in cities, a bit patchier in smaller towns and countryside gites.
For a multi country Europe trip I would use a Europe wide Holafly eSIM and not worry about swapping SIMs.

If you want to land in Paris with data already sorted, set up a Holafly Europe eSIM at home and turn it on when you land. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Italy

Rome, Florence, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany

Local SIMs are cheap but the process can be a little bureaucratic and shops may close mid day or on Sundays.
WiFi in agriturismos and coastal hotels can be weaker than in big city business hotels.
I like an eSIM for Italy so I can keep maps and WhatsApp working on train days and while wandering old towns.

For an Italy heavy trip with a few side stops in nearby countries, a Europe eSIM is usually the least stressful choice. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Spain

Barcelona, Madrid, Andalusia, Balearics

Airport SIM kiosks are common and plans are good value.
WiFi is standard in hotels and apartments, but old stone buildings can mean dead spots.
An eSIM works well if you are combining Spain with Portugal or France on the same trip.

If you know you will be relying on Google Maps in the Gothic Quarter or Albaicín, go eSIM and forget about hunting for shops. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Portugal

Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Azores

Local SIMs are easy to buy in the city, less so if you drive straight into the countryside.
WiFi is usually decent in hotels and guesthouses, slower in rural stays.
If you are road tripping or visiting smaller coastal towns, I prefer an eSIM so I am never guessing at directions.

A Europe eSIM is great if you are pairing Portugal with Spain or France and do not want to juggle multiple plans. Code: STEPHANDPETE

United Kingdom

London, Cotswolds, Scotland

London airports have plenty of SIM options but they can be busy after long haul arrivals.
WiFi is common, though some countryside inns have slower speeds and patchy coverage.
If you will be using trains and the Tube a lot, I like having my own data rather than relying on station WiFi.

For a week in London plus villages or Scotland, a simple eSIM keeps Citymapper, rail apps and WhatsApp running with no gaps. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Greece

Athens, islands, Peloponnese

Local SIMs are easy in Athens, less convenient if you fly straight to an island.
Hotel WiFi on islands can be hit or miss and sometimes slows at peak times.
I strongly prefer an eSIM in Greece so I have maps, ferries and taxi apps working on every island.

If your trip involves multiple ferries and island transfers, set up data in advance so you are not relying on port WiFi. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Switzerland

Zurich, Lucerne, Jungfrau region

Airport and city SIMs exist but are not as cheap as elsewhere in Europe.
WiFi in hotels is usually good, trains often have WiFi but I still do not rely on it.
Because trains and mountain transport are such a key part of most trips, I like having guaranteed data.

An eSIM is a small cost compared to Swiss rail passes and saves a lot of stress on connection days. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Germany

Berlin, Munich, Rhine, Black Forest

Plenty of carrier shops in cities, airport SIMs are fine if you have the energy to stop.
WiFi is reliable in hotels but may require repeated logins.
Easiest is to arrive with an active eSIM, especially if you are connecting straight to trains.

If you are doing a classic multi stop Germany and Austria itinerary, one Europe eSIM keeps everything simple. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Croatia

Dubrovnik, Split, islands

SIM shops exist in cities and some ports but may have limited hours.
WiFi can be spotty in old town apartments and along the coast.
An eSIM is handy if you are cruising between islands or self driving along the coast.

For island hopping, I would rather have my own data than chase passwords in every port café. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Netherlands

Amsterdam and beyond

SIMs are easy to get in the city. Airport shops are usually efficient.
WiFi is standard in hotels and many cafés, but I like my own data for biking and trams.
Often part of a larger Europe loop, so a regional eSIM makes sense.

Amsterdam is a great place to live on Google Maps. Make sure you can load it even when the tram WiFi is not cooperating. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Austria

Vienna, Salzburg, Alps

Local SIMs are straightforward but not essential if you already have a Europe plan.
WiFi is fine in cities, more variable in mountain hotels.
An eSIM is helpful for train days and rural driving.

If you are combining Austria with Germany, Switzerland or Italy, a single eSIM keeps things clean. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Asia

Getting mobile data in Asia

Asia is where data plans are often very cheap but the language barrier can make SIM shops feel intimidating. This is also where I reach for eSIMs the most, especially with a child in tow.

Busy Asian city street at night with a person holding a phone — Asia is where eSIMs shine. You want your maps and translation apps ready as soon as you land.

Japan

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and beyond

Airport SIMs and pocket WiFi counters are everywhere but can have long queues after popular flights.
Public WiFi exists but I would not rely on it for navigation and train apps.
Japan is one of the places I strongly prefer an eSIM so I land with data already working.

If you want a smooth first evening in Tokyo, set up a Holafly Japan or Asia plan before you leave home. Code: STEPHANDPETE

South Korea

Seoul, Busan, Jeju

SIM and eSIM options are well set up at the airport but kiosks can close at night.
WiFi is famously good in cities but you still want data on the go.
An eSIM means you are not stuck if you arrive late and everything is shut.

For Seoul and beyond, I like not having to troubleshoot any network stuff on day one, especially with jet lag. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Thailand

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, islands

Airport SIM desks are cheap and easy in Bangkok and Phuket and staff are used to tourists.
WiFi is common but can be inconsistent on islands and in smaller guesthouses.
If you like a very low effort option, an eSIM is still nice to have so you arrive with data working.

I live in Thailand and still use eSIMs when I hop in and out of the country on bigger Asia trips. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Vietnam

Hanoi, Hoi An, Saigon, Ha Long

Local SIMs are very cheap but the process can feel hectic at busy airports.
WiFi in hotels and cafés is usually good.
An eSIM is helpful if you are moving quickly between cities or arriving late at night.

Vietnam is an amazing place to wander on foot. Having offline maps and data ready makes it feel a lot less chaotic. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Cambodia

Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, coast

SIMs are available in town and at some airports but quality can vary.
WiFi is fine in most hotels but can be weaker in more rural stays.
I like an eSIM in Cambodia if it is part of a bigger Southeast Asia route.

A regional Asia eSIM is ideal if you are pairing Angkor with Vietnam, Thailand or Laos. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Singapore

City stopovers

SIMs in the airport are very easy and well signed.
WiFi is strong almost everywhere.
If Singapore is just a stopover, I use a regional eSIM and call it a day.

Singapore is usually part of a longer route, so think of it as one stop on your bigger Asia data plan. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi

Airport SIM desks are straightforward and good value.
WiFi varies outside cities.
I tend to lean on a regional eSIM across Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

It is easier to think in regions here. Set up one eSIM that works across several borders. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Indonesia

Bali, Java, islands

SIMs are sold everywhere in Bali but quality and scams can vary.
WiFi is OK in many hotels and cafés but can slow down at peak times.
An eSIM is worth it for Bali so you are not sorting data on a scooter in the heat.

If you are chasing sunsets not phone shops, set up a data plan before you land in Denpasar. Code: STEPHANDPETE

China

Beijing, Shanghai, Yunnan and more

Local SIMs require passport registration and can be a process.
Some Western apps and sites are restricted so you may want a VPN as well.
An eSIM helps, but you still need to think about which apps you rely on.

China planning is a whole topic of its own. I always brief clients on which apps to use plus how to stay connected. Code: STEPHANDPETE

India

Delhi, Rajasthan, South India

Getting a local SIM can involve paperwork and time.
WiFi exists but can be inconsistent outside higher end hotels.
I like an eSIM so I know I have data on long drives and train days.

India is incredible and intense. Having data ready makes it easier to focus on the actual experience. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Sri Lanka

Colombo, tea country, south coast

Airport SIMs are popular with tourists and very cheap.
WiFi is fine in many hotels, weaker in more remote stays.
An eSIM is still handy for long train rides and transfers.

If you are doing iconic train journeys you will be very grateful for your own data connection. Code: STEPHANDPETE

United Arab Emirates

Dubai, Abu Dhabi

Airport SIMs are very polished but not the cheapest.
WiFi is strong in most hotels and malls.
Most people are just passing through, so a regional eSIM works well.

The UAE is a great add on to a bigger trip so I usually do not bother with a local SIM here. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Americas

Getting mobile data in the Americas

In North America, roaming can be expensive if you are not careful. In Latin America, local SIMs are cheap but you may not want to navigate it in Spanish or Portuguese on limited time.

Person checking their phone while waiting for public transport — In big cities it is less about WiFi and more about how much you are paying for your data.

United States

New York, national parks, road trips

Visitors can buy local SIMs, but plans are often not as cheap as Europe or Asia.
WiFi is common in hotels and cafés, but you really want data for maps and ride shares.
An eSIM is very convenient for city hopping and road trips.

If you are visiting several US cities in one trip, an eSIM keeps your costs predictable and your maps working. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Canada

Vancouver, Rockies, Montreal

Local plans can be pricey and may not be worth the admin for a short visit.
WiFi is fine in hotels, but road trips and national parks need mobile data.
A North America eSIM is a simple solution if you are combining the US and Canada.

Think ahead if you are driving long distances. You do not want to lose data mid route in the Rockies. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Mexico

Mexico City, Yucatán, coasts

Local SIMs are easy in cities and tourist areas.
WiFi is common in hotels, but speed varies a lot.
An eSIM is worth it if you are moving between several regions or staying remote.

For cenotes, ruins and road trips, I like having my own data and not relying on hotel WiFi. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Costa Rica

Cloud forests, beaches, volcanoes

SIMs are available in towns, less so in very small beach communities.
WiFi is fine in many hotels, but jungle lodges can be slow or limited.
I like an eSIM for driving days and national parks.

Costa Rica is all about nature, not errands. Sort your data once and enjoy the wildlife instead. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Peru

Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley

SIMs are easier in cities than in highland towns.
WiFi can be patchy in some guesthouses.
An eSIM gives you a back up for train days and early morning transfers.

You do not need to be thinking about data when you are catching sunrise at Machu Picchu. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Brazil

Rio, São Paulo, Iguazu and beyond

Local SIMs are possible but may require some Portuguese or help from your hotel.
WiFi is fine in mid range and higher end hotels.
For complex itineraries, an eSIM can be less stressful.

This is a big country. If you are bouncing between cities, a single data plan keeps life much simpler. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Argentina

Buenos Aires, Patagonia, wine regions

SIMs are more realistic if you are staying a while.
WiFi is decent in cities, variable in remote Patagonia.
I like an eSIM for long bus and driving days.

Once you are in Patagonia, you will be glad you sorted data ahead of time. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Middle East & Africa

Getting mobile data in the Middle East and Africa

In this region, local SIMs can be excellent value but not always convenient to set up at the end of a long travel day. Resort WiFi also varies a lot, even at higher end properties.

Desert landscape with a traveler holding a phone for navigation — For desert camps and rural drives, rely on your own connection, not one bar of hotel WiFi.

Morocco

Marrakech, Fes, desert, coast

SIMs are cheap and easy in cities with help from your riad or guide.
WiFi can be weaker inside riads with thick walls.
An eSIM is still handy for long drives and days in the desert.

For classic city plus desert itineraries, I like having one solid data plan and not thinking about it again. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Egypt

Cairo, Nile cruises, Red Sea

Local SIMs are affordable but take time to sort on arrival.
WiFi on boats and in some hotels can be slow or limited.
I recommend an eSIM so you have data from day one and a back up on the Nile.

I have a whole guide on eSIMs for Egypt if you want more detail, but a simple unlimited plan is usually enough. Code: STEPHANDPETE

South Africa

Cape Town, wine country, safaris

SIMs are easy to buy in cities.
WiFi in lodges can be limited and sometimes intentionally restricted.
An eSIM is nice to have for driving days and time between safari lodges.

Safaris are a good time to be offline on purpose, but it is still helpful to have data for everything in between. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Jordan

Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum

SIMs are usually sorted quickly with help from your driver or guide.
WiFi is limited in the desert and more remote stays.
An eSIM gives you coverage while you are on the road between sites.

Petra days start early and run long. You will be glad your maps and messages just work. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Israel

Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, desert

Local SIMs are possible but may not be worth the admin for a short trip.
WiFi is solid in cities.
An eSIM is easy if your routing includes nearby countries.

For busy city days I like data I do not have to think about, especially around Shabbat closures. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Oceania

Getting mobile data in Oceania

Distances can be big here and some of the best bits are remote. That means WiFi is not always guaranteed, even when you are paying luxury prices.

Coastal road trip scene with a phone used for navigation — Once you leave the cities in Australia or New Zealand you really want your own navigation sorted.

Australia

Sydney, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Red Centre

SIMs are easy in cities and airports but less so once you start road tripping.
WiFi is common in city hotels, patchier in remote areas.
An eSIM is helpful if you are driving or flying around the country.

You do not want to rely on hotel WiFi when you are halfway down the Great Ocean Road trying to find your turn off. Code: STEPHANDPETE

New Zealand

North and South Island road trips

Local SIMs are easy to grab at the airport.
WiFi in motels and lodges can be limited or capped.
Because most trips here are road trips, I think of data as a non negotiable line item.

Between mountain passes and long rural stretches, do not count on constant WiFi. Bring your own data. Code: STEPHANDPETE

Fiji

Island resorts and cruises

Local SIMs are possible but not always convenient on shorter trips.
Resort WiFi can be slow or only available in certain areas.
An eSIM is an easy back up for transfers and time on the main island.

Island time is better when you are not standing by reception trying to reset the WiFi every afternoon. Code: STEPHANDPETE

So what should you actually do?

If you like things simple, here is my honest take. For a short, single country trip where airport SIMs are easy, you can absolutely just sort it when you land. For multi country itineraries, trips with kids or anything that involves lots of trains, ferries or road trips, an eSIM is the least stressful option.

Most of my own trips these days look like this. One unlimited eSIM for the person who is in charge of logistics, plus everyone else on a mix of WiFi and smaller local plans if needed. No one is arguing over who has the hotspot and no one is stuck without maps in a new city.

If you want personal help choosing the right plan for a bigger itinerary, you can always reach out through my trip planning page. If you are ready to go, you can set up a Holafly eSIM here and use my code STEPHANDPETE.