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Using the best eSIM on your phone is essential for international outdoor adventure travel. The need for navigation is critical in outdoor adventures by foot, bike, or boat. I love a detailed paper map. However, paper maps are more scarce and more cumbersome to use. Advances in digital map technology make staying on course a breeze.
This post is a personal comparison of two eSIM products I have used on my iPhone for international outdoor adventure travel. Certainly, you can use an eSIM with Google, Samsung, and other phones; however, I’ll stick to my experience with using them on an iPhone.
I compare my experiences with two reputable eSIM companies, Sim Local and Airalo. I have used products from both companies for international outdoor explorations. In the end, both are good companies with solid eSIM plans. It depends on the situation as to which one I would choose. I share the advantages and disadvantages of each based on familiarity with both.
Related post -> Best Phone Cases for Outdoor Adventure
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) for your phone is a digital version of a physical SIM card. Instead of inserting a tiny plastic card into your phone, the eSIM in the device’s hardware can be activated with software. Your cellular plan is downloaded digitally, so there is no physical card to fuss with.
You can have multiple plans on one device. Many iPhones let you store several eSIMs and use two numbers at the same time. iPhones manufactured after 2018 are built for eSIMs. In fact, newer iPhones no longer have a slot for physical SIM cards; therefore, you will need to use an eSIM.
Setting up an eSIM is easy. You can activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code, tapping a carrier-provided link, or transferring from another iPhone. You must have an unlocked phone. If you bought your phone from a mobile carrier, it’s probably locked.
I had a locked phone that I bought from AT&T. I was able to unlock it by paying it off and requesting to unlock it. Another alternative is to keep your old iPhone and unlock it. Or you can buy a cheaper refurbished early model iPhone to use for international travel.
Why You Should Use an eSIM for International Outdoor Adventure Travel
Better for travel: Before eSIMs became popular, I would arrive in an international destination and begin the search for a physical SIM card that worked with my phone. Finding a SIM card merchant, dealing with language challenges in choosing and installing the card, watching out for scams, and fiddling with a tiny card was a hassle I dreaded upon arriving exhausted in a new country.
You can install an eSIM at home and just turn it on when you land. Couldn’t be easier.
Cheaper than mobile carrier plans: The major carriers are about 5-20 times more expensive for international plans. I use AT&T–they charge $12 per day for international connections. I can get a one-country plan for 15 days for no more than $12. Clearly, an eSIM for international outdoor adventure travel is cheaper than paying your phone company.
Perfect for outdoor adventures:
I used to only connect to the internet when I was in a place with Wi-Fi, but I quickly found that I often needed data on the go. In a remote wilderness area, having access through your phone is crucial for safety and peace of mind.
Most of the useful hiking apps to use in the backcountry work best with data. While most will allow you to download maps in advance to use in the field without a connection, to follow your location on the trip, you need to be connected. For example, I used the hiking app Walkhighlands App many times in Scotland. I was able to pinpoint my exact location on the trail at any time.
Related post -> Tips for Planning an Outdoor Adventure Trip to Scotland
I regularly use GPX tracks to navigate on cycling trips. A GPX file is an electronic format for sharing cycling or walking routes. To use GPX tracks, you open them in a biking app. For example, when I biked on the greenways in Spain, I used the BikeGPX app and the eBike Flow app for e-biking trips.
Related post -> Biking the Ojos Negros Greenway in Spain
Leave No Trace: There is no plastic SIM card or packaging waste; therefore, eSIMs are environmentally friendly.
Related post-> Biking the Shimanami Kaido and Yumeshima Kaido in Japan
Comparison of SIM Local and Airalo eSIMs for International Outdoor Adventure Travel
Both Sim Local and Airalo are major companies in the international eSIM marketplace. I have used both companies’ eSIMs. My comparison focuses on the specific differences between the products based on my experience.
The main difference between the brands is that Sim Local offers eSIMs with data, voice, and SMS in some international destinations. Conversely, Airalo focuses more on data-only plans.
Therefore, if you have a Sim Local plan with a local phone number, you have the ability to make and receive calls and texts. With an Airalo data-only plan, you don’t have a local number. However, you can still make phone calls using data through the WhatsApp app or through FaceTime from iPhone to iPhone.
I find it easy with Airalo data-only plans to stay in touch with family through WhatsApp. Additionally, many outdoor outfitters, transportation providers, and guides have a WhatsApp number for contacting them. However, I have been in situations where I needed to call a travel provider that didn’t have a WhatsApp number; therefore ended up borrowing the phone of a local to make the call.
Recently, in Japan, I was trying to make reservations by phone. Because I was using a Sim Local plan with a local number, I could text the restaurant after using Google Translate to help me compose the message.
Overall, if you want an eSIM for searching the web, following Google maps or trail maps, checking email, and making WhatsApp calls, you can get by with the Airolo plans. If you want a local number for phone calls and texts, choose SIM Local eSIMs with this capacity. Be aware that you can still text iPhone to iPhone using data through iMessage. You can also use FaceTime to another iPhone using just data.
Cost Comparison
A cost comparison between similar eSIM plans shows no substantial price differences. Airalo has an Airmoney program that saves you a few bucks over time. Therefore, if you intend to use low data amounts and are looking for a simple budget budget-friendly program, you may want to use Airalo. When I first started using Airalo eSIMs, I would turn off the data when I wasn’t using it so I could get by with 5G of data for a two-week trip. I could easily top it off if I needed more.
However, if you don’t want to worry about how much data you use, try Sim Local’s high data or unlimited plans. They also offer global plans that cover many countries at once. At the present, Sim Local unlimited data plans are slightly cheaper than Airalo unlimited plans. However, pricing changes all the time; therefore, make a price and plan features comparison on your own before you buy.
In summary, make your choice based on whether you want heavy data plus calling/SMS (Sim Local) vs. low-cost data-only (Airalo).
Customer Support & User Experience: Sim Local vs Airalo
Personally, I found Sim Local plans easier to install than Airalo’s. Airalo has many ways to install, but I found the information overwhelming and confusing. For Sim local, I found the instructions for installing to be clear, easy, and intuitive.
Sim Local has stores in major European airports in addition to online sales. Airalo has only online sales. Sim Local prides itself on customer service, and I can verify from my experience when I needed some help.
Conversely, I had an eSIM from Airalo that wouldn’t activate on my Scotland trip. The error message said I needed to contact the local provider. But after searching for the local provider, I only found a website in another language that I couldn’t navigate. I gave up and bought an eSIM for another company. To their credit, when I returned home, Airalo returned my money without hesitation.
Related post-> Tips for Planning an Outdoor Adventure Trip to Scotland
Unlimited Data Comparison: Sim Local vs Airalo Fair Usage Policies
While both providers advertise unlimited data in many destinations, their fair usage policies differ. Sim Local’s unlimited plans typically offer up to 10 GB of high-speed data per day before any potential speed reduction. In contrast, Airalo’s fair usage policy generally reduces speeds to 1 Mbps after 3 GB of daily usage. These details are clearly outlined in each provider’s plan descriptions and may vary by destination, so I recommend reviewing the plan details before purchasing.
Wrap Up of Best E-SIM for International Outdoor Adventure Travel
I hope this article has helped you sort out the hows and whys of using an eSIM for international outdoor adventure travel.
As for which eSIM company to go with, analyse your needs for connection overseas, your budget, and your data use habits to find the right eSIM plan. Use the summary here to make a decision.
- More features: data, voice, SMS, hotspot.
- Airport kiosks + unconditional refund options.
- Great for heavy data users & longer stays.
- Hotspot/tethering ability allows users to share data with other devices when needed.
- Features wide global coverage and generally lower entry prices.
- Primarily data-only eSIMs.
- Great for quick, low-cost connectivity.
For a 5% discount on Sim Local eSIMs, use the code OUTDOOR here.
Disclaimer: Sim Local sponsored this post. All opinions are from my honest experience.
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5 Comments
Kelly · January 15, 2026 at 12:32 pm
I’ve always just used my provider when I’m travelling, but I like the sound of Sim Local because it’s seems quite easy to install. I’ll try it next time I’m travelling abroad.
Kendra · January 15, 2026 at 1:17 pm
I love eSims, they make staying connected while traveling so much easier. I love Airalo too. I’ve used them many times!
Kailey · January 15, 2026 at 9:38 pm
As someone who has never used an eSIM, this post was really helpful, you really seemed to cover all of the bases! I don’t travel much internationally, but everywhere I have traveled was covered by my cellphone provider. But, this is good to know for places that my provider might not cover.
Kate B · January 16, 2026 at 8:40 am
I haven’t used Sim Local yet (though I do use Airalo) so this was a helpful comparison about eSIMs. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda · January 22, 2026 at 11:32 am
This is so incredibly helpful!