Is a local SIM card cheaper than an eSIM?

In some countries the price of a local SIM card can be lower, but once you factor in the time queuing at the airport, haggling in a foreign language, and swapping the card (which means your home number is unreachable without dual SIM), an eSIM often offers better value.

Do I need a passport to buy a local SIM card?

In most countries, yes. In Turkey, Egypt, Thailand and many other places, showing a passport is mandatory to buy a SIM card. In some countries (e.g. Japan) registration is also required.

What about trips covering several countries?

When visiting several countries, an eSIM is clearly more practical: you can buy a regional eSIM plan (e.g. all of Asia or Europe), whereas with a local SIM card you'd have to buy a new one in every country.

Do I get a local phone number with an eSIM?

Most travel eSIM data plans include data only, not a local phone number. If you need to make local calls (e.g. to a hotel or restaurant), a local SIM card is an advantage. In practice, though, WhatsApp and Viber handle the calls.

eSIM vs Local SIM Card: Which Should You Choose for Travel?

When travelling abroad, the two main ways to get online are an eSIM and a local SIM card. Both have their advantages and disadvantages — the best choice depends on your destination, the length of your trip and your personal preferences.

A comprehensive comparison

Aspect	eSIM	Local SIM card
Purchase	At home, online, in your language	At airport or shop, in the local language
Installation	2–3 minutes, QR code	15–60 minutes (queuing + setup)
Language	App in your language	English/local language
Price	Fixed, in your currency	Variable, in local currency
Dual SIM	Home number stays active	Card swap needed (unless dual SIM)
Local number	Usually none	Included
Multiple countries	Regional plan available	New card in every country
Passport	Not needed	Usually needed
Phone compatibility	2019+ models	Any phone

When should you choose an eSIM?

Short trip (1–2 weeks): Not worth queuing at the airport
Multiple countries: A single regional eSIM covers it (e.g. Southeast Asia, Europe)
You don't speak the local language: No haggling needed
Travelling with family: You can set everything up in advance at home
Dual SIM matters: Your home number stays active
You want convenience: Internet the moment you land

When should you choose a local SIM card?

You need a local phone number: For calling hotels and restaurants
Long stay (1+ month): A local SIM can be cheaper for large amounts of data
Older phone: If your device doesn't support eSIM
Local services: Some apps require a local number (e.g. opening a bank account)

Country-specific recommendations

Country	Recommendation	Why?
Turkey	eSIM	Airport SIM shops are expensive, IMEI registration risk
Thailand	Both are good	Airport SIM is cheap and simple, but eSIM is more convenient
Egypt	eSIM	Arabic language, haggling, IMEI registration risk
Japan	eSIM	Local SIMs are hard for tourists to get, data-only
USA	eSIM	Local prepaid SIM is complicated, eSIM is simpler
Greece	EU roaming	Roaming is free within the EU
Croatia	EU roaming	Roaming is free within the EU

The hybrid solution: eSIM + physical SIM

Modern phones are dual-SIM capable, which enables the best solution:

Physical SIM: Your home number — for calls and texts
eSIM: Local data plan — for internet

So you don't have to choose: you stay reachable on your home number while the eSIM provides internet at local prices.

Summary

For most short trips (1–14 days), an eSIM is the better choice: convenient, fast, and no haggling in a foreign language at the airport. For a longer stay, with a local phone number, a local SIM card can be more economical — but the dual-SIM solution combines the advantages of both worlds.