eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which Is Better for Travel?

Choosing between a plastic SIM and an eSIM used to matter. Today the gap has nearly closed, but a few differences still change what you pay.

• eSIM: no shipping cost, activated before you fly, switch plans in seconds
• Physical SIM: works on any unlocked phone, often cheaper for 30-day stays
• eSIMs average $5 to $20 for 1 to 30 GB of data
• Local physical SIMs in Asia often start under $3

For short trips, the eSIM wins on speed. For a month or more in one country, a local physical SIM is usually the better deal.