It depends on the country and your use. Often both international eSIM and local SIM are cheaper than roaming. Compare specific plans for your destination.

Do I keep my number with international data?

With roaming, yes. With eSIM for data only, your main number stays on your main SIM. With a local SIM only (no home SIM in the device), you do not use your home number on that device until you put the home SIM back.

Which is easier to set up?

Roaming is automatic. eSIM needs one-time install. Local SIM needs buying and inserting the card. Ease depends on your preference and device.

Can I use a local SIM in more than one country?

Usually no. A local SIM is for that country. For multiple countries use an international/regional eSIM or a multi-country plan.

Do I need to unlock my phone for both?

For a local SIM, yes. For eSIM from a different provider, usually yes (carrier lock may block non-operator eSIMs). For roaming, no.

Which has better coverage?

Coverage depends on the operator and country, not on whether the plan is "international" or "local". Check the plan’s coverage.

You can have your home SIM (international/roaming) and a local SIM in a dual-SIM phone, or home SIM plus eSIM. Set which one is used for data.

What about a local number?

Local SIM often includes a local number. International eSIM is often data-only. If you need a local number, check whether the eSIM plan includes one or use a local SIM.

Is international data the same as roaming?

Roaming is one type of international data (your operator). International data can also mean an eSIM or other plan from another provider for use abroad.

Which is better for a week-long trip?

Both can work. eSIM lets you prepare before you go; local SIM is fine if you are happy to buy on arrival. Compare data and price for your destination.

International data plan vs local SIM

When you need mobile data abroad, you can use an international data plan (e.g. from your operator or an eSIM provider) or buy a local SIM in the country. This guide compares the two in a neutral way.

Definition

International data here means a plan that works abroad and is sold by your home operator (roaming) or by another provider (e.g. eSIM) for use in one or more countries. A local SIM is a physical SIM you buy in the country you are visiting, from a local operator, and use for data (and often calls) there.

How it works

International: You use your existing SIM (roaming) or add an eSIM/international plan; you get data in the covered country or region. Local SIM: You buy a SIM at your destination, insert it, and use it for data (and often voice) in that country. Both give you mobile data; the purchase and billing differ.

Benefits and limitations

International (roaming): Same number, one bill; often costly for data. International (eSIM): Often good value, can set up before travel; need eSIM device. Local SIM: Local rates, often good value, local number possible; need unlocked device and buying on arrival.

Comparison with alternatives

International plans (especially eSIM) and local SIM both offer data at often better value than standard roaming. International eSIM avoids going to a shop; local SIM gives you a physical card and sometimes a local number. Compare coverage, data, validity, and price for your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper?: It depends on the country and your use. Often both international eSIM and local SIM are cheaper than roaming. Compare specific plans for your destination.
Do I keep my number with international data?: With roaming, yes. With eSIM for data only, your main number stays on your main SIM. With a local SIM only (no home SIM in the device), you do not use your home number on that device until you put the home SIM back.
Which is easier to set up?: Roaming is automatic. eSIM needs one-time install. Local SIM needs buying and inserting the card. Ease depends on your preference and device.
Can I use a local SIM in more than one country?: Usually no. A local SIM is for that country. For multiple countries use an international/regional eSIM or a multi-country plan.
Do I need to unlock my phone for both?: For a local SIM, yes. For eSIM from a different provider, usually yes (carrier lock may block non-operator eSIMs). For roaming, no.
Which has better coverage?: Coverage depends on the operator and country, not on whether the plan is "international" or "local". Check the plan’s coverage.
Can I have both?: You can have your home SIM (international/roaming) and a local SIM in a dual-SIM phone, or home SIM plus eSIM. Set which one is used for data.
What about a local number?: Local SIM often includes a local number. International eSIM is often data-only. If you need a local number, check whether the eSIM plan includes one or use a local SIM.
Is international data the same as roaming?: Roaming is one type of international data (your operator). International data can also mean an eSIM or other plan from another provider for use abroad.
Which is better for a week-long trip?: Both can work. eSIM lets you prepare before you go; local SIM is fine if you are happy to buy on arrival. Compare data and price for your destination.

When this solution makes sense

Use an international plan (eSIM) when you want to prepare before travel and have an eSIM-capable device. Use a local SIM when you prefer to buy on arrival, want a local number, or your device has no eSIM.

Last updated: February 8, 2025