The 60-second verdict
The cheapest way to get data abroad is a fixed-size eSIM bought at the size you will actually use, not an unlimited plan and not your carrier's roaming pass. With Flysimio, 5 GB / 30 days costs $4.20 in Türkiye, $5.95 in Greece, $6.75 in Japan and $7.05 on one plan across Europe. Every price on this page is read live from our catalogue, so it is today's price, not a snapshot. Hotspot is included, and you get a full refund within 7 days if the eSIM is unused or has used less than 100 MB.
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Cheapest eSIM by destination: today's prices
5 GB covers one to two weeks of maps, messaging and photos; 10 GB covers two to four weeks or a laptop on hotspot. Tap a price to go straight to checkout. Not on the list? Every country's plans are on all destinations.
| Destination | 5 GB / 30 days | 10 GB / 30 days |
|---|---|---|
| Türkiye | Buy$4.20 | Buy$7.30 |
| Greece | Buy$5.95 | Buy$10.70 |
| Italy | Buy$5.95 | Buy$10.70 |
| Spain | Buy$5.95 | Buy$10.70 |
| Portugal | Buy$5.95 | Buy$10.70 |
| Czech Republic | Buy$5.95 | Buy$10.70 |
| Europe (one plan, 30+ countries) | Buy$7.05 | Buy$14.65 |
| Japan | Buy$6.75 | Buy$11.75 |
| Thailand | Buy$6.75 | Buy$11.75 |
| France | Buy$6.75 | Buy$11.75 |
| Indonesia | Buy$6.75 | Buy$11.75 |
| USA | Buy$8.28 | Buy$15.10 |
| Vietnam | Buy$9.43 | Buy$17.20 |
Fixed data, unlimited or a daily pass: what you pay for
| Plan type | How it is priced | Cheapest when |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed data (e.g. 5 GB / 30 days) | One price for a set amount of data | Most trips: maps, messaging, photos and some video |
| Unlimited | A daily or weekly price, slowed after a fair-use cap | You stream or hotspot heavily every day |
| Daily pass from your carrier | A charge for every day you use data abroad | Almost never: a week of passes usually costs more than a 5 GB eSIM |
Why price per GB beats the headline price
The "from" price you see advertised is usually a 1 GB plan you will use up in a day or two. What matters is the price at the size you actually need. In Japan, Flysimio's 1 GB / 7-day plan costs $1.75, but five of them would cost more than one 5 GB / 30-day plan at $6.75, which also lasts four times longer. Pick the size first, then compare. Not sure how much you need? Use the data calculator.
The hidden costs that make a cheap eSIM expensive
- Refund policy: many providers refund only plans that were never installed. Flysimio refunds in full within 7 days if the eSIM is unused or has used less than 100 MB, so you can install it and check it connects first.
- Single-country vs regional: one regional Europe plan ($14.65 for 10 GB) is far cheaper than separate eSIMs for France, Italy and Spain.
- Validity windows: match the plan length to your trip; a 7-day plan is cheaper than a 30-day plan of the same size.
- Unlimited fair-use caps: "unlimited" plans slow down after a cap; fixed-data plans simply stop, so there is never a surprise bill.
- App-only loyalty credits expire and only apply to the same brand.
How to get the cheapest eSIM for your trip
- Work out how much data you need: 1–3 GB for a long weekend, 5 GB for one to two weeks, 10 GB for longer trips or hotspot.
- Compare the price at that size, not the "from" headline.
- Match the plan length to your trip.
- Use one regional plan for a multi-country trip instead of several single-country eSIMs.
- Skip "unlimited" unless you stream or hotspot daily.
- Buy from a provider whose refund covers an installed eSIM, so a plan that does not suit you is not money lost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest eSIM for international travel?
A fixed-data eSIM at the size you need. For a one- to two-week trip, 5 GB is enough for maps, messaging and photos: with Flysimio that is $4.20 in Türkiye, $5.95 in Greece, $6.75 in Japan and $7.05 for a multi-country Europe trip. The table above shows today's price for 13 destinations.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Europe?
For a trip through several countries, the Flysimio Europe eSIM: one plan covering 30+ countries including France, Italy, Spain, the UK and Switzerland, at $7.05 for 5 GB or $14.65 for 10 GB / 30 days. For one country only, a single-country plan is cheaper still: $5.95 for 5 GB in Italy or Spain. See the Europe eSIM guide.
What is the cheapest eSIM for Asia?
Usually a single-country plan: 5 GB / 30 days costs $6.75 in Japan, $6.75 in Thailand and $6.75 in Indonesia. Regional Asia plans make sense only when you visit three or more countries; the Asia eSIM guide shows which plan covers which countries.
Are cheap eSIMs slower or worse quality?
No. Budget and premium eSIM providers connect to the same local networks. A cheaper eSIM on the same network delivers the same speed and coverage; you pay less for branding, not less signal.
Is unlimited data the cheapest option?
Rarely. Unlimited plans are priced per day and slow down after a fair-use cap. For typical travel use, a fixed 3–10 GB plan costs far less. Unlimited only wins if you stream or hotspot heavily every day.
What if the eSIM does not work for me?
You can get a full refund within 7 days of purchase if the eSIM is unused or has used less than 100 MB, so you can install it and check it connects first. Full terms are in our refund policy.
Ready for your trip?
Where are you travelling? Instant QR · 7-day refund
Sources & further reading
Maya Okafor
Senior Travel Connectivity Editor
Maya has tested eSIMs across 40+ countries over five years of full-time travel — from Tokyo subways to Patagonian backroads. She runs Flysimio’s hands-on network and speed testing.