Complete Guide to Choosing Overseas eSIM and SIM Cards | In-Depth Comparison of 10 Services Based on Speed, Price, and Restrictions

As an indispensable means of communication for overseas travel and business trips, the number of users of overseas eSIMs and SIM cards is rapidly increasing. However, many people may have questions such as “Which service should I choose?”, “Is it compatible with my smartphone?”, and “Is the actual communication speed sufficient?”

In this article, we objectively test and compare 10 popular overseas eSIM and SIM card services in the market based on three criteria: communication speed, cost-effectiveness, and ease of avoiding speed restrictions. Presented in a ranking format, this comparison aims to help you select the service that best fits your travel style.

Three Key Points When Choosing Overseas eSIM or SIM Card

Maintaining a comfortable communication environment abroad requires a comprehensive perspective beyond just “cost.”

• Performance of communication speed: Can you comfortably watch videos and browse SNS?
• Pricing by country: Does the price vary depending on the country, even for the same service?
• Data capacity and restriction policies: Is the service prone to restrictions, or does it offer ample data allowances?

Choosing based on these three points, imagining actual usage scenarios, is the key to success.

【1st Place】World eSIM (Vision) | Overall Score 4.68 points

Leading overseas eSIM praised for high-speed communication in Korea and Hawaii

World eSIM supports over 200 countries and is a lightweight yet highly functional service dedicated to data communication. Purchasing via the app grants a 10% discount, and real-time data management is intuitive. Tethering is supported, making it suitable for users needing multiple device connections.

Advantages from actual tests:

• Stable video streaming in Korea and Hawaii
• No restrictions activated even after using 15GB in Korea
• Pricing in Thailand is among the lowest in the ranking

Challenges during testing:

• Slightly higher prices in Taiwan

【2nd Place】Glocal eSIM (Glocal Net) | Overall Score 4.36 points

A balanced overseas eSIM that combines cost and speed

Easy QR code authentication allows immediate use, with flexible options for 3 to 30 days of use. Supports 5G and provides Japanese-language support, making it very beginner-friendly.

Test data:

• Demonstrated smooth video viewing in Korea
• Stable with no restrictions after using 15GB in Korea
• Industry-low prices in Thailand, competitive prices in Hawaii, Korea, and Taiwan

Operational notes:

• Speed may vary depending on the time of day in Hawaii
• Pricing in Italy tends to be higher

【3rd Place】Ubigi (Transatel) | Overall Score 4.21 points

Specialized for high-speed communication needs in Hawaii

Supports over 200 countries, with options beyond 7-30 day plans, including monthly and yearly plans. Easy data top-up via app.

Speed strengths:

• Sufficient for video streaming in Hawaii
• Less likely to face restrictions after daily video use in Korea

Operational limitations:

• Speed drops to insufficient levels for SNS browsing in Korea
• No 3-day plan, making short trips difficult (especially in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand)
• Some cases of delayed SIM recognition after activation

【4th Place】eSIM square (Telecom Square) | Overall Score 4.17 points

Domestic provider option emphasizing high-speed communication

Supports over 200 countries and regions worldwide, with convenient data top-up via recharge. 24-hour Japanese chat support is a strong point for Japanese users.

Test results:

• Sufficient speeds for video viewing in Korea and Hawaii
• No restrictions after using 15GB in Korea
• Korean SIMs are competitively priced

Pricing issues:

• Higher prices in Hawaii and Italy
• No 3-day plans for Taiwan and Thailand

【5th Place】airalo (AIRALO) | Overall Score 4.08 points

Emerging eSIM platform offering excellent cost performance with international payment options

Provided by Singapore-based AIRALO, available in over 200 countries and regions. Supports 53 languages and multiple currencies, prioritizing global user convenience. 24-hour multilingual support ensures peace of mind.

Price competitiveness:

• 15% discount when using a promo code via MyBest
• Industry-low prices in Korea, Hawaii, Italy; low prices in Taiwan
• Suitable for site browsing in Korea with minimal risk of restrictions in one day

Operational limitations:

• No 3-day plan in Thailand
• Speeds may be insufficient for video viewing in Korea and Hawaii

【6th Place】DHA SIM (DHA SIM) | Overall Score 4.02 points

Limited country coverage but extremely affordable if your destination is supported

Offers both eSIM and physical SIM options; eSIM can be activated instantly via QR code, but QR codes are sent by mail, requiring prior preparation.

Speed performance:

• Capable of video viewing in Korea and Hawaii
• Among the cheapest in Taiwan, affordable in Korea and Hawaii

Usage restrictions:

• No 3-day or 7-day plans for Thailand and Italy
• Possible restrictions during long SNS or website browsing in Korea

【7th Place】TRAVeSIM (a2network) | Overall Score 3.99 points

Cost-conscious users should consider, but must accept lower speeds

Supports over 140 countries, with multi-country plans available. 5G compatible, with Japanese support 24/7/365.

Data and restrictions:

• Designed to prevent restrictions during daily video use in Korea
• Relatively low prices in Korea, Taiwan, Hawaii, Italy

Speed concerns:

• Insufficient speeds for video in Korea and Hawaii
• No 3-day plan available in Thailand

【8th Place】Holafly (Holafly) | Overall Score 3.82 points

Spanish-based unlimited plan eSIM, but speeds below expectations

Holafly offers unlimited plans in over 120 countries, suitable for stays over 30 days with monthly or yearly plans. Features include earning HolaCoins through purchases and referrals, which can be used for discounts.

Price advantages:

• Affordable in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hawaii, Italy
• Proven to handle daily video in Korea without restrictions

Communication quality issues:

• Speeds are insufficient even for SNS browsing in Korea and Hawaii

【9th Place】Trifa (Trifa) | Overall Score 3.72 points

Gentle restrictions but weaker in speed and price among mid-tier eSIMs

Supports over 200 countries, with easy app-based purchase and activation. 24/7 Japanese chat support and various data plans enhance convenience.

Restriction-oriented design:

• Capable of supporting video viewing in Hawaii without restrictions
• No restrictions after using 15GB in Korea

Overall weaknesses:

• Speeds too low for SNS and browsing in Korea
• Relatively high prices, not ideal for cost-conscious users

【10th Place】SkyeSiM (FREEDiVE) | Overall Score 3.71 points

Hawaii-focused, higher-priced newcomer for other countries

Revamped from SkySiM, allows selection of data volume and days on a daily basis. Supports over 120 countries, with site-based purchase and activation without apps. Multiple payment options available.

Limited advantages:

• Relatively affordable in Hawaii

Overall challenges:

• Higher prices in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Italy
• No unlimited 7-day plan for Italy
• Unstable SNS browsing times in Korea and Hawaii
• Tendency for restrictions during SNS use in Korea

Travel Style-Based Overseas eSIM Selection Guide

For short-term business trips prioritizing high-speed communication: World eSIM, eSIM square
For long-term stays focusing on cost performance: airalo, Glocal eSIM
For beginners seeking comprehensive support: Glocal eSIM, TRAVeSIM
For Hawaii-only use: Ubigi, SkyeSiM

Choosing an overseas eSIM depends on the countries visited, stay duration, and usage purpose. Use the actual test results based on these three criteria as a reference to find the service that best matches your needs. This is the first step toward achieving a comfortable overseas communication environment.

Supervised by: Atsushi Ishikawa (Mobile & Smartphone Journalist)
Guide: Kenji Takayama (Former Mobile Phone Salesperson)