Connectivity & Privacy
Before packing your bags, make sure you have two things: your connection and your privacy. We cover the two digital security layers that define the modern traveler: eSIM without roaming and VPN without compromises.
Connectivity is no longer optional
Landing at an unknown airport without active mobile data is the modern equivalent of arriving without a map. eSIMs have forever eliminated the queues to buy local SIM cards: they activate in minutes from your phone, before you even take off. And in a world where public WiFi at airports and hotels is a gateway for hackers, a VPN is not paranoia—it’s essential digital care.
eSIM for travelers
An eSIM (also called virtual SIM) is an integrated SIM card that activates digitally, without the need for a physical card. The result is identical: active mobile data at your destination from the moment you land.
GigSky (our favorite)
The only eSIM you can try completely risk-free. Get a 100MB plan for free or redeem your Visa benefit to instantly connect in over 200 countries, without fighting QR codes.
Yesim
Swiss eSIM with real Pay-As-You-Go model: you pay exactly for what you consume, with no forced plans or automatic top-ups. Available in 150+ countries, installation in minutes.
Saily
Created by the NordVPN team. Coverage in 260+ countries, plans from $1.99, and activation in 2 minutes. Digital privacy as a brand philosophy.
Airalo
The most used eSIM in the world. Trusted by over 1 million travelers in 200+ countries. Activate it before boarding and land with mobile data from the very first second.
HolaFly
The queen of unlimited data. An eSIM focused on limitless gigabyte plans so you can browse, navigate, and share photos without ever watching your consumption. 24/7 support.
Drimsim (physical)
The universal physical SIM card for devices without eSIM support. It works worldwide, is independent of any single operator, and its balance never expires.
VPN: Your digital shield
Every time you connect to public WiFi at a hotel, airport, or cafe, your information travels across a shared network with dozens of strangers. A VPN encrypts that connection, rendering it invisible to anyone else. A single travel banking fraud incident far exceeds the cost of years of a VPN subscription.
NordVPN
The world’s most trusted VPN. Encrypt your connection in airports, hotels, and cafes. Protect your bank accounts, passwords, and personal data on any public network. One plan covers up to 10 devices.
Why did we curate these options?
1. GigSky (our favorite)
GigSky is the official operator for those demanding guaranteed coverage in over 200 countries (even on cruise lines and in remote areas), but their secret weapon is transparency: they allow you to test their network entirely risk-free. They offer a complimentary ‘Free Plan’ so you can confirm their incredible speeds before opening your wallet, and if you have an eligible Visa card, they gift you recurring data packages.
Unlike most brands, GigSky is not a middleman; it is a real global network operator, meaning its stability is vastly superior. Furthermore, forget the frustration of scanning QR codes at the airport using public wifi; their technology activates the eSIM automatically right from the App. For true globetrotters, their ‘GigSky One’ subscription centralizes all your trips of the year into a single global rate.
2. Yesim
Yesim is a Swiss eSIM that solves one of the biggest pain points for the international traveler: the surprise bill. Its Pay-As-You-Go model eliminates forced plans: your balance is consumed in real megabytes, not in contracted time. Available in over 150 countries with 24/7 support, it is the favorite eSIM for those traveling without a fixed itinerary who need an on-demand connection with no contractual commitments. Available since 2021 with thousands of satisfied users.
3. Saily
Saily is the eSIM from Nord Security, the team behind NordVPN, one of the world’s most trusted digital privacy brands. That is no small detail: it means their infrastructure was designed with the same rigorous security standards that protect millions of users globally. Enjoy coverage in over 260 countries, 4G/5G speeds, and plans starting at $1.99 USD with activation via QR or app in under 2 minutes. Compatible with iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, and most modern devices.
4. Airalo
Airalo was the world’s first eSIM store and remains the most globally recognized today. Over a million people already use it to travel without roaming across more than 200 countries and regions. Its catalog features local (single country), regional (a full continent), and global eSIMs, allowing you to choose exactly the plan you need without paying for coverage you won’t use. With 24/7 support available via chat, social media, or email, it is the ideal choice for first-time eSIM users: the brand alone builds immense trust.
5. Holafly
Holafly has revolutionized the market with an irresistible promise: unlimited data. If you consume a lot of internet (constant Google Maps, video calls, uploading photos to social media, or streaming), this is your eSIM. Instead of constantly calculating how many megabytes you have left, you buy a package for the exact days of your trip and forget about roaming. Furthermore, its customer service is available 24/7 via WhatsApp, acting as a real lifesaver when you are on the other side of the world.
6. Drimsim
Drimsim is a universal physical SIM card with global connectivity, designed specifically for travelers whose devices do not yet support eSIM technology. Upon landing at your destination, it automatically connects to the best available local network. Unlike local prepaid cards you have to hunt for at the airport, Drimsim is not tied to any operator, and its balance doesn’t expire if you stop using it for months. You recharge data directly from its app under a pay-as-you-go model, making it the perfect safety net for roaming-free travel.
7. NordVPN
NordVPN is the gold standard in digital privacy for travelers. With servers in over 60 countries, it encrypts all your internet activity across any public network: the airport WiFi, your hotel’s connection, or the cafe where you work. This includes banking sessions, passwords, emails, and any sensitive data traveling over a shared network. A single plan covers up to 10 simultaneous devices: your phone, tablet, laptop, and your companion’s. It also actively protects against phishing, malware, and ad trackers. Compatible with iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
About connectivity and privacy with eSIMs and VPNs for travelers.
What is an eSIM and how do you activate it?
An eSIM is a SIM card integrated directly into your device, without the need for a physical card. It is activated by scanning a QR code you receive via email after purchase. The entire process takes between 2 and 5 minutes and can be done from home, before the trip.
Is my phone eSIM compatible?
Most iPhones since the XS (2018) and high-end Android devices since 2020 are compatible. You can easily check this in Settings > General > About > Available eSIM (iOS) or by contacting your carrier. Airalo and Yesim provide free compatibility checkers on their websites.
Can you use an eSIM and your regular SIM at the same time?
Yes. Most modern smartphones are Dual SIM: your local SIM remains active for calls and messages, while the eSIM manages data at the destination. This way, you keep your usual number and avoid roaming at the same time.
Why do you need a VPN if you already have an eSIM?
They are complementary, not mutually exclusive solutions. The eSIM provides independent mobile data (avoiding reliance on public WiFi). The VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, including the eSIM connection, ensuring no one intercepts your passwords, banking sessions, or emails on any network.
How much is an eSIM for Europe?
Prices vary depending on the country and GB included. As a reference, a 10GB eSIM for Europe for 30 days costs between $8 and $20 USD with providers like Airalo or Saily. Significantly cheaper than the international roaming of most local operators.
Keep preparing your journey. +9 tools curated for you
You are already connected. Now ensure your peace of mind, optimize your flights, or discover curated stays with more than 9 travel tools we've integrated for you.
Journey Planner
Forget spending weeks reading blogs, comparing maps, and organizing spreadsheets. Our planner connects seamlessly with multiple destinations.
Curated Accommodation
We don't list generic hotels. Compare independent properties and boutique hotels selected for their design and strategic location. Fewer options, better decisions.
Connectivity & Privacy
Don't leave your security to chance. Connect instantly with global eSIMs and browse incognito with premium VPNs on any public network.
Peace of mind & Protection
True luxury is knowing that if something goes wrong, someone has your back. 100% digital insurance and services that turn unforeseen events into mere anecdotes.
Flights & Airports
The journey begins before takeoff. Search engines that give you real cashback on every flight and access to the VIP lounges you deserve.
Transport & Luggage
Arriving stress-free sets the tone for your journey. Private transfers where they wait for you with a sign, cars for scenic routes, and secure luggage storage.
VIP Tours & Experiences
No buses, no massive groups. Only private access and experiences designed for those who demand to know a destination behind closed doors.
AI Journey Assistant
Don't travel alone. Your personal destination assistant is available 24/7 in your pocket. From finding the quietest street in Rome (Sensory Copilot), to resolving a last-minute train change.
Space Journey Extension
With our browser extension, you can save locations from Google Maps, curated stays from any website, and YouTube videos directly to your itinerary with a single click.
Discover new cities
Discover Free, Secret, and Premium experiences in each city, as well as travel tools and expert advice to make the most of your time and avoid unnecessary expenses at your destination.
Experience Points (EXP): They represent your wisdom in destiny. Rank up to unlock exclusive badges and community recognition.
Solar Coins (SC): The currency of the ecosystem. Redeem them to unlockSecret Experiences, get discounts with exclusive travel partners or on your Pass/Ultra membership.
Seal Passport: Click at the end of each route to claim your rewards.