eSIM or carrier roaming: which one pays off

Both solve the same problem. The answer depends on how long you stay and how much you use your phone.

Where roaming wins

• You keep your number for calls and SMS with nothing to set up.
• For a two or three day trip, a daily roaming pass can beat any data plan.
• It does not need an eSIM capable phone.

Where an eSIM wins

• A fixed price before you fly, with no surprise invoice after.
• On trips of a week or more it is usually much cheaper than a daily pass.
• One regional plan covers several countries.
• It does not depend on your carrier having a deal with the local one.

The calculation that settles it

Take your carrier daily pass price and multiply by the days of your trip. Compare with the destination data plan. On short trips roaming competes; from five to seven days the gap normally widens in favour of the eSIM.