You've just booked flights. Now you're wondering how to stay connected abroad. Two options dominate the conversation: buying a local SIM card at the airport, or getting an eSIM before you leave. Both work. But they're not equal.
Here's the honest comparison.
The Airport SIM Card Experience
You land after an eight-hour flight. You're tired, disoriented, and your phone is at 12% battery. Welcome to the airport SIM kiosk queue.
Airport SIM cards are convenient in the sense that they exist at airports. Beyond that, the experience is often frustrating:
- Wait times: 20–45 minutes at popular tourist destinations during peak season
- Cost: Airport markup is real — usually 20–40% more than the same plan from a local carrier or online
- Language barrier: Staff may not speak your language; plans may not be clearly explained
- Physical process: You need to swap out your home SIM (and then store it without losing it)
- Activation delays: Sometimes requires registration with a passport, adding more time
Pro tip: If you decide to go the airport SIM route anyway, convenience stores near the airport (7-Eleven, FamilyMart in Japan; 7-Eleven in Thailand) often sell SIM cards at lower prices than the arrival hall kiosks.
The eSIM Experience
An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your phone. You buy a data plan online, and your QR code appears instantly on screen — install it with one tap on iPhone or Android, or scan the code with your camera. The data activates when you connect to a network at your destination.
The whole process takes about three minutes, done from your couch before you leave. And if anything goes wrong, we offer a full refund — just get in touch.
Advantages:
- Pre-departure: Bought and installed before you fly — no airport logistics
- Price: No airport markup; competitive with (or better than) local SIM pricing
- Your number stays active: Your home SIM keeps working for calls and texts
- No physical swapping: No risk of losing your home SIM
- Instant comparison: Browse multiple plan options before committing
Disadvantages:
- Requires an eSIM-compatible phone (most phones since 2020)
- Requires internet access to purchase (but that's any Wi-Fi connection)
- No phone number for local calls (data only — fine for most travelers)
Cost Comparison
Let's look at a concrete example: 10 days in Thailand, moderate data usage (around 5 GB).
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrier roaming | €150+ | €15/day × 10 days |
| Airport SIM (Bangkok) | €18–30 | With airport premium |
| Local carrier SIM (7-Eleven) | €12–18 | Requires phone swap |
| eSIM from BrilliSIM | From €7.99 | Instant setup, satisfaction guaranteed |
Prices are approximate and may vary by carrier, season, and purchase point. Comparison based on publicly available pricing as of January 2026.
The eSIM is consistently the best value when you factor in the time cost of the alternatives.
Which Should You Choose?
Get an eSIM if:
- Your phone supports it (most 2020+ phones do)
- You want data ready the moment you land
- You don't want to deal with physical SIM swapping
- You're visiting multiple countries on one trip
Consider an airport SIM if:
- Your phone doesn't support eSIM
- You need a local phone number (for local calls or 2FA on local services)
- You're staying in one country for an extended period and want the cheapest possible option
For most international travelers today, the eSIM wins on convenience, price, and simplicity. The airport SIM kiosk is a relic of travel past — useful when you have no alternative, but unnecessary when you do.
Ready to skip the kiosk queue? Browse data plans for 150+ countries and get set up before you fly.