Avoid Failures During Overseas Travel! A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right eSIM for Different Uses & Recommended Services

When traveling abroad or on business trips, securing a reliable communication environment is an essential task. Compared to traditional roaming, eSIM offers the advantage of high-speed communication at lower costs. However, many people may still have concerns such as “which service should I choose” or “will it really work with my smartphone.”

In this article, we thoroughly evaluate 10 popular eSIM services on three axes: price, communication speed, and difficulty of speed restrictions. Along with how to choose based on your travel style, we introduce our recommended services.

Three Key Points for Choosing an eSIM

To ensure a comfortable experience using eSIM during overseas travel, we conducted the following evaluations:

• Price competitiveness: Comparison of daily plan prices across regions
• Actual communication speed: Real-world speed tests during video streaming and SNS use
• Data capacity restrictions: Patterns of speed restrictions based on usage volume

【Highest Score 4.68】World eSIM (Vision) - Top Candidate for Korea & Hawaii Users

Recommended score: 4.68 (as of 2025/12/22)

World eSIM provided by Vision is a data-only eSIM service compatible with over 200 countries. Applying through the app grants a 10% discount, and seamless management of remaining data is possible. It also features tethering, allowing multiple devices to share the connection.

In real-world tests in Korea and Hawaii, HD video streaming was smooth without interruptions. Even after consuming 15GB in Korea, no signs of speed reduction were observed, maintaining high-speed connectivity continuously. In Thailand, it offers industry-low prices, making it highly cost-effective.

One concern is that the pricing in Taiwan is slightly higher compared to other services.

【Score 4.36】Glocal eSIM (GlocalNet) - Balanced Price and Speed

Recommended score: 4.36 (as of 2025/12/22)

GlocalNet’s Glocal eSIM is characterized by its ease of use—immediate activation via QR code. It supports flexible usage periods from 3 to 30 days and offers a variety of plans. Compatible with 5G and fully supported in Japanese, making it beginner-friendly.

In Korea, video viewing was trouble-free, and it was confirmed that usage of 15GB did not trigger speed restrictions. It offers the lowest prices in Thailand and remains competitive in Hawaii, Korea, and Taiwan.

Challenges include variable speeds depending on the time of day in Hawaii and slightly higher prices in Taiwan.

【Score 4.21】Ubigi (Transatel) - Must-know for Hawaii Users

Recommended score: 4.21 (as of 2025/12/22)

Ubigi by Transatel offers flexibility with coverage in over 200 countries. It provides short-term plans from 7 to 30 days, as well as monthly and yearly plans, catering to various needs. Seamless data management and additional purchases via the app are also advantages.

Speed tests in Hawaii showed sufficient performance for video streaming. A one-day video test in Korea indicated a low likelihood of speed restrictions. Pricing in Hawaii and Italy is reasonable, suitable for cost-conscious users.

However, in Korea, SNS browsing speeds were insufficient, and the absence of 3-day plans limits options for short trips. Activation may also take some time to recognize.

【Score 4.17】eSIM square (Telecom Square) - For High-Speed Communication Enthusiasts

Recommended score: 4.17 (as of 2025/12/22)

eSIM square by Telecom Square supports over 200 countries and regions worldwide. Features include recharge options for additional data and 24/7 Japanese chat support, ensuring peace of mind.

In Korea and Hawaii, high-speed data suitable for video streaming was confirmed, and even 15GB usage in Korea could be continued without restrictions. Korean SIM prices are affordable.

However, prices in Hawaii and Italy are higher, and 3-day plans are not available in Taiwan and Thailand.

【Score 4.08】airalo (AIRALO) - Cost-effective with Discounts

Recommended score: 4.08 (as of 2025/12/22)

airalo by AIRALO, originating from Singapore, is known for its versatility across over 200 countries and regions. It supports 53 languages, multiple currencies, and 24-hour multilingual support, making it accessible without language barriers. A wide range of data plans allows tailored choices for your trip.

Using a discount code grants 15% off, and it offers some of the lowest prices in Korea, Hawaii, and Italy. Taiwan also features affordable rates. For site browsing in Korea, the risk of daily limits is low.

The main issue is speed—especially for video streaming in Korea and Hawaii, where speeds are insufficient. Also, 3-day plans are not available in Thailand.

【Score 4.02】DHA SIM (DHA SIM) - Limited Countries, Low Cost

Recommended score: 4.02 (as of 2025/12/22)

DHA SIM by DHA Corporation supports both eSIM and physical SIM cards. Activation via QR code is simple, but note that receiving the QR code by mail is required.

In supported countries, high-speed communication is achieved, with smooth video viewing in Korea and Hawaii. Prices in Taiwan are among the lowest, and Korea and Hawaii also maintain affordable rates.

Limitations include a restricted country list, with no 3-day plans for Thailand or 7-day plans for Italy. Long-term SNS and web browsing in Korea may be subject to restrictions.

【Score 3.99】TRAVeSIM (a2network) - Worth Considering for Low Cost

Recommended score: 3.99 (as of 2025/12/22)

TRAVeSIM by a2network offers prepaid eSIM and SIM options supporting over 140 countries. It includes multi-country travel plans, supports 5G, and provides 24/7 Japanese support, making it user-friendly for beginners.

Speed tests in Korea for one day of video streaming showed low risk of restrictions. Prices in Korea, Taiwan, Hawaii, and Italy are affordable.

Challenges include insufficient speeds for video in Korea and Hawaii, and the lack of 3-day plans in Thailand.

【Score 3.82】Holafly - Unlimited Plans Are Attractive

Recommended score: 3.82 (as of 2025/12/22)

Holafly, originating from Spain, offers unlimited plans in over 120 countries. Monthly and yearly plans over 30 days are available, suitable for long stays. The system allows earning HolaCoins through purchases and referrals, which can be used for discounts on future purchases.

Affordable rates in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hawaii, and Italy are advantageous. The low risk of speed restrictions during one-day video streaming in Korea is also a plus.

However, browsing speeds in Korea and Hawaii can be insufficient, causing some content delivery stress.

【Score 3.72】Trifa (Trifa) - Stable Restrictions Are a Strength

Recommended score: 3.72 (as of 2025/12/17)

Trifa by Trifa offers coverage in over 200 countries and regions, with easy application and activation via app, 24/7 Japanese chat support, and a variety of plans from short to long term.

It demonstrated sufficient speeds for video in Hawaii and confirmed that 15GB in Korea does not trigger restrictions. Its stable speed restrictions are highly rated.

Challenges include difficulty browsing SNS and websites in Korea at certain speeds, and overall higher prices, making it less suitable for cost-conscious travelers.

【Score 3.71】SkyeSiM (FREEDiVE) - For Dedicated Hawaii Use

Recommended score: 3.71 (as of 2025/12/22)

SkyeSIM by FREEDiVE, a renewal of SkySiM, offers daily data and duration options, supporting over 120 countries. Purchase and start using easily via website without apps. Payment options are diverse.

In Hawaii, prices are relatively low, and user experience is good.

Challenges include high prices in Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Italy, no unlimited 7-day plan in Italy, unstable SNS browsing in Korea and Hawaii, and reports of speed restrictions during SNS use in Korea.

Travel Style-Based: Guidance for Choosing the Right eSIM

Short-term (3–5 days) trips
World eSIM and Glocal eSIM offer a good balance of high speed and affordability, ideal for short stays.

Long-term stays (2 weeks or more)
Ubigi and Holafly, with monthly and yearly plans, are more cost-effective overall.

Multiple country travel
TRAVeSIM multi-country plans and AIRALO’s diverse options excel in convenience.

Prioritizing low cost
airalo (with discounts) and TRAVeSIM provide the lowest prices and are recommended.

Choosing the right eSIM involves considering travel duration, destinations, and data usage to find the service that best matches your needs. Use the insights from this article to enjoy a comfortable overseas trip.