--- title: "Best eSIM by Country: Every Destination We've Tested" slug: "best-esim-by-country" description: "Our running guide to the best eSIM for each destination we've traveled, from Japan to China to a transatlantic cruise." author: "Adam Clarkson" lang: "en" date: "2026-06-19" published_at: "2026-06-19T22:13:32.000-04:00" updated_at: "2026-06-19T22:18:26.000-04:00" feature_image: "https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/c92b3609-e09b-4eac-96ba-b0c0e0af00b5.jpg" tags: ["Guide", "Holafly", "#no-city", "#no-country", "#no-subregion", "#no-region", "esim", "#evergreen"] canonical_url: "https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-by-country/" --- We've been traveling full-time since May 2022, and in that time we've put an eSIM through almost every kind of trip a family can take. Subway platforms in Tokyo, the firewall in Shanghai, beach days in Da Nang, night markets in Chiang Mai, road trips through Europe. This is our running guide to the best eSIM for each destination, pulled from the individual country guides we've written, with the discount code and a direct link in each section so you don't have to click away to use them. The same code works everywhere: **ADAMANDLINDS** takes 5% off any Holafly destination eSIM, or 10% off a monthly Holafly Plan. Holafly is the world's first international mobile operator, and after testing the field we use it as our default. One eSIM, installed at home over WiFi, working the moment we land. ### Holafly eSIM Works in 160+ destinations. The code we use on every order, in every country. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any destination eSIM, or 10% off a monthly Plan. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-by-country&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Japan, one of the dozens of countries we've stayed connected in on a single eSIM provider.](https://pub-7aaf5c6cc1c2496e8b9429b2cc0fe010.r2.dev/photos/large/b935d836-59b1-4392-9691-e686bd7500aa.jpg) ## Best eSIM Code by Destination at a Glance The same code works everywhere. Here's the quick reference for every destination we've covered, with the discount you get and a link to the full guide further down. Destination Best code You save Full guide Japan ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Japan guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) China ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [China guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/) Thailand ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Thailand guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code/) South Korea ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Korea guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-japan-korea/) Taiwan ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Taiwan guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-taiwan-esim-travel-guide/) Europe (40+ countries) ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Europe guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/) Italy ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Italy guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-italy-holafly/) Spain ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Spain guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-spain-holafly/) Greece ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Greece guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-greece/) Mexico ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Mexico guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-mexico-holafly-discount-code-guide/) USA ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [USA guide](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-usa-esim-coupon-code/) United Kingdom ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [UK guide](https://adamandlinds.com/uk-esim-guide-best-unlimited-data-plans-britain-travel/) New Zealand ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [New Zealand guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-new-zealand/) Philippines ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Philippines guide](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-philippines-esim-discount-code/) Family / multi-country ADAMANDLINDS 5% eSIM / 10% Plan [Family travel guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans-2025/) ## How the Discount Code Works Everywhere Before the country-by-country breakdown, the part that applies to all of them. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** is a standing affiliate code, not a seasonal promo, so it doesn't expire and it works on every order rather than just your first. On a destination eSIM it takes 5% off. On a monthly Holafly Plan, the subscription that covers 160+ destinations on one eSIM, it takes 10% off. If you're traveling as a family, each person needs their own eSIM, and the code applies to every order. We usually buy all five in one session at the kitchen table before a trip, scan each QR code on WiFi, and set them to activate on arrival. For trips of 30 days or longer, look at the monthly [Holafly Plan](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) instead of a single-destination eSIM. One eSIM covers 160+ destinations, the code takes 10% off, and it works out cheaper than buying separate eSIMs for a long multi-country trip. ## Best eSIM for Japan Japan is where we've spent more time than anywhere, 325 days across more than a dozen trips, so it's the country we can speak to with the most confidence. Coverage is excellent almost everywhere, including the parts that surprise people: deep underground on the Osaka subway, on the shinkansen between cities, out in the countryside around Koyasan. We've never lost signal somewhere it mattered. ![Asakusa in Tokyo. Japan has been our most-tested destination by a wide margin.](https://pub-7aaf5c6cc1c2496e8b9429b2cc0fe010.r2.dev/photos/large/fcfefeef-39cd-4736-be1a-60e909c58029.jpg) Holafly partners with NTT Docomo here, which is the network you want in Japan. For the full breakdown, including data on plan length and the spots where we actually used it, see our [best eSIM for Japan guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/). ### Holafly Japan eSIM Unlimited data on Japan's strongest network, including the subway and shinkansen. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. [Get the Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=best-esim-by-country&subId2=plan-card&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Best eSIM for China China is the one country where the eSIM choice genuinely makes or breaks your trip. The Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail, so a standard travel eSIM leaves you with data but no working apps. We ran the Holafly China eSIM across Shanghai, and it has a VPN built into the plan, so the blocked apps loaded without installing or configuring anything separately. ![Shanghai, where the VPN built into the China eSIM was the whole reason our phones worked.](https://pub-7aaf5c6cc1c2496e8b9429b2cc0fe010.r2.dev/photos/large/e46d17b1-28d5-4a42-8db8-faa69fbef804.jpg) This is the one destination where we'd tell you the cheap option is a false economy. Full detail is in our [best eSIM for China guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/) and our explainer on whether [an eSIM works in China](https://adamandlinds.com/does-esim-work-in-china/) at all. ### Holafly China eSIM The only version with a VPN in the plan, so Google, WhatsApp, and Gmail work in mainland China. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. [Get the China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-by-country&subId2=plan-card&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Best eSIM for Thailand We've spent 327 days in Thailand, much of it around Chiang Mai, and connectivity has never been the thing we worried about. Coverage is strong across the cities and holds up on the road between them. The Holafly Thailand eSIM uses the catch-all setup, so it activates on arrival the same way every other plan does. ![Thailand, where we've spent more than 300 days and never fought for signal.](https://pub-7aaf5c6cc1c2496e8b9429b2cc0fe010.r2.dev/photos/large/6a4f571a-dffd-4fbf-ab52-0b4fd73010f4.jpg) The full version, with the spots we tested and how it handled the move between Chiang Mai and the islands, is in our [Thailand eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code/). ### Holafly Thailand eSIM Unlimited data across the cities and the long drives between them. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. [Get the Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-by-country&subId2=plan-card&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Best eSIM for Europe Europe is the case where the regional plan earns its place. Instead of buying a separate eSIM for Italy, then Spain, then Portugal, one Holafly Europe eSIM covers 40+ countries, so you cross borders without changing anything. We've used it on multi-country runs through Italy, Portugal, and the Nordics, and the handoff between countries was invisible. ![Naples, on one of several multi-country European trips run on a single Europe eSIM.](https://pub-7aaf5c6cc1c2496e8b9429b2cc0fe010.r2.dev/photos/large/e9c158cb-5430-43fe-b49c-0c0f523f21d9.jpg) For single-country trips we also have dedicated guides for [Italy](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-italy-holafly/), [Spain](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-spain-holafly/), and [Greece](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-greece/). The wider regional breakdown is in our [Europe eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/). ### Holafly Europe eSIM Covers 40+ countries on one eSIM, so you cross borders without switching plans. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. [Get the Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-esim-by-country&subId2=plan-card&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Every Other Destination We've Covered Beyond the marquee countries above, we've written full eSIM guides for these destinations too. Each links to the complete guide, and the code **ADAMANDLINDS** works on all of them at checkout. Destination Best for Full guide South Korea City trips, strong urban 5G [Japan & Korea guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-japan-korea/) Italy City and coast, single-country trips [Italy guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-italy-holafly/) Spain Cities and the Barcelona cruise port [Spain guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-spain-holafly/) Greece Mainland and island hopping [Greece guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-greece/) Taiwan Family travel, easy coverage [Taiwan guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-taiwan-esim-travel-guide/) Mexico Telcel network, resort and city [Mexico guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-mexico-holafly-discount-code-guide/) USA Long stays, global unlimited [USA guide](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-usa-esim-coupon-code/) United Kingdom City breaks, fast setup [UK guide](https://adamandlinds.com/uk-esim-guide-best-unlimited-data-plans-britain-travel/) New Zealand Road trips, rural coverage [New Zealand guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-new-zealand/) Philippines Island hopping, data plans [Philippines guide](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-philippines-esim-discount-code/) ## Best eSIM for a Cruise Cruise data is its own problem. The ship's onboard WiFi is slow and priced by the day, and your phone keeps trying to grab the maritime cell signal at the kind of roaming rates that produce a frightening bill. The fix is the same eSIM approach as on land, switched on in port. When you dock, a destination eSIM gives you proper data to use your time ashore, then you switch back to airplane mode at sea to avoid the maritime charges. We've sailed transatlantic with kids and have a Barcelona to Port Canaveral crossing coming up, so this is a live setup for us rather than theory. For a Caribbean itinerary, one regional eSIM covers the islands you'll actually step off the ship onto. The full breakdown is in our [cruise mobile data guide](https://adamandlinds.com/caribbean-esim-cruise-mobile-data-guide-holafly-discount/). Keep your phone in airplane mode while the ship is at sea. The maritime cell network your phone connects to between ports charges roaming rates that aren't covered by any eSIM plan. Switch the eSIM data on only once you've docked. ### Holafly eSIM for Cruises A destination or regional eSIM for the ports you actually step off into, with no maritime roaming surprises. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. [Get your cruise eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-by-country&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Which Holafly Plan Should You Get? For a single trip to one country, a destination eSIM is the simple answer. For longer or multi-country travel, the monthly Plan is usually the better deal, and the code takes 10% off it rather than 5%. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25GB across 160+ destinations Good if you're not streaming constantly. Hotspot and Always On included. [Get Light Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-by-country&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-light&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160+ destinations What we run for the whole family. No data cap, hotspot included. [Get Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-by-country&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Holafly vs the Alternatives The comparison that comes up most is Holafly versus Airalo. Airalo is cheaper for short, data-capped trips. Holafly wins on unlimited data and on not having to think about gigabytes, which is what matters to us as a family of five on long stays. Feature Holafly Airalo Local SIM Unlimited data option ✓ ✗ ✗ Works on arrival ✓ ✓ ✗ VPN option for China ✓ ✗ ✗ Discount code available ✓ ADAMANDLINDS ✗ ✗ Good for families ✓ Okay ✗ FAQ ## Best eSIM by Country FAQ The questions we get asked most about choosing an eSIM for each destination. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": \[ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does one eSIM work in multiple countries?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A single-destination eSIM covers one country. For multi-country trips, a regional eSIM such as Holafly Europe covers 40+ countries on one plan, and a monthly Holafly Plan covers 160+ destinations on one eSIM. For a trip across several countries, the regional or monthly option is simpler and usually cheaper than buying separate eSIMs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which country needs the most careful eSIM choice?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "China. The Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail, so a standard eSIM gives you data but not working apps. The Holafly China eSIM has a VPN built into the plan, which is what lets the blocked apps load. We used it across Shanghai and the apps worked." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does the ADAMANDLINDS code work in every country?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. The code takes 5% off any destination eSIM and 10% off a monthly Plan, in every country Holafly covers. It works on every order rather than just the first, so if you buy one eSIM per person for a family, apply it to each." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I get a destination eSIM or a monthly Plan?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "For a single trip to one country, a destination eSIM is simpler. For trips of 30 days or longer, or trips across several countries, a monthly Holafly Plan covers 160+ destinations on one eSIM, the code takes 10% off it, and it usually works out cheaper than buying separate eSIMs." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I use an eSIM on a cruise?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Keep your phone in airplane mode while the ship is at sea, because the maritime cell network charges high roaming rates that no eSIM plan covers. When you dock, turn the eSIM data on for proper coverage ashore, then switch back to airplane mode before the ship leaves port." } } \] } Does one eSIM work in multiple countries? A single-destination eSIM covers one country. For multi-country trips, a regional eSIM such as Holafly Europe covers 40+ countries on one plan, and a monthly Holafly Plan covers 160+ destinations on one eSIM. For a trip across several countries, the regional or monthly option is simpler and usually cheaper than buying separate eSIMs. Which country needs the most careful eSIM choice? China. The Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail, so a standard eSIM gives you data but not working apps. The Holafly China eSIM has a VPN built into the plan, which is what lets the blocked apps load. We used it across Shanghai and the apps worked. Does the ADAMANDLINDS code work in every country? Yes. The code takes 5% off any destination eSIM and 10% off a monthly Plan, in every country Holafly covers. It works on every order rather than just the first, so if you buy one eSIM per person for a family, apply it to each. Should I get a destination eSIM or a monthly Plan? For a single trip to one country, a destination eSIM is simpler. For trips of 30 days or longer, or trips across several countries, a monthly Holafly Plan covers 160+ destinations on one eSIM, the code takes 10% off it, and it usually works out cheaper than buying separate eSIMs. How do I use an eSIM on a cruise? Keep your phone in airplane mode while the ship is at sea, because the maritime cell network charges high roaming rates that no eSIM plan covers. When you dock, turn the eSIM data on for proper coverage ashore, then switch back to airplane mode before the ship leaves port. ### More on eSIMs and Staying Connected [Holafly Discount Code: ADAMANDLINDS Explained](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-discount-code/) [Holafly Light vs Unlimited: Which Plan Should You Get?](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) [Best eSIM for Japan](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) [Best eSIM for China](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own.