If you are preparing your next trip and you need to have internet connection, you have probably heard about the eSIM card from Nomad among other brands and you are interested to read a Nomad review by other users before buying. As you may already know, Nomad is a marketplace where you can buy eSIMs from other brands for more than 100 countries.
At Passporter we have tested Nomad eSIM cards on our trips along with other alternatives such as Holafly, Airalo or SimOptions and we want to share our opinion with you. That’s why we have prepared this article where we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Nomad against other alternatives.
The eSIM cards are the best option to have internet when you travel abroad, and the difference between one and the other is almost always in the amount of data included in the plan, customer support, the connection speed or the gigabyte limit.
If you want to know our opinion about Nomad’s eSIM, you’re in the right place. Read on as we share what our experience with Nomad’s eSIMs has been like and if it’s worth it.
Comparison table with Nomad eSIM features
In this table you can see all the features of Nomad’s eSIM cards, which we discuss in detail below. We have also scored each aspect from 1 to 5 based on our experience with eSIM cards.
| Features | Details | Score (1-5) |
| Plan duration | 1, 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days | 4 |
| Price | 5$ – 225€ | 3,5 |
| Speed | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, 50GB and 100GB, no unlimited data | 3 |
| Payment currencies | You can only pay in dollars | 3 |
| Customer Support | In English, by email or via the App | 3,5 |
| Data sharing | Yes | 4 |
| App | Yes | 4 |
1. Nomad review: eSIM speed and data limit
Based on our experience we can tell you that one of the most important factors when choosing an eSIM card is the gigabyte limit since no one wants to run out of data in the middle of a trip.
Nomad’s eSIM plans have a gig limit ranging from 1GB to 100GB, and they do not offer plans with unlimited data. This means that if you run out of data you will have to top up your eSIM and pay again.
At Passporter we always recommend the cards eSIM cards with unlimited data like the ones offered by Holafly to avoid unnecessary worries.
Here is the table with the average consumption of some social networks and video platforms to help you calculate your consumption and choose the data plan that best suits your needs.
| Plataform | GB consumption per hour |
| 0,12 GB – 0,18 GB | |
| 0,12 GB – 0,18 GB | |
| 0,06 GB | |
| Tiktok | 0,18 GB – 0,8 GB |
| Netflix | 0,3GB – 7GB |
| Youtube | 0,14 GB – 1,7 GB |
| Amazon Prime | 0,8 GB – 6GB |
2. Duration of Nomad eSIM plans
The duration of Nomad plans varies greatly by country and provider. They do not have a standardized offer as in the case of Holafly, but rather you can choose between 1, 3, 7, 7, 15, 30 or 60 days.
3. Nomad review: eSIM pricing
Nomad is one of the most expensive eSIM brands on the market. Although on their website you see plans for less than 5€, you have to take into account the gigabyte limitation, which for this type of plan is 1GB. Therefore, you will most likely have to recharge and pay again. The price also depends on the provider.
4. Nomad review: eSIM technical support
Nomad’s customer service, which is exclusively in English, works through a form that you can find in the App and on the web, or by email. In the form you will have to write the purchase ID code, so be careful not to delete the email with the receipt.
5. Possibility to share data
One of the advantages of Nomad eSIM cards is that they allow data sharing with other devices. In your mobile settings you can configure your data plan to allow this option. Keep in mind that if several devices use the eSIM at the same time you will run out of data on your plan sooner.
6. The Nomad App
Nomad has an App where you can buy your eSIM card and install it directly on your mobile phone. So, it is a point in favor for the brand as it greatly streamlines the purchase and installation process. However, it is only available for iOS in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus, Israel, India, UAE and Morocco.
7. Nomad review: eSIM purchase and installation process
The purchase process for Nomad eSIM cards is really simple as is the installation process. A great advantage of the brand is that it allows you to do both processes through its App, which simplifies it a lot. Basically, these are the steps you have to follow:
- Firstly, before making the purchase we recommend checking if your device is compatible with the eSIM of the brand. You will find this information on their website.
- To purchase a Nomad eSIM card head to their online store or their App. You will be able to download the app on both IOS and Android.
- Once you have selected the data plan you need for your trip you will be able to finalize the purchase in the cart and checkout securely.
To do the installation there are two options:
- Installation with QR code: this is the easiest way to install the eSIM card and the one that is usually recommended. It is as simple as going to the settings of your mobile and in the networks, connections or internet section (the name varies depending on the brand of mobile) you will find a section that says “add mobile plan”. From there you can scan the QR code to finish the installation.
- Manual installation: you can also perform the installation manually by entering a code in the networks or internet connection section in the settings of our mobile. At the end of the purchase, you will receive an email with installation instructions and the code.
The eSIM card activation is also done from your mobile settings. A button will appear giving you the option to activate the plan.
8. Recharge Nomad eSIM (if you run out of data)
One of the biggest problems with Nomad’s eSIM cards is that their plans don’t have unlimited data and as a result you can run out of gigabytes in the middle of your trip. Luckily the company makes it easy. From the “My eSIM” section in the app you can add another data plan to your card without having to reinstall it. Evidently, it’s that simple.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Nomad eSIM cards
Although Nomad’s eSIM cards offer many advantages, that doesn’t mean they’re suitable for all types of travel. That’s why we have prepared this list of advantages and disadvantages, so you can decide if Nomad eSIM cards fit your trip and the connection needs you’re going to have.
| Advantages | They offer regional, country or global data packages. Nomad’s eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. They offer a wide variety of eSIM cards with different prices and number of gigabytes. They have eSIM cards for 112 countries. Technical support both in the app and on the web. Very affordable prices. |
| Inconveniences | Gigabytes are limited to 100GB, they do not have unlimited data cards. Short-term plans have very limited gigabytes (1GB). Their eSIM cards do not include calls and sms. The duration of data plans is limited to 7 or 30 days. Their services and technical support are exclusively in English. |
What are the reviews of the Nomad eSIM card on Trustpilot
In this section you can see some Nomad reviews by the customers who have tried their eSIM cards. The reviews are from Trustpilot, one of the most reliable sources of reviews and where you can compare and read what thousands of users think about all kinds of brands. There are not many reviews on the web yet, but they will help you to get the idea. In essence, Trustpilot scores brands from 0 to 5, and Nomad has a score of 3.1. We’ve also included some Apple Store reviews from users who have used the app.
The application is fine, but the connectivity and service in France was hopeless and the technical support was very limited. I was told to perform the same configuration change. In the end I gave up and went with a competitor who proved to be flawless.
Drlilley, Trustpilot
I traveled from Singapore to the US for a three week vacation and the eSIM card worked perfectly. Good network access and no activation or network quality issues. Also, it is really good value for money. For two cell phones I only paid $35 total. Highly recommended.
ZQ_Penguin, Apple Store
I used this app when I traveled in Indonesia. The price is reasonable. And I can search for any plan I need. Also, the signal is strong. I could connect to the internet in some remote area, such as Komodo. Download it if you have plans to travel abroad!
Sponge999888777, Apple Store
-I have free international data with my US carrier, but it is VERY slow. Nomad solved that for me. 10 days in Australia and I paid $11 for normal speeds. It was totally worth it. Excellent customer service too, as I accidentally bought an additional plan and they refunded me no questions asked. I would definitely use them again.
Airrayd, Apple Store
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Our thoughts on Nomad eSIMs
As we have already seen in this post, Nomad’s eSIM cards have both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, we like its App, from which you can purchase the eSIM, monitor consumption and recharge in case you run out of data. However, it is precisely this last point that convinces us the least.
After testing numerous eSIM brands, we have come to the conclusion that it is best to sign up for plans with unlimited data. It’s very difficult to estimate how many gigabytes you’ll need during your trip, which is why they tend to run out early. As a result, it is for this reason that at Passporter we always recommend Holafly’s unlimited data cards for worry-free travel.
What alternatives are there to Nomad’s eSIMs?
Today there are several brands that offer eSIM cards so you can use the Internet while traveling abroad. Basically, most of them share features such as the simplicity of their installation or purchase process. However, they also have some differences in terms of country coverage, gigabyte limits or price. That is why in this Nomad review we have prepared this section where we compare some of the main eSIM card brands so you can choose the one that suits you best: Holafly, SimOptions or Airalo.
| Brand | Plan duration | Data sharing | Unlimited data | App | GB per plan | Support | Price | Trustpilot | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | 7, 15 and 30 days | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5GB, 10GB and 20GB | In English, via a bot | 5€ – 185€ | 3,9 | 3,8 |
| Holafly | 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days | No | Yes | Yes | Unlimited data in all plans | In English (and other languages), direct chat and WhatsApp | 19€ -99€ | 4,6 | 4,3 |
| Nomad | 1, 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days | Yes | No | Yes | 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB ,50GB y 100GB | In English, via email | 4,5€ – 225€ | 3,1 | 3,6 |
| Simoptions | 15 and 30 days | Sometimes | No | No | 1GB, 6GB, 10GB and 20GB | In English via chat | 10,9$ – 49$ | 3,5 | 3 |
1. Holafly, eSIM cards with unlimited data and support in English and other languages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| – Unlimited data. – 24/7 technical support in English, Spanish, German, French and Japanese. – You can pay in euros, dollars and Mexican pesos. – Many data plan options: 5, 10, 15, 15, 20, 30, 60 and 90 days. – App where you can check the remaining days of the contract. | – Their eSIM cards do not include calls or sms. – They are one of the most expensive options on the market, but it is worth it because they do not run out of data and do not need to be recharged. – They do not allow data sharing with other devices. Installation cannot be done through their App. |
Holafly is a Spanish company with more than 100 employees and offices in several countries around the world, which makes available to the customer eSIM with unlimited data and 24h technical support in English and other languages. Holafly cards are a good option for traveling abroad as they have coverage in 160 destinations. Besides, their packages have unlimited data, which means you won’t run out of connection at any time during your trip or have to monitor your internet usage. In addition, the purchase and installation process is really simple. Once you have chosen the data package that suits you best and completed the purchase on their website, you will receive an email with a QR code to scan and complete the installation. You can also do the installation manually with a numerical code that you will receive by email or that you can check in your App.
Another advantages of Holafly is that the duration of the plans is very flexible and you can choose between 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60 and up to 90 days in most countries. This is a great point in its favor since the packages are adapted to each type of trip, whether for pleasure or business. Finally, it should be mentioned that Holafly provides its customers with a 24h technical support service in Spanish, English, German, French, Italian and Japanese that will help you throughout the purchase and installation process and in the unusual case of having any problems.
Here is the ranking where we evaluate from 1 to 5 all the features of Holafly eSIM cards based on our experience. And if you want to know our opinion about Holafly’s eSIM card visit this post: Our opinion about Holafly’s eSIM
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data Sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4,8 | 3,5 | 3,5 | 4,8 | 3,5 | 4,5 | 4,3 |
2. SimOptions and its wide range of eSIM cards
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| -Some plans include calls and SMS. -They offer regional, country or global data packages. -They have eSIM cards for 160 countries. -SimOptions eSIM cards are easy to purchase and install. | -No App to control data consumption. -Gigabytes are limited to 20GB or less and they do not have cards with unlimited data. -Not all eSIM cards allow recharging data. -Support depends on each brand. |
The SimOptions online store is a marketplace where you will find a wide offer of packages for eSIM cards in more than 200 countries from different local companies. This means that the product is not standardized and the features of each plan can vary a lot depending on the brand, which makes the choice process difficult. We are focusing on features such as data sharing, technical support and price.
Although their website is not as intuitive as Holafly’s or Airalo’s, the purchase process is still very straightforward. Once you’ve chosen your preferred data plan, you can finalize the purchase with these payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, AMEX and Discover.
One issue with this brand is that its data plans are not very flexible. Although for each destination there are several options, the truth is that they tend to give little flexibility in terms of contract duration and gigabytes. In addition, data plans are more expensive compared to the brands mentioned above. But the worst thing is that SimOptions cannot ensure a quality customer service because it depends on each of the brands they work with.
Here you can find this ranking where we rate SimOptions eSIM cards from 1 to 5 and if you want more information about our experience with SimOptions: Our opinion of Sim Options’ eSIM
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data Sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3,5 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
3. Airalo, the cheapest eSIM brand
| Ventajas | Desventajas |
| – It is the cheapest brand on the market. – They have an App and you can buy and install the eSIM from it. – They allow you to recharge the eSIM. – Their eSIM card allows sharing data with other devices. – They have eSIM cards for 190 countries. | – Gigabytes are limited to 20GB or less. – They do not have unlimited data cards. – Short-term plans have very limited gigabytes. – Their eSIM cards do not include calls and sms. – The duration of the plans is limited to 7 and 30 days. – Their customer support is only in English and takes a long time to respond. |
Although Airalo is one of the cheapest brands on the market, the truth is that it can be expensive in the long run as its data plans have very limited gigabytes that can run out at any time, and their customer support takes a long time to respond.
Airalo along with Holafly is one of the world’s best-known brands for buying an international travel eSIM. This company, founded in Singapore in 2019 by Turkish entrepreneurs Abraham Burak and Ahmet Bahadir Özdemir, was one of the first to offer these services, and has a wide coverage of countries where they support eSIM cards.
Airalo’s eSIM card data plans typically have a duration of 7, 15 and 30 days, and prices range from $5 to $185. The brand has an App where you can buy and install the eSIM, and later recharge it when you run out of data.
We’ve compared customer reviews and feedback on Trustpilot and found that Airalo has one of the lowest scores at 3.7. Here’s the ranking for each aspect of Airalo and in this post you can also read about our opinion of the brand: Our opinion of Airalo: is it worth it?
| Data | Duration | Support | Price | App | Speed | Data sharing | Currencies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4,5 | 3 | 3,8 |
What is our favorite eSIM card for our travels
As you may have seen, there are a lot of possibilities in the world of eSIM cards, and we’re not just talking about the number of brands, but also the variety of data plans with different duration, price and amount of gigabytes. We know that all this data can be overwhelming, so we want to make it easy for you by sharing our experience with you in our Nomad review.
After testing eSIM cards from Nomad and other brands such as Holafly, Airalo or SimOptions, we have come to the conclusion that we want to avoid worries at all costs. And one of the main problems is data limits, which makes you have to control your mobile usage if you don’t want to run out of data in the middle of your trip.
At Passporter we consider eSIM cards with unlimited data to be more practical when traveling. This way you will avoid worries and you won’t run out of data in the middle of your trip. One company with unlimited data eSIM cards is Holafly, and in their online store you can also find a wide variety of data plans with very flexible durations and for many destinations. Another advantage that Holafly has is that they offer a service of 24h technical support in English and other languages. In conclusion, Nomad cards are perfectly valid to have internet abroad, but if you want to go quiet and carefree, we recommend Holafly’s unlimited-data eSIM cards.
Questions to consider before buying a Nomad eSIM card
Nomad eSIM cards have a 3.1 rating on Trustpilot, but they don’t have many reviews.
Nomad cards allow you to have internet connectivity without installing any physical card. You only have to scan a code for installation or use the App. In a few minutes you will have internet on your mobile.
Most of the latest generation smartphones are compatible with eSIM cards, such as iPhone 11, iPhone 14, iPad air, iPhone 13, Galaxy S22, S22+ 5G, S22 Ultra 5G, iPhone 12, P40, P40 Pro and many more that you can check on their website.
Holafly’s eSIM card brand has a 4.5 star rating, while Nomad has a 3.1 rating.
Nomad eSIM cards do not offer unlimited data plans. You may find this option provided by other carriers such as Holafly.
Internet connection is required to install the Nomad eSIM card, so it is recommended to activate it before your trip or at the first wifi location at your destination.
Nomad data packages have varying durations of 7 or 30 days.
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