Staying connected while travelling is now essential. One option attracting curiosity lately is the Revolut eSIM, the digital card offered by this popular online bank. But is it really useful for travellers? Can it compete with other eSIM providers, or does it fall short?
In this article, we’ll analyse it step by step, highlighting pros, cons, and alternatives so you’ll gain a complete overview before deciding.
Post content
Revolut eSIM: What it is and who provides it
The Revolut eSIM lets you connect to the internet across different countries without using a physical SIM card. It works directly from the Revolut app, so you don’t need extra applications or a physical shop to buy a local SIM. Within minutes, you’ll activate your data plan with ease.
The provider behind this service is 1GLOBAL (formerly Truphone), a company specialised in international connectivity. What does this mean? Revolut doesn’t manage networks directly but instead relies on 1GLOBAL infrastructure to give you coverage in over 100 countries.
In practice, when you activate your Revolut eSIM, you’ll use local networks in the countries you visit while managing everything inside the Revolut app. This solution aims to simplify casual travellers’ lives, especially if you already use Revolut as your digital bank and prefer everything in one place.
Traveling is your dream but organizing it is a nightmare? Make it easy with Passporter
When should you use Revolut’s eSIM?
The Revolut eSIM is especially useful for short trips or when you need a quick internet solution without much hassle. It’s not the market’s most complete option, but it’s one of the simplest if you already use Revolut daily.
The most common situations where it works well are:
- Weekend getaways or short escapes: if you don’t want to waste time finding a local SIM and only need basic data for maps, messages, and social media.
- Occasional business trips: you’ll have instant connection when landing without relying on airport or hotel Wi-Fi.
- Revolut users who value convenience: everything is managed inside the app, with no extra steps or other platform sign-ups.
- Need coverage across several countries: for instance, an interrail or road trip where you’ll cross multiple borders.
However, on traveller forums and sites like Revolut eSIM reviews, many users point out it’s not the best choice if you need lots of data or travel for weeks. In such cases, it falls short compared to companies specialising in eSIMs for frequent travellers.
One of those options is Simcorner, which you can read more about in our Simcorner eSIM review, is it worth it? In that guide, we explain its features and when it may be more useful than Revolut.
How much does Revolut’s eSIM cost?
Revolut’s eSIM plans start from €1.50 ($1.65) for 1GB (local plan) and increase depending on country, region, and data volume. If you have Revolut Ultra, you’ll get 3GB of global data per month included. Exact prices are dynamic and appear in your Revolut app at the time of purchase.
Revolut publishes prices in the app that may vary depending on your currency, country, and destination. On their website, they promote “from €1.50 ($1.65)” and confirm the final price (taxes included) appears in your app when paying. Below, you’ll find verified reference prices to give you a quick idea:
| Destination / Plan | Data | Duration | Approximate price |
|---|
| Local (e.g. Spain) | 1 GB | 7 days | From €1,50 |
| United States | 10 GB | 30 days | ? €34.99 ($28) |
| North America (regional) | 10 GB | 30 days | ? €40.50 ($28) |
| United Kingdom | 10 GB | 30 days | ? €19.50 ($28) |
| Typical sizes | 1–100 GB | 7–60 days | depends on destination |
| Ultra Plan (benefit) | 3 GB global | 30 days | included in subscription |
These prices are reference estimates. The final amount always appears inside the Revolut app and may vary depending on your destination, taxes, and currency.
If you only need basic data (maps, WhatsApp, online check-in, etc.) and your trip is short, a 1–3GB plan may be enough. For a week with medium use (maps, social media, some video calls, etc.), many travellers go for 5–10GB. At that point, prices start to add up, so comparing alternatives makes sense. The Revolut eSIM is convenient if you already use the app, but remember that exact prices appear when buying and may differ slightly from these examples.
Check our review of Saily’s Ultra plan, is it worth it? Here, we explain if it works as hotspot.
Is Revolut’s eSIM worth it?
Revolut’s eSIM is worth it if you want convenience and your trip is short, especially if you’re already a Revolut user and prefer managing everything in one app. However, it may fall short for long trips or travellers needing lots of gigabytes.
In other words, it’s a practical eSIM, but not always the cheapest or the one with the widest coverage.
Advantages of Revolut’s eSIM
| Pros |
|---|
| Quick activation directly inside the Revolut app, no extra steps |
| No need for a physical SIM or another app download |
| Available in over 100 countries thanks to 1GLOBAL |
| Option to get 3GB of global data free with Revolut Ultra |
| Ideal for short getaways or occasional business trips |
| Payments and management all in one place inside Revolut |
Disadvantages of Revolut’s eSIM
| Cons |
|---|
| Less coverage than other eSIMs with more countries available |
| Prices rise quickly if you need more than 5–10GB |
| No calls or SMS included, only data |
| Plans vary depending on country, which may confuse some users |
| Not always the cheapest option compared with competitors |
| Revolut’s support team isn’t specialised in travel issues |
What do users say about this eSIM?
Revolut eSIM reviews show that many users value convenience and ease of use. However, there are also complaints about pricing, coverage in certain countries, and customer support. Below, I’ll show you what people highlight on Trustpilot and Reddit.
Revolut eSIM reviews on Trustpilot
Revolut holds a high overall Trustpilot rating (4.5/5). Most travellers praise the interface, saying it’s very easy to use, with integrated management and a smooth travel experience. They highlight that one of the biggest advantages of this eSIM is activating it directly in the app without extra steps.
However, reviews also include criticism about the price of data plans, which are higher than many alternatives. Another recurring point is that the eSIM works well for short escapes but feels limited for long trips or heavy data consumption.
Revolut eSIM opinions on Reddit
On Reddit, comments are more technical and varied. Several users note that coverage works well in common and tourist destinations, but warn it doesn’t always work in less typical locations. Another repeated idea is that plans are relatively expensive compared with other travel eSIM providers.
Still, most agree that Revolut’s eSIM is very practical as a quick or emergency solution. It works well for instant connection after landing, covering your first hours or days of travel until you decide if buying a more complete option makes sense.
Because of these opinions, many users also look for alternatives and read competitor reviews.
Best alternative to Revolut’s eSIM
The market offers multiple options, each with its pros and cons. Here’s what we’ve analysed: Holafly eSIM
Holafly eSIM
The Holafly eSIM is a very appealing alternative to Revolut’s eSIM, especially if you want unlimited data, global coverage in over 160 countries, and a smooth experience. It’s ideal for long trips or travellers needing constant connectivity. Plus, it includes multilingual 24/7 customer support.
However, it’s not the only strong alternative. Another popular choice is Nomad, which competes on price and plan variety. If you’d like a detailed comparison of both, check our article Nomad vs Holafly, which eSIM works better?, where we compare them in depth to help you choose wisely.
What makes Holafly stand out:
- Global coverage in more than 160 countries. Available in both regional and global plans, so you don’t need to swap SIMs across countries. Even Morocco and Japan.
- Unlimited and flexible plans. Choose from single-day, multi-day, or even monthly subscription plans with automatic renewal, perfect for long or frequent trips.
- Highly rated by users. It holds a 4.5/5 Trustpilot rating, praised for ease of use, reliability, and customer service. Trusted sites like TechRadar rank it as the best unlimited eSIM for hassle-free installation and extended coverage.
- Technical support. Multilingual 24/7 support via chat or WhatsApp with clear refund policies (up to 6 months).
- Positive real experiences. Users highlight that it works seamlessly from landing, with good coverage even when crossing multiple borders.
- Extra benefits. Keep your number and physical SIM if needed for calls. You also help reduce plastic waste by avoiding physical SIM cards.
Besides Holafly, other interesting options exist depending on your trip type. One of the most popular is Airalo, which offers flexible plans and wide availability.
In short, Revolut’s eSIM is a very practical option if you value convenience and short trips. It activates in seconds from the app and offers coverage in over 100 countries. However, it’s neither the cheapest nor the most complete option for long journeys or heavy data use.
If you’re already a Revolut user and want a quick fix, it’ll be very useful. On the other hand, if your priority is more gigabytes, better coverage, and specialised travel support, providers like Holafly may deliver a stronger experience:
- Do you want a reliable data eSIM for any destination worldwide? You can find it here: eSIM Holafly.
Frequently asked questions about Revolut’s eSIM
Activation is done directly inside the Revolut app. In the main menu, select the eSIM option, choose your data plan, and receive a QR code. By scanning it from your phone settings, your plan activates within seconds, no extra steps needed.
Revolut’s eSIM works in more than 100 countries thanks to 1GLOBAL’s coverage. It includes most popular tourist destinations (Europe, United States, Asia, etc.). Still, you should always check the updated list in the app before travelling to a less common country.
Revolut’s eSIM only provides mobile data. It doesn’t include voice minutes or SMS. To make calls, you’ll need apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime. For local numbers, you must combine the eSIM with VoIP services or your physical SIM.
Not all phones are compatible. You’ll need a device that supports eSIM (iPhone, Samsung, Google, and most well-known Android brands). It’s important to check the compatibility list on Revolut’s website or your device settings before buying.
When your data runs out, the connection stops until you buy a new package in the app. Revolut doesn’t offer automatic top-ups, so you’ll need to add another plan manually. The best option is to choose with some margin based on your trip and usage.
Not always. While Revolut has low-cost plans for 1–3GB, prices rise with larger packages or long trips. Many travellers use it as a quick and convenient solution, but for several weeks abroad, other eSIMs with global coverage often prove more cost-effective.
The biggest advantage is convenience. You activate Revolut’s eSIM before travelling and connect as soon as you land. You won’t waste time searching for shops or dealing with languages and local registrations. Plus, you manage spending inside your Revolut app along with your finances and payments.
No Comments