You're on holiday and want to use Google Maps, share a photo on Instagram, or check your bank account. But how do you get online? There are three common options: public WiFi, buying a local SIM card, or using an eSIM. We compare them on the things that actually matter.
The three options at a glance
1. Public WiFi
Free WiFi is everywhere: hotels, restaurants, airports, cafes. It sounds great, but there are significant downsides.
2. Local SIM card
You buy a prepaid SIM card from a local provider upon arrival. Cheap data, but it takes time and effort.
3. eSIM
You download a digital SIM profile before departure. Instant internet on arrival, without swapping your own SIM card.
Side-by-side comparison
| Public WiFi | Local SIM | eSIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Cheap | Cheap |
| Convenience | Limited (hotspots only) | Moderate (find shop, passport) | Very easy (order online) |
| Speed | Variable, often slow | Good (4G/5G) | Good (4G/5G) |
| Security | Poor | Good | Good |
| Availability | Hotspots only | Anywhere with coverage | Anywhere with coverage |
| Keep your number | N/A | No (unless dual SIM) | Yes |
| Set up in advance | No | No | Yes |
Public WiFi: free but risky
Pros:
- Costs nothing
- Available in many hotels and restaurants
Cons:
- Insecure. Public networks are a well-known target for hackers. Your data (passwords, banking details, emails) can be intercepted through man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Unreliable. Speeds are often slow, especially when many guests are connected at the same time.
- Limited range. You only have internet at WiFi spots. On the road, at the beach, or exploring the city, you're offline.
- Captive portals. Many WiFi networks require registration with your email, leading to spam.
Tip: If you must use public WiFi, always use a VPN and avoid banking or entering passwords.
Local SIM card: cheap but inconvenient
Pros:
- Often the cheapest option per GB
- Good speeds via local networks
Cons:
- Time and effort. You need to find a shop, often queue, and sometimes deal with a language barrier.
- Passport required. In many countries (Turkey, Thailand, Egypt, etc.) you need to show your passport to buy a SIM.
- You lose your number. If your phone only has one SIM slot, you need to remove your own card. You'll be unreachable on your home number.
- Size hassles. Do you have the right format (nano, micro, standard)? Sometimes you need a SIM cutter.
- Wasted credit. Any remaining balance when you leave is lost.
eSIM: the convenience of digital
Pros:
- Order in advance. Set everything up at home, days before departure.
- Instant connectivity. The moment you land, turn on data roaming and you're online.
- Keep your own number. Your physical SIM stays in your phone. WhatsApp, iMessage, and calls continue working as normal.
- Secure. You use your own 4G/5G connection instead of unsecured WiFi.
- No hassle. No shops, no passport, no card swapping.
- Eco-friendly. No plastic, no packaging, no shipping.
Cons:
- Your phone must support eSIM (most phones after 2018 do)
- Slightly more expensive than the very cheapest local SIM (but the difference is small)
When to choose what?
Choose public WiFi if:
- You need very little internet (just at the hotel)
- You're not accessing sensitive information
- Budget is your absolute priority
Choose a local SIM if:
- You're staying in one destination for more than a month
- Your phone doesn't support eSIM
- You don't mind being temporarily unreachable on your own number
Choose an eSIM if:
- Convenience and security matter to you
- You want instant internet on arrival
- You want to keep your own number
- You need a solution for multiple countries (regional eSIMs)
FAQ
Can I combine WiFi and eSIM? Absolutely. Use WiFi at your hotel and the eSIM when you're out and about. This helps conserve data.
Is an eSIM more expensive than a local SIM? The difference is often small. What you pay extra, you gain back in convenience: no travel time to a shop, no language barrier, no risk of losing your own SIM card.
What about roaming through my own provider? Within the EU, roaming is free (fair use policy). Outside the EU, it can get extremely expensive. An eSIM is almost always the better choice in that case.
Conclusion
For most travelers, an eSIM offers the best balance of price, convenience, and security. You set it up in advance, have instant internet, and don't have to give anything up. Public WiFi makes a fine backup, but don't rely on it as your only source of internet.
Ready to stay connected on your next trip? Check out our eSIM bundles and order one before you go.