eSIM pricing varies enormously by region. Here's what to expect per GB across major travel destinations, and how to make sure you're not overpaying.
What Drives eSIM Pricing?
eSIM prices are influenced by:
- Local infrastructure costs — countries with mature mobile networks tend to have cheaper data
- Reseller margins — aggregated plans marked up by middlemen cost more than direct local partnerships
- Competition — more providers in a market means lower prices
- Plan duration — per-day plans cost more per GB than longer validity plans
Typical Pricing by Region
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines)
Some of the cheapest data in the world. Expect $0.50–$1.50 per GB. 7-day plans with 10GB are commonly available for under $8.
Europe (Schengen zone)
Regional plans covering multiple countries run $1.50–$3 per GB. Single-country plans are often cheaper. Avoid airport kiosk prices which can be 3x higher.
Japan & South Korea
High-quality networks at moderate prices: $1–$2 per GB. Unlimited daily plans are common and often the best value for heavy users.
USA & Canada
North America is pricier: $3–$8 per GB. Look for plans with at least 5GB for stays over a few days — per-GB costs drop significantly at higher allowances.
Middle East & Africa
Wide variation. UAE and South Africa are well-served at $1.50–$3 per GB. More remote destinations can reach $5–$10 per GB due to limited local infrastructure.
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia offer competitive plans at $1–$2.50 per GB. Regional plans covering multiple countries exist but cost more per GB than single-country options.
How to Find the Best Deal
- Buy local, not global — a plan tied to your destination's local network is almost always cheaper than a "global" catch-all plan
- Match plan length to your trip — buying a 30-day plan for a 3-day trip wastes money; buy what you need
- Go bigger on GB — the price per GB almost always drops as the data allowance increases
- Compare before you land — use SIMPal to browse and compare local plans for your destination before departure
SIMPal's Approach to Pricing
SIMPal works directly with local network providers rather than reselling aggregated global plans. This means you get closer to genuine local rates instead of paying a reseller premium. Browse plans for your destination in the app to see current prices.