Heading off to study abroad? Cool. Let’s make staying connected with your friends easy and cheap. This short and friendly guide compares three top eSIM options so you can pick the right one fast: Yesim, Airalo, and Saily. So let's dive right in!
Studying abroad is exciting, but dealing with phone plans doesn’t have to be confusing. If you’re trying to figure out the best e-SIM for international travel or simply want the best phone plan for study abroad, you’re in the right place.
One thing most students agree on: eSIMs make life abroad much easier. No stores, no swapping tiny cards, no stress. Just scan, activate, and you’re online. If you want the best phone plan for study abroad, eSIMs often win because they’re fast, flexible, and affordable.
Let’s look at 3 options students rely on the most — Yesim, Airalo, and Saily.
Why students prefer e-SIMs?
When you move abroad, staying connected helps you settle in, message new friends, find your classes, and call home without burning money on roaming.
Instead of picking the best sim card for overseas travel at the airport, you can set everything up before you fly.
And if you’re going to old contintent, using the best sim card for travel in Europe can save you a lot over the semester.
Airalo: Great for students who want the peace of mind
If you’re looking for something simple that 'just works', Airalo is a strong pick. Students love it because it covers tons of countries and the app is quick to install.
It’s a reliable choice if you want the best e-SIM for international travel or a cheap plan for multiple trips. You can start with a small data pack and top up whenever you need.
👉 Try Airalo TODAY!
Yesim: Ideal for living or studying in Europe
If you want affordable plans with good coverage across Europe and the UK, Yesim is worth a look. Many students say it feels close to having a local plan without the paperwork.
It’s also handy for long stays, especially if you’re trying to keep costs low while still getting decent speeds. Yesim is a solid pick for e-SIM for students who stay for a full semester.
👉 Check out YESIM now!
Saily: Perfect for short trips, exchanges, and weekend travel
If you’re planning a short program, or you’ll be jumping between countries for quick trips, Saily keeps things simple. The app is light, the setup is fast, and the prices are affordable.
Saily is a good option for anyone looking for the best phone plans for international students without long commitments.
👉 Try Saily NOW!
Which one should you pick?
If you want something broad and beginner-friendly, Airalo is an easy win. If your semester is in Europe, Yesim may fit your budget better. And if your trip is short or you’re always on the move, Saily keeps things stress-free.
All three are safe choices for anyone searching for an e-SIM for international students and each works well whether you’re staying for a month or a full year.
Disclaimer:
Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links. If you decide to buy an e-SIM through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
It helps me keep this website running and create more student-friendly resources 🙂
