travel voice 60

Best eSIMs for travel of 2024

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage

Best eSIM overall

Best for customizable plans
Best for easy installation
Best value for money
Best for security
Best for network coverage
Best for unlimited data
Best for global plans
Best for Europe
Best for data-only plans
eSIMs for international travel FAQs

1. Best eSIM overall 2. Best eSIM for customizable plans 3. Best eSIM for easy installation 4. Best eSIM for value for money 5. Best eSIM for security 6. Best eSIM for network coverage 7. Best eSIM for unlimited data 8. Best eSIM for global plans 9. Best eSIM for Europe 10. Best eSIM for data-only plans 11. eSIMs for international travel FAQs

eSIMs have gained a lot of traction in recent years, especially in international travel. Admit it, you do not like getting into huge queues to buy an eSIM just after you’ve landed at your dream location. You can now skip the queue with the best eSIM for international travel, with plans ranging from 3 days to as long as a year.

These eSIMs are easy to install and provide excellent network coverage. However, with so many providers offering eSIMs, which one should you purchase? I have done the hard yards to find and review the best eSIM you can get for international travel, regardless of whether you want to travel to Europe, the USA, Asia, Africa or Australia. So, make sure you read till the end to know everything you could ever need before purchasing your next eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

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eSIM cards are digital SIM cards already embedded in the mobile device, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. It is a small rewritable chip fixed inside your phone, which connects with an antenna to function as a SIM card. The antenna is nothing but a network selected by you.

Since it is rewritable, you can change your operator with just a simple phone call. There’s no need to go through the hassle of purchasing a new SIM card and waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

Actually, eSIMs have been around for quite some time now. You can find many devices that are compatible with eSIMs. But when iPhone decided to remove the good old SIM card slot and shift the device to being completely eSIM featured, this feature got its attention. The main reason eSIMs are being preferred is because of their ease of use and convenience.

Another advantage of eSIM is that it saves space accommodated by the SIM card holder, leading to either smaller phones or larger batteries, both of which are interesting propositions. Not to mention, the enormous amount of plastic being used to make all these SIM cards will no longer be required.

eSIMs could be pretty revolutionary as they can be used to enable 5G connectivity in almost anything we would want it to, preferably glasses or a fitness tracker, as it doesn’t take up as much space inside the device.

While there’s no major difference between using an eSIM card and a physical SIM card, eSIMs could be a slight turnoff when you want to switch phones. That said, the benefits of eSIM certainly outweigh a few cons here and there.

Why should I get an eSIM for international travel?

Now that we know what an eSIM is, let’s dive into why it’s so beneficial for international travel. The best thing about them is that you can store as many as eight (sometimes even more) on your phone and activate the SIM when needed without having to pay additional roaming charges.

Of course, if your current network operator provides free roaming service, there's no need to consider a travel-specific or local SIM from the place you're traveling to. But if that's not the case, it can be quite a task to find the right operator and negotiate with language barriers.

eSIMs are also generally more secure than physical SIMs since there’s no need to remove them in case you want to change your SIM card, so they practically can’t get lost. And if your phone gets lost or stolen, tracking it through the eSIM card is much easier since it cannot be removed from the device.

Note that international roaming works the same way on physical and eSIMS. The only difference that sets the two apart is that while you can add only two physical SIMs at a time, you can conveniently purchase an eSIM from a local carrier of the place you are visiting without losing your old numbers. This is especially handy when you are visiting multiple countries.

With eSIMs, switching SIMs is as easy as purchasing a plan online and activating it after completing the payment. If you travel frequently for business or any other purpose, switching contact numbers could be quite a frequent task. With eSIMs, you can shuffle between SIM cards as soon as you enter the airport or right when you leave the country.

Is my phone compatible with eSIM?

Most phones manufactured after 2018 are compatible with eSIMs, except for a few exceptions depending on the location and carrier. IPhone XS, XS Max, and XR are among the first eSIM-compatible iPhones that came out in 2018.

Follow these steps to see if your iOS is eSIM compatible and carrier unlocked:

Go to Settings > General > About
Scroll down to find the Carrier Lock section
If your device is unlocked, it will show "No SIM restrictions" If that's not the case, you need to unlock your device first.
If you have an iOS 15 or later, Scroll down to "Available SIM" and if you have earlier iOS versions, find "Digital SIM"
If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number

The following are the latest models that support eSIM:

iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone SE 3 (2022)
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro Max

You can also use eSIMs on the following iPads:

iPad Pro 11″ (model A2068 onwards)
iPad Air (model A2123 onwards)
iPad Pro 12.9″ (model A2069 onwards)
iPad (model A2198 onwards)
IPad 10th generación (2022)
iPad Mini (model A2124 onwards)

For Android numbers, it is best to check with the manufacturer if your device is compatible with eSIM. This, too, depends on the model, place of manufacturing, and the carrier used for the Android device.

Another way to check is by going to the settings > Network & Internet and tapping on the "eSIM cards". If you find a "Download a SIM instead?" option, your device is eSIM-compatible

You can also check if your phone has an EID (Embedded Identity Document Number), which is the serial number that matches with the eSIM embedded in your device.

Dial *#06# and press call
If your device is eSIM-compatible, you'll be able to view your EID number

Some popular Android phones that support eSIMs include:

Samsung Galaxy S21 models
Samsung Galaxy S22 models
Samsung Galaxy Note 20
Samsung Galaxy Fold Series
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Series
Samsung Galaxy S23 models
Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 6
Google Pixel 4
Google Pixel Fold
Google Pixel 3 XL
Huawei P40 Series
Oppo Reno 5A
Oppo Find X5
Sony Xperia 1 V
Xiaomi 13 Series
Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
Motorola Edge+
Motorola Razr 2019

Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list — it’s only an indicative list of popular smartphones that support eSIMs. In case you do not find your phone year, check with your manufacturer.

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Preferred partner ( What does this mean? )

Top 10 eSIM providers for international travel

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Airhub is a huge online store from which you can buy eSIMs in over 190+ countries worldwide. It has a massive variety of eSIM plans that include data, local call minutes, SMS, and international call minutes.

While most eSIM providers usually have around 3-5 plans per country, Airhub provides up to 15 plans to choose from for a single country which gives you the flexibility to select the plan that resonates best with your needs. Also, Airhub has truly managed to make some of the best partnerships with local companies to offer the cost-effective deal that it does.

If you're going to hang in a country for multiple months, you can simply go for the monthly subscriptions. Some of these plans also include unlimited voice minutes and SMS - you truly get the best deal here.

The majority of plans that you will find on the website are prepaid, with a few postpaid plans and a postpaid monthly subscription in a few countries, the most important one being the United States. However, it doesn't have strong coverage in Latin America. For example, I found them offering only a single plan in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Moreover, there are no plans for countries like Cuba, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Ecuador.

The regional plans offer an attractive price proposition as well, with options available in APAC, Africa, North America, the Middle East, and Europe. We highly recommend the Europe plan if you're about to go on a Europe tour. Airhub covers up to 49 countries in the plans, with the plans starting at just $11 for a month with a 3GB data limit. We could also spot a few 1-year plans in Europe ranging from 10GB to 100GB for the year.

When you open the Airhub app, there's not a lot going on like most other eSIM apps — the interface is clean and intuitive. After logging in, you will find a page that lets you select the country, with three tabs differentiating local eSIMs, regional eSIMs, and Monthly plans (note that the global package is included in the regional eSIM category).

Concluding, Airhub stands out with its great plans, minimalist apps, and websites and ticks all the boxes of travelers and remote workers looking for an affordable and effective eSIM.

Best eSIM for customizable plans

Airalo is easily one of the best eSIM providers for travelers looking for an affordable and reliable SIM card, which plans in more than 200 countries. The stand-out thing about Airalo is its great collaborations with local telco companies all over the world which makes it the cost leader that it is today.

Keep in mind that this also means the cost of Airalo depends on the place you're traveling to, and the cost of data there — validity and data limit being the other two factors that affect its price.

It also offers 7 regional plans, including Latin America and Caribbean Islands — regions that aren’t well catered by other eSIM providers.

It also has a specific global plan that provides access to around 84 countries worldwide — perfect for international travelers. You can choose between 1GB to 20GB of data spread across 7 days to 180 days validity.

To buy the eSIM, you simply have to go to the app, create an account, choose the place you are traveling to, the package of your choice, and then install the eSIM. After that, you’ll need to follow a simple eSIM activation procedure, and that’s it. The payment can be made through a credit card or Apple Pay.

One major thing to look out for getting an Airalo eSIM is that most of them don't offer voice minutes — there's only a data plan. So if you're someone who makes a lot of voice calls throughout the day, you might want to look out for an alternative here. That said, you can always communicate via Internet calls when needed.

Airalo has a loyalty feature where you get credit every time you purchase data from the service provider. Initially, you get a 5% Airalo credit for every purchase, which keeps increasing as you collect more and more credit. So, initially, if you spend $20 on a package, you get a $1 credit that you can use for future purchases.

Best eSIM for easy installation

AloSIM is a Canada-based tech company that offers great prepaid data SIMs at affordable prices. One innovative feature of the app is its AloSIM data calculator that helps you find the estimated data that you will require depending on the things you use your internet for on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Once you have decided on the amount of data you need, you can head over to the eSIM area and select a plan to your liking.

The reason why this is so great is because it bears testimony to the brand's transparency and genuineness. Being able to calculate your daily requirements won't let you overspend on something you don't need.

Another thing I love about AloSIM is that you get to see which partnering networks you're gonna be connected with before you purchase any package so that you can assure that you are connected to a reliable network. You can also check the speed availability in the region (3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE). This is something most eSIM providers do not offer.

Installing the eSIM is also easy with AloSIM. There are three ways in which you can do that:

1. Automatic installation — if you want to start using your plan straight away, you should go with this option.

2. Scanning QR code — this option is available in almost all eSIM providers — you just have to scan the QR code to activate your network.

3. Manual installation — You will have to go through a step-by-step instruction manual to adjust your settings and activate your eSIM.

The prices at AloSIM are among the most reasonable I’ve seen. You can get the 5 GB for 30 days plan for as low as $16 in the US. That's a lot of difference compared to the plan your home SIM can provide you. Plus, data sharing is supported, so you can use your personal hotspot to connect to other devices or let a friend free ride with you. AloSIM also offers as many as 11 regional plans — one of the highest on our list.

However, I couldn’t spot a regional plan for Africa or an extensive Asian plan. The Asian regional plan covers just five countries in Southeast Asia. Thus, it isn’t a great option if you’re traveling East.

Just like every data-only eSIM, you will not get a phone number with AloSIM. Also, there's no unlimited plan for you to rely on if you're a data junkie. Overall, AloSIM stands out with its transparency, auto-installation feature, and affordable price.

Best eSIM for value for money

Nomad eSIM is a great option if you’re on short trips and need a travel eSIM that doesn't cost you a fortune. It is well-known for its short-duration plans of 7 and 15 days. Its offerings are divided into regional plans and individual country plans.

You can also purchase an unlimited data plan in selected individual countries, such as the UK, something that isn’t available with regional plans. With Nomad, you can purchase one GB of data for as low as $1.30 (in Asia and the Americas).

It has an incredible value proposition in North America, Asia, and Europe. However, when it comes to Latin America, you can definitely find cheaper options. For example, 1GB of data with a 7-day validity costs $9 on Nomad. However, the same plan is available at $6.5 on Airalo, with both of them covering the same three counties —Canada, USA, and Mexico,

What we love about this provider is that it doesn't charge you any one-time connection fee or even a fee for the SIM card itself. There's no hidden cost, and you don't have to worry about enormous roaming costs as well. Just pay for the upfront amount of the package, and you’re good to go.

There are eight regional plans - APAC, Nordic, Europe, SEA - Oceania, Global, North America, Africa, and Middle East. Regional plans allow you to buy the plan once and use it in a specific group of countries - no need to buy a new eSIM for every country you travel to. For example, if you’re visiting France, Germany, and Italy, simply get the Europe regional plan. You’ll not need to buy a separate eSIM in each country.

The global plan is decent, with an option to purchase a global e-Sim for either 110 countries or 140 countries. The 110-country plan starts at $25/GB (validity of 7 days), while the 140-country plan starts at $19/GB for the same validity period.

Recently, Nomad added an SMS plan available in selected countries like Canada, the United States, and the UK. I found the plan to be pretty reasonable, too, starting at 100 texts for $4.

What's more, Nomad has one of the most user-friendly apps. You can easily find all the plans, and the interface is very clean. You can also track your data usage on the go and add more data if you seem to be outrunning your current limit.

If you're not an expert at understanding chunky instructions, you'll love its setup process that takes you through the app step by step and even includes pictures to clearly illustrate what you need to do.

If there's still something you need help understanding, there's built-in 24/7 message support, and the response time is quick and reliable. It doesn't have a live chat feature like most of the peers.

Concluding, Nomad is a solid option for frequent travelers with its short-term packages at affordable prices and easy-to-set-up interface. With the commendable user-friendliness of this provider’s app and reliable customer support, it’s one of the best travel eSIMs.

Best eSIM for security

5. Instabridge

Instabridge has been around for a while, and its eSIM services are truly one to consider if you are looking for a safe and seamless internet connection. This is especially recommended if you're going to stay in one place for a long time — you can find plans that last up to a year.

It is the #1 app on iPhone for global internet access, and with access to more than 190 countries and over 200 million app downloads, you can guess that it's a hot pick among travelers. However, you do not get any call minutes or SMS facility with Instabridge’s eSIM. Thus, you’ve to rely on Internet-based voice calls and texts — certainly not a deal-breaker.

If you are tight on budget but want to purchase a plan, you can score mobile data packages by watching ads on the app. The collection won't be too grand, of course, but it'll get you a decent data pack if you spend your free time on the app.

The app in itself is pretty modern and intuitive. You can simply select the country you’re traveling to and choose the amount of data you need. Next, select the duration — one-time, monthly, or yearly. You’re done — simply make the payment and enjoy your internet.

Note that the website on the desktop version doesn't show all the local plans, so it's important to check the plans on the app if you don't find a suitable plan for you. You can pick between subscriptions and one-off plans depending on your needs. The website typically doesn’t show data plans for more than 30 days.

Customer support isn't always the fastest — it can take a few hours to get a reply if you're stuck in the middle of something. But you can look out for the FAQs and manuals to help you out, and the app is easy to use, too. So there are chances that you might not even need customer support.

You can purchase multiple plans with the same eSIM, so there's no need to collect a hefty number of eSIMs if you're traveling to multiple places. For example, if you're going to visit USA, Germany, and France over the holidays, you can just purchase a plan for each of these places and track the data usage of each of these packages through the app.

Instabridge has a strong commitment to bringing the internet to everyone. For the same, it has decided to give away 1GB of data to someone in a developing nation for every 1 GB of data you purchase.

Concluding, Instabridge is a solid provider of data-only plans, a must-have for users who value security over anything.

Best eSIM for network coverage

BNESIM offers mobile data contracts in over 170 countries —greater than most providers in our list, like Nomad. You can rest assured that no matter which country you are traveling to, you will definitely find a plan or more with BNESIM.

Where this provider wins against the competition is its “pay-as-you-go” plans. These are plans with no expiration date. For example, if you purchase the 1GB USA data plan for $6.73, you can use the plan as long as you do not exhaust the entire data without any time restriction. This is particularly helpful for users that use minimal data and end up wasting their data by the end of the plan.

What I like about BNESIM is its diverse regional plans. It currently offers Regional plans in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Middle East, and Africa. Apart from this, there are two unlimited data regional plans - something other providers don’t offer.

1. BNESIM Infinity Europe

2. BNESIM Infinity Asia

For example, the Infinity Aisa plan covers 28 countries with options to purchase one-time, daily, and monthly plans. I found the “Daily Plan’ really useful in the modern data usage context. It offers a certain data limit for each day of the plan. For example, the 1GB daily data Asia plan costs just $8.85 — a steal, in my opinion.

I also found an extensive “Support” section on its website with guides on installing eSIMs on various devices, such as iPhone, iPad, and Android phones. Each of these guides includes pictures that make your job easier. Just like Airalo, BNESIM also partners with local networks to provide reliable bandwidth, which makes the network stronger in some areas.

However, if you’re looking for a longer-duration plan, BNESIM doesn’t get the job done. With a maximum validity of 30 days, their plans primarily focus on short-duration plans. Another weird thing about BNESIM is its “auto-renewal” feature — your plan will be auto-renewed at the end of the term. You’ll have to cancel the plan manually on its website or app.

All in all, BNESIM is an ideal choice for travelers looking for a flexible and cost-effective global roaming solution for frequent travel.

Best eSIM for unlimited data

Holafly eSIM cards are among the few options offering unlimited data plans — you can send as many videos and photos with your family without worrying about the data limit. In the few countries that it doesn't give unlimited data, it offers higher data limits than most other providers.

In terms of duration, too, there's great flexibility. You can get plans that last 5, 10, 15, 20, 60, and 90 days. In short, there will always be a plan close to the number of days you're traveling for in about 160 countries that Holafly caters to.

On the price front, Holafly is a little high-end, but it's worth the unlimited data and stress-free traveling it offers. For example, its 5-day unlimited data plan for the USA costs $19. It also offers regional plans. However, I found it tough to locate these plans on its website, as there’s no dedicated “Regional Plans” section as in some other websites like Nomad and Airhub.

Brands like Airalo are significantly cheaper than Holafly, but you will have to get top-up plans if you exhaust your data mid-journey, which can be troublesome if you travel alone and don't have anyone to provide you hotspot in the meanwhile.

Installing the eSIM is also a breeze with Holafly. Simply scan the QR code you receive after purchasing a plan and follow the prompts. You will be guided through each step of the process, and the payment can be made through various portals like a credit card, debit card, PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. You can also use a code for manual installation if you don't want to scan the QR code.

Holafly‘s customer support is one of the best in the market. You can expect a reply from them within less than a minute of entering your query. With language support in English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, you can easily access the 24/7 support via WhatsApp or chat. On top of that, there's a frequently asked questions section that will solve most of your queries regarding the installation of the eSIM.

However, if you plan to buy a single Holafly eSIM for your family, thinking that the unlimited data plan will do the trick, beware. Holafly eSIM doesn't allow data sharing with other devices as of now.

While Holafly has great data plans, it doesn't include calls with all plans or SMS service. Currently, you can make calls up to 60 minutes and receive calls for up to 60 minutes in Europe, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. However, I didn’t find this off-putting due to the sheer non-functionality of SMS and calls these days. You can always make calls or send texts through Holafly’s unlimited Internet (WhatsApp, Skype, or other apps). Use code TECHRADAR to get 5% off.

Best eSIM for global plans

8. GlobaleSIM

GlobaleSIM provides global and local data plans for travelers and tourists in more than 150 countries, and you get extendable coverage with over 400 network carriers. It was among the first providers of eSIM when it first launched in 2016.

There are four broad plans that GlobaleSIM offers:

1. Most Popular Plan - available in 63 countries

2. Most Popular+ Plan - available in 93 countries

3. Special Plan - available in 115 countries

4. Special + Plan - available in 143 countries

For example, its “Most Popular Plan” starts at $3.00 for 500MB of data for 5 days. You also get the option of adding call minutes to your plan and selecting either a US, a UK, or a Canadian number. As there are several countries being covered under a single plan, you obviously cannot expect to get a local number to the place you're visiting, and since there's no roaming charge, a US, UK, or Canadian number isn't that bad, too, after all.

Many eSIM providers ask you to create an account before purchasing, but this one doesn't. You just have to fill out the required information, like your name, surname, and email address, and you're done. You can complete your payment via either PayPal or a credit card.

However, I couldn’t find many single-country plans on GlobaleSIM. Even for a popular destination like the US, you’ll have to get a bundled plan which includes both the US and Canada. Moreover, despite being in the market for so long, it's a little disappointing that the provider doesn't have an application of its own, so you'll have to purchase the eSIM directly from the website.

Unlike most other providers in the market, GlobaleSIM doesn't have chat support, the only way that you can connect to them is through emails, and the response time isn't as fast as chat support either.

At first, you won't even find customer service or a way to get in touch with them on the front page of the website or while skimming through plans. You will have to go all the way down the page to find it. Simply put, the customer support is disappointing.

All in all, GlobaleSIM is a great eSIM to consider if you're looking for a global plan that's easy to set up and purchase.

Best eSIM for Europe

9. Holiday eSIM

Holiday eSIM is the best-prepaid service provider if you're traveling to Europe, with robust connections in every European country for high-speed data.

What I like the most about this provider is that, unlike others, you get a French number with the eSIM. Its most popular plan includes unlimited calls and texts in Europe, 120 minutes of worldwide calling, and 1,000 texts. That's more than enough proposition for whatever your needs are. But of course, if all you are looking for is a data eSIM, you can also purchase the data-only packages it offers.

The Orange holiday app is user-friendly and doesn't require any registration prior to installing the eSIM. All you have to do is install the eSIM, and the provider will automatically connect to the strongest local European mobile network provider in that area.

Costing around $44.10 for 10GB of data with a validity of 14 days, you might argue that this isn't a cheap option. However, if you're looking to have amazing internet no matter which European street you are wandering on, this is worth the penny it costs.

Besides the European plan, there's also a competent data-only global plan with 6GB of data with a 15-day validity. What’s more — you can share your data as a hotspot, so if you want to work on your laptop while away, it won't be a problem.

However, it doesn’t offer a lot of plan options. Thus, you do not have much flexibility, either in terms of the validity period or data limits. Moreover, I did not like the website interface as much as some other providers on our list. Finding your destination country is difficult — you’ll have to choose from a long list of options. Even when you do, you’ll find “Regional” and “Global” plans in every country. This essentially means that Holiday eSIM does not offer as many individual country plans.

In conclusion, if you value your network connection more than your product's budget-friendliness, you should consider this for your European trip. While we're not trying to take away that this provider's plans will cost you more than the local plan you can buy from a local provider, there are also a few cheaper options that might work for you if your internet usage isn't a lot.

Best eSIM for data-only plans

10. Flexiroam

eSIMs are an important part of Flexiroam's wide line of products, and it's one of the best data-only eSIM lines out there. You get access to more than 500 mobile networks worldwide through its partnership with Jersey Telecom, with multiple networks in a single place, meaning you are never limited to just one network with this one.

When traveling, the eSIM automatically connects itself to the strongest network connection in that area for reliable and strong coverage no matter where you go. If you still don't feel content with the connected network, you can manually switch to the provider of your choice and use it if you find that more comfortable.

Most providers like Airalo and BNESIM work with one single provider in one area, and it’s possible that the local provider might not be the best for the area you're visiting. This is never the issue with Flexiroam.

There are more than 700 eSIM plans to choose from. However, these plans aren’t as neatly categorized as some other providers. You’ll have to select from a long drop-down list when looking for individual country plans. Its regional plans are a mixed bag of chocolates. While there are two unique regional plans - Greater Europe and Greater China, I couldn’t find a regional plan for Asia that is offered by almost every other competitor. If you’re on an Asian trip, you’ll want to look at some other eSIMs on our list.

Having said that, Flexiroam is among the few providers that include plans for less than 7 days, and unlike Holafly, it allows data sharing through both tethering and Hotspot. So if you're traveling in a group, you can just buy a single pack and share it with your entire group.

Being a data-only eSIM, you don't get a phone number to call in case there's a network coverage issue and your internet stops working. This can usually be a problem if you're traveling to remote places.

Concluding, Flexiroam is definitely worth your bucks if you are looking for a data-only eSIM for its affordability and wider network coverage.

Best eSIMs for international travel FAQs

How to choose the best esim for international travel .

While all the providers have something or the other to offer, it's important to know the factors that make an eSIM the best among them.

1. The place that you are traveling to

It's important to check the network coverage of an eSIM in the place you're visiting. eSIM providers often offer amazing coverage in particular countries but mediocre performance in others. This is because eSIMs collaborate or partner with local service providers in different countries to enhance network coverage. So make sure that you check the service of the local provider that's accessible to you and select the eSIM provider that has coverage to the place you're traveling to.

Depending on the number of places you are going to visit, you can select local, regional, and global eSIMs. Here's how they differ:

Local eSIM — you should go for this eSIM if you're traveling to just one country. For example, if you're traveling to Paris, you can get a local France eSIM.
Regional eSIM — This is a perfect option if you're going to travel to a couple of countries within the same region. Let’s say you're planning a Europe trip; in that case, instead of buying a local SIM for each country, it’s a lot more convenient to get a regional eSIM that will work on all the countries in Europe you're visiting.
Global eSIM — global eSIM allows you to connect several countries all over the world, which is perfect if you're going to travel worldwide or counties that are in different regions.

2. How much data will you need?

If your data requirements are ambitious, you should preferably look for a cheap eSIM or one that provides unlimited data. On the other hand, if your data needs aren't too demanding, but you need internet in remote places, you might have to shell out a bit more for quality internet. To get an idea of how much data different apps use up, have a look at this:

Google Maps: 5MB per hour
Social Media: 50MB per hour
Internet Browsing: 50MB per hour
Online Gaming: 70+MB per hour
Streaming Music: 100MB per hour
SD Video: 1GB per hour
HD Video: 4GB per hour
4K Video: 7GB per hour

3. How long will you be abroad?

All eSIM providers have different validity options — you can choose between 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90 days plans, and so on. Find a plan with a validity period that outlines how long you're going to be using the eSIM.

Some eSIM providers provide plans shorter than 7 days; look out for them if you're going to be away for the weekend. On the other hand, if your data usage is moderate, but you are traveling for longer periods, an unlimited plan might be the best for you.

How do eSIM work?

An eSIM card or embedded SIM card is a chip in your phone that lets you connect to a network by simply downloading an eSIM profile and activating it without having to swap the SIM card physically.

eSIMs function similarly to physical cards — the only difference is that the card, instead of being inserted into the devices, can now be downloaded through an app and activated by scanning a QR code or following the steps provided in the manual.

It is very easy to install an eSIM into the devices that are compatible with it. You can use multiple operators simultaneously and add several data plans according to your needs, as there's no physical space required to limit the number.

You just have to change the profile to switch between one eSIM to another. This way, you can find the network in another eSIM if one SIM doesn't have a network. You can even have one SIM each for business and personal purposes.

Since eSIMs can be updated electronically, providers in the US and UK are using eSIMs for the Internet of Things, adding a mobile network to almost anything that could use one, like cars and traffic lights.

While all the latest Apple devices are eSIM-compatible, most Android devices are also catching up. For example, the new Motorola Razr doesn't have a physical SIM card slot and only supports eSIM. Google Pixel phones and other Android devices, including laptops and tablets, have started providing eSIMs too.

If you have already set up eSIM Carrier Activation, follow these steps to activate your SIM:

On turning on your phone, you will find a notification appearing that says "Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed", tap on it.
If it doesn't pop up right away, In the Settings app, tap Carrier Cellular Plan Ready to Be Installed.
You will find a "Continue" at the bottom of the screen. After that, the plan must have been activated.
Make a call on your iPhone to check its cellular connectivity.
If you're unable to make the call, contact your carrier. If the plan you activated replaces the plan on your physical SIM, your eSIM has been activated. Now remove your physical SIM. Then restart your iPhone.

After this, your eSIM will actively run on your phone, and you can use it along with your physical SIM cards too. This will especially be appreciated by those who don't like to give away their phone numbers when traveling abroad.

Can I use more than one eSIM provider when traveling abroad?

Yes, you can use more than one eSIM, depending on whether you use Android or iOS. When traveling, you’d want to use at least two SIMs simultaneously so that you don't lose touch with the older SIM contact when using the new local SIM.

iPhones can store up to 5-10 eSIMs on the device, depending on the exact model. For example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, and iPhone 13 Mini allow you to use two eSIMs simultaneously. On the flip side, you can use only one eSIM with iPhone 12 models, iPhone 11 models, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR.

Similarly, Androids can also store 5-7 eSIMs on the device. However, you can only activate and use one eSIM at a time.

This makes your work a lot easier. Suppose you’re traveling to Asia and Europe within a short span of time; you can purchase two eSIMs on your device. Simply activate the eSIM once you transition from one destination to another. This is more convenient compared to traditional SIMs, where you would have had to physically purchase a SIM at every destination you visit.

Traditional phones generally feature a maximum of 2 SIM cards in devices with dual SIM slots. In devices like iPhones that usually don't have a dual SIM feature, you will have to get a student device if you wish to use more than one SIM at once.

How to set up and activate an eSIM on iOS

Devices like iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later support eSIM. And recently, it completely ditched the physical SIM card slot in all the US models of iPhone 14. While other countries still have the SIM card slot, Apple has made it clear that it will soon completely get rid of the physical SIM card.

Note that Apple’s eSIM feature is not yet available in mainland China and a few parts of Hong Kong and Macao. These countries are still fully dependent on physical SIMs.

Setting up and activating an eSIM is super easy if you follow the instructions below:

On your iOS device, follow Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. If this doesn't work, try Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.
Click on the “Transfer from Nearby iPhone” option. At this point, remember that both iPhones have to be on iOS 16 for this to work.
You will find instructions on the old model to help you through the process. Either tap the transfer button or enter the verification code on the older phone, which will be sent to the new iPhone.
Once you transfer the eSIM to the newer iPhone, it is deactivated from your old device, and your carrier will send you a notification to complete the setup on your new iPhone.

QR code support:

If your carrier has issued you a QR code, you can simply select “Use QR Code” while setting up the new iPhone.
You can find the “Use QR Code” option under Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM.

Are eSIM better than physical SIM cards?

eSIM card is a recently developed digital version of a physical SIM card that solves most problems faced while using a physical SIM card. While the functionality of both the SIMs has no difference, eSIM has an almost negligible chance of getting damaged, and since they cannot be physically detached from the device, it is impossible to lose them.

If your device gets stolen, the thief will first throw out your SIM card because the device can be easily tracked through its SIM card. With eSIMs, this option just isn't there, so you can easily locate your device if it's ever stolen or lost.

Also, eSIM frees up the space that a SIM card blocks. This space can be used to better optimize the device and leave less room for dust to enter. It also makes it better for devices like smartwatches to have an eSIM.

On the other hand, eSIMs aren't as widely recognized yet, and physical SIM cards are supported on all devices. If your device doesn't support it, you'll have to get another one to switch to eSIMs.

Plus, if you want to change your device, it is a lot more convenient to just place your SIM card in a different device, and just the day started. The same thing goes for a situation when you want to transfer contacts that are saved in your SIM card.

eSIMs store data on the cloud. You can simply download it when needed. This way, your data remains safe and doesn't use up any storage on your device.

Finally, both eSIMs and physical SIM cards have benefits of their own, and the better option definitely depends on personal preference, but objectively, eSIM is definitely the better option.

Final verdict

eSIMs have, undoubtedly, made traveling much easier. With affordable plans, excellent connections, and various validity options to choose from, eSIMs are the future of telecommunication.

The only question is — which eSIM should you purchase? If you do not require voice call minutes (which I believe most wouldn’t), Airalo is your best bet. It has a lot of plan options to choose from, with validities as long as 180 days. It offers affordable local plans in as many as 200 countries, besides 7 regional plans and a value-for-money global plan. And since it partners with local network providers, you can rest assured of seamless connectivity as well.

If you do want to make voice calls and send text messages, Airhub should be your go-to option. It offers plans in more than 190 countries, with more than 15 plans to select from in most countries. Like Airalo, it is also a value-for-money proposition and wouldn’t cost you a fortune.

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Krishi covers buying guides and how-to's related to software, online tools, and tech products here at TechRadar. Over at Tom's Guide, he writes exclusively on VPN services. You can also find his work on Techopedia and The Tech Report. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.

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Roaming and data packages for use abroad from Swisscom

With the right package, you can also use your mobile phone when travelling outside of Switzerland. You can then surf, make calls or send messages even if you have no data, minutes or SMS included in your mobile subscription or you have used up your data allowance. Packages are easy to order from the Swisscom Cockpit.

Data packages for EU/UK, World 1, World 2 and the rest of the world

EU/UK includes the following countries Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France* , Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands* , Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom (UK)* , Vatican City State (*does not include overseas territories).

blue Mobile M, blue Mobile L and inOne mobile premium include EU/UK as standard.

Data Travel 1 GB

1 GB data volume for surfing while travelling If the volume has been used up or the 12-month limit reached, a new package must be activated. Billing in 1 KB increments. The data package is valid for 12 months in all countries in the relevant zone.

Price per package 14.90

Go to the Cockpit

Data Travel 5 GB

5 GB data volume for surfing while travelling If the volume has been used up or the 12-month limit reached, a new package must be activated. Billing in 1 KB increments. The data package is valid for 12 months in all countries in the relevant zone.

Preis per package 39.90

Data Travel 10 GB

10 GB data volume for surfing while travelling If the volume has been used up or the 12-month limit reached, a new package must be activated. Billing in 1 KB increments. The data package is valid for 12 months in all countries in the relevant zone.

Price per package 59.90

The data packages can be activated in the Swisscom Cockpit while still in Switzerland or while travelling. The connection to the Cockpit is free, and you will not run up any costs in Switzerland or abroad.

World 1 includes the following countries Alaska (USA), Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Fiji, French Polynesia, Georgia, Ghana, Hawaii (USA), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro , Morocco, Nauru, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, St. Croix (US), St. John (US), St. Thomas (US), Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, USA, Western Sahara (MA)

inOne mobile premium includes EU/UK, USA and Canada as standard.

Price per package 19.90

Price per package 49.90

Price per package 69.90

World 2 includes the following countries Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bangladesh, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Costa Rica, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, French Guiana, Gabon, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe (FR), Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Mali, Martinique (FR), Mauritius, Mayotte (FR), Mongolia, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Reunion (FR), Rwanda, Saba (NL), Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, St. Barths (FR), St. Eustatius (NL), St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten (NL), St. Martin (FR), St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turks & Caicos, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia

Data Travel 200 MB

200 MB data volume for surfing while travelling If the volume has been used up or the 12-month limit reached, a new package must be activated. Billing in 1 KB increments. The data package is valid for 12 months in all countries in the relevant zone.

Rest of the world

Rest of the world includes the following countries Afghanistan, Angola, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Iraq, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Palestine, Togo, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

Data Travel 50 MB

50 MB data volume for surfing while travelling If the volume has been used up or the 12-month limit reached, a new package must be activated. Billing in 1 KB increments. The data package is valid for 12 months in all countries in the relevant zone.

Data roaming in the following countries requires the purchase of a 10 MB package for 99.90: Burundi, Djibouti, East Timor, Guam, Liberia, Libya, Namibia, New Caledonia

Call packages for EU/UK, World 1, World 2 and the rest of the world

Voice Travel 60 Min.

60 call minutes while travelling Per-second billing. The call package is valid for 12 months in all countries in the relevant zone.

Price per package 15.90

Once the 60 minutes are up, the call will be terminated automatically. You can keep making calls at the standard tariff applicable in the country or buy a new Voice Travel package in the Swisscom Cockpit. So your calls cost you less. Access to the Swisscom Cockpit is free of charge wherever you are in the world.

60 call minutes while travelling Per-second billing. The call package is valid for 12 months in all countries in the relevant zone.

Price per package 29.90

World 2 includes the following countries Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bangladesh, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire, Botswana, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, French Guiana, Gabon, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe (FR), Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Mali, Martinique (FR), Mauritius, Mayotte (FR), Mongolia, Montserrat, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Reunion (FR), Rwanda, Saba (NL), Samoa, Senegal, Sierra Leone, St. Barths (FR), St. Eustatius (NL), St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten (NL), St. Martin (FR), St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turks & Caicos, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia

60 call minutes while travelling Per-second billing. The call package is valid for 12 months in all countries in the relevant zone.

Rest of the world includes the following countries Angola, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Iraq, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Palestine, Togo, Yemen, Zimbabwe.

60 call minutes while travelling Per-second billing. The call package is valid for 12 months in all countries in the relevant zone..

Price per package 59.90

SMS packages worldwide

Message travel 100.

Send 100 SMS wherever you are in the world The Message Travel 100 package is valid for 12 months in all countries.

Price per package 9.90

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Best esim for europe travel | everything you need to know about european prepaid esim data plans.

A guide to everything you need to know about using eSIM data plans while traveling through Europe.

phones and technology

When most people want high-speed mobile data for their phone while traveling to Europe they’ve traditionally bought a physical SIM card. However, many newer phones have an embedded electronic SIM (i.e. eSIM) that allows you to connect to European mobile carriers without needing to install a physical SIM card. These new eSIM data plans offer travelers a ton of convenience but there are a few quirks as well. That’s why in this article I’m going to cover everything you need to know about eSIM data plans in Europe—including tips for finding the best eSIM for Europe travel.

What You’ll See In This eSIM Guide

Do I Even Need Mobile Data In Europe?
Can I Just Use My Mobile Plan’s Internation Data Plan?
What Is an eSIM?

The Benefits of eSIM Mobile Data Plans

What iphones use esim cards, what android phones use esim cards, the best esim data plans for europe, how to activate an esim data plan, how much mobile data do you need when traveling europe, buying an esim in europe, more tips for using an esim data plan in europe, do you need mobile data in europe.

Backpacking Europe packing list - Rain Jackets

Honestly, yes, you need mobile data on your phone when traveling to Europe. Sure, you can sometimes find free wifi hotspots but that’s way more difficult than you’d think (I know from experience).

And so much of modern European life requires high-speed mobile data—train tickets are digital, Google Maps needs reliable data, sporting event tickets are digital, restaurant menus are accessed via QR codes, Uber/rideshare apps require data, some restaurants now want you to pay via your phone, accessing real-time public transportation info relies on mobile data, and the list goes on.

Can You Use Your Mobile Provider’s International Data Plan?

US/Canadian/Australian domestic mobile providers often offer an international data plan (either free or for an extra charge) but they all come with a few major drawbacks:

They’re expensive: Expect to pay $10-$20/day
Slow speeds : You’re often downgraded to 2G/3G speeds so even opening basic webpages could take forever to load (if it even loads). Many apps won’t function. Google Maps won’t work. Forget about social media.
Data caps: These plans might start you off with standard 4G/LTE speeds but once you hit 1-2GB of data you’ll be downgraded to nearly-unusable 3G/2G speeds.
Auto Enrollment: Some plans automatically enroll you in their international data plan the moment your phone tries to access data—which is just about every phone since smartphone apps are constantly running in the background.

For example, the AT&T International Day Pass costs $10/day. They also have their AT&T Passport plan, a monthly plan that’s either $70/month for 2 GB of data or $140/month for 6 GB. Then they charge an insane overage of $30 per GB. Verizon also has a $10/day pass but they knock you down to 3G speeds after 2GB each day.

And many T-Mobile customers get free “unlimited” international data but you’re only guaranteed 2g data speeds after you hit a total usage of 5GB of data… which will struggle to load Google Maps or even email. T-Mobile gives you the option to pay more to get 5GB at better speeds but then you’ll be charged a premium.

These “international data plans” are 5X as expensive as buying a prepaid eSIM data plan from a third-party provider—for example, eSIM data plans from Orange or Holafly will cost you around $2-$4/day.

So do yourself a favor and buy a European mobile data plan.

What Is An eSIM?

In short, an eSIM is an embedded/digital version of the traditional physical SIM card. So instead of installing a physical SIM card to change your mobile provider, you simply connect to a new mobile data service provider using an app.

This is great for international travel because you no longer have to hunt down a new SIM card when you change countries. You simply activate the eSIM service and you’re online in seconds.

Many new phones are dual SIM so you can still use your physical domestic SIM card while also using the eSIM so you can switch back and forth between your mobile data providers.

Some phones are also moving to eSIM only—the USA versions of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 (and future generations) no longer feature a SIM card slot but do support dual eSIM.

Below are some of the many benefits of using an eSIM data plan while traveling.

No Searching For SIM Cards

The biggest benefit of an eSIM is not having to track down a physical SIM card. All you have to do is install the mobile provider’s app to activate the eSIM data service. This means you can order your eSIM, and download the app before you leave. and then activate the service when you arrive at your destination.

Instant Delivery (No Shipping Fees)

Since eSIM cards are all digital you don’t have to pay shipping fees if you want to pre-purchase a European data plan before arriving in Europe.

For example, you can buy a plan from SimOptions or Holafly and they’ll email you a QR code or link to activate the service.

Dual eSIMs Allow You To Use Two Data Plans At Once

Another big benefit to using an eSIM is that you can seamlessly switch between your domestic plan (via the physical SIM) and the travel plan (via your eSIM). In fact, some phones let you have up to 5 eSIM data plans on a single phone—which is overkill for most people but it’s still an option.

Another huge benefit to having dual SIM cards is that many services will send you texts for things like two-factor identification or your bank might text you with fraud alerts and these won’t come through if you don’t have your home plan’s physical SIM card installed.

No Need to Remove Your Current SIM Card

Removing the physical SIM card is a hassle. First, you need the little tool to pop the SIM out of the phone (which is easy to lose). Then you also have to remove your phone case. You also have to keep track of your original SIM card so you don’t lose or damage it (you’ll need to reinstall it to get your service back).

Easier To Add Credit To Your Account

All eSIM data plans require you to download the service provider’s app to activate the service and most allow you to easily add credit to your account via the app.

Not all iPhones have built-in eSIM compatibility but essentially all iPhones made since 2019 should be eSIM compatible—i.e. they’re Dual SIM so they have both a physical SIM and an eSIM.

UPDATE: All iPhone 14 (and newer) sold in the UNITED STATES are eSIM-only so there isn’t a physical SIM Card slot anymore. However, all iPhones sold outside the US have dual SIM with physical SIM and eSIM.

eSIM Compatible Phones:

(The base iPhone X and anything older is not eSIM compatible)
iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 12 Mini & iPhone SE 2020
iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Mini
iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone SE, etc.
iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 15, and iPhone 15 Plus

Again, just about every Android sold since 2020 is eSIM compatible.

Samsung Galaxy Fold & Galaxy Fold 2 / Galaxy Z Flip & Z Flip 5G
Samsung Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra / Galaxy Note 20
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, S21 Ultra 5G
Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4XL, Pixel 4a (4G), Pixel 5 (5G), Pixel 6, Pixel 7
Huawei P40 and P40 Pro & Mate 40 Pro

How to buy a SIM card and data plan in Italy

A great thing about traveling to Europe is that the EU outlawed mobile data roaming fees so any EU data plan will work anywhere within the UE—i.e. you can buy a French eSIM and use it in Italy, Germany, Poland, etc.

That said, I recommend sticking with the major European carriers since they’ll have the most comprehensive networks and the fastest mobile data speeds.

NOTE: The UK and Switzerland aren’t in the EU so not all plans will work there (but many still do)—check each plan to see if they cover these countries.

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM 50GB: $59.90

Price: $59.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 50GB
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
Credit validity: 28 day
Data Tethering: Allowed
Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used anywhere in Europe
Service works everywhere in the EU

Need tons of data? Consider the newly released Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM data plan which is a beefed-up version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM. It has 50GB of data and it’s valid for 28 days (compared to 14 days with the Orange Holiday Europe plan). This eSIM also comes with many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that works anywhere in Europe).

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot so you can put that extra data allowance to good use. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

Holafly Europe eSIM with Unlimited Data: Starting at $19.00

Holafly is a new Europe-based eSIM provider that I used in Italy—the service was great and I got very fast data speeds (read my Holafly eSIM Review to learn more). They sell both country-specific and Europe-wide data plans.

Unlike other mobile data companies, Holafly gives you unlimited data and a local phone number with 60 minutes of credit for making/receiving calls from European numbers (with a few exceptions). I also like how Holafly’s plans come in durations from 5 to 90 days—so you don’t have to over/underbuy for your particular trip.

5 Days: $19
10 Days: $34
15 Days: $47
20 Days: $54
30 Days: $64
60 Days: $84
90 Days: $99
Service Speed: 5G/4G/LTE
Call Coverage: 60 minutes of credit to make calls from all of Europe—except Iceland, Norway, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey. Comes with an Austrian phone number.
Texts/SMS: None
Tethering: No

Bouygues My European eSIM: $44.90

Bouygues is a major French telecommunications company and they’ve recently released their own prepaid eSIM data plan to compete with the popular Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. I used a prepaid Bouygues SIM card on a previous trip to Europe so I’m glad they’re finally offering an eSIM.

There’s a lot to like about the Bouygues My European eSIM plan —especially since it comes standard with 30GB of data and unlimited calls within Europe. I also like how this Bouygues eSIM plan is valid for 30 days so it’s a great option for longer trips.

Price: $44.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data Tethering: Allowed
Service Speed: 4G/LTE
Calls: Unlimited within Europe
Credit validity: 30 day
Phone Number: This eSIM card comes with a French phone number
Coverage : Anywhere within the European Union (except Switzerland)

Check out my Bouygues European eSIM review for more information about this plan.

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM 30GB: $49.90

Price: $49.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
Credit validity: 14 day
Data tethering allowed
This eSIM card comes with a French phone number

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM data plan is another excellent eSIM plan because it comes with 30GB of data and many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that will work anywhere in Europe). The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

The potential downside to the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM is that it’s only valid for 14 days once activated so it’s not great for longer visits (but you can always buy a second plan).

Orange Holiday Zen eSIM: $29.90

Orange Holiday Zen eSIM | Best eSIM For Visiting Europe

Price: $29.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Data: 15GB (recently upgraded from 8GB)
Calls: Unlimited within Europe and 30 min outside of Europe.
Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and 200 outside of Europe.

The Orange Holiday Zen plan is a top pick for travelers for a few different reasons.

First, Orange is one of the largest mobile networks in Europe so they have great coverage basically everywhere in Europe and you won’t have to worry about slow speeds.

Second, Orange Holiday eSIM data plan gives you unlimited calls and texts within Europe and limited (yet still ample) credit for calls/texts outside the EU. A majority of eSIM plans from other providers don’t give you any (or very limited) credit for calls or texts.

This plan comes with 15GB of mobile data which should suffice for most travelers who aren’t heavy data users.

Smart Comfort X eSIM: $17.90

Price: $17.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
Calls: None

The Smart Comfort X eSIM is a budget data-only eSIM plan option that gives you 5GB of data but no calls or texts (you can still send iMessage if you’re sending messages between iPhones and make calls/texts via WhatsApp, etc.).

Smart Comfort X eSIM is also what’s considered an “international eSIM” so it’s not backed by a specific data provider (i.e. Orange, O2, etc.). That means it will connect to a specific partner provider in each country—for example, France (Bouygues), Germany (O2), Italy (WIND), Spain (Telefonica), etc.

Because of its limited data limits, the Smart Comfort X eSIM plan is best for light data users.

Do European eSIM Plans Come With A European Phone Number?

Some European prepaid eSIM plans come with a European phone number but many prepaid eSIM plans are data only. You probably don’t need a European phone number but it can come in handy for calling restaurants, hotels, or Airbnb hosts (many use WhatsApp—which only requires a data connection).

Recommended Prepaid eSim Plans with A European Phone Number:

Bouygues My European eSIM : This eSIM plan comes with unlimited calling in Europe.
Holafly Europe eSIM : Holafly eSIM plans include 60 minutes of calling in Europe.
Orange Holiday Europe eSIM and Orange Holiday Zen eSIM : Orange comes with international and Europe calling.

Studies show that the average American uses about 5-7GB of mobile data every week but your rate will vary.

You can easily hit 15GB/week if you’re a heavy user but it’s fairly easy to keep your mobile data usage under 2-3GB/week if you stick to basic web browsing, limit your social media use, and keep app usage to a minimum (or save your heavy usage for when you’re on wifi).

Activating an eSIM is relatively simple.

UPDATE: Apple’s iOS 17.4 update (released late March 2024) now includes an automatic eSIM installation and activation feature—making setting up and managing your eSIM much easier. This is great news!

Step One: Purchase Your Data Plan

I highly recommend purchasing your eSIM before you leave because you’ll need data/wifi to complete the setup.

Step Two: Check Your Email For The QR Code

You’ll get an email from the seller as soon as you make your purchase.

This email will include a QR code that you can scan so you’ll want to be in front of your computer so you can scan the QR code from your screen.

Step Three: Install The Carrier’s eSIM App

The QR code will lead you to download the carrier’s eSIM app. Just follow the directions they send you.

IMPORTANT: Don’t fully activate your eSIM data plan until you’re in Europe. Most data plans only have a validity period of 14-30 days and that countdown begins the second you activate the service. So, for example, if you activate the service a week before your trip then you’ll have lost a full week from your service length (even if you haven’t used any data).

Step Four: Fully Activate Service Once in Europe

Finish the activation process. Your phone should automatically connect to the local data network (it might take a few minutes to get fully activated).

The beauty of eSIM plans is that they’re completely digital so you can buy them online anytime, anywhere (see all the above eSIM options).

Every European country has its own domestic mobile carriers and each is starting to offer its own prepaid eSIM data plans. However, carrier-specific eSIM mobile packages aren’t quite widespread in Europe yet so not every mobile carrier will have options—therefore, not every retailer will have them (or they’ll have a very limited selection).

Furthermore, many European carriers only offer “postpaid” eSIM plans so they’re generally not conducive to short-term visitors and tourists. That’s why I recommend buying one of the eSIM plans I mentioned earlier in this article.

What Countries in Europe Support eSIM?

While not every mobile carrier in Europe has an eSIM mobile plan, there are carriers in every European country that accept eSIM technology—therefore, your phone will automatically connect to a provider (no matter what eSIM plan you’re using).

Simply put: Your eSIM data plan will work anywhere in Europe.

Coverage Note About Switzerland (and Possibly the UK): Switzerland is an outlier because they’re not technically part of the EU so some providers don’t work there. For example, the Orange Holiday plans work in Switzerland but the Smart Comfort X plan won’t work there. There are also rumors that the UK also has (or will have soon) the same issues because of Brexit. Learn more on our Guide on How To Use Data Plans and Smartphone Phones Abroad

Here are a few more tips for getting the most out of using your high-speed eSIM mobile data plan while traveling around Europe. If you want to learn more, check out The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide to How To Use Data Plans and Smartphone Phones Abroad

You Need An Unlocked Phone

You need to make sure your phone is unlocked before you can install both a SIM card or eSIM—many American mobile carriers use software to “lock” their smartphones to their network so the phone won’t work if you install a SIM card from another company.

However, you can unlock your phone by calling your mobile carrier and asking them to unlock it because you’re going to travel abroad (you might need to visit a store to get it unlocked).

BUY A PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER

Using apps like Google Maps and taking photos kills your phone battery so a portable battery is a must-have. I use Anker PowerCore 10000 because it’s tiny and affordable but there are multiple options.

Save Heavy Data Usage For When You’re On Wifi

It’s extremely easy to unknowingly burn through a lot of data—especially when you’re using data-hungry apps like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Therefore it’s highly recommended to save your heavy data usage for when you’re connected to wifi.

USE AIRPLANE MODE AND BLOCK DATA TO SPECIFIC APPS

I’ll put my phone in Airplane Mode because that disables all data (but GPS still works in Airplane Mode). You can also go into the settings and disable data access to each individual app.

DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS

Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. As an added bonus, GPS doesn’t use data so offline Google Maps works fairly well (but not all functionality works). Here is a good YouTube video that explains everything.

Download WhatsApp

WhatsApp is an excellent app for free calling and text messages—I’ve found that many Europeans exclusively use WhatsApp to communicate (including many Airbnb hosts).

Get More Europe Travel Tips From The Savvy Backpacker

Are you heading to Europe soon? Here are some more helpful articles I’ve written to help you plan your European travels.

Backpacking Europe Packing List
Europe Packing List for Women
The Best Travel Shoes
The Best Travel Backpacks and The Best Travel Backpacks for Women
Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in France
Guide to Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Germany
Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Italy
Guide To Buying SIM Cards and Mobile Data Plans in Spain
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The Best Travel Backpacks | In-Depth Buyer’s Guide & Backpack Reviews - April 28, 2024
Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
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This year's Voice of Sarasota is Jennifer Rominiecki, of Selby Gardens, The Living Museum

N ational Travel and Tourism Week is an annual hospitality and tourism industry tradition that celebrates the immense value travel brings to the nation. Visit Sarasota County’s event this year will also serve as the kickoff of Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week.

Each year, the Visit Sarasota County Board bestows the Voice of Sarasota award as part of the celebration. This award is presented to an individual whose exceptional efforts have significantly promoted and enhanced Sarasota County as a tourism destination.

This year the board will honor Jennifer Rominiecki , president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, as 2024 Voice of Sarasota.

Since February 2015, when Rominiecki arrived at Selby Gardens, she repositioned the institution as The Living Museum, securing a trademark from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Enacting this new operating model has yielded increases of 128% in membership and 135% in overall earned revenues.

Rominiecki has also overseen the creation and execution of a five-year Strategic Plan and a new three-year Strategic Plan, as well as an innovative Master Site Plan that included the creation of the world’s first net-positive energy restaurant.

The award will be presented at the National Travel and Tourism Week celebration at the Bird Key Yacht Club on May 14, 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Visit Sarasota County would like to recognize the current sponsors of the event, which include Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Herald-Tribune Media Group, Miles Partnership, Tiger Lily Flowers and Kokomo Charters.

DutchCrafters award goes to rookie

DutchCrafters, the leading retailer of Amish furniture at www.dutchcrafters.com , celebrates outstanding employees’ achievements all year long, and a special awards ceremony is set aside each year to recognize top performers.

The Rookie of the Year Award was presented by Vice President Linse Miller to Carter Wood , furniture specialist in the Alpharetta, Georgia, showroom.

The award recognizes an employee who joined the company within the last 16 months and is a fast learner and team player who embraces DutchCrafters’ core values and company culture with an ambitious, hardworking perspective.

Law firm adds associate

Meghan E. Griffin has joined Dunlap & Moran as an associate attorney.

Griffin received her J.D. degree along with her Master of Laws degree in Taxation (LLM) in 2023 from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

Her areas of practice at the firm will be tax, estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business law.

Dunlap & Moran, PA, is an AV-rated multipractice law firm with offices in downtown Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch.

CEO joins Vistage advisory board

Michael Schwartz , president at Quality Enclosures, Inc., has joined the CEO Peer Advisory Board at Vistage Sarasota.

Quality Enclosures is a family owned and operated business in Sarasota and America’s leading wholesaler of shower enclosures since 1963.

At Vistage Sarasota, our mission is to enable our members to become better leaders who make better decisions and, in turn, get better results.

For more information, contact Kimberly Martinez by email at [email protected] or visit kimberlymartinez.com .

Project Pride hires first director

The Project Pride SRQ board has named Paul Lotierzo as its first-ever executive director. He took the helm officially May 1.

In this role, Lotierzo is poised to leverage his wide array of nonprofit networking and development experience to usher Project Pride into the next chapter of its ever-expanding presence while increasing its impact on the Sarasota community, the Gulf Coast region and beyond.Lotierzo recently left a position as chief development officer at Civic Influencers, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to amplifying the voices of young voters. Prior to that, he worked three years as director of development with Athlete Ally, a New York City-based organization dedicated to ending homophobia and transphobia in sports.Lotierzo also spent six years at Immigration Equality, a nonprofit dedicated to providing free legal representation for LGBTQ and HIV+ refugees, where he supported successful fundraising initiatives that increased the organization’s operating budget into the multimillions through strategic corporate sponsorships and major donor support.

Originally from New York state, he attended the University of Tampa, worked in administration at the Florida Department of Transportation in Tampa and volunteered with Equality Florida for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as Clean Water Action to clean up the Hillsborough River.

New VP at Selby Gardens

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has appointed Nancy Seijas-Kipnis as vice president for Strategic Communications and Marketing.

Since Kipnis’ arrival in this executive leadership role, her priorities have included implementing strategies for the future expansion of Selby Gardens, which encompass a three-phase Master Plan for its downtown Sarasota campus.

Kipnis led the marketing and communications strategies for Selby Gardens’ Phase One January inauguration, a $52 million expansion that will make Selby the first net-positive energy botanical complex in the world, creating more energy than it uses.

With more than two decades of experience as a leader of communications, marketing and public affairs, Kipnis emerged as the top choice from an impressive pool of prospects. Her experience spans a diversity of industries, including arts and culture, government, urban revitalization, culinary arts and lifestyle brands.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: This year's Voice of Sarasota is Jennifer Rominiecki, of Selby Gardens, The Living Museum

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From holidays to shopping: eight discounts for UK over-60s you might not know about

It’s still the magic milestone when senior citizenship begins … with a host of money-saving offers to take advantage of

Travel for free

The UK state pension age has risen but many companies and organisations still hold on to “the big 6-0” as the point at which senior citizenship begins, and it continues to represent a money-saving milestone as a result.

In Wales and Scotland you qualify for an older person’s free bus pass from the age of 60. You have to apply and provide proof of age and address and a passport-style photo.

In Scotland you access free bus travel via the National Entitlement Card, which also gives those who live on Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles two free return ferry journeys to the Scottish mainland each year.

In England, the older person’s free bus pass only arrives when you hit the state pension age (currently 66) – except in London. If you live in the capital, you can travel there for free when you are 60. You can get a 60+ London Oyster photocard until you are eligible for a Freedom Pass, for which the current eligibility age is 66.

The 60+ photocard gives you free travel on buses, the tube, trams, Docklands Light Railway, London Overground, the Elizabeth line (excluding between West Drayton and Reading) and most National Rail services in London, from 9am on weekdays and at any time at weekends and on bank holidays (it’s from 9.30am on weekdays for the National Rail services). You also get discounted fares on river services such as Thames Clippers, and discounts on Santander cycle hire.

For full details, check out the TfL website .

Get a rail or coach card

The senior railcard is for those aged 60 and over and costs £30 a year, or £70 for three years, and gives you a third off rail travel.

National Rail, which issues the cards, says people with a senior railcard save on average £86 a year , or £5.26 a journey . The railcard is not valid during the morning peak period – times differ around the country, so you will need to check before you travel.

A National Express senior coach card, which costs £15 plus £3 postage, gives you a third off standard and fully flexible fares, plus £15 day returns to anywhere in the UK on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

There are no restrictions on peak and off-peak travel times, so you can travel when it suits you.

Holiday for less

If you are booking a trip away, ask whether your airline, train company or hotel, including chains overseas, offers a senior discount.

The budget hotel chain Travelodge has in the past offered over-60s 25% off selected stays, while Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the US is among those offering reduced rates. Eurostar offers special senior fares for those aged 60-plus on its continental routes (for example, Brussels to Paris and Brussels to Amsterdam), but not for journeys between the UK and mainland Europe.

Enjoy a show

Many theatres and cinemas have special deals and showings for those aged 60-plus.

You can get £20 off tickets for midweek matinees (applying to full-price £89 and £69 tickets, or £79 and £59 tickets for the forthcoming production of Ballet Shoes) at the Lyttelton and Olivier theatres at London’s National Theatre . For shows in its Dorfman Theatre, higher-priced tickets are reduced to £36 for midweek matinees.

Other London theatres offering discounted tickets for over-60s include the Old Vic and the Young Vic.

The Ambassador Theatre Group runs one of the UK’s biggest ticketing operations, ATG Tickets, and says those over the age of 60 will get discounts at selected venues and shows, so it’s worth checking before you book. The Picturehouse cinema chain’s free-to-join Silver Screen club gives over-60s a free hot drink and discounted tickets, typically for matinee shows. The Odeon chain’s Silvers scheme shows films at quieter times of the day, with tickets from £3.50 including tea, coffee and biscuits served before the film.

Showcase cinemas have Silver Screenings on a Monday, with tickets for all films starting before 4pm usually discounted to £4.99.

Almost a million over-60s take advantage of the National Trust’s senior concession, a 25% discount off membership, bringing the cost down to £68.40 for individual senior membership, or £113.40 for joint senior membership, provided you have been a member for at least the last three consecutive years. The Royal Horticultural Society offers a hefty discount on its life membership, reducing the individual price from £1,495 to £935.

Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire, England

Shop with a discount

The supermarket chain Iceland has a Bonus Card scheme that provides all shoppers with offers and savings, but has an extra perk for cardholders over 60: a 10% discount in its shops every Tuesday. When shopping you will need to show ID – a senior bus pass, senior railcard or driving licence.

Asda is another retailer that targets the over-60s with deals. It ran a popular “winter warmer” meal deal between 1 November last year and the end of February this year, which offered soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffee for only £1 in any of its 205 cafes. Keep an eye out for future offers.

Play or watch sport

Older fans of sports including football, cricket and rugby can often get discounts on tickets. In many cases you have to be at least 65 or 66 but there are several football club season ticket schemes, such as Sheffield United’s, that start reductions at the age of 60.

Some golf clubs offer membership discounts or incentives to older players. The age requirements vary. The GolfSupport.com website carried out a UK survey and published its findings , which may help you track down a good deal in your area.

A golfer tees off on a coastal links course

Stay healthy

NHS prescriptions in Scotland and Wales are free for everyone but in England you need to pay until you turn 60; after that they are free.

In Wales, those aged 60-plus can get free NHS dental examinations, too. Everyone in Scotland is entitled to free NHS dental examinations.

NHS-funded eye tests are free for everyone in Scotland. In the other countries of the UK, those who are 60 and over are entitled to free NHS eye tests, which you can take up at most opticians.

Specsavers offers over-60s 20% off glasses, while Boots Opticians has a 10% discount on your first pair of glasses.

With the Advantage Card loyalty scheme at Boots you can access Over 60s Rewards, which gives you more points: eight for every £1 spent on Boots brands and selected exclusives, including No 7, Botanics, Liz Earle, Champneys and Joules.

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Travel at 60 has adventures in Australia, New Zealand and across the world in 2024 and beyond!

Whether you’re planning your own itinerary or want to travel with fellow over-60s , our full-service Aussie travel agency is here to make it easy!

Call now on 1300 414 198 (for the cost of a local call anywhere within Australia) for a friendly chat about your next adventure. And make sure you’ve signed up for our newsletter to get the best deals in your inbox!

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Travelling back in time with a stagecoach experience

Explore Longreach & Winton by Tour, Stagecoach, Cruise & Train! (2024)

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Cap off your adventure with a two-week homeward cruise to Sydney

Capricorn Coast: Over-60 Group Getaway

Roundtrip from Brisbane (return rail included)
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Fly, Stay & Cruise Package: South Pacific Crossing with Hawaii & Tahiti (Sydney roundtrip)

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Capricorn Coast: Over-60 Group Getaway (FULLY HOSTED Seniors Month Special Departure)

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Norfolk Island: Fully Escorted Tour with Flights (Brisbane roundtrip, Jan 2025)

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Weather | Floods in southern Brazil kill at least 60,…

Weather | Floods in southern Brazil kill at least 60, with 101 people missing

Residents evacuate from a neighborhood flooded by heavy rains, in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, Saturday, May 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Macedo)

People evacuate on a surfboard from a neighborhood flooded by heavy rains, in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, Saturday, May 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Macedo)

A soldier helps a woman evacuate from a neighborhood flooded by heavy rains, in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, Saturday, May 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Carlos Macedo)

At least 155 people were injured, while damage from the rains forced more than 80,000 people from their homes. Approximately 15,000 took refuge in schools, gymnasiums and other temporary shelters.

The floods left a wake of devastation, including landslides, washed-out roads and collapsed bridges across the state. Operators reported electricity and communications cuts. More than 800,000 people are without a water supply, according to the civil defense agency, which cited figures from water company Corsan.

On Saturday evening, residents in the town of Canoas stood up to their shoulders in muddy water and formed a human chain to pull boats carrying people to safety, according to video footage shared by local UOL news network.

The Guaiba river reached a record level of 17.5 feet on Sunday morning at 8 a.m. local time, surpassing levels seen during a historic 1941 deluge.

“I repeat and insist: the devastation to which we are being subjected is unprecedented,” State Gov. Eduardo Leite said on Sunday morning. He had previously said that the state will need a “kind of ‘Marshall Plan’ to be rebuilt.”

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in Rio Grande do Sul on Sunday, accompanied by Defense Minister José Múcio, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad and Environment Minister Marina Silva, among others.

During Sunday mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis said he was praying for the state’s population. “May the Lord welcome the dead and comfort their families and those who had to abandon their homes,” he said.

The downpour started Monday and was expected to last through to Sunday. In some areas, such as valleys, mountain slopes and cities, more than 11.8 inches of rain fell in less than a week, according to Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology, known by the Portuguese acronym INMET, on Thursday.

The heavy rains were the fourth such environmental disaster in a year, following floods in July, September and November 2023 that killed 75 people in total.

Weather across South America is affected by the climate phenomenon El Niño, a periodic, naturally occurring event that warms surface waters in the Equatorial Pacific region. In Brazil, El Niño has historically caused droughts in the north and intense rainfall in the south.

This year, the impacts of El Niño have been particularly dramatic, with a historic drought in the Amazon. Scientists say extreme weather is happening more frequently due to human-caused climate change.

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Ukrainian men abroad voice anger over pressure to return home to fight

Ukrainian men abroad are under pressure as Kyiv prepares to enforce a mobilization law aimed at conscripting desperately needed soldiers.

KYIV — With Ukraine desperate for soldiers to reinforce its crumbling defenses against Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian embassies have temporarily suspended consular services for fighting-age men, placing new pressure on them to go home to fight.

The suspension of citizen services, such as passport renewals, is intended as a preliminary step to a new mobilization law that will go into force on May 18. It will require all men ages 18 to 60 to update their personal information with a local draft office within 60 days.

Martial law, in effect since the start of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, prohibits men ages 18 to 60 from leaving the country. But many men who were afraid of being sent to the front have fled. Thousands of others were already living abroad. Now, all of them face pressure under the new rules, which could restrict their movements.

“We all felt like the ground was pulled out from under us,” said Oleksandr, a 42-year-old from Kyiv now living in Austria. “That Ukraine no longer wants to support us.” Like other men interviewed for this article, Oleksandr agreed to speak on condition that he be identified only by his first name because he feared being ostracized or facing other repercussions.

Supporters of the mobilization law say men living outside Ukraine — potentially numbering in the tens of thousands — are not sufficiently supporting their country in its time of greatest need.

Ukrainian officials insist that the mobilization law will add “fairness” to the draft, removing many exceptions and streamlining the conscription process. They also say the government urgently needs accurate information about those citizens who are eligible for military duty.

In Ukraine, men who provide their information to a draft office will receive documentation, which they then must show when conducting any official business in Ukraine, such as registering a marriage or obtaining a driver’s license. Those living abroad will need the same documentation to receive consular services.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Oleksandr, who has lived in Austria since before the invasion, said he felt persecuted, as if the Ukrainian government was hunting him. “It was done as a ‘Go to hell’ move — ‘We will now catch you, to make you feel bad, punish you,’” he said.

“I am not afraid to die,” Oleksandr added. “My biggest fear is to be captured and experience torture.”

Other men targeted by the policy expressed similar anger. And the requirements of the mobilization law are casting new light on a deepening rift between those men who have gone to the front lines and those who have not, between families whose loved ones are at risk every day and those who are living safely, in some cases many thousands of miles away.

If successful, the mobilization law could provide hundreds of thousands of new soldiers for the war effort — troops desperately needed to halt Russia’s recent advances, Kyiv officials say.

“There will be no restrictions or forced return of Ukrainian citizens of any gender or age to a country that is at war,” Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said in remarks published by Deutsche Welle on Tuesday. But she added: “There are no easy solutions to war issues, and let’s not forget that the war is ongoing, and we have to win it.”

How many Ukrainian men could be denied consular services is unknown. Many men left Ukraine legally — for medical treatment or to study, among other reasons.

Officials at Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry say they are trying to compile a total number of those living abroad. On Saturday, in an interview with Polish broadcaster TVN24, Ukraine’s ambassador in Warsaw, Vasyl Zvarych, said Ukrainian authorities “estimate that there are tens of thousands of people of military age in Poland alone.”

Andriy, 38, who lives in Poland, said he thought the Ukrainian government was acting impetuously. “I feel like the country I love and cherish is behaving like an immature, offended teenager,” Andriy said.

“I have always positioned myself, and will continue to position myself, as a Ukrainian in all situations,” he said. “But if the state considers me a traitor, I must admit it’s not a pleasant feeling for me at the moment.”

Weeks after Ukraine’s parliament adopted the mobilization law, the measure continues to raise as many questions as answers, and many Ukrainian men are struggling to understand what it might mean for them personally.

The law presents separate problems for thousands who fled to avoid the draft, potentially leaving them stuck where they are, forced to apply for asylum or in legal limbo.

Some said they feel betrayed, while others said they fear that the Ukrainian government could resort to even more draconian measures to fill the country’s military ranks — possibly by forcing men living outside the country to return to Ukraine.

Some men said they understood the government’s position. Savelii, 35, who is living in London, said the government was forced to choose from a range of bad options.

“Some of this is about restoring some kind of balance,” Savelii said. “It’s unfair that men in Ukraine have to live like this right now.” He added, “There is a sense that we men who live outside the country have more privileges and liberties.”

“But the situation is not black-and-white,” he added. “There are also people still living in the country who pretend that there is no war right now, and people living outside who work every day to support Ukraine.”

European officials appear divided over the prospect of trying to compel Ukrainian men to return home to fight.

Anneli Viks, an adviser to Estonia’s interior minister, said Tuesday that her country has “no plan for the forced repatriation of Ukrainian citizens legally residing in Estonia who fled because of the war,” local media reported.

But others were less categorical. “We definitely won’t protect draft dodgers,” Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Szejna said on Polish television.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has described the restriction of consular services as a matter of basic equity, but even some men who were not immediately affected by the new rules said they were unhappy.

Olexander, 53, who lives in Britain, said his passport was valid for three more years. “This hasn’t caused me any inconvenience personally, although it’s insulting because I haven’t violated existing laws of Ukraine,” Olexander said.

“But I don’t exclude the possibility that services may be needed. What to do then, there’s no plan,” he added.

Olexander said he has “never stopped being Ukrainian” and “would like to return and be useful” in the future. But he has “serious doubts about returning,” at the moment because he’s “not ready to entrust my life” to the current government.

Vladyslav, 36, who is living in Spain, said he left Ukraine legally, under an exemption for men with three or more children. When the new electronic registry begins to operate, Vladyslav said, he “will immediately register” and provide his details.

Still, he said he worries that more restrictions on those living abroad could lie ahead, such as blocking access to Ukrainian bank accounts.

“If they suddenly start blocking, just like that, then it won’t be okay for me personally,” Vladyslav said. “Because I conduct business in Ukraine and pay taxes there.” He added: “If I suddenly lose access to banking services, then I’ll have to fully transition to E.U. residency.”

Vasily, 40, who lives in Germany, said he applied for a second passport but now wonders if he will receive it. Vasily said the law’s greatest danger is that it will sow divisions among Ukrainians. “Russia won’t destroy Ukraine on its own, until Ukrainians help it,” he said.

“With such actions,” he said, the government had “simply burned bridges for many whose lives fit in a suitcase — including women and children.”

Vasily said he often thinks of a friend serving on the front lines — “a dialogue without words,” he said. The friend is “the only person in front of whom I feel ashamed,” he said.

“Maybe he won’t want to talk to me,” Vasily said. “But I want him to understand me.”

Kostiantyn Khudov contributed to this report.

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Nordstrom’s Low-key Sale Has Comfy Spring Clothes Up to 60% Off — Shop an NYC Stylist’s 53 Top Picks

You'll be happy you added them to your cart.

Best Women's Clothing
Best Men's Clothing
Best Luggage and Travel
Best Women's Shoe
Best Men's Shoe
Best Travel Accessory

Best Beauty Deals

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

Spring is finally here. After a few false starts and trepidation, I’m finally packing away my sweaters and boots for the sweet embrace of darling sundresses and beach-ready, comfy sandals . To start the season off fresh, I’m doing my spring shopping at Nordstrom — particularly in its sale section, which is booming with deals. With up to 60 percent off clothes , shoes, and travel necessities, it makes finding what I need for the rest of spring and summer easy (and more budget-friendly).

As an expert shopper, my unofficial job as a fashion stylist and editor, I always look ahead to see if I need (or want) new looks for what I have on my calendar. With vacations booked, most of what I’m eyeing are those effortless travel clothes to wear while in transit or easily packed in my carry-on suitcase (psst: they have those on sale, too, for 60 percent off!) Plus, newly discounted items like flowy maxi dresses (which are 40 percent off) for the beach and a denim jacket for chilly nights; I already have this 50-percent-off one from Mavi in my cart.

This is just a taste of what you can score. To make your life easier, I sorted through everything in the Nordstrom sale section and found the 53 best deals. Keep in mind that you'll have to act fast since some of the spring items are only discounted for a limited time and are selling fast.

Best Women's Clothing Deals

As stated above, most of my shopping focus is on building my summer vacation wardrobe, so hitting up the women's clothing section on sale at Nordstrom is my priority. The necessities are comfy travel pants, swimsuits, and new fun items, like Free People sundresses (this one is currently 30 percent off), or my favorite travel companion: a denim jacket ; follow my lead and grab this one while it's 50 percent off.

Free People Shea Smocked Yoke Shift Minidress , $90 (originally $128)
Mavi Mellie Denim Jacket , $69 (originally $138)
La Blanca Island Goddess Ruched One-shoulder Tankini Top , $66 (originally $93)
Free People Going Steady Ruffle Sundress , $118 (originally $168)
Open Edit High-waist Wide-leg Trousers , $53 (originally $70)
Loveappella Maxi Dress , $41 (originally $68)
Noisy May Kirby Cargo Joggers , $34 (originally $55)

Open Edit High-waist Wide-leg Trousers

Best men's clothing deals.

There are also huge deals on men's clothes right now at Nordstrom. Some of the best men's active brands are discounted, like this Vuori high-performance short-sleeve shirt with UV protection, which makes the perfect vacation shirt. And for any man looking for a new bathing suit, these highly-rated and eco-friendly swim trunks are currently priced at under $25.

Fair Harbor The Anchor Swim Trunks , $24 (originally $68)
Vuori Bridge Athletic Fit Short-sleeve Performance Button-up Shirt , $59 (originally $74)
Rhone Gramercy Quilted Zip Vest , $58 (originally $128)
Zella Restore Soft Performance Half-zip Pullover , $32 (originally $ 69)
Goodlife Long-sleeve Henley , $49 (originally $98)
Zella Tricot Performance Joggers , $56 (originally $79)
O'Neill Reserve Light Check Water Repellent Bermuda Shorts , $42 (originally $60)

O'Neill Reserve Light Check Water Repellent Bermuda Shorts

Best luggage and travel deals.

I plan on reevaluating my luggage situation before I head off on the few trips I have scheduled in the next few months. As luck would have it, top-quality carry-on and checked bags are now discounted up to 60 percent off. You can also snag some travel bags from Tumi on sale. For shorter excursions (or if you need a second carry-on bag), the brand's Harrison William Backpack at a rare 20 percent off is an awesome option.

Briggs & Riley Sympatico 21-inch International Carry-on , $240 (originally $599)
Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Hardshell Large Carry-on Luggage , $193 (originally $250)
Briggs & Riley Medium Sympatico Expandable 27-inch Spinner Packing Case , $280 (originally $699)
Mali + Lili Riley Vegan Leather Weekend Travel Bag , $60 (originally $148)
Herschel Supply Co. Strand Duffel Bag , $32 (originally $80)
Briggs & Riley Sympatico 30-inch Large Expandable Spinner Packing Case , $308 (originally $769)
Tumi Harrison William Backpack , $459 (originally $575)
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Recycled Nylon Duffel Bag , $83 (originally $110)

Herschel Supply Co. Novel Recycled Nylon Duffel Bag

Best women's shoe deals.

Sandal season is my favorite season. I love letting my toes free and indulging in some biweekly pedicures. What I don't like is paying full price for new pairs — hence, one of my favorite places to shop is Nordstrom's shoe sale section. Besides open-toe options, I'm eyeing new travel sneakers to support a full day of walking. And with a summer wedding to attend, I might take this as an opportunity to get a new pair of heels worthy of a dance floor .

Veja Dekkan Alveomesh Sneakers , $84 (originally $210)
Calvin Klein Terisa Slide Sandals , $66 (originally $109)
Aerosoles Camera Platform Sandals , $80 (originally $135)
Nike Air Max 1 '87 Sneakers , $105 (originally $140)
Sam Edelman Poppy Espadrille Sneakers , $84 (originally $120)
Steve Madden Mona Sandals , $54 (originally $90)
LifeStride Zuri Platform Sandals , $54 (originally $90
Vionic Beach Collection Malibu Slip-on Sneakers , $53 (originally $70)

Steve Madden Women's Mona Sandals

Best men's shoe deals.

There are some equally good shoe deals for men, too. To get ready for sunny weather and travel, opt for these waterproof Adidas Adilette 22 Sport Slides , which are up to 33 percent off. You can also find travel-friendly sneakers, like this highly-rated style from Cole Haan , for up to nearly 40 percent off.

Adidas Adilette 22 Sport Slides , $40 (originally $60)
Nike Air Max 270 Sneakers , $99 (originally $160)
Reebok BB 4000 II Sneakers , $59 (originally $100)
Jordan Air Jordan 1 Retro High Top Sneakers , $
Adidas NMD R1 Primeblue Sneakers , $98 (originally $150)
Birkenstock Arizona Slide Sandals With Genuine Shearling , $116 (originally $165)
The North Face Oxeye Tech Hiking Shoes , $78 (originally $129)
Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Sneakers , $100 (originally $160)

Nike Men's Air Max 270 Sneakers

Best travel accessory deals.

Accessories aren't exclusively used to make an outfit feel new. From a travel perspective, they can make packing a breeze and help you have a smooth trip. Arrive with your bling organized and tangled-free by investing in this on-sale travel jewelry box , now 40 percent off. An array of trendy sunglasses is up to 60 percent off for those wanting an updated summer 2024 beach look. Also, take the opportunity to update your makeup bags and totes.

Bey-Berk Leather Travel Jewelry Case , $42 (originally $70)
Kate Spade New York Kimberlyn 56mm Gradient Cat-eye Sunglasse s, $64 (originally $160)
Hydro Flask 32-ounce Wide Mouth Water Bottle With Straw Lid , $32 (originally $45)
Longchamp Small Le Foulonné Leather Crossbody Bag , $274 (originally $365)
See by Chloé Joy Rider Belt Bag , $214 (originally $285)
Treasure & Bond Vacation Panama Hat , $24 (originally $39)
Naghedi Medium St. Barths Tote , $187 (originally $310)
Tumi Alpha Small Ballistic Nylon Crossbody Bag , $219 (originally $275)
Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Belt Bag , $16 (originally $40)
Brahmin Small Charmaine Croc Embossed Leather Train Case , $102 (originally $145)

Naghedi Medium St. Barths Tote

Take advantage of the wide selection of travel-friendly beauty products on sale — like sunscreen and dry shampoo , both under 3.5 ounces, making it easy to remain carry-on only. Treat yourself to luxe under-eye patches to apply at the end of a long flight. Upon landing you'll feel refreshed and like you just left a spa, not an eight-hour flight. I am stocking up on my favorite foundation with SPF and other makeup items for my special events.

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber De-Tox Hydra-Gel Eye Patches , $47 (originally $55)
Mario Badescu Drying Duo Set , $21 (originally $24)
Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 , $40 (originally $46)
Jack Black Two for the Road Value Set , $14 (originally $20)
Coola Suncare Classic Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50 , $28 (originally $32)
Stila Walk The Line Stay All Day Eyeliner Duo , $19 (originally $38)
Drybar Detox Scented Dry Shampoo , $13 (originally $28)

Coola Suncare Classic Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

The ten BRICS+ nations account for half the world’s population and two-fifth of trade—and include major energy producers and importers. Twelve more nations have applied.
The bloc is starting to build institutions with important implications for energy trade, international finance, supply chains, and technological research.
Global companies will need to factor geopolitics into their investment strategies and strengthen their capacity to capture the opportunities and mitigate the risks of BRICS expansion.

Subscribe to receive BCG insights on the most pressing issues facing international business.

International Trade

/ article, an evolving brics and the shifting world order.

By Daniel Azevedo , Saurabh Bakliwal , Cinthia Chen , Marc Gilbert , Iacob Koch-Weser , Nikolaus Lang , and Michael McAdoo

Key Takeaways

As attention focuses on wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and mounting tensions between the world’s great powers, a structural shift in the global order has been quietly underway. Large developing nations are exerting greater influence in world economic affairs and are beginning to build alternatives to Western-led institutions.

At this movement’s core is a formal intergovernmental grouping known as the BRICS+. The grouping includes five longstanding members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa—as well as five that joined in January 2024 or have been invited: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Together, these ten nations account for around 40% of both crude oil production and exports. They also account for one-quarter of global GDP, two-fifths of global trade in goods, and nearly half of the world’s population. Adding another dozen nations that have applied for membership, including dynamic emerging markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, would raise the group’s share to one-third of global GDP.

A larger BRICS challenges the dominance of existing global institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, that are strongly influenced by the West. It also further weakens the relevance of the G-20, a grouping founded in 1999 to seek economic policy alignment among the largest industrialized and developing economies. Indeed, the G20 is fraying at both ends: its seven most economically advanced members are strengthening their ties through the G7, while its six large developing economies are asserting their own voices within BRICS+. (Exhibit 1.)

BRICS+ creates a forum that, at minimum, gives emerging markets the opportunity to align on global topics and new opportunities to promote mutual economic development and growth. And it’s evolving steadily. As it begins building political and financial institutions and a payment mechanism for executing transactions, there are important potential implications for the future of energy trade, international finance, global supply chains, monetary policy, and technological research. As a result, global companies will need to factor these new geopolitical and economic realities into their investment strategies. They should also strengthen their capacity to capture the opportunities and to mitigate risk that they engender.

How BRICS+ Has Evolved

Leaders of the original BRICS nations held their first summit in 2009 to discuss reforming international financial institutions, which they believed did not adequately address the interests of the Global South. Aside from the United Nations and G20, which included all five BRICS, there was no major forum where emerging markets could discuss their own economic and geopolitical agendas. Development assistance and funding for infrastructure through financial institutions established largely by Western powers after World War II often came with challenging strings attached.

There has been skepticism from the beginning over whether BRICs would evolve into a functioning bloc. But over the years, these nations have been drawing nearer to each other economically. Trade in goods among BRICS economies has considerably outpaced trade between the BRICS and G7 nations, leading to greater intra-BRICS trade intensity. (Exhibit 2). Decades of rapid growth have also given many of these economies far more weight in the global economy, both as producers and consumers. (Exhibit 3.) Because many of these nations are engaged with both advanced economies and China, which is perceived as an economic and trade superpower, they can create another coalition less dependent on the West.

Recent crises have added momentum to BRICS expansion. Several big developing nations that are aligned with neither NATO nor Russia resisted pressure to adhere to Western-imposed sanctions on Moscow in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Others have complained that G7 nations’ initiatives to combat climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic did not take their needs into account. BRICS+ institutions have been slowly evolving through regular meetings, joint initiatives, and formal bodies.

Yet grounds for skepticism over BRICS+’s capacity to become an effective institution remain. This grouping includes countries that are very diverse in terms of political systems, institutional frameworks, economic models, and cultural backgrounds. It even includes geopolitical rivals; for example, relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as between China and India, remain strained. A so-called “China shock” of low-cost exports of everything from steel and chemicals to machinery could also raise trade tensions within the group. The expansion, moreover, is heavily tilted toward the Middle East, so further regional balance may be required as the group grows.

Five Ways BRICS+ Can Shift the World Order

BRICS+ could make a significant global impact in the following five areas.

Energy. BRICS+ brings together both some of the world’s biggest energy producers and buyers. With the addition of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, BRICS+ member states account for around 32% of world output of natural gas and 43% of crude oil. If Kazakhstan, Kuwait, and Bahrain are admitted, those shares will rise further. BRICS+ nations also account for 38% of global petroleum imports, led by China and India. If all new applicants are admitted, that would rise to 55%. (Exhibit 4.) During times of volatility in energy markets, having many of the biggest energy buyers and sellers within the same group could give rise to a parallel energy trading system. That would allow for transactions among BRICS+ economies outside the Western-led financial system and potential future sanction programs, and it would perhaps give them the ability to influence oil prices.

Trade networks. Trade has been a major driver of the economic development of BRICS+. The share of global trade in goods transacted among the group’s current members more than doubled, to 40%, from 2002 through 2022. This trend becomes clearer when looking at the increasing dependence of specific BRICS+ economies on trade with fellow BRICS+ members. China’s growing role as a supplier of industrial and consumer goods, as well as an importer of commodities, has been a key force for integration. China has become a major market for Brazilian soybeans and iron ore, for example, and a major exporter of advanced goods such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and heavy machinery. Western sanctions relating to the war in Ukraine, moreover, have led to the diversion of Russian exports to BRICS+ markets, notably China and India.

Although a handful of BRICS+ members have free trade agreements (FTAs) with each other through blocs such as the Gulf Cooperation Council and Pan-Arab Free Trade Area, there is currently no FTA covering the entire ten-nation group. India withdrew mid-negotiation from Asia’s Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which includes China. BRICS+ could, however, serve as a forum for widening intra-BRICS+ market access in various ways. It already convenes a Digital Economy Working Group, for example, and has established a framework for promoting cooperation in professional and business services trade.

Infrastructure and development financing. The greatest progress so far in BRICS+ institution building has been in project and development finance. The New Development Bank (NDB), capitalized at $100 billion, largely complements China’s Belt & Road initiative. Egypt, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and UAE are also shareholders in the China-led Asian Infrastructure & Investment Bank (AIIB) and have received loans from it. By 2023, the NBD and AIIB combined had committed more than $71 billion in credit across a range of sectors, including infrastructure, public health, and clean energy. (Exhibit 5.) Such projects generate significant revenue for BRICS+ companies. The addition of Saudi Arabia and other cash-rich economies, moreover, could expand and diversify the financial resources of BRICS+.

Monetary policy . BRICS+ countries are keen to develop greater independence from the Western-led international monetary system. Approximately 90% of global foreign exchange transactions are conducted in dollars and flow primarily through US and European banks. Western financial sanctions on Russia underscored the powerful systemic influence the US still holds through Bretton Woods institutions and its central role in the global financial system. Because BRICS+ includes leading commodity exporters and importers, however, the group can become a conduit for foreign exchange transactions in currencies other than US dollars. The NDB, for instance, has issued about one-fifth of its loans in Chinese yuan. Russia, China, and other BRICS+ members also aim to promote digital currencies. The group has launched the beta version of a payment app—BRICSpay—that enables transactions in several non-dollar currencies. That could help nations ease reliance on the US and make them less vulnerable to sanctions and foreign exchange volatility during financial crises. From a governance perspective, BRICS+ has established the Payment Task Force, the Think Tank Network for Finance, and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement, establishing a pool of reserves that can be used in place of IMF funds to help nations address financial crises.

Technological cooperation. Space is an overlooked dimension of BRICS+ collaboration. There is a BRICS+ Space Cooperation Joint Committee, supported by longstanding partnerships between Russia and China and China and Brazil. BRICS+ has also established a Partnership on New Industrial Revolution and a Center for Industrial Competencies. These initiatives aim to spur cooperation and innovation in leading-edge technologies in areas such as intelligent manufacturing, artificial intelligence, digitization, and clean energy. The efforts could help more emerging markets get in on the ground of new technologies, improve their capacity to create intellectual property, and adopt alternative technical standards.

The Implications for Companies

An expanded BRICS presents risks as well as opportunities for business. Companies should anticipate that BRICS+ will develop more formal institutions and agreements in the years ahead and begin planning for such scenarios. Companies should consider action in five areas.

Develop a BRICS-for-BRICS go-to-market strategy. BRICS+ markets are likely to experience significant growth over the next decade. While the group lacks formal trade and investment agreements, it already has substantial, growing intra-BRICS trade. BRICS+ markets could become valuable gateways for companies seeking to expand to other emerging markets. The success of China-made EVs in BRICS+ markets is a good example of how companies can customize offerings to reach consumers across the member countries.
Leverage the infrastructure boom. BRICS+ is likely to see significant infrastructure investment, which will improve the business environment and connectivity. Transportation, digital communications, energy, and other projects will generate demand for global companies and provide opportunities for investors. The NDB, for example, is funding 15 transportation infrastructure projects across the Indian subcontinent.
Adapt “China + 1.” Many companies are pursuing supply chain strategies that seek to strike a difficult balance. They want to keep leveraging China’s many competitive advantages in manufacturing. But they also need to mitigate risks, react to shifts in relative costs, and gain access to government incentives for reshoring or near shoring. In a more multipolar world, companies could consider building supply chains that can leverage the BRICS+ economies. That could make them more resilient to geopolitical and trade shocks.
Refine risk and compliance. Economic sanctions, such as those stemming from the war in Ukraine, and US-China technological competition are heightening legal, operational, and reputational risks for companies. A recent BCG survey of 250 risk and compliance officers found that geopolitical risk is now a top-five concern, up 15 spots from a prior survey. Most sanctions have emanated from Western countries. In the future, BRICS countries could coordinate a mutual “non-sanctioning” posture while also seeking to avoid the Western-led financial system. Multinational companies should account for this scenario when managing their import and export global supply chains, exchange rates, third-party screening, and risk and compliance needs. While companies will need to comply with Western sanctions, they can do so in ways that don’t hamper potential BRICS-for-BRICs value chains.
Build geopolitical muscle. During the period of relative peace that followed the end of the Cold War, business leaders had limited need to assert themselves in global political and security issues. These days, geopolitics is increasingly uncertain and volatile. Executives need to prepare for a wide range of scenarios that could impact their operations, supply chains, consumers, and brands. They need to factor geopolitics into their capital-allocation decisions and strategic planning. Leaders should also build geopolitical sensing capabilities across their business units, functions, and regional managements to balance business efficiency with risk mitigation.

Recent years of new geopolitical tensions, economic ambition and instability, trade wars, and a pandemic have clearly brought lasting, structural change and challenges to the business landscape we once knew. The growth of the BRICS+ shows that, after decades of strong economic development, emerging markets are now ready for a larger role in the world order, one that better reflects their interests. Companies that adapt to this movement will be more likely to thrive in an evolving era of multipolar competition.

Managing Director & Partner

Managing Director & Senior Partner

Associate Director, Global Trade & Investment

Managing Director & Senior Partner; Global Vice Chair, Global Advantage Practice

Partner & Director, Global Trade & Investment

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In a park-like area with spacious lawns, pathways and shady trees, visitors sit or stand beneath the trees. Some are perched on a long, ancient, stone cylinder, which is part of an ancient aqueduct.

Tracing the Long, Winding Path of an Ancient Roman Aqueduct

The Aqua Marcia was the longest of the city’s aqueducts, running nearly 60 miles from its source in the countryside to the heart of ancient Rome. The author followed its course, above and below ground.

In the Park of the Aqueducts, 20 minutes by metro from central Rome, ancient aqueducts that once supplied the Eternal City with water have been preserved. Credit... Roberto Salomone for The New York Times

Supported by

By David Laskin

David Laskin, a frequent visitor to Rome for the past four decades, has written numerous articles on the history, culture, art and architecture of the Eternal City.

April 24, 2024

The stone arches looped solemnly over their shadows, some teetering above the grass, some sinking into it. It was a dazzling January morning, and I was standing in the Park of the Aqueducts , about 20 minutes by metro from central Rome. Here, the ruined arcades of six of the 11 aqueducts that once supplied the Eternal City with an astonishing volume of water — by some counts double the per capita water allotment of a typical 21st-century American city — have been preserved.

My aim was to trace the course of one of them: the Aqua Marcia, built between 144 and 140 B.C. by Julius Caesar’s ancestor Quintus Marcius Rex.

Hailed by Pliny the Elder as “the most famous of all waters in the world for coldness and wholesomeness,” the Marcia was also the longest of the capital’s ancient aqueducts, running some 56.8 miles from source to city. Only about 6.2 miles stood above ground.

At the end of the day, the ancient stone arches of a Roman aqueduct are illuminated by the setting sun. In the grassy expanse in front of the aqueduct, a few visitors lie in the grass or stand, taking in the view.

I had always assumed that Rome’s aqueducts were a kind of aerial plumbing, their water channeled atop arches. But the Marcia, like all classical aqueducts, ran largely underground. The water moved by the force of gravity, and arches and bridges, which were expensive and vulnerable to attack, were only used to span ravines, valleys and other dips in the terrain that would have interrupted the flow.

The arcade of the Marcia is now dry, but the same water still feeds mountain springs east of the capital. And though it now travels through a modern network of tunnels and tubes, the water is still referred to by its ancient name and is still considered Rome’s best drinking water.

One of the series of arches that rose before me once carried this current to Rome. But which one?

In the Park of the Aqueducts

The roughly 600-acre Park of the Aqueducts has few signs, maps or directions. Romans come here to jog and walk their dogs. The few tourists wander through a bucolic landscape — green, tranquil, its imposing ruins seemingly untouched by modernity — that has appeared in such iconic Italian films as “La Dolce Vita” and “La Grande Bellezza.”

Michele Alfonsi, a lawyer who heads up Pons Iani , a volunteer group devoted to aqueducts, offered to guide me. “See that?” he asked, pointing to a stone passageway atop massive arches. “That’s the specus of the Aqua Marcia.”

Specus is the Latin term for a roofed channel built at a slight downward slope so that water would run through it without gushing or puddling. This one was nearly high enough to stand up inside.

We clambered up the keystone of the arch, now just a few feet above ground level. When it was completed during the heyday of the Republic, the Marcia was the first aqueduct to bring water to the Capitoline, Rome’s most sacred hill. A small fountain there has been chiseled with the words “Acqua Marcia,” but like modern Rome’s taps, it now spouts a mixture of water from five different founts.

To sample pure Marcia water, I’d need to travel to the source.

‘Where’s the water?’

Sextus Julius Frontinus, the first-century commissioner of the aqueducts, wrote that the fount of the Marcia is near the 36th milestone of the ancient Roman road Via Valeria (roughly 35 miles east of Rome). But I had been warned that the original trenches had been obliterated in 1870 when the Marcia’s long-defunct classical aqueduct was reincarnated as the Acqua Pia Antica Marcia.

“You’ll get close,” said Peter J. Aicher, author of “Guide to the Aqueducts of Ancient Rome,” “by searching for Centro Casetta Rossa Idrico on Google Maps.”

I found the “casetta,” a small red stucco house used by the modern aqueduct’s maintenance personnel, at the edge of a green field. Aside from the inscription “Acqua Pia Antica Marcia 1870” carved over the front door, and the shed-like structures built above springs alongside the road, there was no indication that Rome’s best drinking water originated here.

I took in the rounded hills, hazy blue in the distance, and the Italian cypresses striping their shadows across a little-traveled, two-lane highway. “Where’s the water?” I asked a maintenance man. He pointed down: The underground springs that Quintus Marcius Rex first channeled over 2,000 years ago still bubble beneath this bucolic spot. The only way to plumb Marcia’s depths was to go spelunking.

Which is how, a few days later, I found myself clinging to an exposed tree root on the side of a ravine dropping to the Aniene River east of Rome. “Put your right foot there,” Alfonso Diaz Boj coaxed. “Two more steps and we’ll be at the Marcia’s specus.”

Mr. Diaz Boj, a guide with Sotterranei di Roma , which offers tours of Rome’s underground treasures, was leading a jaunt into the ancient, now-dry aqueduct channels buried near the town of Vicovaro, about eight miles west of the Marcia’s source. Twelve of us met at the Convent of San Cosimato, whose property contains the ruins, to suit up in hard hats and headlamps.

Once we had negotiated the hand- and toeholds and were hunched into the shoulder-high specus, Mr. Diaz Boj pointed to a lozenge of light slanting down from a shaft: “Teams of workers excavated these shafts every 15 meters. When they reached the proper depth, two teams dug toward each other laterally until they joined up.”

We passed bats clinging to the walls, and quills attested to the presence of porcupines. Over the centuries, the Marcia’s water had deposited multicolored bubbles and stripes of calcium on the concrete that Romans used to seal the specus. Mr. Diaz Boj pointed to graffiti scratched into the concrete — mysterious crosses, doodles and the possibly faked signature of Thomas Ashby, the British archaeologist and author of the 1935 “Aqueducts of Ancient Rome.”

After a lunch of lasagna, saltimbocca alla Romana and roast potatoes at the convent, I had a drink from a spigot in the garden. Only later did I learn that Vicovaro is inside the zone that receives the Marcia’s water unadulterated. It was delicious and refreshing, though I can’t say I detected much difference from the mixed water of central Rome.

The Marcia surfaces on arches and bridges several times between Vicovaro and the Park of the Aqueducts, most spectacularly at Ponte Lupo, about 10 miles south of Tivoli. This colossal bridge spanning a deep gorge has been in the hands of the Barberini family since 1633, when Pope Urban VIII acquired the surrounding estate. Guided tours (reserve by email, [email protected] ) are offered occasionally and during the festivals held here in the summer. Fortunately for me, a friend in Rome had arranged a private visit.

Ponte Lupo’s present owner, the actor and activist Prince Urbano Barberini, was waiting for us at the unpaved access road. A trim, handsome man in his early 60s, the prince recounted the site’s recent vicissitudes as he led us down a sloping meadow. When he regained title to the property after a long legal battle, the field and stream around the bridge had been buried in rubbish and frequented by sex workers.

I had seen images of Ponte Lupo, but nothing prepared me for its size and complexity. The original tuff arches carried the Marcia across a steep ravine. Subsequent retaining walls and buttresses have transformed the bridge into a palimpsest of building styles.

“It’s a difficult scramble,” the prince said, gazing up to the precipitous, densely vegetated summit above a dry creek. “Would you like to try?”

I eyed the rugged, tangled sides of the ravine. “Maybe not.”

“Good,” the prince replied, smiling. And we strolled back to the highway.

‘Engineering on a monumental scale’

The Marcia entered Rome on arches at Porta Maggiore , chosen as the entry point for eight ancient aqueducts because of its high elevation on Esquiline Hill. At first glance this busy crossroads near the Termini rail station struck me as rough and forlorn, but I gave it a closer look. Aqueduct arches converge or radiate from every direction. The Marcia’s specus is slotted above a chunky pier built of a volcanic stone called tuff that abuts the gate.

If you tune out the traffic, there is no better place to savor what one historian calls the Roman “knack for practical engineering on a monumental scale.”

It takes about half an hour on foot to trace the Marcia’s path through ancient Rome. From Porta Maggiore, the aqueduct tracked the Aurelian Wall as far as the elegant Augustan arch called Porta Tiburtina. From there, it veered off to follow today’s Via Marsala before emptying into a distribution basin now buried beneath the train station.

The Fountain of the Naiads

After the Marcia was reborn as the Marcia Pia in 1870, the Fountain of the Naiads was conjured up to showcase its purity in the Piazza della Repubblica, a 10-minute walk from Termini station.

Some of Baroque Rome’s most cherished monuments are display fountains, or mostre, celebrating the newly restored aqueducts that once again brought spring water to Rome. The Trevi Fountain is the mostra of the Acqua Vergine, the only aqueduct that has run continuously since antiquity.

But the Fountain of the Naiads is different. Unlike the gravity-fed aqueducts of pre-modern times, the Marcia flowed under pressure created by mechanical pumps, which allowed the fountain’s jets to shoot nearly seven feet high.

Katherine Rinne, the author of the forthcoming “Walking Rome’s Waters,” calls this “the Hugh Hefner fountain” because of its cavorting naked nymphs. It rises in the middle of a busy major intersection. “If you are brave enough to face six lanes of horrendous traffic,” Ms. Rinne said, “you can dangle your feet in it on a hot day.”

Just don’t drink it. Today, the naiads frolic in water that is periodically drained for cleaning and maintenance.

If you are inspired to sip from the source, do as the Romans do and cup a hand under one of the nasoni (big noses) that spout from goose-necked spigots all over town. Two thousand years after Pliny lauded the Marcia as a gift from the gods, Rome’s aqueducts are still lavishing cold, clear spring water on the Eternal City.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

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