Nomad eSIM: Review

Today's travelers need instant connectivity the moment they land. Physical SIM cards with their tiny trays and foreign-language instructions belong in a tech museum, not your travel arsenal.

Nomad eSIM tackles this problem head-on with coverage across 200+ destinations at competitive rates. After testing it across multiple destinations, I can confirm it delivers exactly what it promises - hassle-free connectivity without the premium price tag most travel-centric mobile data solutions demand. However, there are a few things you need to know to get the most out of it.

A Closer Look

Mobile app home screen

List of plans by country

Nomad eSIM app

Hands On Experience

I put a Nomad eSIM to the test on my Google Pixel 7 Pro.

The journey begins on the Nomad website or mobile app, offering an intuitive, clean interface for browsing their extensive data plans. Start with the destination search tool at the top of the page or browse the list of countries and regions.

The Southeast Asia regional plan stands out as an excellent option for multi-country travelers - the 7-day, 3GB package perfectly suits island-hopping adventures through Thailand with side trips to neighboring countries.

Plan options are laid out side-by-side so it's easy to compare. Tapping the "Plan Details" button reveals essential information often overlooked on competitor's websites. This transparency shows exactly which local networks will provide connectivity (AIS or dtac in Thailand, Singtel in Singapore, etc), and clarifies whether activation happens automatically upon arrival. This level of detail before purchase represents thoughtful product design that respects travelers' need for clarity.

When you're ready, select your preferred plan and click "Buy now". If you don't have an account yet, then register for free at this point.

The checkout experience is refreshingly straightforward - a single, clutter-free page that accepts a promo code (hint: "JOSH96LA" for a $5 discount, or "FOREVERBREAK15" for 15% off) alongside flexible payment options, including PayPal, all major credit cards, and Google Pay.

The moment you complete your purchase, a confirmation email lands in your inbox containing everything needed to get started: a scannable QR code and crystal-clear installation instructions tailored specifically to your device type. No hunting through confusing support pages or waiting for processing - just instant digital delivery that keeps your travel momentum going.

The installation experience through the Nomad mobile app deserves particular praise. Unlike many competing eSIMs that require manual configuration or even a QR code, Nomad's implementation on Android devices offers a nearly automatic setup - one tap on "Install eSIM", and the app handles the rest. No cryptic settings menus or confusing technical jargon to decipher.

Manage current eSIM plan

Simple overview of eSIM plan

Details of eSIM plan

Steps for installing eSIM on your device

2 install methods - direct or QR code

Reminder to use a strong Wi-Fi network before starting the installation process

Animated progress icon while waiting for installation

Installation complete, with instructions to activate the new eSIM

Activating the eSIM in Android settings

Activate roaming so the eSIM works internationally

Once activated, track plan usage

Most of this information can be viewed on the Nomad website as well in your customer portal.

Manage your active eSIMs

eSIM plan summary and current usage

eSIM installation instructions, with QR code

My eSIM plan details

Nomad website customer portal

Touchdown at your destination is the real magic happens - two quick taps in the phone's settings, and your new eSIM is active and instantly connected. While other travelers huddle around airport SIM card kiosks comparing prices and filling out forms, you're already hailing a rideshare to your hotel with full signal strength.

This seamless jump from airplane mode to full connectivity is exactly what travel tech should deliver - it simply works when you need it, becoming an invisible companion rather than another travel hassle to manage.

But what's the speed like? Here's a screenshot of a 5G Speedtest while in Malaysia:

Wow!

Note: Speedtests on 5G networks can use a large amount of data very quickly (up to 1GB!). Avoid testing unless necessary - or stop the test part-way through once you have a rough idea of the speed.

Network performance varies naturally by location and local provider infrastructure. My testing showed consistently reliable connections, with no frustrating dropouts, even in more remote coastal areas.

This is not coach-level service. You're in first class with your feet up, sipping a complimentary champagne… metaphorically speaking.

Backstory

Nomad represents a refreshing departure from the stagnant world of international roaming solutions. While traditional telecom giants were busy protecting their overpriced roaming empires, this nimble startup emerged in 2022 (under the LotusFlare, Inc.) with a singular mission: making global connectivity more accessible and affordable.

Unlike competitors born from telecom infrastructure companies, Nomad approaches the problem with the mindset of software engineers - prioritizing user experience over technical complexity.

The company's Silicon Valley DNA reveals itself in subtle but meaningful ways throughout the product experience. Where established players like GigSky and Airalo built multi-layered interfaces reminiscent of the carrier websites they often partner with, Nomad strips away unnecessary friction points with almost zealous dedication. This philosophy extends beyond their interface to their business model, which favors transparent per-GB pricing over the opaque "unlimited with an asterisk" packages that dominate the industry.

Though relatively young in this space, Nomad has already sprinted to 200+ countries faster than most travelers collect passport stamps. They've clearly hit a sweet spot with globe-trotters fed up with those "simple" competitor eSIMs that somehow require an engineering degree to activate. Thousands of glowing 5-star reviews on TrustPilot can't be wrong.

And in 2024 Nomad launched their suite of business-centric eSIM plans which are ideal for corporate travel, travel agencies, and resellers.

As phone makers continue their not-so-subtle push to kill off physical SIM cards entirely (looking at you, Apple), Nomad's born-digital approach puts them in a prime position to ride the wave of mainstream eSIM adoption.

Is Nomad eSIM Right For You?

Device Compatibility: The First Checkpoint

Before getting excited about global connectivity, verify your smartphone's eSIM compatibility. While most flagship phones released since 2018 support this technology, there are exceptions. Nomad maintains a comprehensive compatibility list that's worth checking. Remember, even if your current device isn't compatible, your next upgrade likely will be - manufacturers are rapidly making eSIM support standard across their lineups.

Coverage: Where Will Your Adventures Take You?

Nomad's footprint spans over 200+ countries, covering most popular destinations and even some surprisingly far-fetched locations. For continent-hoppers, their regional plans offer exceptional value - why juggle multiple eSIMs when one can seamlessly transition from Thailand to Malaysia to Singapore? Take a moment to check your specific destinations are covered, particularly if venturing beyond major tourist hubs. The peace of mind knowing you'll have connectivity from the moment you land is worth the brief research.

Data Usage: Understand Your Digital Appetite

Be honest about your connectivity habits. Are you an occasional map-checker and message-sender, or do you livestream every sunset and video call home daily? If uncertain, start conservative - Nomad's smaller data packages provide excellent value, and you can always top up through their user-friendly app when running low. Plan durations typically offer 7, 10, 30, or 45-day windows, but vary between destinations.

A few destinations like Thailand even feature "unlimited" plans bundled with local phone numbers and unlimited calls - perfect for longer stays or business travelers needing more comprehensive connectivity. Still unsure? Nomad's intuitive data usage calculator helps estimate your needs based on your typical smartphone behavior.

Risk-Free Trial: Test Before You Travel

Perhaps the most compelling reason to try Nomad is their risk-free trial. In 47 countries, you can access 500MB for one whole day absolutely free. This allows you to kick the tires before committing to a bigger plan. I put this free trial to work testing GPS accuracy in Google Maps, making sure WhatsApp voice messages came through clearly, and confirming my banking app's security features didn't throw a fit on a foreign network. It's like taking a test drive before buying the car - that small sample of connectivity helps squash those nagging "but what if it doesn't work?" worries that can plague even seasoned travelers. 500MB isn't much, but it's enough to confirm everything connects properly before you're thousands of miles from home.

Pro Tips For Nomad eSIM

Pre-Flight Setup: Don't Wait Until Boarding

Set yourself up for success by installing your eSIM well before your travel day. Nothing kills the pre-vacation vibe faster than frantically troubleshooting connectivity issues while trying to catch an Uber to the airport. This initial setup needs a stable Wi-Fi connection, but the good news? Most plans only start counting your days once you actually land and connect to a network at your destination. Those precious megabytes stay untouched until you need them.

Patience Pays Off at Touchdown

When you first land and switch on your phone, don't panic if connectivity doesn't happen instantly. Your phone needs to shake hands with an entirely new network infrastructure, and this digital meet-and-greet can take up to 4 minutes. I've watched fellow travelers frantically toggle airplane mode thinking something's broken, when really, the connection was just moments away from establishing itself. Give it time.

Share the Wealth with Hotspot Support

Most Nomad plans include hotspot functionality - an absolute lifesaver when traveling with multiple devices or companions. That tablet with the downloaded Netflix series? Your partner's phone that isn't eSIM compatible? Your laptop for that emergency work email? All can piggyback off your connection with a few taps. Just remember that shared data gets consumed faster, so adjust your usage expectations accordingly.

The App Makes Everything Easier

Download the Nomad app (iOS, Android) and create your free customer account right now - yes, even if you're just in the "thinking about it" phase. This way, when you finally decide to pull the trigger on that spontaneous weekend getaway, you're just a few taps away from connectivity. The app also lets you monitor your mobile data usage in real-time, saving you from that dreaded "no service" surprise halfway through your trip.

Don't Delete Before You're Done

This bears repeating: DO NOT delete your eSIM before your plan expires! Unlike physical SIM cards that you can pop in and out, eSIMs are one-and-done installations. If you accidentally delete it, there's no reinstalling - you'll need to purchase a new plan entirely. Consider it a digital tattoo that needs to stay put until your journey's complete.

Scoreboard

Where To Buy Nomad eSIM