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In this Nomad eSIM review, we take a closer look at one of the most popular travel eSIMs for global connectivity. Nomad offers flexible data plans, quick setup, and reliable 4G/5G coverage in more than 200 destinations, making it a strong choice for travelers who want to stay connected without high roaming fees.
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In this Nomad eSIM review, we take a closer look at one of the most popular travel eSIMs for global connectivity.
Nomad offers flexible data plans, quick setup, and reliable 4G/5G coverage in more than 200 destinations, making it a strong choice for travelers who want to stay connected without high roaming fees.
Nomad is a global travel connectivity service developed by LotusFlare Inc., a U.S.-based telecommunications company. The firm is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and focuses on creating software and connectivity solutions for mobile users worldwide.
Launched in 2020, Nomad was created to simplify how travelers stay connected abroad by offering flexible, affordable, and reliable mobile data through eSIM technology.
Leveraging LotusFlare’s cloud infrastructure, Nomad offers data-only plans in more than 200 destinations worldwide. This lets travelers avoid costly roaming fees and the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards while on the move.
Instead of visiting a local store or setting up a traditional SIM, users can purchase a data plan directly through Nomad’s website or mobile app, install a digital eSIM profile on their smartphone (via QR code or one-tap link), and activate it upon arrival at their destination.
Once activated, the eSIM automatically connects to local partner networks to deliver fast 4G or 5G speeds. The result is a smooth, reliable online experience that feels just like using a local SIM card, only much more convenient.
After purchasing a Nomad eSIM plan, you’ll receive an installation guide that includes either a QR code or a one-tap link through the Nomad app.
The activation process is straightforward: while connected to Wi-Fi, you open your phone’s mobile data settings, scan the QR code (or follow the in-app prompt), and install the eSIM profile onto your device.
Once the installation is complete, you can keep the eSIM inactive until you’re ready to travel. When you arrive at your destination, simply switch on the Nomad eSIM line in your phone’s settings, enable data roaming, and it will automatically connect to the best available local network in that region.
This setup usually takes just a few minutes and requires no physical SIM swapping or extra configuration.
See also: eSIM phones in 2025: Full List, compatibility & buying guide
Nomad partners with a wide network of local mobile carriers across over 200 destinations worldwide, spanning North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
While the company doesn’t publish a complete list of its partner carriers, it works with major operators in each region to provide dependable service.
For example, in the United States, Nomad eSIMs typically connect to leading networks such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, ensuring strong nationwide coverage. In other regions, Nomad leverages top-tier local carriers to deliver stable and fast data connections.
Once activated, the eSIM automatically connects to the best available local network based on signal strength and coverage quality. Nomad supports 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G connectivity, depending on your destination, plan, and device compatibility.
In urban areas, users often enjoy high-speed 4G or 5G connections, while in rural or remote zones, service may fall back to LTE or 3G to maintain stable connectivity.
To use Nomad eSIM, your smartphone must meet a few basic technical requirements to ensure smooth installation and reliable connectivity while abroad. Here’s what you’ll need for setup and use:
Switching between networks via the eSIM profile is generally automatic: when you arrive in a destination, the eSIM will connect to the best available network.
Manual switching may be possible via the phone’s network settings. However, transferring an eSIM (for example, moving the plan between devices) is typically more complex and often disallowed or limited by policy (since it’s data-only).
Nomad eSIM is a great option for travelers who want dependable mobile data without the hassle of changing SIM cards in every country.
It’s especially useful for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and those visiting multiple destinations who prefer to avoid costly roaming fees from their home carrier.
With its wide international coverage, straightforward setup through the app, and flexible prepaid plans, Nomad makes it simple to stay connected wherever your travels take you.
Nomad eSIM is designed to meet the needs of different types of travelers who value flexibility and convenience while staying connected abroad. It’s particularly well-suited for:
While Nomad eSIM offers great convenience, there are a few limitations to keep in mind:
To give you a clearer idea of Nomad’s pricing, let’s compare some of their 1 GB plans across different countries and regions.
| Country/Region | Data | Price |
| Australia | 1 GB (7 days) | $6.00 |
| China | 1 GB (7 days) | $4.00 |
| France | 1 GB (7 days) | $4.50 |
| Thailand | 1 GB (7 days) | $5.00 |
| Europe (36 countries) | 1 GB (7 days) | $5.50 |
| Asia Pacific /14 countries) | 1 GB (7 days) | $5.50 |
| Latin America | 1 GB (7 days) | $9.00 |
| Africa | 1 GB (7 days) | $11.00 |
| Global (112 countries) | 1 GB (7 days) | $25.00 |
*Prices as listed at time of writing and are subject to change.
Nomad offers flexible data options ranging from 1 GB to 50 GB, depending on the region and duration of your trip.
For some destinations, they also provide unlimited data plans, typically available in 3-day, 5-day, 7-day, and 10-day options, giving travelers the freedom to choose based on their data needs and travel length.
Nomad covers 200+ destinations worldwide. They offer country-specific plans, regional plans (e.g., Europe, North America), and global plans that span many countries.
Data speeds and network conditions vary by country and region; urban areas tend to perform better. Global plans may have a higher cost per GB compared with local country-specific plans.
Nomad eSIM is designed for travelers who want flexible, hassle-free connectivity without the need for a physical SIM card. Here are some of its key features:
That said, Nomad’s plans don’t include a built-in local phone number or SMS service, so calls and texts must be made through messaging apps.
And while hotspot use is supported, very heavy data usage may still lead to slower speeds depending on the local network.
Users generally have a positive impression of Nomad. The company holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.4 out of 5, based on more than 23,000 reviews.
Many travelers praise how easy it is to set up, the reliability of the data service abroad, and the competitive pricing. For example:
“Installation of the eSIM was simple and quick, and everything worked the way that it was supposed to.”
Some users, however, note that the “unlimited” plans can be misleading. High-speed data is capped daily, and speeds slow significantly once the limit is reached. The reset period also operates on a 24-hour cycle rather than resetting at the end of each day, which some find inconvenient.
Overall, reviewers agree that Nomad delivers what most travelers are looking for: dependable data connectivity abroad without the hassle.
Support is available through live chat and email, and Nomad advertises 24/7 availability on its website.
Trustpilot reviews show that the company responds to most negative feedback, suggesting an attentive support team. However, some users mention that response times can occasionally be slow or that reaching support isn’t always easy.
See also: How to get a Nomad eSIM refund
Nomad offers a dedicated mobile app for both iOS and Android, allowing users to purchase plans, install their eSIM, track data usage, and buy add-ons in one place.
The interface is often described as clean and intuitive, making the process as simple as purchase, install, and go.
Many travelers set up their eSIM before departure, so it is ready to use upon arrival. The app also makes it easy to monitor usage and top up data when needed, although some users have suggested adding clearer notifications when data is running low.
If you are exploring options beyond Nomad, several other eSIM providers offer competitive features depending on your travel needs and data usage.
The table below highlights some of the most popular alternatives and what they are best suited for:
| Provider | Strengths | Best for |
| Holafly | Unlimited data options in many regions | Heavy users abroad |
| Airalo | Global coverage, fast setup | Travelers needing worldwide data |
| AloSIM | Affordable plans that include calling options | Travelers who want both data and voice service |
| Saily | Simple plans with strong security features | Travelers who prioritize privacy and secure connectivity |
Nomad stands out for its balance of global coverage, simple setup, and flexible pricing.
Compared to Airalo, it offers similar worldwide reach but with pricing that can vary more by region.
Compared to Holafly, Nomad is more affordable but doesn’t provide true unlimited high-speed data. AloSIM includes calling options that Nomad lacks, while Saily offers stronger privacy and security features.
Nomad eSIM plans are data-only, which means they do not include a local phone number or traditional voice and SMS services.
However, you can make calls and send messages using internet-based apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram, or Skype.
You can install your Nomad eSIM before your trip while connected to Wi-Fi, but it’s best to activate it only when you arrive at your destination.
Activation starts the plan’s validity period, so waiting until you’re on location ensures you get the full duration of your plan.
Nomad eSIM validity depends on the type of plan you choose. For standard data plans, validity ranges from seven to 30 days. Unlimited plans are typically shorter, lasting between three and 20 days.
Once your plan expires or your data is used up, you can easily purchase a new plan or add-on through the Nomad app.
Yes, iMessage works perfectly with Nomad eSIM as long as you have an internet connection. Since iMessage uses data rather than traditional SMS, you can send and receive messages, photos, and videos just as you would on your regular mobile network.
If you use up your data allowance during your trip, you can easily top up through the Nomad app. Add-ons are available for most plans, allowing you to extend your data without reinstalling or replacing the eSIM.
Yes. Your phone must be unlocked to connect to the local carrier networks that Nomad partners with. If your device is locked to a specific carrier, you’ll need to contact your carrier to unlock it before installing the Nomad eSIM.
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