Compare
Every way to get data abroad, compared honestly
Four ways to stay connected in another country, judged on what they collect about you, what they cost, and what happens to data you do not use.
The four options
Carrier roaming is the easiest and by far the most expensive. A local prepaid SIM is the cheapest per gigabyte and now requires identification almost everywhere. Bundle eSIM apps sit in the middle, with accounts and expiry dates. A pay as you go anonymous eSIM trades a slightly higher rate for no account, no expiry and crypto payment.
| MoneroSim | Carrier roaming | Bundle eSIM app | Local prepaid SIM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identity check | None | Existing contract | Account and email | Passport at point of sale |
| Typical cost per GB | 1 to 3 USD | 10 to 15 USD per day | 3 to 6 USD | 0.5 to 2 USD |
| Expiry | Never | Monthly cycle | 7 to 30 days | Often 30 days |
| Crypto payment | Cash only | |||
| Works on arrival | After finding a shop | |||
| Hotspot | Included | Often blocked | Sometimes blocked | Usually allowed |
Deeper comparisons
- An anonymous eSIM, bought and used without giving your nameBuy an anonymous eSIM with no KYC, no account and no identity document. Pay in Monero, Bitcoin, Lightning, USDT or card and install in minutes.
- A no KYC eSIM, because connectivity is not a bank accountA no KYC eSIM with no passport scan, no selfie check and no account. Pay in crypto or by card and get a QR code in minutes.
- An eSIM with no registration at allAn eSIM with no registration, no signup form and no password. Buy, pay, scan and connect. Your balance is reached with a recovery token.
- The anonymous SIM card, replaced by something betterLooking for an anonymous SIM card? Most countries now register prepaid SIMs. An anonymous data eSIM gives you the same result without a passport scan.
- A crypto eSIM you can pay for without a bankPay for mobile data in Monero, Bitcoin, Lightning or USDT. No card, no bank record, no account. The eSIM is issued as soon as the payment confirms.
- A Monero eSIM, private from payment to connectionBuy a global data eSIM with Monero. Private by default payment, no KYC, no account, and a balance that never expires.
- A Bitcoin eSIM that ships the moment your payment confirmsBuy mobile data with Bitcoin, on chain or over Lightning. No account, no KYC, and a balance that carries over between trips.
- A pay as you go eSIM with no plan to manageA pay as you go eSIM: top up a balance, pay per gigabyte at published country rates, and keep whatever you do not use. No plans, no renewals.
- An eSIM that does not expire between tripsMost travel eSIMs expire in 7 to 30 days. This one does not. Your balance stays until you use it, in any covered country.
- A Europe eSIM that follows you across bordersA Europe eSIM covering the EU, the UK, Switzerland and the Balkans on one pay as you go balance. No registration, no roaming surcharge between countries.
- eSIM against carrier roaming, with the numbersCarrier roaming can cost 10 to 15 USD per day. A pay as you go eSIM costs a couple of dollars per gigabyte. Here is the comparison in full.
- SIM registration laws, and what they mean for a visitorWhich countries require ID to buy a SIM, what that means for travellers, and why an internationally issued data eSIM is not covered by those rules.
- How to pick the best anonymous eSIMHow to judge an anonymous eSIM: data collected, payment options, expiry, hotspot policy and per gigabyte cost. With an honest look at the alternatives.
- A prepaid eSIM without the prepaid paperworkA prepaid eSIM you top up as you go, with no contract, no monthly fee and no credit check. Works in thirty countries on one profile.
Questions people ask
Which option is cheapest for a two week trip?
A pay as you go balance almost always wins beyond a few days, because you pay for the gigabytes you use instead of a daily pass or an expiring bundle.
Which option is the most private?
An eSIM bought with Monero and no account. Local prepaid SIMs require registration in most countries, and roaming ties every session to your home contract.
Can I combine options?
Yes. Most travellers keep their home SIM for calls and SMS codes and run a separate data eSIM as the data line.
Get connected without handing over your identity
One balance, 200+ countries, no expiry. Pay with Monero, Bitcoin, Lightning, USDT or card.
Get an eSIM