When travelling abroad you have two options for data and calls: activate roaming with your current carrier or buy a local eSIM. The price difference can be huge. Here we explain when each one makes sense.
What is roaming and how much does it cost?
Roaming is your regular carrier's service activated in another country. Within the European Union it's included in most plans at no extra cost. The problem arises outside the EU: in countries like Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico or the US, costs can jump up to ten times higher than normal.
Roaming advantages
- ✓No setup needed: works with your existing SIM.
- ✓Ideal for very short trips within the EU.
- ✓Keeps your phone number active.
Roaming disadvantages
- ✗Very expensive outside the EU.
- ✗Limited speeds in some destinations.
- ✗Your carrier controls the available data.
What is an eSIM and how much does it cost?
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install by scanning a QR code. You buy a local data plan for your destination and activate it without swapping a physical card. Plans typically cost between €2 and €15 depending on destination and included GB.
eSIM advantages
- ✓Up to 70% cheaper than roaming outside the EU.
- ✓Activation in seconds with a QR code.
- ✓You can have two active lines at once (your SIM + the eSIM).
eSIM disadvantages
- ✗Your phone must support eSIM.
- ✗Changes your local number at destination.
- ✗Requires an internet connection for the initial installation.
Roaming vs eSIM: comparison table
Approximate price for 7 days with 5 GB of data in non-EU destinations:
Spanish carrier roaming (outside EU): ~€30–60
TuRecargas data eSIM: from €5
Estimated saving: up to 70%
When to use roaming?
Roaming is still useful for trips within the EU (already included), for very short stays of 1–2 days, or when you need to keep your number active for important calls.
When to use an eSIM?
Choose an eSIM for trips outside the EU, stays longer than 3 days, and when you want plenty of data without surprise bills. It's the recommended option for Latin America, Asia, Africa and North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use roaming and an eSIM at the same time?
Yes. If your phone supports dual SIM, you can keep your physical SIM with roaming (to receive calls on your number) and use the eSIM for everyday data. This way you pay less without losing accessibility.
Are all phones compatible with eSIM?
Most smartphones released since 2019 are compatible: iPhone XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Pixel 3a and many more. You can check your device's compatibility on TuRecargas before purchasing.
What if the destination has poor eSIM coverage?
In remote destinations or areas with limited infrastructure, local roaming may be more reliable. For the main destinations — Cuba, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, the US, Europe — eSIMs have excellent coverage.
Travel connected without overpaying
Get your data eSIM from €2 and forget about roaming bills.