Roaming or an eSIM? See what your trip will really cost.
Pick your mobile carrier and your trip. We put your carrier's roaming price next to the cheapest eSIM we tested, side by side.
Your result
You would save
$98.01on 10 days in Japan
That is 82% less than roaming with AT&T, for the data you said you need.
Roaming with AT&T
$120.00
International Day Pass, $12 a day for 10 days
- Keeps your number for calls and texts
- Nothing to install
Source: [AT&T roaming page, link, date checked]
Cheapest eSIM we tested
$21.99
Saily, Japan 10 GB, valid 30 days
- Worked first time in Japan in our test
- Keep your AT&T line on for calls and texts
Best of both: keep your AT&T line switched on for calls and texts, turn off its data roaming, and use the eSIM for data. How to set it up
Roaming prices for Japan, by carrier
Daily roaming price compared with the cheapest 10 GB eSIM, for 10 days.
| Carrier | Roaming plan | 10 days | Cheapest eSIM | You save | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | International Day Pass | $120.00 | $21.99 | $98.01 | [date] |
| Verizon | TravelPass | [price] | $21.99 | [x] | [date] |
| T-Mobile | [plan] | [price] | $21.99 | [x] | [date] |
| Vodafone UK | [plan] | [price] | $21.99 | [x] | [date] |
Some plans include data in the base price on certain contracts. Check your own plan before you travel.
Questions people ask
Will I still get calls and texts with an eSIM?
Yes, if you keep your home line switched on. Incoming calls and texts may still be charged by your carrier while abroad, so check its rates. WhatsApp and FaceTime calls go over the eSIM's data.
When is roaming the better choice?
For a very short trip, a day or two, a daily roaming pass can cost about the same as an eSIM and needs no setup. Also if your phone does not support eSIM.