Quick Answer
I almost always use eSIMs when I travel now. They let me install mobile data before a trip, activate it when I arrive, and avoid wasting time looking for local SIM cards. That is also why I started *195sim, an eSIM company built by travelers, for travelers.
Why Internet Matters More Than Ever
When I first started traveling internationally, staying connected was a constant headache. Every time I landed in a new country, I had to figure out where to buy a SIM card, which provider was best, whether they accepted my passport, whether they took card payments, and if the SIM would even work outside the airport.
After visiting all 195 countries in the world, I can confidently say that I do not miss those days. Today, almost everything depends on internet access: Google Maps, Uber, Booking.com, airline apps, WhatsApp, online banking, translation apps, and mobile boarding passes.
I have arrived in airports at 2 AM without WiFi. I have landed in countries where local SIM cards required complicated registration. I have spent hours trying to find a mobile shop that was actually open. The moment eSIM technology became widely available, everything changed.
What Exactly Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, you download a mobile data plan directly onto your device. The entire process takes only a few minutes.
No plastic cards. No airport kiosks. No paperwork. No passport copies. No searching for a mobile store after landing. You can install your eSIM before your trip and activate it when your plane touches down.
For frequent travelers, it feels almost magical.
Why I Started 195sim
While traveling to every country on Earth, I constantly encountered internet issues. In some countries, local SIM cards were cheap but difficult to obtain. In others, they were surprisingly expensive. Some required local ID cards. Others involved long registration processes.
Sometimes I only needed a few gigabytes of data for a short visit and did not want to waste time dealing with local providers. After experiencing these problems for years, I realized there had to be a better solution.
That is why I founded *195sim. The idea is simple: make staying connected abroad as easy as booking a flight. As someone who has personally traveled to every country in the world, I designed the service around the needs of real travelers rather than telecom companies.
How Much Does a 195sim eSIM Cost?
One reason I started 195sim was that travel internet should be simple and affordable. The exact price depends on the country and data package, but many trips need less data than people expect.
Example 1: Thailand
At the time of writing, 5GB for Thailand costs $4.80 on *195sim. For most short trips, that is enough for maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, translation apps, emails, ride-hailing apps, and general travel use.
The Thailand eSIM works on AIS 5G and TrueMove H 5G, supports hotspot, and is data-only.
Example 2: USA
For the USA, *195sim offers plans from $1.70, including options up to 5GB, 10GB, 20GB, and more. The USA eSIM works on Verizon 5G and T-Mobile 5G, supports hotspot, and is data-only.
The point is simple: instead of landing somewhere, searching for a SIM card shop, comparing
local providers, and dealing with paperwork, you can buy the plan before your trip and
connect when you arrive.
195sim covers over 200 countries and regions!
Why eSIMs Are Especially Useful for Multi-Country Trips
One of the biggest advantages appears when traveling through multiple countries. Imagine you are backpacking through Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. With traditional SIM cards, you might need to buy multiple local SIMs.
With an eSIM, you can often cover entire regions with a single setup. No swapping cards. There are several regional plans available on 195sim.
The China Problem
China is one of the places where having the right travel internet matters most. Normally, apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, Google, Gmail, YouTube, and Facebook are restricted in mainland China.
With *195sim, your data exit country is outside mainland China, which means the eSIM can bypass the Chinese firewall and you can usually use Instagram, WhatsApp, Google, and other everyday apps normally.
For travelers, this is a massive advantage. You do not have to arrive in China and suddenly realize that half your digital life no longer works.
My Favorite eSIM Feature: Instant Activation
Landing in a new country with internet already working feels incredible. You can immediately order an Uber, contact your hotel, open Google Maps, message family, and check transport schedules.
No stress. No uncertainty. No hunting for WiFi. The moment the plane lands, you are connected. After hundreds of flights around the world, that is a luxury I have come to appreciate enormously.
Is Your Phone Compatible?
Most modern phones support eSIMs. This includes many recent iPhones, Samsung Galaxy devices, Google Pixel phones, and various flagship Android devices.
If your phone was released within the last few years, there is a good chance it already supports eSIM technology. Still, always check before your next trip. You can use the *195sim compatibility list as a starting point.
Browse eSIM Plans
Reliable internet has become one of the most important travel essentials. After years of dealing with local SIM cards in every corner of the world, I genuinely believe eSIMs are one of the biggest improvements modern travel has seen.
Special bonus: use code 195BLOG for 10% off your first purchase.