Ratgeber
The best Internet solution on vacation
eSIM, SIM card, WLAN or roaming - what is really worthwhile?
Navigation, WhatsApp, translations, Uber - almost nothing works without mobile Internet on vacation. But which solution is the best? We compare all the options honestly and give you a clear recommendation.
The problem: lost without the Internet on vacation
Whether navigating in foreign cities, searching for restaurants, translator apps or contacting home - mobile internet has become indispensable on vacation. Relying solely on hotel Wi-Fi is risky and impractical.
The options are varied: roaming via your home provider, a local SIM card, pocket WiFi, public WiFi or a eSIM. Each has its strengths and weaknesses - and not all are suitable for every type of travel.
We have compared all the current options and show you which solution is best for which type of travel.
Our recommendation: eSIM as the best overall solution
After comparing all the options, the eSIM is the best choice for most vacationers. It combines an affordable price, ease of use and maximum flexibility.
Price-performance winner
Cheaper than roaming, more convenient than local SIM, more mobile than hotel WLAN.
Ready for immediate use
Buy before you travel, activate after landing. Online in under 5 minutes.
No extra device
Unlike pocket WiFi, you don't need an additional device. Everything runs on your smartphone.
Available everywhere
eSIM fares are available for 200+ countries - for practically every vacation destination in the world.
Best eSIM providers
Our top recommendations at a glance.
Airalo
Worldwide eSIM with over 200 countries, fast activation and flexible data packages.
- 200+ countries covered
- Top-rated app
- Fast activation
Nomad
Inexpensive eSIM with stable performance for budget travelers.
- Low rates from € 5
- 100+ countries
- Simple setup
Holafly
eSIM with unlimited data volume for stress-free travel.
- Real unlimited data
- Ideal for longer trips
- No data limit
Direct comparison
| Airalo | Nomad | Holafly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price starting at | €4 | 5 € | 19 € |
| Countries | 200+ | 100+ | 60+ |
| Unlimited | No | No | Yes |
| Ideal for | Flexibility | Budget | Surf a lot |
| App rating | 4.6 ★ | 4.3 ★ | 4.4 ★ |
| Rating | 4.8 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Important details
Option 1: Roaming
The simplest but most expensive option. Free in the EU, but €5-20 per GB outside. Advantages: No setup necessary. Disadvantages: Extremely expensive outside of EU, no cost control, often throttled speed. Conclusion: Only recommended as an emergency solution.
Option 2: Hotel WLAN / Public WLAN
Free, but not mobile and often insecure. Advantages: No costs. Disadvantages: Only available in fixed locations, often slow, security risk in public networks, no navigation possible on the move. Conclusion: ok as a supplement, but not as the main solution.
Option 3: Local SIM card
Cheap, but inconvenient. You buy a SIM at the airport or in the store. Advantages: Cheap local rates, works on any cell phone. Disadvantages: Card change necessary, language barriers, loss of time, only for one country. Conclusion: Good for long-term stays in one country.
Option 4: Pocket WiFi
A mobile WLAN router that you rent. Advantages: Multiple devices at the same time, good coverage. Disadvantages: Carry extra device, expensive (€5-15 per day), needs to be charged, pick-up/return required. Conclusion: Only interesting for groups or families.
Option 5: eSIM (recommendation)
The most modern and convenient solution. Advantages: Digitally activated, no need to change cards, cheap (from €4), can be purchased before traveling, regional rates for several countries, your number remains reachable. Disadvantages: Smartphone must support eSIM, WLAN required for installation. Conclusion: The best overall solution for most vacationers.
Which trip needs what?
Beach vacation
For a relaxed beach vacation, you mainly need Internet for WhatsApp, Instagram and navigation. 3-5 GB are easily enough for 1-2 weeks.
Recommendation: Airalo or Nomad with a small package from 4 €.
City trip
Internet is particularly important on city trips: navigation, Google maps, finding restaurants, Uber. A little more data volume is worthwhile here.
Recommendation: Airalo with 5-10 GB or Holafly Unlimited.
Adventure vacation
Network coverage is crucial when hiking, on safari or on remote islands. Choose a provider with a good local network.
Recommendation: Check the network coverage in the Airalo app before you buy.
Family vacation
With children, you often need more data - for streaming in the car, navigation and communication. Unlimited tariffs are ideal here.
Recommendation: Holafly Unlimited for the whole family via Hotspot.
Frequently asked questions
Which Internet solution is the cheapest on vacation?
eSIM is the cheapest solution in most cases: from €4 for a week. Only hotel Wi-Fi is free, but cannot be used on the move.
Do I really need mobile Internet on vacation?
For navigation, WhatsApp, Uber and translation apps, mobile internet is almost indispensable today. Without the Internet, you will miss out on many practical travel tools.
Is hotel WiFi enough on vacation?
For emails and social media in the hotel, yes. But you need mobile Internet for navigation, Uber and spontaneous restaurant searches when you're out and about.
How much data volume do I need on vacation?
For normal vacations, 3-5 GB (1-2 weeks) is sufficient. For streaming or video calls: 10+ GB or Unlimited.
Is pocket WiFi better than eSIM?
Pocket WiFi is good for groups, but more expensive and less practical than eSIM. For individual travelers or couples, eSIM is the better choice.
Does eSIM work in my vacation country?
eSIM tariffs are available for 200+ countries. In the Airalo app, you can check in advance whether your destination is covered.
eSIM - the best choice for your vacation
For most holidaymakers, a eSIM is the ideal Internet solution: cheap, simple and ready to use immediately. No roaming, no changing cards, no extra device. Compare providers now and start your next vacation relaxed.
Find eSIM for your vacation now