Nomad eSIM review: Is it worth it?

What is the Nomad eSIM?

Nomad is one of the more established names in the eSIM industry, launched in 2020 by LotusFlare, Inc. Since then, Nomad has been featured in various media publications, quickly establishing itself as a trusted option for travelers who want to stay online without paying the price for roaming fees.

Nomad offers data plans for single countries, regions, or worldwide coverage in over 200 destinations. You can buy and activate an eSIM from Nomad with a few taps, which gives you internet access as soon as you arrive at your destination.

Is the Nomad eSIM good? Pros and cons

Before choosing Nomad for your next trip, it’s worth reviewing the pros and cons to see if its eSIM plans match your travel needs.

Pros:

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  Flexible plans with multiple durations and data types.

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  Some regional bundles are more affordable than broader plans.

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  Free 500MB 24-hour trial for new users.

Cons:

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  Requires a new eSIM installation for each plan.

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  Too many plan variations can be confusing.

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  No additional security features.

Nomad eSIM review

Nomad has carved out a name for itself as a flexible and reliable eSIM provider, especially for travelers and digital nomads. But how does it hold up in everyday use? We checked real customer reviews to find out.

Many users appreciate Nomad’s wide range of plans and easy app-based setup. Travelers often mention that the process of purchasing and activating an eSIM is smooth and well-guided, even for first-time users. The option to choose between regular and day plans also gets a nod for offering more control over data usage.

Still, Nomad isn’t without its drawbacks. Some customers mention that while speeds are generally reliable, they may vary depending on the local carrier, and support response times can be slow during busy periods.

How does the Nomad eSIM work?

Nomad is fairly easy to use. After you download the app, you can browse plans based on destination, data amount, and duration. Once you choose a plan that’s most suitable for your trip, you’ll need to purchase it and follow the instructions to install the eSIM.

The Nomad eSIM app provides a step-by-step process for setting up the SIM — it takes just a few minutes to connect. However, Nomad requires a new eSIM installation for each individual plan, which some people might see as an inconvenience, especially travelers who are planning to visit multiple countries during one trip.

Nomad data plans 

Nomad keeps things flexible with three types of data plans — local, regional, and global. Each comes in two versions — regular or day plans — so you can choose what works best based on where you’re going, how long you’re staying, and how much data you actually need.

The local plans start at 1 GB and go up to unlimited, with validity between 7 and 30 days. If you’re visiting multiple destinations, Nomad’s regional bundles are the most practical pick. You’ll find plans that cover areas like Europe, Southeast Asia-Oceania, or East Asia, with combinations like France-Germany-Italy or China-Japan-South Korea. Some bundles even include up to 36 destinations under a single plan!

But what makes Nomad truly different is its dual structure for local plans. You can choose between “regular” fixed-data plans or “day” plans that give you a set amount of data per day, with a cap on high-speed usage that resets every 24 hours. It gives you more control over how you use your data.

And if you need even more countries included in your data plan, Nomad’s Global and Global-EX plans offer coverage in over 100 destinations. These plans are built for people who cross borders often and don’t want to deal with getting different data packs for every stop.

However, a number of choices can feel like a bit much when you just want to get online and go. Still, if you’re the kind of traveler who likes having many options and doesn’t mind a bit of comparison, Nomad’s plan variety and wide coverage can be appreciated. 

Nomad eSIM pricing 

A good eSIM data plan should give you the coverage you need without completely draining your travel budget. Here’s a quick snapshot of Nomad’s pricing across a few popular destinations and regional bundles.

The information about eSIM prices in this review was last verified on the eSIM provider’s official website on June 20, 2025.

Nomad’s pricing depends on where you’re headed, so it’s always worth checking the pricing before you buy. For short trips or light data use, it can be a budget-friendly pick, but costs can add up quickly if you need more data. If you’re planning a longer trip, it may be worth comparing with other providers that might offer better value, like Saily.

Nomad network speed

Encountering sluggish internet while trying to navigate an unfamiliar city or order a ride can be quite stressful. Fortunately, Nomad eSIM users generally enjoy fast and reliable data speeds, often up to 5G, depending on the location and network conditions.

That said, the actual speed you get depends largely on two factors — the local infrastructure and the partner network in your destination country. In areas with strong coverage, like most of Western Europe, the US, and parts of Asia, users typically report smooth performance. But in more remote or less developed regions, speeds can fall to 4G or even 3G levels.

Nomad customer support

Nomad’s customer support is available through live chat and email, and most travelers find it easy enough to reach someone when needed. For smaller issues, responses tend to be fast and clear, often with useful visuals to walk you through the process. However, a few users mentioned waiting longer than expected for replies, especially when it came to more technical problems or refund requests.

One of the alternatives to the Nomad eSIM

If you're exploring other options, Saily is a strong alternative to Nomad, offering a similar eSIM service with a few key differences. To help you decide which one fits your travel needs best, here’s a quick Saily vs. Nomad comparison of the main features.

The information about the Nomad eSIM features in this review was last verified on the eSIM provider’s official website on June 20, 2025.

The Saily eSIM app goes beyond just connectivity — it offers an all-in-one eSIM for multiple destinations, live chat support, and added security features, making it a top pick for frequent travelers.

Saily also has a referral program — you can invite friends to try Saily, and both of you get discounts on your next purchase. It’s an easy way to save if you have travel buddies who also need an eSIM.

All in all, is Nomad worth it?

Nomad is a solid choice if you’re after flexibility, broad international coverage, and a variety of plan types. The availability of regional bundles and global packages adds extra convenience for those hopping between countries. That said, the amount of choice can feel a bit overwhelming, and the pricing isn’t always the most budget-friendly — particularly if you’re a heavier data user or planning a longer trip.

While Nomad does a good job covering the essentials, it may not be the easiest or most affordable option out there. If you’d prefer a simpler, more streamlined eSIM experience with competitive pricing, the Saily eSIM app is worth a look. It covers 200+ destinations, offers generous data plans, and makes activation quick and effortless.