Buying local SIM cards while traveling
A new study by Saily showed that the majority of travelers from some countries still buy local SIM cards. The study, conducted between March 26, 2026, and April 4, 2026, asked respondents whether they buy local SIM cards whenever they travel internationally. In the United States, 46% of respondents said that they do buy physical SIMs in foreign countries. In Australia, the number was as high as 52%, while in Canada and the United Kingdom, the numbers were slightly lower — 34% and 26%, respectively.
As a result, travelers buying a physical SIM card in a country that requires ID verification expose themselves to the potential risk of fraud. The risk stems from having to show your ID card or passport to someone working on the other side of the counter who might be eyeing your personal data for their personal gain. SIM card registration is mandated in over 160 destinations, according to GSMA, an association that represents over 1,000 mobile operators and businesses associated with the mobile industry.
So, for example, if you’re traveling from Chicago to Barcelona and you’re looking to buy a SIM card in Spain, you’ll have to verify your identity to register it. Whatever your destination, you should research whether the local government mandates users to register their ID before activating a SIM card.
Why do American, Australian, British, and Canadian citizens buy local SIM cards when traveling?
One of the main reasons why Americans, Australians, Brits, and Canadians buy local SIM cards could be because of habit. In addition, when they buy a SIM card at a kiosk or a shop, personnel there can handle the setup process. Furthermore, some older phones do not support eSIMs, leaving users with no other options if they don’t want to buy or rent a pocket Wi-Fi device.
Citizens from the four countries might also assume that an eSIM is more expensive than getting a local SIM card. While the price varies market by market, in most countries, a travel eSIM is usually of equal price or even cheaper than a local SIM card. An eSIM also offers more flexibility in terms of how much data you can purchase for your stay.
Identity theft and other risks with physical SIM cards
Whatever the reason you still buy physical SIM cards, when you’re buying a SIM card in a country where the purchase is tied to identity verification, you’re exposed to potential risks related to fraud or personal data theft.
For example, if you arrive in a country, go through security, and call a rideshare or taxi to your accommodation using the airport’s public Wi-Fi, you might have forgotten to purchase a local SIM card at the airport. As such, to stay connected, you’ll have to hunt down a mobile operator’s store, a kiosk, or a convenience store to buy the card. If it’s late at night, you might only have access to retailers whose reputation you can’t verify.
Buying a physical SIM card is the moment when the risk of identity theft or fraud is the highest. While it is only applicable in countries where you have to register your SIM card, you’ll have to show your personal identification to a retailer. The risk of identity theft at a mobile operator’s store is minimal, but the opportunities for bad actors to access and copy your passport or personal ID information are high if you’re buying your SIM card at an off-brand kiosk or retail space. By obtaining your personal data, perpetrators could access your bank account, apply for credit, or commit cybercrimes under your name.
Since you’re buying a SIM card, you’ll also have to store your original SIM card somewhere if your phone does not support dual SIM card functionality. With the current nano SIM card sizes, which are about the side of a fingernail, you can easily lose the SIM somewhere, which could expose your personal data.
A safer alternative — a travel eSIM
With those security risks in mind, you’re probably asking yourself whether there’s a better alternative to buying a physical SIM card. A travel eSIM is one of those options, and an eSIM app like Saily also has additional security features that help your data remain safe.
Using a Saily eSIM plan is relatively easy. Purchase a mobile data or phone number plan, download the eSIM app, follow the eSIM installation instructions on screen, and the plan will automatically activate once you arrive at your destination. If you’re a frequent traveler, you might also benefit from the extra travel-related perks offered by the Saily Ultra plan.
Saily’s security features include an in-app ad blocker, virtual location, and web protection, all of which contribute to keeping your data more secure than eSIMs that offer no additional protections of your data.
However, before you purchase a plan, make sure that your device supports eSIM technology. All iPhones starting with the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max support eSIMs, while the first Google Pixel phone to have unlocked eSIM support was the Google Pixel 4. The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 series supported eSIMs issued by Google Fi Wireless only. Samsung smartphones have had the hardware to support eSIMs since the S20 series devices reached consumers in 2020.
Tips on how to stay connected and keep your data secure on your trip
If you’re going on a trip soon and you’re worried about your data privacy, here are some tips you can follow to stay connected and avoid any incidents related to your personal data.
Buy SIM cards or eSIMs from reputable sellers. Whatever solution you choose to stay connected on your travels, whether that is purchasing a physical SIM card or an eSIM, make sure that you get your card from a reputable seller.
Seek out travel eSIMs with security features. Saily is one of the few eSIM apps on the market that offers additional data protection measures, providing another layer of security for your personal data.
Think twice before handing out your personal ID documents. If you’re asked to show identification when buying a physical SIM card, consider the intentions of the person requesting it and know the local requirements for registering SIM cards.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks that aren’t protected by a password are vulnerable to cybercriminals’ activities. Connecting to them could grant perpetrators easy access to your phone, and by extension, your personal data or even bank accounts.
While vacations are meant to be a relaxing time, it pays to stay vigilant to protect your data while you’re traveling. Purchasing a physical SIM card can expose your data if you’re not careful, and alternatives, like a travel eSIM, are a more secure option to stay connected on your travels.
