With more people traveling internationally each year for work, holidays, or business trips, staying connected has become much more important if you want to make the journey smoother.
Not so long ago, travelers had to search for a local physical SIM card shop on arrival in a new country.
You’d then have to swap it out for your old SIM at each destination, which is not exactly an ideal way to start a trip. Talk about a total pain.
Thanks to the evolution of eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module) technology, which gives you amazing global coverage, you can travel easily across different countries without changing SIM cards and paying exorbitant roaming charges.
From weekend getaways to longer stays, eSIM plans are available to suit any amount of time and route. They allow you to quickly and easily stay connected as soon as you arrive.
No shops, no lines, no paperwork. Instead, you get to enjoy instant activation from within some of the top travel destinations in the world, without being concerned about the cost.
However, there is a catch. Not all eSIM companies are equal. That’s because they cater to different sets of clientele.
As a result, you need to do some research before choosing the best eSIM for international travel.
Among the ever-growing, overcrowded eSIM market, Ubigi has emerged as a leader because of the eSIM’s unique features and quality of service.
As a result, it is a company that I feel stands heads and shoulders above the competition.
What is Ubigi? An introduction
If you haven’t heard of Ubigi before, you are in for a pleasant surprise.The brand is owned by Transatel, a subsidiary of the Japanese communications giant NTT.
They are amazing because they have been a pioneer in the eSIM industry since 2018.
Over time it has established a name by providing instant activation on landing via the Smart Start feature, as well as top-tier network connectivity that links you to its wide network of regional partnerships.
The company has also been accredited as a full MVNO, or Mobile Virtual Network Operator.
In practical terms, this means that with any eSIM-compatible phone, you can download the Ubigi app and gain access to reliable local plans in over 200+ destinations, all while avoiding those dreaded roaming fees.
Furthermore, the Ubigi app enables seamless eSIM support on iOS and Android devices to ensure continuous connectivity for travelers worldwide.
How does Ubigi work?
As stated above, once you install the Ubigi app from either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, upon purchase you can activate data plans digitally in over 200 destinations across the world, without needing to change physical SIM cards.
Simply browse through various eSIM data plan options for your preferred destination, make your purchase, and install the eSIM profile on your mobile phone once.
However, Ubigi is a bit different from other travel eSIM providers in that a single Ubigi eSIM works globally.
So, instead of having to install a new eSIM (and QR code) for every country or region that you purchase, you can use one eSIM the entire time.
The Ubigi website and app is available in over 14 languages with more to be added in the coming months. An Ubigi eSIM can also be purchased in $,€,£, CAD, AUD, CNY and Japanese yen.
Different Types of eSIMs that Ubigi Offers
Since Ubigi offers travelers different kinds of eSIMs, there is every chance you will find the perfect one for your next overseas trip.
These eSIMs are divided based on duration and location. Here is the breakdown:
- Country eSIMs: This is the best choice if you plan to visit a single country only, since this will give you the best price per GB of data.
- Regional/Continent eSIMs: This is a better choice if you travel frequently. This way, you don’t have to buy a new SIM for each country you visit and can be unsure about your data usage.
- World eSIMs: Prices for these eSIMs are much higher, but they are a good fit for anyone who travels to different countries regularly. However, even their 1GB plan has a validity of 30 days, which is a great value.
Ubigi Plans and Features
Prepaid data plans from 1GB to unlimited data for individual countries, regions and world travel are available through Ubigi.
Monthly plans are also an option for select destinations. With Ubigi, you can enjoy fast 5G/4G speeds, in-app top up and unrestricted tethering.
The unique feature of Ubigi is its reusable eSIM, which, once installed, can be used for future trips without having to install a new SIM every time.
Ubigi plans are data-only, which are perfect if you are using internet-based services like WhatsApp, Skype, etc.
Additionally, personal hotspot services work well in all countries. You can even plan your purchase up to six months in advance, hassle-free.
While plans vary considerably across countries, Ubigi offers a 10% discount on eligible data plans to new users.
Girl With The Passport readers can get this epic discount by using the code GWTP10 on everything except monthly plans.
Top-up is also possible without WiFi or data credits via the Ubigi app once the eSIM is installed.
Compared to other bigger companies in Europe, Ubigi’s pricing is very competitive and also offers the fastest speeds in countries like the UK, France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal, among others.
In Asia, Ubigi is often cheaper than its closest competitors, while in the US the price-to-quality ratio is exceptional, especially for unlimited plans, as it connects you to two of the nation’s best 5G networks.
Finally, to avoid excessive roaming charges on Ubigi, turn off data roaming on your other SIM cards after activating your eSIM once you arrive at your final destination.
Some Key Facts
- Prices vary significantly depending on location. Prices can range from $6 for 3GB to $36 for 50 GB. Ubigi offers a 10% discount to first-time users with the code GWTP10.
- Data-only services provided. You can make WhatsApp calls from your home mobile number
- 4G/5G cellular network depending on location (90+ destinations in 5G, the widest network amongst travel eSIMs)
- The more data you buy, the more the cost per GB tends to decrease
Is Ubigi the Undisputed Speed Champion?
Given detailed aspects of Ubigi and a thorough analysis, it is evident that there are many advantages to a Ubigi eSIM. After all, this eSIM excels at providing customers with lightning-fast service.
Check out Ubigi for your next trip since it not only offers you the best value for money, but it also has excellent signal strength in 9 out of 10 countries tested and comes highly recommended as a result.
The Ubigi eSIM also holds the distinction of being the fastest of its kind in the United States as well as in Portugal, with strong performance speeds tested in the UK and Colombia.
The Final Verdict
Best-in class speeds and great value packages make Ubigi a clear winner and the all-around best eSIM for your next trip.