Absurd Roaming Fees. That’s what life can be all about if you travel without a good eSIM. In our last article, we did a breakdown of the services of eSIM providers Holafly and Airalo. In this article, we will do a breakdown of the popular Nomad eSIM and find out what makes it so good. Let’s go through the pros, cons, and other technicalities and find out if it’s the best fit for you or not.
What is Nomad eSIM?
Technically Nomad is an online eSIM Marketplace. That means you can visit their online store and purchase an eSIM package. With coverage spread across the world, you can buy an eSIM plan from any region of any continent and get access to data, calling, and a lot more.
How does Nomad eSIM work?
To get started, you need to ensure your device has eSIM compatibility. You can check the compatibility of your device here.
Once you ensure compatibility, all you need to do is visit the website, create an account, and then head over to the store to select a plan. Enter the region’s name you’ll be traveling to and then choose a plan.
Once you complete the payment, you can install the eSIM through the QR Code provided via in-app instructions or through your registered email. You can then install the eSIM and activate it later whenever you are ready to use it.
All in all, Nomad features a pretty straightforward process to get started. If you are having difficulties with the process then you can follow the guide here.
Plans
Nomad eSIM sells two kinds of plans. Data plans and the newly introduced SMS plans. Data plans at Nomad eSIM do not support calling and texting because they do not come with a number. They provide only data. You can still text through internet messaging apps like WhatsApp using data. However, if you want to use traditional texting services then you will have to purchase an SMS plan separately.
In the case of SMS plans, you will be provided with a virtual number which you can then use to send and receive SMS.
Also, the data plans have 4G speed with additional 5G support in certain regions.
Coverage
Nomad eSIM sports a wide coverage globally. Pretty active in almost over 165+ countries, Nomad has local, regional, as well as global plans.
While Nomad covers somewhere around 85 countries for its local eSIM plans, the global eSIM plans provide coverage across 164 countries. You can also avail the country list for the regional and global plans before making the purchase.
Now while the data plans are across 160+ countries, the SMS plan can only be availed in 3 countries which are the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Pricing
Nomad eSIM Data Plan Prices
Nomad’s eSIM data plans come with data limits that vary between 1GB and 100GB, and they do not provide unlimited data plans. Consequently, should you exhaust your data allocation, you will need to recharge your eSIM and make an additional payment.
Nomad eSIM SMS Plan Prices
But unlike many eSIM providers, there are no hidden charges. The prices mentioned on the website are the final amount including taxes and other charges. You don’t have to worry about additional charges at all.
Note: All the prices shown in the pictures are based on the plans in the USA.
Customer Support
Nomad’s customer service operates exclusively in English and can be reached through a web form available in the app or on their website, as well as via email. Although it’s not exactly a live chat, you can expect timely responses within the chat interface or via email. In our experience, Nomad’s support team typically responds within 5-20 minutes, which is quite impressive.
Also when using the form to reach out to customer service, make sure to include your purchase ID code, so be careful not to delete the email containing your receipt. What’s even more impressive is that their message support is live 24/7. So wherever you may be or whatever time zone, Nomad eSIM customer support is always live.
Nomad eSIM – Pros and Cons
- Straightforward and easy setup process
- Flexible and Convenient
- Cheaper than Data Roaming
- 24/7 Customer Service
- 4G LTE Support
- No Hidden Charges
- Seamless App that is easy to use
- Unlimited Data Plans only in certain regions
- SMS Plans only in 3 Countries
- Data Plans don’t include a local phone number
Nomad eSIM Reviews
Let us walk you through some of the Nomad eSIM reviews. While you read and look for our review, we assure you that our verdict is just a few words away. Meanwhile, have a look at what others have to say about Nomad eSIM.
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, Nomad eSIM boasts a pretty solid rating for itself
These are some of the overwhelmingly positive reviews found on Trustpilot. It seems like people in general are loving Nomad eSIM and have nothing but good things to say.
However, we did find one review that caught our attention:
It was pretty clear that this particular consumer ‘Cory’ was not happy about it. But what caught our attention was the response of the team behind Nomad eSIM:
Based on the response it is pretty evident that Nomad cares about the individual experiences of the customers.
Nomad vs Airalo
Nomad | Airalo | |
---|---|---|
Coverage | 160+ Countries | 200+ Countries |
Global eSIM Coverage | 112 Countries | 87 Countries |
Regional Plans | 3 Regions | 4 Regions |
Calls and SMS | No. You’ll have to purchase a separate Nomad SMS Plan | No |
Unlimited Plans | Yes. In some regions only. | No |
With both Airalo and Nomad having ups and downs, it’s hard to determine a clear winner here. However, have a look at the pricing of both eSIMs. Prices are based on plans in the USA.
Data | Nomad | Airalo |
---|---|---|
1 GB ( 7 Days) | $7 | $4.50 |
3 GB ( 30 Days ) | $11 | $11 |
5 GB (30 Days) | $14 | $16 |
10 GB (30 Days) | $18 | $26 |
Nomad is pretty competitive with their pricing. While Airalo will be cheaper for 1 GB packs, Nomad is far better for 5 GB and 10 GB plans.
Both the eSIMs have great customer support as well. With a great coverage, amazing customer service, and a good overall network, both of the eSIMs are pretty excellent choices. However, if you are going to stay in a destination for more than a month, it is advisable to get Nomad as it is simply cheaper.
Our Verdict
We believe that you can’t go wrong with Nomad eSIM. For starters, you can get started right off the bat with their super easy installation process. It’s kind of a huge advantage if you are stuck somewhere without any internet connection. You may be on a borrowed internet connection from your friend’s hotspot. In times like these, you need access to portals or services that can provide you with an eSIM instantly. Without having to download any large data. A huge plus in our books.
And the prices aren’t too bad either. As you can see above, we did a small comparison between Airalo and Nomad where we drew a conclusion that Nomad is considerably much cheaper. While traveling, every penny matters. This should also be the case when it comes to eSIMS. After all, eSIMs are one of the only viable options to truly stay connected and be active on the web. And Nomad does it better than the rest.
All in all, the only disadvantage to Nomad is that they do not include a local number. While this can easily be resolved by purchasing an SMS plan, it just results in additional expenditure. This then again contradicts the fact that Nomad is super cheap. But if you do not need a local number, then the Data plan is more than enough.
So if you are planning to embark on a journey, we highly recommend going for Nomad eSIM because it has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective solution for staying connected while traveling. And convenient too. But if you are not a fan of data limits and are looking for unlimited data, then Holafly is your best bet.
Nomad eSIM FAQs
What is Nomad eSIM?
Nomad eSIM is a digital service that allows you to activate and use a cellular plan on your mobile device without a physical SIM card. It relies on an embedded SIM (eSIM) chip, which is a virtual SIM card.
How does Nomad eSIM work?
Nomad eSIM works by providing you with a digital SIM card that can be installed on compatible eSIM-enabled devices. You can download the eSIM profile from the Nomad website or app and activate a cellular plan with them.
Note: You have to ensure that your device is eSIM Compatible before opting for an eSIM plan.
What are the benefits of using Nomad eSIM?
- No need to switch physical SIM cards when traveling or changing plans.
- Easy to switch between different carriers and data plans.
- Ideal for international travel as you can add local data plans without swapping SIM cards.
Which devices are compatible with Nomad eSIM?
Nomad eSIM is compatible with a wide range of eSIM-enabled devices, including most modern smartphones, tablets, and some wearables. Check the Nomad website for a list of supported devices.
Can I use Nomad eSIM for international travel?
Yes, Nomad eSIM is a great solution for international travel. You can activate local data plans in various countries without the need to purchase physical SIM cards, making it convenient and cost-effective.
How do I purchase and activate a Nomad eSIM plan?
To purchase and activate a Nomad eSIM plan, follow these general steps:
- Visit the Nomad website or app.
- Choose your desired cellular plan based on your needs and location.
- Download the eSIM profile provided by Nomad.
- Follow the activation instructions provided by Nomad to install the eSIM on your device.
Is Nomad eSIM secure?
Yes, Nomad eSIM uses secure encryption and authentication protocols to protect your mobile communication. It’s as secure as traditional physical SIM cards.
Can I keep my current phone number when using Nomad eSIM?
In many cases, you can port your existing phone number to Nomad eSIM. Contact Nomad’s customer support for assistance with number portability.
What happens if I change my device?
You can transfer your Nomad eSIM profile to a new eSIM-enabled device by following the instructions provided by Nomad. It’s a straightforward process and doesn’t require a new purchase.
How do I manage my Nomad eSIM plan and account?
You can manage your Nomad eSIM plan and account through the Nomad website or app. This includes checking your usage, changing your plan, or renewing your subscription.
What if I have issues with my Nomad eSIM?
If you encounter any issues with your Nomad eSIM, you can reach out to their customer support for assistance. They will help you resolve any problems or concerns you may have.
If you have any more issues, you can always reach out to Nomad’s customer support which is active 24/7.
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