Staying Connected Between Continents: Finding the Best eSIM for a Multi-Country Life
Living between Canada, the US, England, and Australia means my work, my design projects, and even my everyday life have become truly borderless. But that only works if my phone and iPad can keep up. Losing data in the middle of a meeting upload or a client call from another timezone can throw off the entire rhythm.
Over time, I’ve realised that keeping a phone number in each country is helpful — but the data tied to those numbers is another story. Roaming gets expensive fast, and switching SIMs every time I land somewhere new feels outdated. I wanted something that matched how I live and work now: simple, flexible, and digital-first.
That’s where eSIMs come in. They’re built into newer iPhones and iPads, letting you download data plans instantly from an app — no physical SIM, no store visits, no waiting. After some research (and a lot of travel testing), I’ve narrowed my favourites down to four that actually make sense when you live between multiple continents: Holafly, Airalo, Saily, and Nomad.
1. Holafly — Unlimited and Effortless
Holafly was the first eSIM I tried because of its unlimited data promise — and it delivered. You land, scan a QR code, and within minutes you’re online. It’s a lifesaver when I’m jumping between meetings, cafes, and airports.
Pros: Unlimited data in over 190 countries, quick setup, super easy app.
Cons: No hotspot on most plans, and it can get pricey for long-term use.
Best for: Short trips or creative sprints abroad when I just need to stay connected without thinking about data limits.
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Street note: Holafly feels like the “set it and forget it” option — ideal when I’m travelling for a few weeks and want connection without micromanaging usage.
2. Airalo — Reliable and Scalable
Airalo has quietly become my go-to. It’s flexible, affordable, and genuinely global. You can buy country-specific, regional, or worldwide plans — and the app design is clean and calm, which matters when you live inside your tech like I do.
Pros: Wide coverage, regional bundles, easy top-ups.
Cons: No unlimited option, so you’ll need to watch your usage.
Best for: Frequent travellers who want balance between cost, control, and coverage.
Street note: I use Airalo’s Discover Global plan — it covers all four of my “home” countries. I keep it active so that no matter where I land, I’m instantly connected.
3. Saily — Minimalist and Secure
Saily is newer, built by NordVPN, which instantly caught my attention. Privacy and design are clearly their priorities. The app feels sleek, intuitive, and matches the aesthetic I like — tech that’s quiet, beautiful, and functional.
Pros: Great privacy standards, easy to use, solid pricing.
Cons: Coverage is still expanding, so not as many country-specific plans yet.
Best for: Those who care about both the look and feel of their tech setup.
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Street note: Saily feels more lifestyle-driven than tech-driven — it’s one to watch as they grow.
4. Nomad — Dependable and Straightforward
Nomad is a steady choice that’s particularly strong across the regions I move between — North America, the UK, and Australia. Their plans are prepaid, easy to renew, and hotspot sharing works well (a must when I’m working from my iPad).
Pros: Consistent coverage, good pricing, allows tethering.
Cons: No unlimited data, slightly less polished app experience.
Best for: Long-term travellers who split their time evenly between main hubs.
↪ Code | GEORCLNDPB
Street note: Nomad has that reliable, no-nonsense energy — it’s the one I turn to when I just need things to work.
Finding My Balance Between Countries
The truth is, there isn’t one perfect eSIM — there’s a combination that makes sense for your rhythm. For me, that means:
Keeping my local SIMs for calls and verification codes.
Using Airalo as my everyday global data connection.
Adding Holafly when I need unlimited uploads (especially when working remotely).
Testing Saily for its privacy and design-forward approach.
Living between countries has taught me that calm and clarity matter — not just in design, but in how we stay connected. The fewer interruptions between places, the more space there is for creativity, work, and life to unfold naturally.
