Carrier roaming is one of the biggest hidden costs of travel. This free calculator shows, in seconds, how much you would spend letting your home network roam abroad versus buying a travel eSIM — and the gap is usually enormous. Most travellers save between 80% and 95%.
Roaming vs eSIM Savings Calculator
See how much you’d waste on carrier roaming versus a travel eSIM — most people save 80–95%.
Why is roaming so expensive?
When you roam, your home carrier rents capacity from a local network and adds a hefty margin. “Day pass” style plans (around $10–12 a day with US carriers) feel convenient but add up fast: two weeks abroad can cost $150–$170 just to stay connected. A travel eSIM buys data directly from local networks at local prices, so the same two weeks might cost $15–$25.
How the savings are calculated
- Roaming cost = your carrier’s daily rate × the number of days.
- eSIM cost = a typical travel-eSIM day rate (adjust the slider if you know your plan) × the number of days.
- Your saving = the difference, shown in dollars and as a percentage.
Is a travel eSIM right for you?
If your phone supports eSIM (most models from 2018 onward do — check with our Compatibility Checker), a travel eSIM is almost always cheaper than roaming for trips longer than a day or two. Once you see your number, browse our verified, up-to-date eSIM deals to lock in the saving.