New Travel ESIM Options Are Unlocking Affordable, Global Connectivity For Travelers In China, India, And Southeast Asia

Published on November 23, 2025

As the travel industry continues to rebound in 2025, travelers in China, India, and Southeast Asia are increasingly turning to travel eSIMs for their seamless, cost-effective connectivity needs. With traditional roaming fees often high and SIM card options inconvenient, eSIM technology provides an innovative alternative, allowing travelers to stay connected across borders without additional charges. The rise of digital-first solutions, such as travel eSIMs, is transforming how people experience connectivity, offering affordable, transparent pricing and the flexibility of instant activation. This shift is being driven by the growing demand for more efficient, budget-friendly options as travelers seek greater convenience and better value during their journeys.

In 2025, the global tourism industry is poised to exceed pre-pandemic levels, ushering in an era of heightened demand for reliable, always-on connectivity. As travelers seek cost-effective alternatives to expensive roaming and the hassle of local SIM cards, travel eSIMs have emerged as a leading solution. Combining affordability, transparency, and immediate activation, eSIM technology is transforming the travel connectivity landscape. The evolution of eSIM technology, along with the rise of connectivity aggregators and Mobile Virtual Network Enablers (MVNEs), has significantly lowered the entry barriers for startups. These companies can now launch global eSIM plans without owning traditional network infrastructure, spurring growth in the travel eSIM market.

According to estimates from Counterpoint Research, third-party travel eSIM downloads are set to increase nearly threefold between 2025 and 2030. This surge is primarily driven by tech-savvy and cost-conscious travelers. Today’s travel eSIMs offer a compelling value proposition, often costing half as much as traditional roaming and providing up to twice the data. The ease of use offered by app-based prepaid models, along with transparent pricing and the ability to top-up on demand, has further fueled their appeal. Digital-first resellers, recognizing this demand, have rapidly scaled their operations, utilizing social media, partnerships with airlines, hotels, and online travel agencies (OTAs) to engage customers early in their travel planning.

In the past year, a number of prominent digital-first travel eSIM providers have secured substantial funding to fuel their growth. Companies like Airalo, Truly, and Kolet have raised capital to enhance their technology stacks, expand their market presence, and scale operations. Investor confidence in the travel eSIM space remains high, bolstered by the strong financial performance of key players. For instance, Holafly has generated over $500 million in cumulative revenue since the pandemic, while Airalo has reached unicorn status with a $1 billion valuation. Nomad eSIM has also reported impressive growth, seeing a 100% year-on-year increase in purchase volumes across both consumer and enterprise segments. These resellers now issue thousands of eSIMs daily, positioning themselves to capitalize on continued growth as travel volumes and consumer awareness of eSIM options rise.

The rapid adoption of eSIM-enabled smartphones further broadens the opportunities for travel eSIM providers. Historically, device compatibility was a significant barrier to the widespread use of eSIMs, but this challenge is rapidly diminishing. Counterpoint’s eSIM Device Tracker projects that over 80% of smartphones will be eSIM or iSIM compatible by 2030. As smartphones become increasingly capable of supporting eSIM technology, adoption rates are expected to soar. Additionally, with voice calls increasingly being replaced by over-the-top (OTT) services like WhatsApp and Facetime Audio, travelers are showing a clear preference for data-only eSIM plans, which offer superior value compared to traditional roaming packages.

OEM partnerships are playing a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of travel eSIMs. A notable example of this trend is Xiaomi’s partnership with Airalo, which pre-loads its travel eSIM app onto new devices. This type of collaboration between eSIM providers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) is poised to be a major growth catalyst, driving adoption among new users. Furthermore, ongoing eSIM policy reforms in countries like China are expected to spur adoption in populous regions such as China, India, and Southeast Asia. These reforms, combined with the increasing availability of budget-friendly smartphones capable of supporting eSIMs, are likely to expand the market in these key regions.

The growing popularity of travel eSIMs is also being fueled by repeat usage, particularly among frequent travelers who download multiple eSIMs throughout the year. As eSIM penetration deepens across devices, the next phase of expansion will be driven by the influx of new, unique users entering the ecosystem. To meet the diverse needs of global travelers, eSIM providers have tailored their offerings to include flexible plans for specific countries, regions, and global coverage. These options, combined with transparent pricing and the digital convenience of app-based activation, are strengthening the appeal of eSIMs for international travelers.

Despite the tremendous growth potential, digital-first travel eSIM providers face several challenges that could impact their ability to scale sustainably. One of the key threats comes from mobile network operators (MNOs), who are responding to the rise of third-party eSIMs by revising their roaming tariffs, launching regional plans for popular travel corridors, and even developing their own travel eSIM apps. MNOs have long enjoyed control over roaming services, and their increasing efforts to capture the eSIM market could create intense competition for digital-first providers.

Moreover, the emergence of B2B2C API platforms is shifting the control of travel connectivity closer to the initial customer touchpoint. Airlines, OTAs, and other players in the travel ecosystem are increasingly integrating eSIM offerings directly into their platforms, challenging third-party resellers to adapt their strategies. Additionally, the low barriers to entry in the market have led to fragmentation, resulting in a price war that could undermine customer loyalty as users switch between apps for the best short-term deals.

Regional specialists offering highly personalized connectivity packs are also intensifying competition, making it harder for global providers to differentiate themselves. In this fragmented market, the ability to build brand trust, offer seamless user experiences, and form strategic partnerships will be crucial for long-term success.

As MNOs ramp up their own travel eSIM offerings and aggressive roaming discounts, the window of opportunity for digital-first resellers to scale and establish brand loyalty is narrowing. While affordability and agility have driven initial adoption, future growth will depend on securing customer trust and offering secure, reliable connectivity. As the market continues to evolve, digital-first players must go beyond price differentiation, focusing on transparency, platform security, and consistent connectivity. The future leaders in the travel eSIM market will be those who can successfully blend scalability, trust, and strategic partnerships, evolving from disruptors into established global brands in travel connectivity.