By Lisa Salter
Montreal travel advisor · Updated June 26, 2026
"Just get an eSIM" is easy advice — until you see a dozen brands and freeze. Here's an honest comparison of the big four travel eSIMs, who each one suits, and the simplest option if you'd rather skip the research entirely.
Want the easy route? Get an eSIM set up for your trip.
See eSIM plansQuick pick
Airalo
Lowest entry price for light, pay-as-you-go data across 200+ destinations.
Holafly
Unlimited-data plans and 24/7 chat — great for heavy users who don't want to count gigabytes.
Saily
From the makers of NordVPN, with built-in ad and malware blocking.
Set up by Lisa
A plan chosen for your destination and installed with you — bilingual, before you fly. See plans →
The big four, compared honestly
Airalo
Pros: cheapest entry, huge coverage, simple app.
Watch for: light plans run out fast; support is app-based.
Holafly
Pros: unlimited data, 24/7 chat, no counting gigs.
Watch for: costs more; "unlimited" can carry a fair-use speed policy.
Nomad
Pros: fair pricing, data packs plus an optional subscription, clean app.
Watch for: coverage and price vary a lot by country.
Saily
Pros: NordVPN security extras, competitive prices.
Watch for: newer, with a smaller destination list than Airalo.
So which should you choose?
If you just need maps and messaging on a short trip, Airalo's cheapest plan is hard to beat. If you stream, video-call and don't want to think about data, Holafly's unlimited plans are worth the premium. Saily is a smart pick if you value security extras, and Nomad is a solid middle ground. The honest catch with all of them: you're on your own to choose, install and troubleshoot — usually in English, through an app, with no one local to call.
Frequently asked questions
Which travel eSIM is cheapest?
For light data, Airalo usually has the lowest entry price. But the cheapest plan isn't always the best value — if you run out mid-trip, top-ups can cost more than buying enough data upfront.
Which eSIM has unlimited data?
Holafly is best known for unlimited-data plans. They cost more than pay-as-you-go data, and "unlimited" can include a fair-use speed policy, but they're ideal if you don't want to track usage.
Is Airalo or Holafly better?
Airalo for low cost and light use; Holafly for unlimited data and heavier use. Choose based on how much data you'll actually use, not just the headline price.
Do these eSIMs work for Canadian travellers?
Yes — they're not tied to your home carrier. You keep your Canadian number and use the eSIM for data abroad. Just confirm your destination is covered before you buy.
What if I want help choosing?
That's exactly what Lisa does — she'll match a plan to your destination and trip length and set it up with you, in French or English. See eSIM plans →
Too many options? Lisa Salter, a Montréal travel advisor, cuts through the noise — one eSIM, chosen for your trip and set up before you fly, with a real person to call. Ask Lisa →
