Ubigi eSIM Review vs AT&T & Verizon

One of the easiest ways to overspend while traveling is mobile data.

U.S. carriers make it "simple" by offering daily international passes that provide data and voice to your existing line. The problem is the cost adds up quickly, especially on longer or multi-country trips.

The previous alternative was purchasing local SIM cards. This meant stopping at an airport kiosk, drugstore, or vending machine and popping open the tray in your device. In recent years the advent of the eSIM has simplified much of this.

After testing a few options over the past couple of years, I've settled on Ubigi eSIM as my default international data option. It's cheaper, more flexible for complex itineraries, and easy to manage on the road. Here's why.

The Cost Comparison: Ubigi vs AT&T vs Verizon

Let's start with the obvious: price.

AT&T International Day Pass

AT&T's International Day Pass currently costs $12 per day per line in most countries (source). On a 10-day trip, that's $120—before taxes.

Verizon TravelPass

Verizon's TravelPass also runs $12 per day per line in most destinations (source). Same math, same $12 per day.

Ubigi eSIM

With Ubigi, you're buying data packs, not days. Example pricing (varies by country and timing):

• 3GB Japan plan: $8
• 3GB Qatar plan: $8
• 10GB Europe plan: $12

For a multi-country trip, you might spend $25–$40 total instead of $100–$150 using U.S. carrier day passes.

That difference pays for a nice dinner, an upgraded experience, a museum pass—or just staying under budget.

Why Ubigi Works Well for Complex Itineraries

The biggest reason I like Ubigi is flexibility. You install the eSIM once, then load multiple data packs. For example:

• 3GB for Japan
• 1GB for Qatar
• 1GB for Denmark

When you land in each country, the phone automatically connects to the appropriate plan. No swapping physical SIMs. No fiddling with adding an eSIM every country you visit.

For more complicated routes—like the Japan → Doha → Copenhagen itinerary on my around-the-world trip—it works seamlessly.

They also offer regional plans (e.g., Europe-wide coverage), global plans, and unlimited options in select markets. Topping off data mid-trip is easy if you underestimate usage.

Yes, There Are Downsides

It's not perfect.

• These are data-only plans. That means no traditional voice line.
• Heavy users may notice speed throttling after reaching plan limits.
• You need a phone that supports eSIM (most modern iPhones and many Android devices do).

That said, data-only isn't really a problem anymore. You can still use FaceTime Audio, WhatsApp calls, Google Voice, iMessage, Slack, email, and Google Maps.

There are also tricks to keep iMessage connected to your primary U.S. number, even if your AT&T or Verizon SIM is temporarily disabled for roaming. That lets contacts continue messaging you normally without realizing you're on a travel data plan.

Why I Prefer It Over Day Pass

AT&T and Verizon make roaming easy, but they charge for the convenience. With Ubigi:

• You pay for the data you need
• You aren't locked into daily billing
• You can tailor your plan country-by-country
• You can preload before departure so you connect and forget

On longer or multi-stop trips, the savings are significant. For more practical inflight travel tips, including what to download before boarding, see our full guide.

The Bottom Line

For simple one-night trips, a $10 day pass might not matter. But for multi-country itineraries, longer vacations, or round-the-world style travel, an eSIM like Ubigi can provide excellent value and better data performance.

It's flexible, reliable, and easy to manage. I've found it to be a massive upgrade in how I approach my trips. If you want to try it, you can use my referral code FB7FWUF8 for 20% off your first order at ubigi.com.