An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without using a physical SIM card.

Please refer to this website for the full list of compatible phones: gigago. You can also check if your phone is compatible on the UBIGI or AIRALO apps. **Please check with your cell service provider if your phone is unlocked. Cell phone service providers lock phones for a set period of time so you will only be able to use SIM cards that work with the carrier it's locked to. For example the lock period for T-mobile is 2 years or for as long as your cell phone is financed. Once your phone is paid off T-mobile will automatically unlock it. Some providers give you the option of temporarily unlocking your phone while on a trip. 

eSIM pros

• cheapest option (3GB for $8.20 - 15 days)

• easy to add more data when you hit your cap

• easy to use

• no additional equipment is required

eSIM cons

• your phone must be compatible and unlocked (if not, you can use a prepaid physical SIM card)

• can not send text messages or phone calls using your regular cellular network (you will have to use a messaging/calling service like iMsg, Facetime, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Google Duo, etc.) 

• the cheaper options have data limits (3GB should be enough for the whole trip if you are not steaming videos or making lengthy calls)

• can not be shared, each phone must have its own eSIM plan purchased 

A prepaid SIM card is a SIM card which is not attached to a mobile plan. Instead, the user must purchase credits (data, talk, text) upfront in cash. 

prepaid SIM pros

• no additional devices required

• affordable option if your phone is not eSIM compatible 

• good option if you want to include talk and text, but your phone provider's international plan is expensive

prepaid SIM cons

• more expensive than eSIM 

• a physical SIM card you have to install and hold on to your current SIM card (some phones allow for multiple SIM cards)

• you must purchase one per device

A pocket Wi-Fi is a portable wireless router that uses a SIM card to connect to a cellular network. Any device with Wi-Fi connectivity can connect to it using the listed password. Depending on the model up to 10 devices may be connected at a time. 

Pocket Wi-Fi pros:

• You can connect multiple devices.

• Data is unlimited. **Depending on your plan, your Wi-Fi speed may be throttled after a certain amount of usage.**

• A power bank is included with the Pocket Wi-FI.

Pocket Wi-Fi cons:

• The pocket Wi-Fi must be in range of your devices and charged daily. 

• Device must be returned to company (airport or post office box).