Why your choice of travel eSIM matters
Staying online while you travel is easier than ever with travel eSIMs. You can land, scan a QR code, and be connected in minutes - no hunting for local SIM cards or dealing with language barriers at airport kiosks.
Revolut eSIMs are popular because they are built into the Revolut app and feel very convenient. But that convenience often comes with higher prices, rigid plans, and fewer options than specialist travel eSIM providers. Taking a few minutes to compare plans can save you money and frustration on your trip.
1. Plan length and flexibility
Revolut eSIMs often lock you into fixed durations, such as 7 or 30 days. That sounds simple, but it can be wasteful if your trip is shorter or longer than the preset options. You might pay for days you do not use, or end up buying a second plan mid-trip.
Imagine a 10 day city break. If Revolut only offers 7 or 15 days, you either overpay for 15 days or risk running out of coverage after a week. Many specialist providers offer more flexible durations, like 5, 10, or even custom day counts, so you can match your plan to your itinerary more closely.
2. Price per GB and data allowances
Revolut is usually more expensive per GB than many travel eSIM competitors. The headline price might look fine, but when you divide the cost by the data and days, frequent data users often pay a clear premium. Top ups inside the app are convenient, but they often keep the same high per GB rate.
We found that a 7 day eSIM with 10GB to the US with Revolut was £19.50 while there were plenty of options for less than £8!
3. Coverage across countries and regions
Revolut offers some regional eSIMs, but the selection is narrower than what you get from dedicated travel eSIM providers. If you are visiting several countries, or heading to less common destinations, you may find Revolut does not have a plan that covers your full route.
For example, a backpacker doing a month across multiple Asian countries might need to juggle several single country Revolut plans. A regional plan from another provider could cover the whole trip with one eSIM, often at a lower total cost and with less hassle switching plans as you cross borders.
4. Convenience vs value - finding the right balance
The main reason people choose Revolut eSIMs is convenience. Setup is fast, everything sits inside the Revolut app, and you can sometimes pay with reward points. If you are on a short business trip and your company is covering the bill, that simplicity might be worth the extra cost.
But if you are travelling for longer, watching your budget, or using a lot of data for navigation, social media, and streaming, that premium adds up quickly. In those cases, Revolut is better seen as a backup option rather than your first choice. A few minutes of research can easily cut your data bill while giving you more suitable plan options.
At RoamCompare you can see live prices from over 20 providers, ranked by a transparent recommendation engine that highlights the best value first. You also get access to FAQs, guides, and how tos focused only on eSIMs, which makes it easier for first time users to set things up with confidence.
Choosing with confidence
Revolut eSIMs can work well if you value pure convenience and do not mind paying a premium. But for most travellers, especially those watching costs or using lots of data, there are usually better options with more flexible durations, broader coverage, and smarter data allowances.
By checking trip length, data needs, coverage, and price per GB - and comparing plans at RoamCompare before you buy - you can pick an eSIM that fits your travel style instead of squeezing your trip into a rigid, expensive package. That means you stay connected, avoid bill shock, and travel with one less thing to worry about.