There’s nothing worse than landing in a new country, waiting to get off the plane and realizing that until you connect to Wi-Fi (or splurge for steep international data rates from your phone carrier), you’re basically unreachable. Not only can you not let your loved ones know you made it, but you can’t check updates on a connecting flight, hail a ride or pull up emails with important trip details.
But there’s one very simple, affordable solution: a single eSIM you install on your phone once, which you can turn on and off as needed while traveling. This tech-forward solution saves travelers both money and stress when they need data abroad.
With Maya eSIM, travelers can access unlimited data in more than 165 countries (and across 20 cruise lines) with one easy download and no SIM card swapping. Better yet, Maya is giving TPG readers their first 3-day unlimited plan (valued at $9.99) for free with code TPGFREE.*
What is an eSIM and why do travelers need one?
Unlike a physical SIM card, digital SIMs are built into the phone and can be activated as needed without swapping hardware. It’s a great way to avoid your carrier's hefty international fees and the hassle of buying a physical SIM card on arrival. A great eSIM also works in multiple countries, so with one download and a solid plan, you can stay connected in places like Europe, for example, where you might visit multiple countries in one trip.
How a Maya eSIM works is beyond simple. You purchase a plan through the Maya app or website, follow the two-minute installation steps, and when you land, turn on the Maya eSIM for an immediate connection. (Don’t forget to text your mom you made it!)
An eSIM also works alongside your existing SIM, so your regular phone service stays intact. These days, eSIMs are increasingly the standard for frequent travelers jetting off abroad, thanks to their affordable rates and easy setup.
What to look for in a travel eSIM
There are many eSIM options available, but not all are created equal. A quality eSIM, though, should be easy to purchase and install, offer unlimited data plans (you’d be shocked how quickly scrolling videos can drain your data) and work across multiple countries. You’ll also want to pick a company that offers clear installation and activation guides, as well as customer service in case any issues arise. Maya’s eSIM checks all of those boxes, whether you’re island-hopping in the Caribbean or eating your way around Japan.
But beyond the basics, you’ll want to look a bit further and make sure your eSIM can do more. Digital nomads, for example, might want a service that lets them share their data via a laptop hotspot. A family traveling together might want one person to control the account, while cruisers will want to find a service that offers plans compatible with their cruise line.
Once again, Maya covers all of the above.
Why Maya Mobile is the smartest way to stay connected
Say you’ve just spent 10 hours on a flight from Houston to Paris for a month-long trip around Europe. The moment you’re allowed to turn your phone on, you’re already set up and connected. BAM! Texts come in, texts go out, and you even video call your dog. While waiting to deboard, you catch up on TikToks, upload a photo from your flight and do a quick search to find a café by the hotel in case your room isn’t ready. It’s easy peasy, and for $49.99, you get an entire month of coverage, which is a significant saving compared to $10 per day with your home carrier.
And it just keeps working. From Paris, you take the train to Amsterdam, crossing through Belgium, and your unlimited service continues uninterrupted. In Amsterdam, you use your phone as a hotspot for your laptop to get ahead on planning your next vacation and realize that whether you go to Egypt or New Zealand, your Maya eSIM already has you connected.
Unlimited data, minimal cost
Besides its practical uses, Maya Mobile’s eSIMs are hard to beat on pricing. Plans start as low as $1.67 per day and are available in 3-day, 7-day, 14-day and 30-day increments. So for just $9.99, you can have unlimited data for a weekend trip to that all-inclusive resort in Mexico or pay $49.99 to be covered for an entire month.
Starting at $49.99 for three days, Maya eSIM covers both onboard and at-port destinations, providing connectivity beyond the ship's Wi-Fi network.
Bottom line
Whether you’re on a quick girls' trip out of the country or a digital nomad traveling the globe, an eSIM is the simplest way to stay connected. Maya Mobile’s eSIMs are affordable, easy to install, convenient and offer unlimited data across more than 165 countries. It also offers next-level features like hotspot and cruise connectivity, adding further value for travelers who need more than just basic data. Give it a go on your next trip by signing up for Maya via the app or website and using code TPGFREE for a free 3-day plan.*
*Limited to 1,000 coupons or coupon end date Oct. 1, 2026.
