Nomad eSIM – prepaid data for travellers

Picture it. You arrive in beautiful Amsterdam, and you need to find your way to your hotel. Roaming isn’t an option because you know you’ll face a massive phone bill when you get home, and it’s not like there’s free WiFI in the streets that you can hook up to. You can’t find a cellular shop to buy a local SIM card, and you know that it might end up being fairly costly. What do you do? You get seamless connectivity in Amsterdam with the Nomad eSIM. The Nomad eSIM helps you stay connected without exorbitant roaming or data fees, and without those annoying hunts for free WiFi hotspots.

I (Tanya) gave the Nomad eSIM a spin in Amsterdam, and switched off my cellular data and WiFi. I used the Nomad eSIM on bike, boat and train, while running along the Amstel just outside of the city, at work and in shops and restaurants. Like most people, I need constant connectivity, whether for Maps, podcasts, WhatsApp or Google (and Pokemon Go, admittedly), so it was essential to have reliable and consistent access to the internet. I’m also used to fast connectivity – my phone’s internet speed is around 200 Mbps, so I’ve gotten used to no lags, and being able to seamlessly stream everything from The Tour de France to baking series.

In this post, I delve more into the Nomad eSIM, from setup to coverage, and whether it allowed me to experience the Dutch capital as I’m used to – and catch Pokemons! Good to know: This year, Techradar named Nomad the best eSIM for value and money.

Redeem our exclusive Nomad discount code ‘AMSTERDAM5%’ on any plan and destination with your next purchase.

What is an eSIM?

eSIM stands for embedded SIM and allows you to get connected anywhere, anytime. It works like a traditional SIM card, except without a need for the physical card. As long as your device is compatible, you’ll be able to use an eSIM. The eSIM technology offers a convenient and flexible way to stay connected, especially for frequent travellers and those who travel between different countries.

How to get and set up a Nomad eSIM

Simply go to Nomad web store or download the Nomad app on the App Store or Google Play by searching for Nomad eSIM. Select your destination and the plan size that best suits your needs. After checkout, and you’ll receive the eSIM QR code in your email and your Nomad account.

It is highly recommended to get your Nomad eSIM before your trip and install it before your departure – you’ll need WiFi for this.

Many Nomad eSIMs will provide automatic connectivity upon arrival, allowing you to access data as soon as you land. In the event that the Nomad eSIM you bought requires manual activation, you can connect to the airport Wi-Fi and tap the “Start/Activate” button, or you can tap the “Start/Activate” button just before your flight.

About the Nomad eSIM

• Nomad offers data-only eSIMS for 170 countries, with prices starting from $0.98 per GB with high-speed data.
• You can choose from a variety of affordable data plans tailored to different durations and data needs. In the Netherlands for example, you can choose between 3GB, 5GB, 10GB and 30GB, all valid for 30 days. For users who don’t know how much data they need, Nomad also has “Day Plans”, which offer a specific amount of data per day at high speed (e.g. 1 GB per day) and then unlimited data thereafter at a throttled speed (512kbps, which is usually higher than what others provide).
• You can track your usage on a useful dashboard on the app.
• Nomad tries to provide more than 1 local network provider in every country so users always have options to connect in case coverage is bad in different locations
• Nomad says their mission is to “democratise data” and to make global roaming as affordable as possible, without skimping on the quality of the connection. They have connectivity partners around the world, enabling them to offer data that is 20% – 40% cheaper than the competition in many countries.
• Nomad offers a referral programme where users can share their referral code with friends and family up to five times. Referees receive a 25% discount on their first order at Nomad, while referrers earn a 25% discount for each successful referral (up to five times).
• In addition, Nomad has a loyalty programme where users can earn Nomad Points with each purchase.
• There are no hidden costs with Nomad. You only pay upfront for the data package you need and Nomad doesn’t charge a SIM or connection fee.

The coverage of Nomads in Europe is huge. You can get their service in 35 European countries. The table below provides a list of the countries:

TIP: We advise as the best choice to go for the Nomad Europe regional plan if you travel more then one country.

Cautionary tips

• Before you buy a Nomad eSIM, ensure that your phone is compatible with it. You can check the list of compatible devices here.
• Keep an eye on your data usage through the Nomad app to avoid running out of data unexpectedly.
• You can’t transfer your eSIM between devices. Once you’ve installed and started an eSIM on a device, you wouldn’t be able to install it on another device.
• You won’t get a Dutch number with your eSIM, but you’ll still be able to take and make calls on your usual number.

My thoughts

Firstly, the setup was a breeze. I typically leave cellphone and travel admin to my partner, but I wanted to set up my eSIM on my own, and within five minutes, I was connected. It really is that simple. Nomad gives you step-by-step instructions, and if you get stuck, there are troubleshooting tips on their website, and 24/7 support if you need it.

With the eSIM I was able to get around the city as if I was a tourist without needing to rely on WiFi, and most times, I didn’t even remember that I wasn’t on my usual network.
I did occasionally notice that videos loaded a bit slower than what I was used to, but not enough to get frustrated by. Pokemon loaded and worked as usual, and Maps and my social networks also functioned perfectly. The app has a great interface and is easy to use, and I enjoyed being able to check my data usage with just two clicks.

I’d happily recommend it to anyone travelling looking for set packages with a certain amount of GBs, rather than paying more for unlimited data and not using a lot. There’s also peace of mind that you can easily top up if necessary.

Frequently asked questions about Nomad eSIMs

How do I install the Nomad eSIM?
The recommended way to install your eSIM is through the QR code provided via in-app instructions and email when you sign up.
a. On iOS: Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add Cellular Plan (or Add Data Plan), then scan the QR code
b. On Android (Google Pixel): Go to Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs > Add More> Download a SIM instead, and then scan the QR code
c. On Android (Samsung): Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Card Manager > Add Mobile Plan > Scan QR code.

Remember to turn “Data Roaming” on to start using your data!

Is my device compatible?
Refer to this list of e-SIM-compatible devices.

How much data do I need?
How much data you require depends on your usage patterns. If you are unsure which plan to purchase, you can try this handy data calculator to help you find a suitable plan from three simple questions.

What if I run out of data?
You will get a notification when your data is running low OR when your plan is about to expire. Most of the plans have add-ons available. If you run out of data, simply purchase an add-on plan from our shop to top up your data volume. The additional data will be tied to the main eSIM.

Can I tether using Nomad’s eSIM?
Yes, Nomad’s eSIMs support tethering / hotspot.

How much does the Nomad eSIM cost?
Prices depend on your destination and the amount of data you require. Find and buy your prepaid eSIM here.