Nomad, launched in 2020 by software company LotusFlare, has grown into one of the more established travel eSIMs, with several million users and coverage across 200+ destinations. It has earned its reputation by pairing competitive pricing with a clean, genuinely easy app.
It sits comfortably in the middle of the market — not the cheapest, not the priciest, but consistently good value. Here is our take, based on published plans and buyer feedback, on what Nomad does well and where it lands.
Coverage & Plans
Nomad offers local, regional and global plans across 200+ destinations, structured mostly as fixed-data bundles ranging from around 1GB up to very large 90GB allowances. In Europe, its regional plan automatically switches between local carriers to hold the best signal. A particularly handy touch is the option to buy a smaller bundle of countries within some regions, rather than paying for a whole continent.
Unlimited plans are available in some locations, but they are not truly uncapped: you get a daily high-speed allowance (around 2GB), after which speeds are throttled for the rest of the plan. For most travellers, a fixed bundle is the better-value choice.
Pricing, Perks & Free Trial
Nomad is priced similarly to top competitors and is frequently good value, especially on regional plans. New users can claim a free 1GB, 3-day trial across roughly 49 destinations — a genuinely low-risk way to test the network before committing. Regular travellers also benefit from loyalty extras: a "Weekly Wins" rewards programme, referral credit, a student discount, and credit back on spending.
App & Setup
The app is one of Nomad's real strengths — clean, intuitive, and quick to set up and top up without reinstalling anything. You can install a plan ahead of travel and activate it on arrival, and hotspot/tethering is supported on both iPhone and Android, which is useful for light laptop work or sharing with a travel companion. Note that plans must be activated within 60 days of purchase.
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Drawbacks
- Data-only — no local number or traditional calls and SMS.
- Reaching a live support agent can be slow, routed first through a chatbot and triage questions.
- Some 2026 user reviews report occasional network issues, notably in Japan.
- As always, in-country speeds depend on the local network partner, especially in rural areas.
Who It's For
Nomad is a strong pick for occasional travellers, short trips and business travellers who value a polished app, flexible plan choices and easy top-ups over hunting for the absolute cheapest local SIM. Heavy streamers who want truly uncapped data will be better served by an unlimited-focused provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nomad is a solid option for travelers who want data abroad without swapping physical SIMs or paying roaming fees. As with any eSIM, the right choice depends on your destination, how much data you need, and whether you want unlimited data or pay-per-GB plans. Always check that your phone is eSIM-compatible and unlocked first.
About the author
SK Kutubuddin · Founder & Editor
The founder and editor of Travel and Time. An aeronautical engineer with close to two decades in aviation, I build the site’s flight, distance, and trip-planning tools myself and check every figure before it goes live. I write from Kolkata, India.
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