Who and what is Nomad?

Nomad is a travel eSIM marketplace provider that aims to reduce the pain points of getting online when traveling overseas. There’s surprisingly little on Nomad’s official site as to the details of where, when and why of their launch, but after some digging on their parent company’s site, they say that “Nomad was developed with the idea of making travel fun and easy, allowing users to control costs by providing data connectivity at near-local rates anywhere in the world.” In this Nomad eSIM review, we will evaluate and offer our opinion on just how successful they’ve been in doing that.

What is an eSIM? 

Let’s first dig into what an eSIM actually is for those not yet in the know. To put it simply, it’s a digital/electronic version of a SIM card that, instead of being a small or tiny physical card, is now embedded in your phone (the e in eSIM also stands for embedded). If you want to learn more, we dive deep and explain it all on our “What is an eSIM” page.

In the past, if you wanted to travel to a different country and get online, you’d have 2 options: 

1. Suffer very costly roaming fees from your home network.
2. Sign up to a plan from a local shop for a physical SIM. 

What’s great about the integration of eSIMs is that these pain points are now a thing of the past with the advent of brands like Nomad, Airalo and many more. You can now shop for SIM plans from your device via apps before you even arrive in your next country and even better, get online quickly and easily once you do.

How does Nomad work?

Nomad is an app that you’ll need to download to your device. Once you have downloaded the app, you’ll gain access to an online store offering local phone carrier plans for over 170 regions and countries.

The Nomad eSIM setup process

Your setup process is an easy 7 steps.

1. Download the Nomad app to your phone via the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android).
2. Find the country, region or even global plan that you’re looking for.
3. Browse the plans available, they will vary based on data amounts and validity duration.
4. Confirm the plan details.
5. Buy your eSIM.
6. Install your eSIM.
7. Ensure all settings are correct.

Is my phone compatible with Nomad?

Before you make a purchase, you’ll need to check whether you’re able to use Nomad on your phone, for that you’ll need a phone that’s…

1. Able to download apps.
2. Unlocked.
3. Dual SIM compatible (most phones with eSIM functionality will be).
4. eSIM compatible.

Most mid or high end phones launched in the past few years should be eSIM compatible. Not sure whether yours is? Check our eSIM compatibility page for more information.

Is Nomad easy to use?

We find Nomad to be one of the easier travel eSIM providers to use. It’s generally pretty self explanatory, though this will always depend on your general familiarity with tech, apps etc. If you are having trouble with how to get Nomad, purchase it and activate your eSIM, we have a helpful step by step eSIM setup guide of how it generally works. Although the guide refers to setting up on Airalo, the concepts are definitely applicable to Nomad too.

Registration on the app is simple and you have the option to sign up via Facebook, Apple or Google to expedite the process if you don’t wish to enter your details manually. We used Google and found it to work smoothly. Overall we think the app is clean and modern, but we do think it could be simplified a little more, especially when compared with two of our favorites, the apps from Airalo and aloSIM, that deliver with a simple list of countries on their main store page. Let us show you what we mean.

Data Tab: On Nomad, the store tab that lists countries and regions is actually called “Data”, which isn’t the clearest to us. Once you tap on it, the data is presented to you in a somewhat confusing way, with the top of the page showing big blocks of information and options, instead of jumping straight into what you’re likely looking for: a list of available countries and regions. For that you need to scroll to the bottom of the page. There is at least a search function at the top to help you find specific locations though.

And here’s the search page and the bottom of the data tab. Can we just get countries listed in alphabetical order throughout please Nomad?

SMS Tab: Your next tab option is SMS. The feature itself is a bit of an odd one to us, but more on that later. If you purchase an SMS plan (currently only available in Canada and the US), it essentially allows you to send SMS from that virtual number via the Nomad app. 

Manage Tab: The next section is Manage, where you’ll be able to view all of your current and expired plans and their various details, including data usage, days remaining on the plan and additional information such as networks available to use, 4G or 5G and more.

Explore Tab: This tab offers you up a traveler group via Telegram and is supposed to have a database of local businesses, but we have to say that we’re yet to see any businesses in any country so far. This feels a bit unfinished and maybe a bit unnecessary? 

Profile Tab: No surprises here. You’re able to edit your profile, get help, change settings, view history, find your referral code and check your Nomad loyalty points – “Nomad Points”.

Finally, like other eSIM apps, you’re going to get a notification when your plan is running low. 

Are Nomad eSIMs easy to install? 

Installing a Nomad eSIM is most simple when using the the direct install option provided in the app. There are 3 main ways to install an eSIM:

1. Directly within the app: Once the eSIM has been purchased, simply select the install option from within your app and follow the prompts on the app.
2. QR Code: Ensure you have a second screen to display a QR code, scan it from your phone’s camera and you’re on your way.
3. Manual: Manually inputting the plan’s settings. Not the most efficient option.

We would always recommend you to choose to install the eSIM directly from the app as it walks you through step by step:

What countries can you use Nomad eSIM?

Nomad is available in 200+ countries and regions worldwide at the time of writing, so there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to be able to get an eSIM plan at a reasonable price wherever you are in the world.

Nomad’s eSIMs are available in the following options: 

• Global: A plan that works “globally” which is actually 136 countries. We’ll jump into pricing just down below, but this one is for the real globe traveling nomads, as it is generally more expensive.

• Regional: The regional plans are split into different parts of the world, usually by continent or a combination of different countries. For example, there’s an option for Europe, Africa, APAC, North America etc, but also plans for country combinations like: China/Japan/Korea or Italy/France/Germany and many more. Again, these plans are usually a bit more expensive than buying for an individual country, so really best suited for those traveling around quite a bit.

• Local eSIMs: Put simply, these are for individual countries. These plans usually offer the best value if you know roughly how much data you’ll use and are definitely the best option for those traveling to one country only. 

Price Comparison – 3 GB of data: Local eSIM vs Regional eSIM vs Global eSIM

One of the main pros of Nomad is that it always seems to have multiple carriers to choose from in every country, so if one network is particularly slow or has bad signal (more on that later), you can simply switch to another.

How much does Nomad eSIM cost?

There are a lot of factors that contribute to how much you’re going to pay for a Nomad eSIM. We’ll break down what they are and how to navigate them right here so you can make the right decision for you. We think there are a few main factors to consider when purchasing your eSIM, they are:

1. Location.
2. Validity.
3. Data Amount.

1a. Location

Firstly, you’ll want to consider where you want your eSIM to work. If you’re traveling to one location only, this is an easy decision. If you’re heading to a few places, you’ll need to compare country vs regional plans. 

1b. Regional/Global plans vs Country plans

As we covered, the cost of data for regional or global plans is quite a bit more than a country plan, so we think it’s worth buying a plan for each country you go to if (and it’s a big if) you are fairly confident that you will use all of the data during your time in that country. If you don’t and leave any data unused, your price per GB of data will increase, possibly to the same price of the regional eSIM anyway. 

2. Validity

This is fairly self explanatory, just make sure your plan lasts for the duration of your trip if possible. Plans generally last for 7 days on the lower end of data amounts and 30 days for mid and high data plans.

3. Data amount 

This is probably your biggest decision. The cost per GB of data decreases quite substantially the more GB you purchase. For example, we’ve seen plenty of 3 GB plans in Europe come in at $2.67 per GB, but a 20 GB plan in the UK, is only $1.05 per GB, a pretty substantial saving. 

Now that $1.05 per GB is only actually going to stay at that price if you use all 20 GB. If you purchase a 20 GB plan and don’t use all of the data, perhaps you use 15GB, your total cost per GB will be split by 15, rather than 20 and your price per GB and potentially overall spend is going to be higher. 

On the flip side, make sure you think about how much data you plan to use. We’ve tried to go for the cheaper actual spend options a few times, burned through our data using Maps, jumping on calls etc and had to purchase another plan at $2.67 per GB. A costly error!

How much data will I need?

It’s difficult to estimate data usage as it will generally vary from person to person and depend on app usage. From our research of various other sources, we think that you’re approximately looking at:

At TEE we live online so when in doubt, we do tend to go for higher data packages – better safe than sorry!

Of course how much Nomad costs really comes down to what country you’re going to so lets dig into the numbers of a selection of countries. Remember, Nomad eSIMs are mostly data only, no SMS or calls.

Let’s compare these prices against their competition in all of these countries in this live and interactive table, updated daily.

As you can see from the pricing comparisons above, Nomad pricing is a bit of a mixed bag. Whether Nomad is cheaper or more expensive than other options will really come down to what exactly you’re looking for. 

In the UK, France and generally around Europe, we find Nomad to be quite good value and can be cheaper than other travel eSIM providers like Airalo and AloSIM, but there are exceptions, particularly if you’re only looking for 1 GB of data. 

We were quite surprised to see that in Japan, Nomad is actually one of the more expensive options versus almost all other travel eSIM providers. 

Globally and regionally, there tends to be less variation in pricing and Nomad is right there in line with the other major eSIM providers.

All in all we think Nomad usually offers good value for money. In our analysis, we’ve considered several key factors affecting the cost of Nomad eSIM plans, including location, validity and data amount. Our research shows that Nomad frequently offers lower pricing compared to many leading and reliable eSIM providers, including Airalo. This is a big advantage when you consider Nomad’s offering of a wide selection of networks, ensuring users not only get to enjoy lower prices, but also enjoy amongst the best signal quality and speeds available.

To get the best bang for your buck, it’s crucial that you select their data plans based on your actual data usage to maximize value however. Opting for larger data packages can lead to significant savings per GB, though purchasing more than one’s needs can reduce cost-effectiveness.

Check out our cheapest eSIMs page if you’re interested in finding the absolute cheapest travel eSIMs available.

Nomad eSIM discount

Nomad does run coupon codes and we have 15% off with our exclusive TRAVELESIMEXPERT code. For more information, check our Nomad Promo Code page. 

What is Nomad eSIM’s signal reception like? Is Nomad fast?

We have generally found Nomad’s signal and speeds to be decent, however there are many factors influencing both so it’s impossible to say definitively. That includes: 

1. 4G or 5G plan: 5G plans can offer better signal and should offer better speeds too. Nomad’s plans are a mixture of 4G and 5G.
2. Location: The strength of your signal will also be impacted by your location, this will impact speed too. 
3. Other Variables: Network congestion and even speed throttling (slowing down) can also impact your speed. 

Fortunately we’ve used Nomad in a number of different countries around the world and can report our findings in our regular performance summary below:

The Good:

• Speed: Fast.
• Signal: Very good. We’ve been all over Portugal including to some remote parts of the country such as the Alentejo region. It rarely lost signal and if it did, you always had 2 other networks to choose from.

• Speed: Fast.
• Signal: Very good. Nomad gives you the option of using Vodafone on 5G which we’ve found to be great in and around the cities especially, with performance outside of the cities also mostly strong. Like Portugal, you also have a number of networks to choose from if Vodafone isn’t working for you.

• Speed: Fast.
• Signal: Very good. We have traveled around a few different Emirates and explored some remote areas on road trips and always had strong signal with Nomad. The UAE only has 2 main networks and Nomad uses Etisalat. Side note, while Airalo requires extra identification to ensure that you are not a UAE citizen purchasing an eSIM, Nomad does not. That’s a win for Nomad.

The Average:

• Speed: Decent.
• Signal: Decent. We have experienced quite a mixed bag in terms of reception in the USA. Generally it’s been at least reasonable, but like most providers we’ve tried, it can get a bit frustrating when downtown in major cities.

What is Nomad’s loyalty scheme like and how does it work?

At TEE, we use travel eSIM apps all the time so we love to see a loyalty scheme so that we can get a little bit back for our money. The good news here is that Nomad does offer a loyalty scheme, the not so good news is that it’s explained in a pretty confusing way. Allow us to interpret and reword the information they provide…

You can earn rewards with every purchase through Nomad’s loyalty program. For every $5 spent, you’ll receive 25 points, which is equivalent to $0.25 in value. The system rounds your spend down to the nearest $5 increment. This means whether you spend $11 or $14, you’ll earn the same points as a $10 purchase. Similarly spending between $16 and $19 gives you the same points as a $15 spend.

Ultimately, this means that you’ll get 5% of the nearest $5 total value of your order back to use against future orders. This is good to have but unfortunately doesn’t match up to Airalo’s market leading offering which starts at 5% cashback and, as you make purchases and level up on status, goes all the way up to 10%. 

What is Nomad’s customer service like?

We’ve been around eSIMs long enough to know that sometimes things don’t work or things are delayed due to a multitude of potential problems. Usually things do solve themselves, but sometimes you just need to speak to someone. 

We haven’t had any issues with Nomad, especially when compared to some of the lesser known providers, but we have asked smaller questions here and there.

Here we’ll break down Nomad’s customer service:

• Forms of communication: The only way to actually speak to Nomad is via a ticketing customer support interface, accessible via the app and also duplicated via email. The system allows you to relate your query to a specific order, which is useful, but restricts your message to 1000 characters, not so useful. Before you get to that stage however, there are FAQs which may be able to answer your question. 

• Response time: We’ve found response times to generally be pretty quick throughout various times of the day. We tested this recently with a niche albeit simple question and their response time was pretty solid; we received an answer after 29 minutes, a very reasonable time.

• Answers and problem solving: We were definitely happy with our responses. Our questions were answered thoroughly and decisively. We didn’t feel that they used pre-written responses.

What do other Nomad users think? Nomad reviews on Reddit and elsewhere

User reviews online can be a very mixed bag, case in point Airalo scoring 2.4 on TrustPiot but 4.7 on the Apple App Store. However, Nomad’s reviews are actually pretty positive all round. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key platforms where you’d expect to see Nomad reviewed: 

• iOS App Store: 4.8/5

• Google Play Store: 4/5/5

• TrustPilot: 4.4/5

We find that sometimes review sites can skew massively to 1 or 5 star ratings so it can be an idea to also get a feel for user feedback around the internet. Reddit is usually a solid user source so here is a breakdown of the reviews:

General sentiment: 

Pros:

• Speed. 
• Signal.
• Ease of setup and activation.

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than other providers.
• Local physical SIM cards from shops can be cheaper.

Frequently asked questions

How safe is Nomad eSIM?

In our experience Nomad has been perfectly safe to use in terms of payment, privacy and more. An eSIM like Nomad does have full access to your data habits, but all SIM plans do. Whilst you do have to register for Nomad, you don’t have to provide your passport details, ID card etc, which you sometimes do when buying a local plan.

Is Nomad eSIM trustable?

We have had nothing but good experiences with Nomad so far. No issues with billing, customer service or mobile service. Nomad is one of the biggest and most respected travel eSIM providers at the moment, we would happily recommend them.

Can I use WhatsApp with Nomad eSIMs?

You can use Whatsapp with Nomad. You can continue to use your existing number on Whatsapp, but Nomad will provide the data to get you online. We would highly recommend using Whatsapp around the world too, a lot of business gets done on the platform! 

Which is better, Nomad or Airalo?

Both Nomad and Airalo are great travel eSIM providers so either way, you will likely have good service. We think it’ll come down to whichever country or region you’re heading to. Make sure you check out our country guides for more information.

Does Nomad give you a phone number?

Most Nomad plans do not come with a phone number and don’t allow you to make phone calls. You will be restricted to Internet calling VOIP services like Facetime, Whatsapp, Google and many more.

What countries do Nomad eSIMs cover?

Nomad covers over 170+ countries and regions.

Can Nomad eSIM be used as hotspot?

Nomad says that whether their eSIM plans are hotspot compatible or not is carrier dependent. We have tried Nomad in 5+ countries so far and have found that hotspot does work. Check out our country guides to find out more. 

Is Nomad legit?

In a word, yes. Nomad is a legit service that offers travel eSIMs around the world. We have used it extensively and have never had any issues. Positive reviews on the Apple app store (4.8), Google Play Store (4.5) and TrustPilot (4.4) support this.

Does Nomad eSIM include calls?

Most Nomad plans do not include calls, so you’re limited to using VOIP apps to call. Make sure you check out the T&Cs of the individual package you’re interested in to find out for sure.

What are the disadvantages of Nomad eSIMs?

We’re scraping the barrel here a little, but the main disadvantages of Nomad eSIMs would be applicable for many other providers too. They are: No Unlimited data options, no phone calls are included in most plans and you need an eSIM compatible phone.

How do I avoid roaming charges on Nomad eSIM?

Simple, once you’ve arrived at your destination and have activated your Nomad eSIM, make sure you switch off Data Roaming on your home carrier plan. Here’s an example of how to do this on iOS:

Can Nomad eSIMs receive SMS?

Most Nomad eSIM plans do not come with a phone number and therefore won’t be able to receive SMS overseas. However, you may still be able to receive SMS from your home country’s phone plan.