Resources

The Best eSIM for Japan: What Actually Works in 2026

Landing in Tokyo without data is stressful to say the least, you need to figure out which train line goes from Narita to your hotel, if you should take a taxi, and sometimes even use your translator depending on who you meet once you land. Google Maps doesn't always work since Japanese addresses make zero sense if you're not from there. Plus you will probably want to set up digital Suica immediately so you can just tap your phone on every train turnstile instead of dealing with paper tickets- If you've never been to Japan, that's one of the most important things to do immediately upon getting there. This is where an eSIM makes your life so much easier and there are some where you can install it before you leave, land in Japan, and you're online the second you clear customs. No standing in line at the airport SIM card kiosk. Not trying to explain your data needs to someone when you're jet-lagged and can barely form sentences and not missing your train because you spent 20 minutes buying a local SIM at a kiosk right as you land. But here's what most articles about Japan eSIMs don't tell you - Japan's network coverage is weird. Tokyo and Osaka? Perfect signal everywhere. Kyoto temples up in the mountains? Depends which network your eSIM uses. Hokkaido ski resorts? Some networks work great, others completely fail. Remote islands in Okinawa? Good luck. I've tested different eSIMs across Japan over multiple trips. Here's what to actually consider and which ones work for which destinations.

Luke Damant 18 March 2026

The Best eSIM for Europe: What Actually Works in 2026

Traveling through Europe without a solid data plan is honestly just asking for trouble. You're standing in Paris trying to figure out which metro line goes to your Airbnb. Or you're in Rome and Google Maps decides to stop working right when you need it most. Or you're trying to book tickets to that museum in Amsterdam and the WiFi at your hostel is garbage. This is where an eSIM saves you. No hunting for SIM card shops at the airport. No dealing with language barriers trying to buy a local plan. No surprise roaming charges from your home carrier that hit you a month later. Just scan a QR code before you leave, land in Europe, and you're online immediately. But here's the thing - not all eSIMs for Europe are created equal. Some are way overpriced. Some have terrible coverage in smaller countries. Some throttle your speed after a few GB without telling you. Some work great in France and Germany but completely fail when you cross into Poland or Croatia. I've tested a bunch of them across different European countries over the last year. Here's what actually matters and which ones are worth your money.

Luke Damant 17 March 2026

Globie vs Nomad: Which Budget eSIM Is Actually Better?

Nomad's been around since 2020 and has built up a pretty solid reputation based off of reliability and time in the market whereas Globie is newer and pricing way more aggressively in the regions most people actually travel to. Both are trying to undercut the expensive options and both work great in terms of coverage and speed. So which one makes more sense for your next trip? I've tested both across different countries and the answer isn't as straightforward as you might expect when comparing other companies. There's no clear winner here and it depends entirely on what matters more to you and where you're going. Let me break it down for you.

Luke Damant 13 March 2026

Globie vs Saily: Which eSIM Actually Makes Sense?

Both of these are trying to be the cheaper alternative to the old expensive eSIMs everyone complains about. Both work well in Europe and Asia and both are way cheaper than paying roaming fees to your regular carrier. So which one should you actually go for? I've used both on different trips and honestly the answer depends on what you care about most. This isn't one of those "they're both great!" comparisons where I don't actually tell you which to pick, there are real differences and they matter depending on where you're going and what you need.

Luke Damant 11 March 2026

How to Fix "SOS Only" on iPhone: What Actually Works

Everything you need to know to get your iPhone reconnected, from quick 30-second fixes to preventing it when you travel.

Luke Damant 09 March 2026

Globie vs. Airalo, Which eSIM Is Better?

This comparison looks at an established provider and a traveler-founded challenger, focusing on price, global coverage, and how simple activation is on your phone. Airalo has been around since 2019 and has 10 million+ users, coverage in 200+ countries via local network partnerships, and a loyalty cashback program for repeat customers. Globie is the latest addition to the space: a leaner product built by avid travelers who took matters into their own hands after finding existing eSIMs too expensive and oftentimes frustrating to use. Creative director Luke Damant has been open about the specific frustrations naming high prices and poor UX which pushed the team to build their own alternative.

Luke Damant 06 March 2026

What is A Digital Nomad?

Luke Damant 02 March 2026

How to Travel Southeast Asia for 6 Months: The Complete Guide

Most countries will either let you in for free or you just get a visa when you land. It's not like applying for a Schengen visa or dealing with US immigration or whatever. But the key thing, and this is what trips people up, is understanding how long you actually get in each place and what happens when that time runs out. Because it will run out if you're doing 6 months.

Luke Damant 27 February 2026

Travel Like Bourdain: The 6 Best Food Destinations for Travel

Globie Team 18 February 2026