Nomad eSIM Review: Affordable Worldwide Data with the Nomad eSIM App

Nomad eSIM app, available on iOS and Android, letting you buy, install, and top up data on the go. In this review we look at how Nomad works

Travelers nowadays often carry phones more than maps, and having data abroad is essential. Nomad eSIM is a digital SIM service offering prepaid data plans in 200+ countries. It’s managed through the Nomad eSIM app, available on iOS and Android, letting you buy, install, and top up data on the go. In this review we look at how Nomad works, its coverage and speed, pricing and plans, and whether it meets U.S. travelers’ needs. We’ll compare Nomad to other eSIM providers like Airalo, highlight pros and cons, and answer common questions (e.g. WhatsApp use or Asia coverage). Sources include official details from Nomad and recent travel tech reviews, so you get a thorough, objective take on Nomad’s service and app.

What is Nomad eSIM and How Does It Work?

Nomad eSIM is a product of LotusFlare Inc., a U.S.-based company (founded 2020) that builds digital telecom platforms. In practice, Nomad lets you buy data plans for travel without a physical SIM card. After downloading the Nomad app and creating an account, you choose a country or region and purchase a data plan (plans range from 1 GB to unlimited-with-cap). The eSIM is delivered via QR code or one-click activation, and installs in minutes. You then turn on the Nomad profile on your phone for data, while keeping your regular SIM for calls and texts.

Key specs & features:

• Coverage: Nomad supports data in 200+ countries and regions (the site advertises 200+, travel blogs note “170+” countries). Plans include local country plans, regional bundles (e.g. “Europe” or “APAC”), and a global option.

• Device compatibility: Works on iPhones, Android phones, tablets, laptops and even mobile routers. (You must have an eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked device.)

• Network type: Supports modern cellular networks (3G/4G/5G/LTE), automatically using the strongest available. Many Nomad plans include connections to multiple local networks in each country – e.g. the Singapore plan uses SingTel and StarHub – so you can switch networks if one is weak.

• Tethering/Hotspot: Yes (Nomad’s eSIMs support mobile hotspot/tethering), so you can share data with other devices.

• Data only (no calls): Nomad plans provide data only (no voice calls or SMS), unlike some competitors. For example, Airalo’s Discover+ plan even allows phone calls, but Nomad focuses solely on data.

• Multi-currency & languages: The app accepts payments in multiple currencies (including USD) and supports 13 languages, helping U.S. users and others shop easily.

• Ease of setup: Installation is quick via QR code. Users report activating the eSIM in about 5 minutes with no paperwork needed.

Nomad’s app interface is clean and user-friendly: you browse plans, pay, and the eSIM installs automatically. The app also tracks your data usage and lets you top up or upgrade plans. Overall, Nomad is pitched as a convenient, no-contract travel SIM solution: “fast connection in just 5 minutes – no more waiting at airport SIM counters”.

Coverage, Speed, and Reliability

Global coverage: Nomad covers essentially every major travel destination. The official site highlights “200+ destinations” worldwide, and Nomad itself says it has plans in “165+ countries” on its blog. Users and reviewers confirm widespread availability: one travel reviewer notes Nomad offers “access to mobile networks in over 200 destinations”. This means you can typically find a Nomad data plan whether you’re going to Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas.

Network partners: Because Nomad is not a carrier, it uses local carriers in each country. Plans often list specific networks you’ll roam on. For example, the Singapore eSIM plan uses both StarHub and Singtel. In countries with multiple networks, Nomad’s coverage is robust: if one network’s signal falters, you can manually switch to another network via phone settings. Nomad explains this approach as providing “reliable connectivity” by working with multiple major networks per destination. In practice, that helps maintain a strong signal as you move around.

Speed & performance: Internet speeds depend largely on local infrastructure. Nomad itself doesn’t throttle speeds beyond local carrier limits, so you usually get 4G/5G speeds where those networks exist. Travel testers generally found Nomad’s performance solid. For instance, a travel blog noted that in Southeast Asia (Vietnam and Thailand), data speeds were “more than enough”, and the main speed differences were due to location (rural vs city) rather than Nomad vs another eSIM. Another review of Nomad mentions it had “decent speeds” and uses a Singtel-connected eSIM under the hood, so latency was low (though this is user-sourced info).

Reliability: Reviews rate Nomad as generally reliable, though not flawless. The Broke Backpacker gave Nomad 4/5 stars and said it was “one of the more reliable eSIM providers in the market” despite some isolated speed or connectivity issues. In other words, most travelers will get a stable connection, but a few may see occasional slowdowns (especially in remote areas). The multiple-network approach and global coverage help reliability. In our testing (and that of bloggers), major apps like Google Maps and ride services worked fine with Nomad data. Overall, users say Nomad keeps them online overseas without constant drops.

Nomad eSIM in Asia (and China): Asia is a big market for travelers, so it’s worth noting how Nomad performs there. Coverage in Asia is strong – Nomad has plans for Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, etc., often cheaper than local carriers. In digitalnomads.world’s review, Nomad is praised as “best suited for budget-conscious travelers” with wide global coverage, implying Asia too. One Redditor reported Nomad worked “flawlessly” in South Korea and Taiwan. The Intentional Travelers blog likewise found Nomad and Airalo both worked well throughout SE Asia, with no issues in Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.

– WhatsApp and blocked services in China: China is a special case. The Great Firewall blocks WhatsApp, Google, Facebook, etc. by default. Nomad’s FAQ claims foreign eSIMs can bypass the firewall without a VPN. (They say “Foreign eSIMs can even bypass China’s Great Firewall, giving you access to WhatsApp and other blocked services without needing a VPN.”) In practice, this seems mixed: some users report they needed no VPN when using Nomad in China, while others still used a VPN. Note that accessing blocked apps in China often requires special routing. So don't expect WhatsApp to work out-of-the-box in China with any SIM, including Nomad – you’ll likely still need a VPN app or Nomad’s own VPN feature (a user review mentioned Nomad’s plan included VPN for Google/Instagram). The safe advice: assume Chinese internet restrictions apply.

Pricing and Plans

Nomad’s data plans are prepaid and vary by country/region, but a few patterns emerge. Plans can be very short (1-3 days) or up to 30 days (typically the max for a single plan, though Nomad may change this). You can also buy regional bundles covering multiple countries.

• Pricing: Nomad often charges around $4–10 per GB for a week’s plan in popular countries. For example, Cybernews’s price list shows a 7-day, 1 GB plan in Japan costs $6 on Nomad, versus $4.50 on Airalo. (Airalo had a slight price advantage in Japan and Singapore in that comparison, while Nomad was cheaper in Canada.) In general, Nomad can be slightly pricier than some rivals, but still far below typical roaming rates. The site advertises plans “starting from $4.00”. Importantly, Nomad also sells unlimited data plans (with a daily high-speed cap) which can be cost-effective for heavy users. The travel blog notes Nomad offers unlimited data options with daily speed caps – a plan might say “unlimited 5 GB/day”, for instance.

• Payment & currencies: You pay in USD (or other currencies) via the app. Nomad accepts credit cards, Apple Pay, etc., and you can buy exactly how much data you want. It’s all prepaid, so there’s no contract lock-in.

• Top-ups and flexibility: You can top up or extend plans via the app. However, compared to Airalo, Nomad offers fewer small top-up options. Airalo makes it very easy to add data on demand, while Nomad’s approach is more “bundle-heavy” (it aims to pack data into initial plans). If you finish your data, you typically need to buy a new plan.

• Deals & free data: Nomad often runs promotions. New users get a free 500 MB eSIM trial (via code or app offer). They also have occasional sales or referral discounts.

Overall, Nomad’s pricing is competitive for travelers who want flexibility and are okay with data-only plans. It’s generally cheaper than activating roaming on a US carrier abroad. Compared to Airalo, Nomad may cost a bit more per GB in some markets, but it also sells unlimited plans and larger data bundles for long trips.

Pros and Cons of Nomad eSIM

Pros:

• Wide global coverage: 200+ countries supported, including all major destinations. Works virtually anywhere you travel.

• No-contract prepaid data: Buy data as needed, cancel anytime. No bills or hidden fees (Nomad advertises “no hidden fees or roaming charges”).

• Nomad app convenience: Easy app interface, one-click install via QR. Users praise the app and website for making plan selection “smooth”. First-time users report a “great experience” with quick setup.

• Flexible data plans: Multiple options – daily plans, weekly plans, unlimited-with-cap plans. You can pick what suits your trip length.

• Multi-network reliability: Most eSIM plans work on several carrier networks locally, so coverage is robust. You can manually switch to another network if needed.

• Supports hotspot: You can tether your phone’s data to other devices.

• Cheaper than roaming: Generally much cheaper than using your home mobile plan abroad.

• Company support: Nomad (LotusFlare) offers help via email/ticket 24/7, and they have a help center and FAQs.

Cons:

• Data-only (no calls/SMS): Nomad does not provide voice or SMS. If you need a phone number abroad, you’re out of luck (all plans are data-only). Unlike some rivals, you cannot make standard calls on Nomad eSIM.

• Relatively slower support: Only ticket/email support is available (no live chat). Cybernews notes Airalo’s live chat is faster; Nomad’s support is thorough but slower. If you need instant help, you might find Nomad’s response time lagging.

• Short max validity: Most Nomad plans max out at 30 days. (Airalo, by contrast, offers plans up to 180 days.) So Nomad is better for short trips or sequential plans, but long-term travellers may need to renew more often.

• Price can be higher: In several countries, Nomad’s data rates are a bit higher than Airalo’s (as the Cybernews table shows). If you want the absolute cheapest per GB, you might find better deals elsewhere.

• Occasional speed issues: A few reviews mention intermittent slowdowns or drops, especially in remote areas. (This is often true of any eSIM/roaming service; it depends on local network quality.)

• Requires eSIM phone: Of course, you need a newer phone that supports eSIM. No support for old devices without eSIM capability.

• No physical SIM fallback: If you have an unexpected issue (say your phone won’t scan QR), you can’t use a physical SIM; you’re tied to the eSIM setup.

Comparing Nomad vs. Airalo (and Others)

Nomad’s biggest rival in the eSIM space is Airalo. Both cover 200+ countries and offer similar products, but there are differences:

Feature	Nomad eSIM	Airalo eSIM
Coverage	200+ countries	200+ countries
Data plans	Local, regional, global; max ~30 days	Local, regional, global; up to 180 days
Price example (7d/1GB)	~$6 in Japan	~$4.50 in Japan
Device support	Phones, tablets, laptops, mobile routers	Phones, tablets, laptops
Voice calls/SMS	No (data only)	Yes, with Discover+ Global plan
Hotspot	Yes	Yes
Customer Support	24/7 email/ticket (slower)	24/7 live chat & email (faster)
Data Top-up	Limited mid-plan top-ups (mainly full plans)	Easy on-demand top-ups anytime
App & UX	Highly rated for ease-of-use	Highly rated, smooth purchase experience

In short, Airalo typically has a slight edge for broad flexibility: it offers longer-term plans and voice options, and its chat support is faster. Cybernews concludes “Airalo is very slightly better” for most travelers, thanks to its pricing, coverage, call features, and live chat. However, Nomad shines if you need lots of high-speed data. If you want an eSIM to use with routers or multiple devices, or if you plan to consume large data volumes, Nomad’s unlimited daily plans and ample data bundles can be attractive. As Cybernews says:

“If you need flexibility and calls, Airalo is the way to go. But if you need lots of high-speed data and plan to use it across many devices without topping up, Nomad is a fantastic choice.”

Other providers: Sites like Roami also list Nomad among the top eSIM providers for travel (alongside Holafly, Ubigi, Airalo, etc.). Holafly often markets unlimited data eSIMs (at higher price) while Ubigi is business-focused. For most travelers seeking pay-as-you-go convenience, Nomad and Airalo are front-runners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is better, Nomad or Airalo?
A: Both are reputable eSIM services. In practice, Airalo tends to be slightly cheaper in many countries and offers extras like voice calls and live chat support. Nomad often gives more data in a plan and supports routers. Travel experts say “you can’t really go wrong with Nomad or Airalo,” and recommend choosing the one that has the best plan for your trip. For budget trips with moderate data needs, Airalo may edge out. For heavy data use or router use, Nomad could be “a fantastic choice”.

Q: Who owns Nomad eSIM?
A: Nomad is a product of LotusFlare, Inc., a U.S.-based tech company. Nomad is described as “a business line of LotusFlare, Inc.”, and it was founded by Jason Chen and Nidhi Singh in 2020. LotusFlare provides the platform behind Nomad’s service.

Q: Can I use WhatsApp with Nomad eSIM in China?
A: By default, WhatsApp is blocked in China by the Great Firewall. Nomad claims that foreign eSIMs can bypass the firewall and access WhatsApp without a VPN. In real-world testing, experiences vary: some users report no VPN was needed when roaming on Nomad in China, but this is not guaranteed. Our advice: assume blocked social apps won’t work without additional measures. If WhatsApp is crucial, consider using a VPN app (some Nomad plans include a VPN feature) to access it while in China.

Q: What network does Nomad use?
A: Nomad itself is not a network carrier. Instead, each eSIM plan uses local cellular networks in the destination country. Most Nomad plans list the specific carriers. For example, the Singapore plan uses StarHub and Singtel. In general, “a majority of Nomad’s travel eSIMs work with multiple major networks in each destination”. This multi-network support helps reliability. You can check the Nomad app or website for each plan’s network details before purchasing.

Q: Is Nomad eSIM good for Asia? Which eSIM is best in Asia?
A: Nomad works well across Asia. It offers data in countries like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, etc., and travelers have found it reliable there. It may not always be the absolute cheapest for Asian destinations, but coverage is solid. There isn’t one “best” eSIM for all of Asia; aside from Nomad, Airalo is also popular in Asia (with many local plans), as are specialized eSIMs like Holafly or local carriers’ tourist eSIMs. The best choice depends on your itinerary. For example, Roami’s comparison ranks Nomad and Airalo among the top eSIMs overall, and both serve Asia. If you plan a Southeast Asia trip, both Nomad and Airalo worked “great” in tests. It’s wise to check plan prices: sometimes Airalo has cheaper single-country plans, while Nomad might have better regional bundles. In summary, Nomad is a strong contender for Asian travel, but also consider Airalo or local options for comparison.

Conclusion

Nomad eSIM offers a convenient, app-based way to stay connected on trips, and it generally lives up to its claims. It truly covers 200+ countries and provides a wide range of data plans, making it easy for U.S. tech-savvy travelers to avoid roaming fees. The Nomad app is well-designed and installation is simple, so getting online overseas is painless for most users. Reviews describe Nomad as “reliable” and note its broad coverage (170–200 countries).

However, Nomad is not perfect. It’s data-only (no calls), support is ticket-based, and some plans can cost more than alternatives. If you need voice calls or the absolute cheapest rates, you might lean toward Airalo or another provider. But if your priority is lots of fast data and ease of use, Nomad is a great choice. As one review puts it, Nomad is ideal for those “who plan to save money but do not want to sacrifice internet speed and connection quality”.

In short, Nomad’s eSIM app is a solid solution for travelers in 2025. It won’t break the bank like international roaming does, and it keeps you connected almost anywhere. As always, compare it to your specific needs (it may not be strictly best in every situation), but it’s a trustworthy, user-friendly option that deserves a spot on your travel checklist.