You've signed your internship, booked the flight, and you want your phone to work the moment you land in Barcelona, Berlin or Lisbon. That's exactly what an eSIM does: buy it before you fly, install it in two minutes, and you're online from touchdown. Here's the honest comparison of the three eSIMs that are actually worth it for your internship.
The short answer
| eSIM | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Most interns | Widest country coverage, simple per-GB plans. The safe default choice, even if you travel around Europe. |
| Saily | Security-conscious interns | From the makers of NordVPN, with an ad and malware blocker. Data and protection in one app. |
| Yesim | Always connected | eSIM plus a built-in VPN, handy if you stream a lot or use apps from home. |
Why an eSIM instead of a local SIM card?
- Works from the moment you land. No SIM shop, no foreign-language paperwork on day one.
- You keep your number. The eSIM runs alongside your regular SIM, so banking texts and 2FA codes keep arriving.
- It travels with you. A Europe or global plan keeps you connected on weekend trips to Lisbon or Rome too.
- You control the cost. A fixed data plan, no roaming surprises.
The three options in detail
Airalo
- 200+ countries covered
- Simple per-GB plans
- Single-country or Europe-wide plans
- App set up in two minutes
Saily
- From Nord Security (NordVPN)
- Ad and malware blocker
- Protection on café WiFi
- Data plus security in one app
Yesim
- Data and VPN in one
- Unlock streaming from home
- Use region-locked apps
- No separate VPN subscription needed
First check that your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones from the XR onward, plus current Samsung, Google Pixel and similar models). In your settings you'll find the option to add a mobile plan by scanning a QR code.
Set up in 2 minutes
- Buy your plan before you fly, while you still have WiFi at home.
- Add the eSIM via QR code in your phone's settings.
- Label it "Internship" so you can switch between plans easily.
- Keep your home SIM active for calls and 2FA, and set the eSIM as your data line.
- Land, turn on data, and you're done.
In short
Most interns are well served by Airalo. If security matters most to you, go with Saily, and if you want streaming and a VPN, choose Yesim.
All intern deals in one place →Frequently asked questions
Do I need an eSIM, or is a local SIM enough?
Most interns use an eSIM for the first few weeks because it works right away. After that, you can decide, without pressure, whether a local contract makes sense.
How much data do I need?
With WiFi at the office and at home, 5 to 10 GB a month is usually enough. If you tether or stream a lot on mobile, choose a larger or unlimited plan.
Will WhatsApp and banking codes still work?
Yes. Keep your UK SIM active for calls and texts. The eSIM only carries data, so your number and 2FA codes stay unchanged.
Does it work on weekend trips?
A single-country plan won't. Choose a Europe or global plan, and one eSIM covers the whole trip.
Setting up your whole internship, not just your phone? Keep all your deals in one place in your dashboard: bank account, insurance, housing, language and more.