You've signed your internship, booked your 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 the second you touch down. Here's the honest comparison of the three eSIMs worth considering for your internship.
The short answer
| eSIM | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Most interns | The widest country coverage and simple per-GB plans. The safe default choice, even if you're travelling around Europe. |
| Saily | The security-conscious | Made by the team behind 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 paperwork in an unfamiliar language on your first day.
- 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 world 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
- Country or Europe-wide plans
- App set up in two minutes
Saily
- From Nord Security (NordVPN)
- Ad and malware blocker
- Protection on cafe WiFi
- Data plus security in one app
Yesim
- Data and VPN together
- Unlock home streaming
- Use region-locked apps
- No separate VPN subscription needed
First check whether your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones from the XR onward, plus recent Samsung, Google Pixel and similar models do). In your settings, look for the option to add a mobile plan by scanning a QR code.
Setup in 2 minutes
- Buy your plan before you fly, while you still have WiFi at home.
- Add the eSIM by scanning the QR code in your phone's settings.
- Label it "Internship" so you can switch between SIMs easily.
- Keep your home SIM in for calls and 2FA, and set the eSIM as your data line.
- Land, turn on data, done.
In short
Most interns are well served by Airalo. If security matters most to you, choose 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 on mobile, choose a bigger or unlimited plan.
Will WhatsApp and banking codes still work?
Yes. Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts. The eSIM only carries data, so your number and 2FA codes stay exactly the same.
Does it work on weekend trips?
A single-country plan won't cover that. Choose a Europe or world 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.