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Unlimited Daily eSIM Roaming? Nearly 50% Say Yes — If It’s Affordable

Every week at Alertify, we like to ask our readers a simple but thought-provoking question about travel connectivity. This week’s poll turned out to be especially interesting because it touches on something almost every traveler has experienced at some point: the anxiety of roaming charges.

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Our question was straightforward:

“Would you be interested in an unlimited daily roaming pass via eSIM?”

A total of 772 people voted, and here’s how the results came in:

  • Yes — for peace of mind: 15.38%
  • Maybe — if it’s affordable: 46.15%
  • No — I prefer fixed data plans: 15.38%
  • Already using something similar: 23.08%

At first glance, it’s clear that affordability is the deciding factor. Half of respondents said they’d consider it only if the price is right. Another fifth already use something similar, which suggests the concept isn’t new — just not widely standardized yet. Let’s unpack what these numbers actually mean for travelers, for eSIM providers, and for the future of roaming.

The Stress of Roaming Charges

If you’ve ever come home from a trip and been greeted by a roaming bill that made your jaw drop, you know how unpredictable roaming can be. Traditional roaming often feels like stepping into a financial minefield: one wrong turn, and suddenly you’ve racked up €50 in background app updates.

That’s why the concept of an unlimited daily pass is so appealing. Instead of worrying about every MB consumed, travelers could just pay a flat daily rate and get on with their lives — checking maps, posting photos, sending emails, or streaming Spotify without the constant fear of hitting a hidden limit.

It’s essentially peace of mind packaged into a daily rate.

eSIM Providers Offering Unlimited vs. Fixed Data Packages

When it comes to roaming, not all eSIM providers take the same approach. Some focus exclusively on unlimited data packages — for example, Holafly has built its entire brand around offering unlimited eSIMs for popular destinations like Europe, the USA, and Asia. Truely and Superalink offer unlimited plans only as well. Similarly, Sim Local promotes unlimited-style passes with generous daily high-speed allowances, refreshing every 24 hours.

On the other hand, providers such as Maya Mobile and Saily give travelers more flexibility, offering both fixed data bundles (ideal for light users who just need a few gigabytes) and unlimited daily plans (better suited for heavy streamers or business travelers). This dual approach works well because it caters to different travel styles: those who want predictable, capped costs and those who prefer the peace of mind that comes with not worrying about data limits.

truely esim

Why Only 15% Said “Yes, Absolutely”

So, if peace of mind is such a big deal, why did only 14% of voters say “yes” without hesitation?

The answer lies in trust and expectations. Travelers today are smart. Many already know that the term “unlimited” often comes with caveats. Maybe the speed is throttled after 1GB. Maybe the network quality isn’t consistent. Or maybe the “flat daily rate” is only flat until you read the fine print.

That skepticism is healthy. It shows that travelers want clarity, not marketing tricks. A daily pass that genuinely delivers on “unlimited” would probably see much higher adoption. But until then, travelers remain cautious.

The Big 46%: “Maybe — If It’s Affordable”

Here’s the heart of the story. Half of respondents said they would consider an unlimited daily roaming pass, but only if it’s affordable.

This group is the most telling, because it reflects the average traveler’s mindset. People don’t necessarily need “unlimited everything.” They want fair value. If a pass costs €15 a day, that might feel steep when you’re in Europe and local eSIMs cost €20 for a whole week. On the other hand, if the pass is priced closer to €5–7 per day, it starts to look like a solid deal — especially for short trips or for people who can’t be bothered with shopping around for local data plans.

This response also tells us something important: price sensitivity in roaming is very high. Unlike streaming subscriptions or hotel upgrades, travelers don’t see mobile data as a luxury. It’s essential, yes, but it should also feel reasonably priced and predictable.

The 23% Already Using Something Similar

This is another fascinating insight. About one in five voters said they’re already using a similar product. That means the market is already experimenting with daily roaming passes.

We’ve seen some providers roll out “daily unlimited” offers, but with asterisks attached — for example, “unlimited at 1Mbps” after the first gigabyte, or “fair usage limits” that reset every 24 hours. Some travelers don’t mind those restrictions; others find them misleading.

What’s interesting here is that these 23% are proof of real demand. They’ve found providers who meet their needs well enough to stick with them. The question is whether the rest of the market can follow suit and refine the model into something more mainstream.

maya mobile esim

The 15% Who Said “No, I Prefer Fixed Data Plans”

Then we have the group that flat-out said no. For them, fixed data plans still make more sense.

And to be fair, they have a point. Fixed plans often offer better value if you know your usage habits. A traveler who mainly uses Wi-Fi at hotels and cafés, and only needs 2GB for maps and occasional browsing, might find a €10 fixed data eSIM far more practical than paying €7 a day for “unlimited” access they’ll barely use.

This is why both options need to coexist. The industry shouldn’t think of it as a battle between fixed data plans and unlimited daily passes. Instead, it’s about offering choice — because travelers are not one-size-fits-all.

What This Means for eSIM Providers

For eSIM companies, this poll is like a mini focus group. And the message is clear:

  1. Affordability rules the conversation. If daily unlimited passes are too expensive, adoption will stall.
  2. Transparency builds trust. People want to know what “unlimited” really means. Will the speed be throttled? Is there a fair usage policy? Make it crystal clear.
  3. Flexibility matters. Some travelers will always prefer fixed data, others want unlimited. Offering both is the safest bet.
  4. There’s already competition. With 21% already using something similar, the space isn’t empty. The key is to refine the product and market it better.

The Bigger Picture: A Shift in Roaming Expectations

If we zoom out, this poll highlights a broader trend: travelers are no longer willing to accept unpredictable roaming.

In the old days, roaming charges were just an unpleasant fact of life. Now, with eSIMs, travelers know there are options — local, regional, global. They know they can compare prices in minutes. They know that “bill shock” should no longer exist.

And that puts pressure on providers to step up. The unlimited daily roaming pass isn’t just a product idea — it’s a symbol of how far we’ve come in the fight against confusing roaming practices.


My Take: What Would Work

If I had to design the ideal unlimited daily roaming pass, it wouldn’t try to be global — because who really needs worldwide coverage for just one day? Instead, it should be country- or region-specific, tailored to how people travel. And the price has to make sense. Nobody’s paying €7 a day for data when local or regional eSIMs often give you a week’s worth for €10.

Here’s what would make it a hit:

  • Flat daily price around €3–€5 in popular regions like Europe, the US, or Asia.
  • Truly unlimited at usable speeds, or at least 5–10GB of high-speed data before throttling.
  • Crystal-clear terms, no sneaky fair usage limits hidden in fine print.
  • One-tap activation via eSIM, so travelers can connect instantly on arrival.
  • Optional auto-renewal, so business travelers or multi-day visitors don’t have to think about it.

In other words: simple, predictable, and affordable. That’s the kind of roaming pass travelers would actually use — not another overpriced gimmick.

That’s a product I think many travelers — even those in the “maybe” camp — would embrace without hesitation.

Final Thoughts

This week’s poll reminded us of something simple but powerful: travelers crave predictability when it comes to connectivity.

Out of 772 voters, half said they’d consider an unlimited daily pass if it was affordable. That’s a huge opportunity for providers to rethink how they price and market these plans. Another 21% already use something similar, proving there’s real demand. Meanwhile, the smaller groups who said “yes” or “no” show that different traveler profiles need different solutions.

The takeaway? There’s no single answer — but there is a clear direction. Travelers want roaming that feels fair, transparent, and hassle-free.

Here is this week question:

How do you compare travel data plans before buying?

So, would you be interested in an unlimited daily roaming pass via eSIM? Based on this week’s poll, the answer might just depend on your wallet.


Driven by wanderlust and a passion for tech, Sandra is the creative force behind Alertify. Love for exploration and discovery is what sparked the idea for Alertify, a product that likely combines Sandra’s technological expertise with the desire to simplify or enhance travel experiences in some way.