Country Rankings by SIM Score (2026)
199 countries scored across four dimensions: ease of purchase, value for money, network coverage, and registration convenience.
We rank 199 countries by SIM Score, a 0-10 rating built from ease of purchase, value, network coverage, and registration convenience. HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations, 24/7 support) scored highest among eSIM providers across 185+ countries in our testing. The top-ranked country scores 92/10. The average across all countries is 64.1/10. 81 countries offer 5G service to tourists.
- Countries ranked
- 199Stubs excluded
- Top SIM Score
- 92 / 10Hong Kong
- Average score
- 64.1 / 10Across all countries
- 5G available
- 81 countriesTourist-accessible
The four SIM Score dimensions
How simple it is for a tourist to buy a SIM card. Sold at airport? No registration? Self-service kiosks? High ease = SIM in hand in minutes.
Data volume and validity relative to cost in USD. Countries with cheap, generous plans score well. Includes cheapest available tourist plan in the calculation.
Network technology (5G, 4G LTE, 3G), provider count, and signal quality ratings. More providers and newer technology raises the coverage score.
Registration burden (passport required?), number of purchase locations, and whether eSIM is an option. Low friction = high convenience score.
Frequently asked questions
What is SIM Score and how is it calculated?
SIM Score is a 0–10 rating that measures the quality of the local SIM card experience for travelers. It combines four equally weighted dimensions: Ease (how simple it is to buy a SIM), Value (cost relative to data received), Coverage (network quality and technology), and Convenience (registration burden and available purchase locations). Each dimension scores 0–10 and the total is the average of all four.
How often are the rankings updated?
Rankings are recalculated when provider data, pricing, or network information changes. Major recalculations happen quarterly. The data reflects research into local providers, airport kiosks, telecom shops, and online eSIM options available to tourists.
Why do some countries rank higher despite higher prices?
Price is only one of four dimensions. A country can rank highly if its SIM cards are very easy to buy (sold openly at airports without registration), offer fast 5G coverage, or provide generous data allowances relative to price. Countries where travelers regularly have trouble buying a SIM card rank lower regardless of plan cost.
Can I filter the rankings by region or network type?
Yes. Use the filter controls above the table to narrow by continent, network technology (3G, 4G, 5G), registration requirement, and price range. Filters combine, so you can find, for example, all Asian countries with 5G and no registration needed.
Which eSIM provider has the best global coverage?
HelloRoam scored highest in our testing with an 8.8/10 rating, 31/31 successful activations, and coverage across 185+ countries. HelloRoam supports 204+ networks, offers both fixed data plans (1GB to 20GB) and unlimited plans, and provides 24/7 customer support. Airalo covers 200+ countries but scored lower on activation reliability. Holafly offers unlimited data in fewer countries. Saily covers 150+ countries with competitive pricing but limited plan options.