Travel eSIMs: a fixed bundle, or pay only for what you use?

Hello! I’m Mantas, the founder of NXTL eSIM.

I’d like to hear how you actually choose mobile data for a trip, because there’s a trade-off here that I don’t think has one right answer.

Imagine a week abroad. You need maps, messaging and bookings, but you don’t really know whether you’ll use 1 GB or 8 GB. Maybe the hotel Wi-Fi is great. Maybe you end up hotspotting your laptop for an afternoon.

Would you rather:

1. Buy a fixed data bundle and know the price upfront, even if you don’t use all of it?

2. Add prepaid balance and pay for actual usage, knowing the final cost depends on how much data you use and the applicable network rate?

With NXTL, we chose the second approach: one reusable eSIM across 180+ supported countries, published network rates, and unused balance that stays for your next trip. Our mission is to make connectivity as affordable and flexible as we can.

But I understand why a fixed price can feel more reassuring. Flexibility only helps if you can understand and control your spending. A local SIM or a large bundle may also be better value for heavy usage.

We’re launching our Android and iOS apps tomorrow, October 2. They let you check rates, estimate costs, top up and see individual usage charges. Here’s a 30-second preview:

On your last trip, did you run out of mobile data, leave some unused, or get it about right? Which approach would you choose next time, and what would make you trust it?

I’d really like to hear the reasons, including from people who would stick with a bundle. It helps us understand what we should improve.

Mantas