SIM card or esim

Same question has been posted in the Croatia section

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/croatia/sim-or-esim

Probably makes more sense to consolidate answers so I’ll post my answer here.

Have you already checked out the thread in the technology section? Here’s the link
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/buying-an-international-esim-data-plan-for-your-regular-phone-with-esim-no-more-burner-phones

A more nuanced answer will depend upon your particular needs. Do you need to make calls (local or international) and would you do so via a voip type service (FaceTime, Facebook, WhatsApp) of thru the carrier?

Total length of trip? Many plans only cover 30 days so you may need to top up or get another plan.

Enjoy your trip.

We will be travelling in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and France, for a total of 33 days.
My iPhone can accommodate two SIM cards. My research has shown a large number of options.

I’m actually wondering:
1) Is is better to get a SIM card or purchase an esim, based on travellers’ experience.
2) Which providers are most recommended?

Thank you!

Speaking as someone who is currently using an eSIM data plan in Germany, I love the convenience and ease of eSIMs. I used SIM cards before but these are great because you can switch back and forth if you want, or just use the eSIM for cellular data.

I used Airalo, and it has worked very well, but if you will scroll through the previous post that Rocket linked to, there is quite a bit of info in there - not just from me but others. Travelmom used Orange and liked them. eSIMs generally come as data plans, which means you don't have phone service. I think Orange offers a plan with phone service, however (see Travelmom's posts).

I found that I did not need it, however. I made 3-4 calls during the first 2 1/2 weeks of my trip (I'm gone for 30 days) and made all of them using FaceTime audio over wifi. Very easy. Obviously you may need something different.

Since you are going to be in more than one country, you should probably opt for a Europe plan, which will cover more of an area. I just got the Germany plan since I was only going to be here, but then decided to tack on Copenhagen, so before I get there, I will buy a 5-7 day pass from Airalo for $5 that will cover Denmark. For 30 days, I would probably go with 5-10 Gb of data. I went with 5 and i think that will work for me, but it depends on what you're doing and if there is anyone else using that data.

Unfortunately there’s probably no substitute for research. You have to see which plan covers which country. Some cover many/all and some don’t. Some only give you data and some give you a new local phone number with text and calling ability along with the data.

For eSim vs regular sim, my choice when possible is eSim. I am now in love with the ability to have that piece of travel prep done before getting off the plane. And I love not having to be sure I don’t lose my home sim while gone and not having to put it back in my phone on the way home (but I only have one slot).

It’s possible you can find a plan (that has a local number) that covers Italy, Slovenia, and France. Croatia might be the outlier. But I don’t know that for a fact. I think it is probably true you can find a data only plan that covers all of them.

My experience in Spain. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tech-tips/esim-success

All of this is very helpful!
Thank you!