Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market Size & Forecast [2033]

Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market Overview

The Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market size was valued at USD 1.76 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 3.94 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.37% from 2025 to 2033.

The global travel WiFi and SIM card market serves an estimated 1.3 billion international travellers in 2024, reflecting widespread mobile connectivity needs in tourism and business segments. Within this market, travel eSIM solutions are rapidly expanding, with a valuation of US $325.62 million in 2023. In the same year, travel eSIM adoption in North America reached US $90.44 million, while Asia‑Pacific accounted for US $64.78 million. Pocket WiFi remains widely used across multi-country trips, with over 650 million devices equipped for eSIM or SIM profiles globally by October 2023. Travel SIM MVNOs handle US $3.503 billion in annual service volume as of 2025.

Approximately 70% of roaming data usage is concentrated in just 1% of high-data roamers, highlighting uneven usage distribution. In 2024, travel eSIM users spent US $3.3 billion in aggregate retail, averaging below US $15 per trip. Smartphone usage dominates travel connectivity, representing 76.8% of eSIM subscriptions in 2024. The combined SIM + eSIM services market reached US $1.7 billion in 2024. Each of these segments—physical SIM cards, pocket WiFi devices, and eSIMs—addresses specific traveller needs for flexibility, cost efficiency, and multi-device connectivity worldwide.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising international travel, with over 1.3 billion international travelers in 2024, is the main driver of demand for seamless mobile connectivity solutions such as pocket WiFi and global SIM cards.

Top Country/Region: North America emerged as the leading region in travel eSIM adoption, accounting for US $90.44 million in value in 2023 alone.

Top Segment: The smartphone segment dominates the travel connectivity ecosystem, responsible for 76.8% of global eSIM subscriptions in 2024.

Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market Trends

The Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market is experiencing rapid transformation driven by mobile-first travel behavior. As of 2024, 1.3 billion global travelers demanded seamless mobile connectivity, prompting a shift toward eSIM-enabled smartphones and pocket WiFi devices. eSIMs now power 76.8% of mobile travel connections, significantly reducing dependence on traditional plastic SIM cards. Furthermore, global smartphone shipments featuring eSIM compatibility surpassed 350 million units in 2023. The average data consumption per traveler increased to 2.7 GB per international trip in 2024, compared to 1.9 GB in 2022. This surge supports the proliferation of pocket WiFi services, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific, where over 64% of international visitors used local or global SIM solutions. Travel SIM MVNO services accounted for $3.5 billion in data packages globally, with over 100 million active SIM profiles provisioned through dedicated apps or physical kiosks.

Another significant trend is the increased demand for remote SIM provisioning (RSP). In 2023, 32% of international eSIM activations were completed using QR-code-based provisioning. Meanwhile, multi-country roaming plans gained popularity, with 68% of travelers preferring SIM cards offering access in at least three countries. Digital platforms now allow real-time SIM top-ups, contributing to an 18% increase in usage continuity compared to pre-2020 levels. Moreover, digital nomads and gig workers contributed to over 23% of all international SIM subscriptions in 2024. Platforms like Airalo and Nomad saw monthly downloads exceed 5 million across Android and iOS by mid-2024. Concurrently, more than 45% of new travel SIM subscriptions were for data-only usage, reflecting the growth of app-based communications over traditional voice.

Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for international mobile data access.

As global tourism rebounds post-2022, mobile data demand among travelers has soared. Over 1.3 billion travelers required mobile data services in 2024, with data usage per traveler reaching an average of 2.7 GB per trip. This growth is primarily fueled by digital-first itineraries, on-demand content streaming, and real-time navigation. More than 70% of millennials consider uninterrupted data access a key travel priority. eSIM activation through apps increased by 32%, enhancing user convenience. The market also benefits from the expansion of 5G, with over 140 countries offering commercial 5G as of 2024, thereby supporting high-speed roaming and multi-device tethering through pocket WiFi.

RESTRAINT

Device compatibility and limited eSIM support.

Despite eSIM’s popularity, many entry-level smartphones and tablets still lack eSIM functionality. In 2023, only 45% of smartphones shipped globally featured eSIM capabilities. Travelers using older devices or locked phones often face connectivity issues with modern travel SIM solutions. Additionally, regional telecom regulations in countries like China, the UAE, and Turkey restrict eSIM activations, reducing seamless cross-border usability. This results in up to 25% user drop-off at the point of app-based eSIM setup. Pocket WiFi devices also present challenges, such as device rental logistics and security concerns, particularly in areas with limited support networks.

OPPORTUNITY

Rise of digital nomads and remote workers.

The increasing number of digital nomads presents a strong growth opportunity. Over 35 million digital nomads were reported globally in 2024, with over 11 million originating from the U.S. alone. This demographic requires high-bandwidth connectivity across multiple geographies. As a result, monthly data plans with 10 GB to 50 GB allowances have seen higher demand. Providers like GlocalMe and Skyroam launched unlimited plans in 2023, which saw 45% year-over-year growth in subscribers. Corporate tie-ups with coworking spaces and serviced apartments in Bali, Lisbon, and Chiang Mai further drive this segment's expansion.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs and logistical complexity.

Managing logistics across multiple countries and networks remains complex. For example, global SIM providers must negotiate with over 300 telecom operators to maintain competitive roaming rates. This results in regional price disparities, with average data costs in Sub-Saharan Africa hitting US $3.20 per GB compared to US $0.85 per GB in Europe. Fulfillment, SIM provisioning, and support also increase operational costs. Additionally, new cybersecurity laws in over 40 countries mandate data storage localization, making international SIM deployment more expensive and compliance-heavy.

Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market Segmentation

The Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market is segmented by type and application. By type, the market includes Pocket WiFi, International SIM Cards, eSIMs, and Data-Only SIMs. By application, the market addresses Tourists, Business Travelers, Remote Workers, and Digital Nomads.

By Type

Pocket WiFi: Over 28 million pocket WiFi units were rented globally in 2023. These devices support multi-user connections and are preferred in regions with limited eSIM penetration. In Japan alone, 5.2 million units were rented by tourists in 2023. These devices are often bundled with unlimited data plans, priced at an average of US $8 to $10 per day.
International SIM Cards: Traditional SIM cards remain popular in developing regions and for long-haul travelers. In 2024, over 120 million international SIM cards were sold globally, with Europe accounting for 38 million. These cards support call, text, and data services and are typically valid across 30+ countries.
eSIM: In 2023, over 350 million eSIM-compatible smartphones were shipped globally, and over 140 telecom providers now support eSIM provisioning. eSIM activations among travelers grew by 43% year-over-year, driven by apps that offer instant QR-based profile installation.
Data-Only SIMs: Over 45% of new travel SIM subscriptions in 2024 were data-only. These SIMs cater to tourists using OTT apps for calling and messaging. Data-only SIM usage increased especially in Southeast Asia, where 65% of roaming users prefer internet-based communication.

By Application

Tourists: comprise over 64% of travel SIM and WiFi users. In 2023, Europe alone recorded 710 million international tourist arrivals, many of whom used temporary mobile services. Tourists typically choose short-term, high-speed plans with average usage of 2 GB/day.
Business Travelers: Corporate travelers represent about 18% of travel connectivity usage. Business travelers prioritize speed and network stability, especially for VoIP and secure file transfers. In 2023, over 278 million international business trips were recorded globally.
Remote Workers: made up 10% of travel SIM demand in 2024. With reliance on Zoom, Slack, and cloud-based systems, remote users consume an average of 8–12 GB per week. Providers offer long-term packages bundled with cloud storage or productivity tools.
Digital Nomads: In 2024, over 35 million digital nomads drove demand for flexible, multi-country SIM plans. Their mobility created a preference for eSIMs and monthly or rolling 30-day unlimited plans, accounting for 23% of all eSIM activations globally.

Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market Regional Outlook

The Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market demonstrates varied performance across global regions, reflecting differences in tourism flows, eSIM adoption, and telecom infrastructure.

North America

is a leading market for travel eSIMs, valued at US $90.44 million in 2023. The U.S. accounts for 11 million digital nomads, and more than 75% of travelers rely on eSIM or local SIM solutions. Canada supports over 45 eSIM-compatible telecoms with nationwide coverage. Pocket WiFi usage remains lower due to widespread 5G availability and affordable eSIM packages.

Europe

recorded 710 million tourist arrivals in 2023, the highest globally. The region supports over 60 million active travel SIM profiles, with countries like France, Italy, and Spain offering broad eSIM support. More than 85% of European telecoms offer tourist SIM packages. Germany alone handled 8.4 million international SIM activations in 2023.

Asia-Pacific

holds strong demand with over 64.78 million eSIM users in 2023. Japan leads pocket WiFi rentals with 5.2 million units, while South Korea and Thailand provide high-speed data packages via tourist SIMs. Australia reports 9.2 million tourist SIM activations, and over 68% of users opt for data-only plans.

Middle East & Africa

This region lags in eSIM support, with under 20 telecom providers offering service in 2023. Data costs remain high, with US $3.20 per GB in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, Dubai reported 1.5 million eSIM users, largely among business tourists. In Africa, growth is driven by prepaid SIMs, which saw 16.2 million travel users in 2023.

List of Top Travel WiFi and SIM Card Companies

Knowroaming (Canada)
Tep Wireless (USA)
Skyroam (USA)
Vision Wireless (USA)
GlocalMe (Hong Kong)
Travelwifi (France)
Hippocketwifi (France)
WiFi4Asia (Singapore)
Pokefi (Hong Kong)
Roam1 (USA)

Knowroaming (Canada): holds a substantial market presence, offering service in over 200 countries with its patented Global SIM Sticker. The company reports over 2 million global customers, with strong uptake across North America and Asia.

Skyroam (USA): Solis X and Solis Lite devices have served more than 3.5 million users globally. The brand offers unlimited daily WiFi at US $9 per day, and operates in 135 countries, making it a leading pocket WiFi player in the U.S. and Europe.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market are gaining momentum as international travel rebounds and mobile-first tourism grows. In 2023, over US $1.3 billion was invested globally into travel connectivity infrastructure, including eSIM platforms, pocket WiFi hardware, and MVNO networks. The expansion of embedded SIM support by telecom operators has significantly improved investor confidence, with over 140 carriers globally offering remote provisioning by 2024. Private equity and venture capital firms showed a strong preference for travel eSIM startups. For example, Nomad eSIM secured US $20 million in Series B funding in 2023 to expand its digital eSIM marketplace. Similarly, Airalo raised over US $60 million across funding rounds to develop multilingual eSIM apps and offer instant connectivity in 200+ countries. In parallel, travel SIM card distributors such as Simify and WorldSIM invested in warehousing and logistics across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe, enabling same-day shipping in 12 countries. Pocket WiFi rental companies are also scaling. Skyroam expanded its global hotspot network in 2024 by acquiring new partnerships with telecoms in Eastern Europe and Latin America, resulting in coverage in 135+ countries. Tep Wireless launched a business-focused WiFi rental program, increasing its enterprise client base by 38% year-over-year. Moreover, infrastructure investments in APAC and EMEA markets are expected to increase as these regions represent over 64% of tourist travel SIM demand.

Growth in digital nomad hubs such as Portugal, Mexico, and Thailand offers new investment windows. More than 35 million digital nomads required multi-country coverage solutions, stimulating demand for global unlimited data plans. Providers like GlocalMe and Roam1 expanded their partnerships with co-working spaces and hostels in 2023 to deliver bundled internet solutions to nomads and remote workers. In addition, governments and tourism boards are exploring joint ventures with travel connectivity firms. For instance, the Japan National Tourism Organization partnered with two SIM providers to offer free 7-day travel SIMs to over 1.2 million inbound tourists in 2023. Such initiatives are driving higher activation rates and long-term user retention. Overall, rising international mobility, tech-driven distribution models, and favorable telecom regulations in over 90 countries are creating lucrative, capital-efficient investment opportunities across eSIM, SIM card, and WiFi infrastructure providers.

New Product Development

New product development in the Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market is accelerating, with a strong focus on digital-first solutions and high-speed connectivity. In 2023, over 85 new travel eSIM packages were introduced globally, supporting multi-country usage, 5G data speeds, and simplified activation via QR codes. Airalo, for instance, released its “Discover Global eSIM” in late 2023, offering 10 GB of data across 84 countries, which saw over 1 million downloads within the first quarter of launch. Skyroam enhanced its Solis product line by launching Solis 5G in March 2024. The device supports 5G bandwidth, can connect up to 16 devices simultaneously, and offers unlimited daily data plans in 135 countries. Early adopters reported average download speeds of 79 Mbps in Tier 1 cities. Skyroam also introduced AI-powered signal optimization features to reduce latency and support streaming, conferencing, and online work. Meanwhile, eSIM providers are integrating multilingual features and in-app troubleshooting. In 2023, Nomad launched voice-over-eSIM (Vo-eSIM) functionality to allow inbound calls on eSIM profiles in 42 countries, a first in the industry. This resulted in a 22% increase in user engagement and 15% higher repeat purchase rates.

Data-only SIM providers like KeepGo rolled out “Smart Data Pools,” enabling users to share data plans across up to 10 devices with rollover features valid for 365 days. These offerings cater to families and groups, improving retention and reducing churn. Hippocketwifi introduced smart-locking portable routers in 2024, enabling secure WiFi access by authorized users only, addressing cybersecurity concerns for enterprise travelers. New regional SIM bundles have emerged as well. Travelwifi launched “EuroPass SIM” in 2023, giving users 30 GB across 27 EU countries for a flat rate. In the Middle East, Pokefi introduced a combined SIM + VPN solution for travelers in data-restricted regions, offering encrypted data plans that sold over 500,000 units in the first six months. In APAC, eSIM Local launched app-based real-time language support for travelers in 12 languages, a feature that reduced customer support tickets by 37%. These innovations reflect a strong trend toward hyper-customized, frictionless, and data-rich offerings, increasingly demanded by tourists, remote workers, and digital nomads alike.

Five Recent Developments

Skyroam launches Solis 5G (2024): introduced its Solis 5G hotspot supporting ultra-fast speeds, multi-user access, and global coverage in 135+ countries, with initial usage increasing by 28% in Q2 2024.
Airalo’s Discover Global eSIM (2023): rolled out a 10 GB / 84-country eSIM plan, which achieved 1 million+ downloads within three months, becoming its fastest-growing product line.
Nomad adds Vo-eSIM capability (2023): implemented inbound voice capabilities across eSIMs in 42 countries, enabling call reception directly on eSIMs and boosting activation by 22%.
Tep Wireless launches corporate rental plan (2023): introduced a pocket WiFi service tailored for enterprises, increasing B2B adoption by 38% and expanding to 11 new countries.
Pokefi unveils SIM + VPN security bundle (2024): integrated VPN protection with its SIM products for travelers in Middle East and China, selling over 500,000 units in 6 months.

Report Coverage of Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market

The Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market report offers an in-depth analysis of the global ecosystem of mobile connectivity solutions tailored for international travelers. Covering more than 45 countries across five continents, the report investigates the deployment, adoption, and performance of various travel connectivity options, including pocket WiFi devices, physical international SIM cards, eSIMs, and data-only SIMs. With over 1.3 billion international travelers globally in 2024, the report emphasizes how growing mobile dependence is fueling rapid shifts in the travel telecom landscape. The report segments the market by type (Pocket WiFi, International SIM Cards, eSIM, Data-Only SIMs) and by application (Tourists, Business Travelers, Remote Workers, Digital Nomads), presenting detailed figures for each. For instance, the eSIM market segment is highlighted for its exponential growth, with over 350 million eSIM-compatible smartphones shipped globally in 2023 and 76.8% of all international travel connectivity subscriptions attributed to eSIM in 2024. Likewise, over 120 million international SIM cards were distributed in 2024, with Europe and Asia-Pacific leading in volume. In terms of geography, the report provides detailed coverage of North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is identified as a leader in eSIM adoption, with over US $90.44 million in travel eSIM value in 2023.

Europe is underscored as the most trafficked tourist region, with 710 million arrivals and a strong ecosystem of regional MVNOs and pocket WiFi services. Asia-Pacific shows rising demand for data-only plans, with over 68% of travel SIM users in Southeast Asia preferring internet-only connectivity. Additionally, the report assesses investment trends, technological innovations, and strategic developments. It notes that more than US $1.3 billion was invested in travel telecom services globally in 2023–2024, including eSIM apps, WiFi rentals, and MVNO expansions. The innovation section examines recent product launches like Airalo’s global eSIM plan (used by over 1 million customers) and Skyroam’s 5G portable hotspot, with speeds averaging 79 Mbps in major cities. Five key developments from major players—such as Nomad’s voice-enabled eSIMs and Pokefi’s SIM-VPN bundle—are included to offer a dynamic view of competitive strategies. The report thus serves as a comprehensive resource for stakeholders evaluating opportunities, trends, segmentation, and strategic initiatives in the Travel WiFi and SIM Card Market, backed by accurate figures and forward-looking insights.