Traveling today comes with a hidden bill that catches many off guard. It isn’t just the price of the flight or the hotel; it’s the steady drain of international roaming fees. Take Verizon’s TravelPass for instance. At $12 a day, this quickly adds up and can turn an exciting 2026 FIFA World Cup trip into an unexpectedly expensive one.
While some travelers rely on public wifi to save, this often means battling sluggish speeds and insecure networks that risk your data. Fortunately, the way we stay connected while abroad is changing. The world’s best VPN services are no longer just encryption tools; they’ve evolved into direct mobile data providers.
By bundling secure VPN access with an affordable eSIM plan, you can skip sky-high carrier fees and stream your favorite shows without geo-blocks. This ensures a secure, seamless connection throughout the tournament without having to worry about surprise bills.
Saily: NordVPN's highly flexible, pay-as-you-go traveler
Saily, NordVPN’s flexible eSIM platform, is ideal for travelers who prefer pay-as-you-go control over their data spending.
Instead of committing to a single monthly plan, you can purchase small 1GB or 5GB allowances exactly when you need them. The setup is refreshingly simple: you install just one eSIM profile on your phone. Once installed, it handles all of your data without cluttering your device with extra apps.
It’s worth keeping in mind that NordVPN and Saily remain separate subscriptions. Though you can link your logins, they don’t merge into a single bill. Instead, you’ll manage them independently, paying strictly for the data you use and the VPN access you need.
Subscribing to an ExpressVPN one or two-year Advanced or Pro plans gives you a coupon for Holiday.com, their eSIM partner. This partnership effectively bundles unlimited mobile data into your existing subscription.
However, the setup isn’t fully integrated. You still need to download a separate Holiday.com app to activate and manage your eSIM plan, meaning you’ll be switching between two different apps to stay secure and connected.
Plus, these unlimited data offers are time-capped, at three or five days. If you need more data, you can conveniently top up via the ExpressVPN dashboard.
What if your VPN doesn't do data?
Not everyone wants to switch providers just for a trip. If you’re already loyal to a traditional security suite, you might be disappointed to find they don’t offer cellular data themselves, preventing you from enjoying the convenience of an all-in-one solution.
The process is simple enough but requires a little more legwork. You’d need to purchase a standalone eSIM from a provider like Airalo – one of the best eSIMs for global travel –then manually toggle your VPN app on top of it when you need encryption.
This lets you shop around for the cheapest data plans but with the caveat that you’ll be juggling two separate apps.
Verdict
Choosing the right setup depends entirely on your travel style. Saily takes the crown for budget-conscious fans who want total flexibility; its pay-as-you-go model lets you buy exactly what you need without overcommitting.
On the other end of the spectrum, Holiday.com (via ExpressVPN) is the superior choice if you need a lot of data for streaming World Cup matches.
Other VPNs remain a robust option if device security is your top priority, offering complete control to shop for the best eSIM deals. However, this comes with a trade-off: you’ll be managing two separate subscriptions and apps. For most travelers, this DIY approach isn’t worth the hassle unless you have a specific security preference.