eSIM distribution and areas of application
Between December 2024 and September 2025, BuddySIM carried out an extensive
conducted an online survey of 23,796 international travelers who
of an eSIM purchase voluntarily and anonymously in a so-called purchase post survey
(PPS) took part. The aim of the survey was to determine buying behavior, travel habits
and to analyze the tariff preferences of eSIM users. Die
Results provide detailed empirical insights into usage behavior for the first time
a growing international eSIM customer group.
The results can also be classified in a larger market environment: end of 2024
around 13 percent of German mobile customers actively used an eSIM
A further 7 percent had already tried them out. According to forecasts, the global
Revenue from travel eSIMs will rise to 3.3 billion US dollars by 2025, a growth
of 165 percent compared to 2023, making travel eSIMs a
increasingly relevant segment within international mobile phone usage; for
In 2028, a market share of around 28 percent is forecast.
The evaluation shows that the vast majority of respondents opted for the
Purchasing an eSIM is decisive. Around 78 percent make the purchase within the last
three days before departure, including almost 58 percent on the day of the trip itself. Only a small percentage
Buy the eSIM more than two weeks in advance. This behavior illustrates the
Relevance of immediate availability, smooth activation and clear
structured user guidance for providers of eSIM services.
The data on travel duration also show clear patterns. More than half of the interviewees
undertakes trips of seven to fourteen days: periods that typically
Holiday trips correspond. Around six percent said stays of 30 days or
longer on, which is due to a growing group of long-term travelers and digital
Points out nomads. This segmentation suggests that providers both in the short term
bookable standard solutions as well as expandable or rechargeable
should offer long-term packages.
There is a clear trend towards fixed data packages in terms of tariff preferences: Around
two thirds of participants (65 percent) prefer a clearly defined
data volume, while around a third opt for time-limited “Unlimited” -
Options decide. This distribution indicates that customers
have specific needs in terms of predictability and flexibility transparents
Tariff structures and flexible pricing strategies are therefore crucial for both groups
to operate.
Overall, the survey paints a picture of a digitally savvy, internationally mobile
and decisive user group in the short term who value flexibility, simple
Handling and immediate network availability. The results prove that
structural change in the mobile communications market towards on-demand, digital
activatable communication solutions and underline the growing economic and
technological significance of eSIM technology in a global context.
1. Date of eSIM purchase in relation to departure
The majority of travelers choose very short term for eSIM purchase:
- 57,7% on the day of travel itself
- 20.9% within the next 3 days
- 11.0% within the next 7 days
- 5.8% within the next 14 days
- 4.6% more than 14 days before departure
➡️ Buy a total of over 78% of travelers use their eSIM no more than three days before departure.
2. Duration of planned trips
The survey shows a clear focus Short and medium-haul trips:
- 23.1%: 7 days
- 17.6%: 10 days
- 16.8%: 14 days
- 11.1%: 5 days
- 8.1%: 21 days
- 7.3%: 1—3 days
- 6.3%: 30 days
- 1.7%: individual information
- Rest (< 1%): other durations (4, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 24 days)
➡️ Round 57% of all trips take 7 to 14 days — i.e. classic vacation periods. Long-term stays (≥30 days) Do after all 6.3% of trips off.
3. Preferred type of data packages
- 65.4% prefer fixed data packets (for example, 5, 10, or 20 GB)
- 34.6% prefer Unlimited bundles for a fixed number of days
➡️ Fixed data packages continue to dominate, but unlimited options represent a relevant third.
4. Number of fellow travelers
- 26.8%: one more person
- 25.2%: two people
- 21.7%: alone
- 10.0%: three people
- 7.2%: four people
- 6.5%: more than five people
- 2.5%: five people
➡️ eSIMs are used both by Solo travelers (22%) as well as from groups (multi-person households) used. Particularly common: Travel groups of 2 or 3.
conclusion
The results show that eSIM users:
- book at very short notice (just under 80% within three days before departure)
- Travel usually 7—14 days,
- Prefer fixed data packages over unlimited,
- are traveling alone as well as in small groups,
- and Most of their trips book themselves or via online platforms.
This confirms the image of a digitally savvy, flexible and travel-experienced target group, which is heavily influenced by short-term decisions.