How GStarlink Compares: Roaming Data eSIMs & Local eSIMs with Calls
Most travel eSIM providers offer one plan type: roaming data-only. GStarlink offers both — budget roaming data plans and local-network plans with a real phone number, calls and SMS. Here is an objective, feature-by-feature comparison. GStarlink data is generated live from our catalog; competitor data comes from their public websites and is re-verified regularly.
| Feature | GStarlink | Airalo | Holafly | Nomad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local phone number included | Yes — 20+ local-network plans with a real US / UK / EU / AU number | Not included on most plans | Not included on most plans | Not included |
| Voice calls & SMS | Yes on local plans; roaming plans are clearly labelled data-only | Most plans are data-only | Mostly data-only (some plans include call minutes) | Data-only plans |
| Plan types offered | Both — roaming data-only plans and local-network plans, labelled per product | Primarily roaming eSIMs | Primarily roaming eSIMs | Primarily roaming eSIMs |
| Physical SIM option | Yes — physical SIM cards ship from Australia | No — eSIM only | No — eSIM only | No — eSIM only |
| Money-back guarantee | 7-day money-back guarantee | See provider policy | See provider policy | See provider policy |
| Customer support | Live chat & email, 16 hours a day (9 AM – 1 AM AEST) | See provider site | See provider site | See provider site |
Sources: Airalo · Holafly · Nomad · GStarlink data is generated live from our store catalog.
GStarlink plans with calls & a local number
Prices update live from our store — never stale, never estimated.
…and roaming data-only eSIMs when you just need data
The same category most providers offer — at live store prices.
Comparison FAQ
What is the difference between a local eSIM and a roaming eSIM?
A local eSIM or SIM connects you directly to an in-country carrier (for example AT&T in the USA or Three in the UK), which is why it can come with a real local phone number, voice calls and SMS. A roaming eSIM connects through a partner network from abroad — simpler to distribute worldwide, but usually data-only with no local number.
Does GStarlink sell roaming data-only eSIMs too?
Yes. GStarlink carries both plan types: budget roaming data-only eSIMs — the same category most providers offer — for travellers who just need data, and local-network eSIMs & SIMs with a real local phone number, calls and SMS for travellers who need to be reachable. Every product is clearly labelled as one or the other, so you can pick per trip instead of switching providers.
Why do most travel eSIMs not include calls or SMS?
Most travel eSIM providers resell roaming data agreements, and a roaming connection generally cannot provision a local phone number — so calls and SMS are left out. Plans built on local carrier networks can include a genuine local number with voice and SMS, which is what GStarlink's local plans do.
Which GStarlink plans include a local phone number?
Over 20 GStarlink plans run on local carrier networks with a real local number — including USA (AT&T and T-Mobile), UK & Europe (Three, Orange), and Australia. Every product page states exactly what is included: calls & SMS, incoming-only, or data-only — no ambiguity.
How is this comparison kept accurate?
GStarlink details and prices on this page are generated live from our store catalog, so they are never stale. Competitor details are taken from each provider's public website and re-verified manually; the verification date is shown at the top of the page. Provider features change over time, so always confirm current details on their own sites.
All third-party names and trademarks belong to their respective owners and are used only to identify the compared services. Competitor information is drawn from each provider's public website on the verification date shown above; features and policies change, so please confirm details on the provider's own site. This comparison covers only the listed attributes and is not a statement about overall quality. GStarlink product data and prices are generated live from our store catalog.