Originally Posted by
tth6133
I generally don't buy local SIMs for travel. China is the only exception because having a local number there is a necessity or near-necessity for so many different things. In other countries (and also in China when I need a roamable international SIM), I use a Roamless eSIM. Roamless works globally and has decent roaming rates. Most importantly, its flex plan has no data/balance expiration.
I don't buy local SIMs anymore in a lot of cases, but I've also had trouble with app-based eSIM operators before, so now I keep a small curated collection of SIMs/eSIMs from different countries with reasonable roaming pricing to use as needed. It also helps for occasions where I need to make voice calls.