Figabytes and Nomad both provide prepaid travel eSIM plans for international travelers.
Both cover more than 200 destinations and offer country, regional and broader multi-country plans.
But the user experience is different.
Figabytes focuses on a website-first experience without requiring a dedicated app.
Nomad provides both a website and mobile apps, along with add-on data, unlimited plans, regional products and a loyalty-points system.
This comparison looks at coverage, pricing, installation, unlimited data, top-ups, global plans, network options and other practical differences.
Figabytes may suit travelers who prefer a straightforward website-based eSIM experience without downloading another app.
Nomad may suit travelers who want both app and web management, loyalty rewards, more extensive add-on functionality and a wider range of long-validity global products.
Both cover 200+ destinations.
Pricing varies substantially by country. For example, Figabytes currently has the lower comparable 10 GB price in Turkey, while Nomad is currently lower for Japan and the United States.
The better option depends on your destination and the features you value.
| Feature | Figabytes | Nomad |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 200+ destinations | 200+ destinations |
| Country plans | Yes | Yes |
| Regional plans | Yes | Yes |
| Global plans | Yes | Yes |
| Fixed data | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited data | Available in selected destinations | Available in selected destinations |
| Website purchase | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile app required | No | No |
| Mobile app available | No | Yes |
| QR installation | Yes | Yes |
| Direct installation | Supported devices | Depends on setup method |
| Manual installation | Yes | Available depending on eSIM |
| Add-on / top-up | Supported plans | Supported plans |
| Reusable profile | Eligible eSIMs | Add-ons can continue on same profile |
| Loyalty program | Figs rewards | Nomad Points |
| 4G / 5G | Depends on network and plan | Depends on network and plan |
| Global plan | 105 countries | 123 destinations |
| Extended global option | Other regional/global products | Global-EX up to 98 destinations |
| App and web usage tracking | Web | App and web |
Last checked: August 31, 2026.
Figabytes is a travel eSIM provider offering prepaid connectivity for more than 200 destinations.
Travelers can choose:
The service is managed through the Figabytes website and My eSIMs.
Figabytes does not require a dedicated mobile app.
Installation methods can include:
Eligible Figabytes eSIMs can also support reinstallation.
Nomad is a travel eSIM service offering prepaid mobile data across more than 200 destinations.
Nomad can be used through:
Travelers can purchase and manage:
Nomad also operates a loyalty-points program for repeat purchases.
Both currently advertise coverage in more than 200 destinations.
The headline number is therefore very similar.
However, the exact countries included in individual regional and global plans are different.
For example:
Figabytes currently lists its main Global eSIM as covering 105 countries across 199 networks.
Nomad currently lists its standard Global plan as covering 123 destinations.
Nomad also offers Global-EX, which currently covers 98 destinations.
A provider with a larger global-plan country count is not automatically better if your actual destination is missing.
Always check your specific itinerary.
The broader global products are structured differently.
The current Figabytes Global plan covers:
Current fixed packages include:
Unlimited short-duration plans are also currently available.
Nomad's current standard Global product covers:
Nomad also currently offers Global-EX:
This gives Nomad an interesting option for travelers who want a larger allowance with much longer validity.
Nomad currently has an advantage in this particular area because its Global-EX product includes plans with validity reaching up to 365 days.
Figabytes' current main Global fixed-data plans have shorter validity periods, with its 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB products listed at 30 days.
For travelers taking a normal holiday, that difference may not matter.
For long-term travelers, frequent travelers or digital nomads, plan validity can become much more important.
The two providers take different approaches.
Figabytes is website-first.
Travelers can use My eSIMs to access and manage their eSIM without installing an application.
This can suit people who prefer:
Nomad provides both a website and mobile apps.
Users can manage plans through either channel.
The Nomad Manage section shows information such as:
Nomad therefore gives travelers the option to choose between app and browser management.
No.
Nomad supports purchases and account management through its website as well as its iOS and Android applications.
Its official Help Center states that travelers can purchase and manage prepaid plans through both channels.
QR installation details are also provided after purchase.
No.
Figabytes does not require a dedicated app.
Travelers use the website and My eSIMs for plan and eSIM management.
Both support QR-based eSIM installation.
Figabytes currently supports:
The eSIM can normally be installed before travel and enabled on arrival according to the specific plan's activation conditions.
Nomad recommends installing through the QR code provided after purchase.
Installation instructions are available through:
Nomad recommends installing most eSIMs before departure and enabling the line after reaching the destination.
Some destination-specific products can have different activation rules.
Nomad says most eSIMs activate when they connect to a supported network at the destination.
However, there is also an important activation window.
Most Nomad eSIMs need to be activated within approximately 60 days of purchase.
If they are not used during that period, many plans automatically activate on the 60th day.
The plan validity can then start even if the traveler has not yet reached the destination.
This means buying a Nomad eSIM many months before travel may not be advisable unless the specific product allows it.
Figabytes activation depends on the plan.
For many packages, validity starts when the eSIM first connects to a supported network at the destination.
Some plans may use manual activation instead.
Installing the eSIM alone does not usually start validity.
Travelers should check the specific package before installation.
Both sell fixed-data packages.
Common options include:
Nomad also offers larger allowances in certain destinations.
The correct way to compare pricing is:
same destination
plus
same data allowance
plus
same validity.
Current equivalent plans provide a useful example.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figabytes | 10 GB | 30 days | $11.04 |
| Nomad | 10 GB | 30 days | $13.00 |
Prices checked: August 31, 2026.
For this directly comparable Turkey package, Figabytes currently has the lower listed price.
Pricing can change and this difference should not be assumed for other destinations.
Current Japan pricing shows the opposite result.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomad | 1 GB | 7 days | $4.00 |
| Figabytes | 1 GB | 7 days | $4.16 |
| Nomad | 5 GB | 30 days | $10.00 |
| Figabytes | 5 GB | 30 days | $13.30 |
| Nomad | 10 GB | 30 days | $16.00 |
| Figabytes | 10 GB | 30 days | $20.52 |
| Nomad | 20 GB | 30 days | $23.00 |
| Figabytes | 20 GB | 30 days | $33.34 |
Prices checked: August 31, 2026.
Nomad currently has the lower listed price across these equivalent Japan packages.
Nomad's current Japan product also connects through KDDI au and SoftBank.
This demonstrates why it is inaccurate to say that one provider is always cheaper.
Current equivalent US packages also provide a useful comparison.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Figabytes | 1 GB | 7 days | $3.48 |
| Nomad | 1 GB | 7 days | $5.00 |
| Figabytes | 5 GB | 30 days | $12.76 |
| Nomad | 5 GB | 30 days | $16.00 |
| Figabytes | 10 GB | 30 days | $22.26 |
| Nomad | 10 GB | 30 days | $25.00 |
| Figabytes | 20 GB | 30 days | $39.76 |
| Nomad | 20 GB | 30 days | $36.00 |
Prices checked: August 31, 2026.
Figabytes currently has the lower price at 1 GB, 5 GB and 10 GB.
Nomad currently has the lower listed 20 GB price.
Again, the better value changes by package size.
Sometimes.
For example:
There is no universal cheaper provider.
Compare the exact plan required.
Both providers currently offer unlimited plans in selected destinations.
However, unlimited plans should not be compared only by the word "unlimited."
Nomad explicitly documents a Fair Usage structure for most unlimited packages.
Most current Nomad unlimited plans provide:
2 GB of high-speed data per day
After this is consumed, speeds are reduced to approximately:
1 Mbps or 2 Mbps
depending on the plan.
The high-speed allowance resets every 24 hours.
Figabytes also offers unlimited products in destinations such as Turkey, Japan, Spain and the United States.
Travelers should check the specific Figabytes product conditions before purchasing because unlimited-plan terms can vary by destination and underlying provider.
Nomad allows continued data usage after the daily high-speed allowance has been consumed.
But full-speed data is not unlimited.
For most current Nomad unlimited packages:
This may still be suitable for many travelers, but it is important to understand before purchase.
It depends on the plan.
Nomad provides a clearly documented unlimited model with daily high-speed allowances.
It also offers large fixed packages in some destinations, including 50 GB or more.
Figabytes offers fixed packages and shorter-duration unlimited options across several countries.
Heavy users should compare:
A large fixed-data package can sometimes be more useful than an unlimited package with aggressive throttling.
Both providers support adding more data on eligible plans.
Top-up availability depends on the specific eSIM and package.
Additional data does not necessarily extend the original validity period.
Nomad calls its additional packages add-ons.
Eligible users can buy an add-on from:
The add-on activates automatically after the original allowance has been consumed or the original plan expires.
Not every Nomad eSIM supports add-ons.
Nomad currently says users cannot purchase add-ons while physically located in the UAE or India.
Its current Help Center also says users may be unable to purchase a new eSIM while physically in those countries.
Travelers using Nomad for the UAE or India should therefore purchase enough data before arriving.
This is especially important for longer trips.
Yes, when the eSIM supports add-ons and local restrictions do not prevent the purchase.
The add-on can continue using the same eSIM profile.
If the original plan expires, unused data from that plan does not roll over into the new add-on.
Not directly.
Nomad says the validity of an existing plan cannot be extended.
Instead, eligible users can purchase an add-on.
The add-on begins once the original plan expires or its data runs out.
This lets the traveler continue using the same eSIM without reinstalling another profile.
Both providers can reduce the need to install a completely new eSIM, but the mechanisms are different.
Eligible Figabytes eSIMs can display Reinstall status.
They may then be installed again on a compatible device.
Eligible eSIMs may also be installed on another person's device.
Only one device can use the eSIM at a time.
Nomad add-ons can extend use of an existing eligible eSIM profile without requiring a new installation.
This is more of a continuation model rather than a universal transferable-eSIM promise.
Travelers should not assume every Nomad eSIM can be moved freely between devices without checking its installation conditions.
Both have loyalty mechanisms.
Figabytes has its Figs rewards system and referral program.
Nomad operates Nomad Points.
Current Nomad rules include:
Nomad also currently gives returning users 200 bonus points when purchasing qualifying plans of 10 GB or more, subject to its stated limits.
The loyalty system may appeal to frequent Nomad users.
Yes.
Nomad currently states that loyalty points expire six months after they are earned.
That means they are more useful for travelers who expect to purchase another eSIM relatively soon.
Both providers offer regional connectivity.
Figabytes currently lists regions including:
Nomad currently offers regions such as:
Regional plans are particularly useful for trips involving several borders.
Nomad's current Europe regional eSIM starts from around $0.70 per GB and covers approximately 35 to 36 destinations depending on the particular configuration shown.
Figabytes Europe Extra currently covers 37 countries and 61 networks.
The two regional products should not be compared solely by starting price because:
Check the full itinerary before purchasing.
Nomad has a particularly competitive current Japan product.
Current networks include:
Current fixed packages include up to:
Unlimited products are also available.
Current Nomad pricing is lower than Figabytes for equivalent 1 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB Japan packages checked for this article.
Travelers prioritizing Japan should therefore compare Nomad closely rather than choosing based on overall provider reputation.
Nomad currently connects through major US networks including:
Exact network access depends on the package.
It also offers fixed plans, unlimited plans and longer-validity high-data products.
Figabytes currently lists two networks for its United States destination product.
Price advantages differ depending on data allowance.
Figabytes has the simpler proposition.
It is designed around website-based management through My eSIMs.
Nomad does not require an app either, but it offers one as an additional management option.
Travelers who strongly prefer browser-only service can use either, although Figabytes has no separate app ecosystem to manage.
Nomad.
Nomad offers both iOS and Android apps.
The app can be used to:
Figabytes does not currently have a dedicated mobile application.
Nomad has a clearly documented points structure where purchases generate Nomad Points that can be redeemed on future purchases.
Figabytes also has a rewards system through Figs.
The practical value depends on:
Nomad Points currently expire after six months.
Nomad deserves particular consideration because of Global-EX.
Current Global-EX products can offer:
That is materially different from a standard 30-day travel plan.
Figabytes provides a wider selection of separate regional and global products, but travelers looking specifically for very long validity should compare Nomad's longer-duration products carefully.
For normal trips lasting a few days or weeks, price and destination-specific network coverage matter more than very long validity.
Figabytes can be competitive in destinations such as Turkey and certain US package sizes.
Nomad can be particularly competitive in destinations such as Japan.
Check the actual destination rather than choosing based on global product features.
There is no universal answer.
Network access varies by destination and package.
For example, Nomad currently lists:
Japan: KDDI au / SoftBank
United States: T-Mobile / AT&T / Verizon depending on plan
Figabytes destination pages show the number of supported networks for each destination.
Network quality should therefore be compared country by country.
Yes, in supported destinations and plans.
Nomad states that its unlimited products can connect to 5G or 4G depending on local network availability.
Its current United States and Japan pages also advertise 4G/5G connectivity.
Actual access depends on:
Figabytes can provide 5G where the underlying network and plan support it.
Actual access depends on the destination, device and local network.
Neither provider guarantees continuous 5G everywhere.
Nomad supports hotspot or tethering on applicable eSIM plans.
Travelers should still check the specific package, particularly on unlimited products where data-use policies may apply.
Hotspot availability can depend on the specific plan and network.
If tethering is important, check the product before purchase.
This is particularly important for:
Most Nomad travel eSIMs are primarily designed for mobile data.
Travelers should check the specific product if a phone number, traditional calls or SMS are required.
Internet-based services such as WhatsApp can work over the mobile-data connection.
Figabytes is primarily focused on travel connectivity and many products are data-only.
Check the individual package if traditional voice or SMS is required.
Yes.
Using either provider for mobile data does not normally change the number registered with your WhatsApp account.
You can continue using your existing WhatsApp account through the travel eSIM's internet connection.
Yes, on compatible dual-SIM devices.
A common configuration is:
Primary SIM: voice and SMS
Travel eSIM: mobile data
Disable unwanted roaming data on your primary SIM to reduce the risk of home-carrier roaming charges.
| Area | Figabytes | Nomad |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | 200+ destinations | 200+ destinations |
| User experience | Website-first | App + website |
| Dedicated app | No | Yes |
| Global standard coverage | 105 countries | 123 destinations |
| Long-validity global plan | Separate product options | Global-EX up to 365 days |
| Loyalty | Figs | Nomad Points |
| Unlimited plans | Selected destinations | Selected destinations |
| Unlimited FUP transparency | Check individual product | Most plans 2 GB high-speed/day |
| Add-ons | Supported plans | Supported plans |
| UAE/India add-on restriction | Check Figabytes availability | Yes |
| Reinstallation | Eligible profiles | Existing profile can continue with eligible add-ons |
| Strong differentiator | Simplicity | App, loyalty and long-validity options |
Nomad may be a better fit if you prioritize:
It can also be cheaper for certain destinations such as Japan.
Figabytes may be a better fit if you prioritize:
It currently has lower prices for some directly comparable Turkey and US packages.
Neither provider is universally better.
Sometimes.
Nomad currently has lower equivalent prices for several Japan packages.
Figabytes currently costs less for 10 GB / 30 days in Turkey and for several lower US data tiers.
Compare:
destination + data + validity + network + price
before deciding.
It depends on your priorities. Nomad provides both app and web management, loyalty points, long-validity global plans and add-ons. Figabytes focuses on a simpler website-first experience without requiring a dedicated app.
It depends on the destination. Figabytes currently costs less for a directly comparable 10 GB Turkey plan, while Nomad currently costs less for several equivalent Japan plans.
No. Nomad can be used through its website as well as its iOS and Android applications.
No. Figabytes is managed through its website and My eSIMs.
Yes. Nomad currently offers unlimited packages for selected destinations.
Most Nomad unlimited plans allow continued usage but provide approximately 2 GB of high-speed data per day. Speeds are then reduced to approximately 1 or 2 Mbps until the daily allowance resets.
Yes. Figabytes currently offers unlimited packages in selected destinations including Turkey, Japan, Spain, the United States and others.
Eligible Nomad eSIMs support add-on packages. Add-ons can be purchased through the app or website.
Nomad currently says users cannot purchase add-ons while physically inside the UAE. Travelers should purchase sufficient data before arrival.
Nomad currently documents restrictions on eSIM and add-on purchases while physically in India. Travelers should prepare before entering the country.
Yes. Nomad currently states that points expire after six months.
Nomad currently awards 25 points for every $5 spent. 100 points can be redeemed for $1 toward future purchases.
Yes. Its current standard Global plan covers 123 destinations.
Global-EX is a broader long-validity product covering 98 destinations. Current options range from 10 GB to 50 GB with validity reaching up to 365 days.
Yes. Figabytes' current main Global product covers 105 countries across 199 networks.
Nomad currently has lower prices for comparable 1 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB and 20 GB Japan plans checked for this article. It also currently connects through KDDI au and SoftBank.
For 10 GB / 30 days checked on August 31, 2026, Figabytes currently lists $11.04 and Nomad $13.
Yes. Both can provide the mobile data needed for WhatsApp while your existing WhatsApp number remains unchanged.
Usually, yes. Figabytes recommends installation before departure and activation at the destination according to the plan. Nomad also recommends pre-installation for most destinations, although destination-specific exceptions can apply.
Figabytes and Nomad cover similar ground but emphasize different parts of the travel eSIM experience.
Figabytes keeps the product relatively simple:
choose a destination, buy a plan, install the eSIM and manage it through the website.
Nomad provides more of an ecosystem:
website + app + loyalty points + add-ons + long-validity global products.
Pricing does not consistently favor either provider.
Figabytes currently performs well on some Turkey and US packages.
Nomad currently has particularly competitive Japan pricing and offers stronger long-validity options through Global-EX.
The best comparison is therefore:
destination + data + validity + network + management preference + price
rather than brand name alone.
Information and pricing were checked against current primary provider pages on August 31, 2026.
Figabytes:
Nomad:
Last checked: August 31, 2026.
Prices, networks, Fair Usage Policies, add-on restrictions, plan availability and destination coverage can change. Check current provider information before purchasing.