392Retail price observations across 196 eligible destinations
The finding
In a retail catalogue snapshot dated 31 October 2026, AloOui compared the listed US-dollar prices of fixed 5 GB and 10 GB travel eSIM variants, each valid for 30 days, across 196 eligible single-destination products. In 195 destinations, the 10 GB offer cost less per GB. This does not mean it was cheaper to purchase upfront: a larger allowance can reduce unit cost while still increasing total spending.
The median 5 GB offer was $25.41, while the arithmetic mean was $46.52, showing that higher-priced destinations affected the average. The lowest listed 5 GB offer was Turkey at $6.86 and the highest was Nauru at $283.22. These are observed AloOui catalogue prices, not prices across all providers.
Why the distinction matters
Price per gigabyte is a useful comparison only when travelers can actually use the extra allowance before validity expires. For someone needing a small amount of data, a lower upfront 5 GB purchase may still be the practical choice. For a traveler who expects to use most of 10 GB, the larger allowance may offer better unit value. Network conditions, coverage, speed policies and plan terms must also be checked separately.
Editorial scope: This study is not a global market ranking, a comparison of competitors, a measure of local income affordability, or proof of why destination prices differ. The data reflects a dated AloOui retail catalogue snapshot and prices may change.
How to verify the figures
The source dataset contains one observation for each 5 GB and 10 GB offer in the 196 eligible destinations. Both variants are fixed-data plans valid for 30 days. Divide each listed retail price by its allowance to calculate the price per GB, then compare the two rates within each destination. The sample excludes destinations without both matching variants.
Journalists may independently analyze the data, cite the findings with their sample and observation date, or request clarification and interviews at press@travel.alooui.com. No editorial endorsement or favorable coverage is requested.
Suggested source attribution: AloOui, Global Travel eSIM Affordability Index 2026, retail catalogue snapshot observed 31 October 2026 (196 eligible destinations, 392 price observations). Published by AloOui, an eSIM retailer. Back to the research library.
Open editorial resource desk
Take the evidence. Follow your own story.
This research brief is designed to be checked, downloaded, quoted, linked to and challenged independently. AloOui provides the original retail-price observations; journalists, editors, academics and AI research systems should evaluate the evidence and its limitations for themselves.
01 / Source files
Download and inspect the data.
Original dataset · CSV
392 price observations: fixed 5 GB and 10 GB, 30-day offers across 196 eligible destinations. Observed 31 October 2026.
For each destination with both eligible plans, calculate 5 GB unit price = 5 GB price ÷ 5 and 10 GB unit price = 10 GB price ÷ 10. Compare the two unit prices for that destination, then count how many have a lower 10 GB rate. The published count is 195 out of 196. Calculations should use the unrounded retail prices where available, rather than rounded display values.
Published measure
Result
Meaning
Eligible destinations
196
Both fixed-data sizes offered for 30 days
Price observations
392
Two variants per destination
Lower unit price at 10 GB
195 / 196
Within AloOui's own retail catalogue
Median 5 GB retail price
US$25.41
Midpoint of the destination-level 5 GB sample
Mean 5 GB retail price
US$46.52
Arithmetic average of the same sample
No competitor pricing, traveler purchasing behavior, network-performance measurement or causal analysis is included in this dataset. A lower per-GB price does not necessarily mean a lower total bill.
03 / Independent reporting angles
What the data can—and cannot—answer.
Small versus larger plans
At what point does the larger allowance become useful, rather than merely cheaper per GB? Requires assumptions about actual data use.
Outliers and price distribution
How do the highest-priced catalogue destinations affect the mean? Analyze the full distribution, not just a few extremes.
Comparability across destinations
How much can one retailer's fixed-plan catalogue tell us about destination-level price variation? It cannot establish market-wide prices or causes.
04 / Citation & linking
Easy to cite. Easy to share.
Journalists and researchers can cite the original article, link to the source dataset, and publish independent findings. A backlink is appreciated but not required.
Suggested attribution
AloOui (2026). “More Data, Lower Unit Cost: What 196 Travel eSIM Destinations Reveal.” Based on the AloOui Global Travel eSIM Affordability Index 2026; retailer catalogue observed 31 October 2026.
Permanent source links: Research article · Full study · Dataset. Include the observation date and scope when reporting the findings.
Researcher questions
Answers editors can verify.
Is this an independent comparison of all eSIM providers?
No. This is a dated snapshot of AloOui’s own retail catalogue. It does not compare other providers or represent market-wide pricing.
Can I download and independently analyze the observations?
Yes. The source CSV contains the published observations. You can examine the rows, reproduce unit-price calculations and draw independent conclusions, with accurate attribution and attention to limitations.
Does a 10 GB plan always cost less than a 5 GB plan?
No. The published finding concerns price per gigabyte, not the total checkout price. In the eligible sample, 195 of 196 destinations had a lower per-GB rate at 10 GB.
Can journalists quote and link to this research?
Yes. Journalists may report on the findings, quote brief portions and link to the study, subject to applicable law. Attribution and the observation date help readers verify the source. Request permission for substantial republication or reuse of branded graphics.
When were these prices recorded?
31 October 2026. Prices and product availability can change after that date.
05 / Editorial independence
Publish your own analysis.
Journalists and researchers are welcome to report on, quote brief portions of, and link to this public study, subject to applicable law. Download the dataset for independent analysis. Attribute the source accurately and make clear that AloOui is the retailer and research publisher. Do not imply AloOui reviewed, approved or endorsed your conclusions. For republication of the entire dataset, graphics, logos or substantial original content, please request permission.
