AT&T International Day Pass vs eSIM: Save Up to 97% on Travel Data
AT&T's International Day Pass promises convenience at $12 per day on land, but is it really a good deal? Let's break down the real costs and compare them to Lotsotravel eSIMs. The savings might shock you – travelers can save up to 97% on international data costs.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | AT&T Day Pass | Lotsotravel eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Cost (Land) | $12 USD/day | $0.33 USD/day (5GB plan) |
| Daily Cost (Cruise) | $20 USD/day | $0.33 USD/day (5GB plan) |
| Setup Time | Automatic activation | 5 minutes (scan QR code) |
| Data Speed | Same as home plan | High-speed 4G/5G local network |
| Data Limits | Your existing plan limit | Choose from 1GB to 50GB+ |
| Coverage | 210+ countries | 200+ countries |
| Bill Shock Risk | High (charges accumulate daily) | None (pay upfront, fixed price) |
What is AT&T International Day Pass?
AT&T International Day Pass lets you use your existing phone plan while traveling abroad. You're charged $12 per day when traveling on land in over 210 countries, or $20 per day on cruises. You only pay for the days you actually use your device.
AT&T Day Pass Pros:
- Automatic activation when you arrive
- Keep your existing AT&T phone number
- Use your current plan's talk, text, and data
- No setup required
- Only charged for days you use
AT&T Day Pass Cons:
- Expensive daily fees ($12-20 per day)
- Full day charge even for minimal usage
- Costs multiply rapidly on longer trips
- Limited by your existing data plan
- Cruise rates extremely high ($20/day)
- Bills can reach hundreds of dollars quickly
The Real Cost: Breaking Down Your Vacation Bill
Let's look at actual costs for popular trips. The difference between AT&T Day Pass and Lotsotravel eSIM is staggering.
Weekend Getaway to Paris (3 Days)
AT&T International Day Pass:
$36 USD
($12/day × 3 days)
Lotsotravel eSIM:
$10 CAD (~$7 USD)
(5GB for 30 days)
💰 Save $29 USD (81% savings)
One Week European Vacation (7 Days)
AT&T International Day Pass:
$84 USD
($12/day × 7 days)
Lotsotravel eSIM:
$10 CAD (~$7 USD)
(5GB for 30 days)
💰 Save $77 USD (92% savings)
Two Week Mediterranean Adventure (14 Days)
AT&T International Day Pass:
$168 USD
($12/day × 14 days)
Lotsotravel eSIM:
$14 CAD (~$10 USD)
(10GB for 30 days)
💰 Save $158 USD (94% savings)
Month-Long Trip Through Europe (30 Days)
AT&T International Day Pass:
$360 USD
($12/day × 30 days)
Lotsotravel eSIM:
$14 CAD (~$10 USD)
(10GB for 30 days)
💰 Save $350 USD (97% savings)
7-Day Caribbean Cruise
AT&T International Day Pass:
$140 USD
($20/day × 7 days cruise rate)
Lotsotravel eSIM:
$10 CAD (~$7 USD)
(5GB for 30 days, use at ports)
💰 Save $133 USD (95% savings) when using data at ports
Family Travel: The Costs Multiply
When traveling with family, AT&T Day Pass charges stack up per person. The savings with eSIM become even more dramatic.
Family of 4 - One Week in Europe
AT&T Day Pass (4 people):
$336 USD
($12/day × 7 days × 4 people)
Lotsotravel eSIM (4 people):
$40 CAD (~$28 USD)
(5GB per person)
💰 Family saves $308 USD - That's a nice dinner every night or a day trip activity!
Data Performance & Network Quality
AT&T International Day Pass
- ✓ Uses AT&T partner networks abroad
- ✓ Same data allowance as home plan
- ⚠️ Speed depends on partner network
- ⚠️ Limited by your existing plan
- ⚠️ May experience congestion
- ⚠️ Cruise coverage can be spotty
Lotsotravel eSIM
- ✓ Direct access to premium local networks
- ✓ Choose your data amount (1GB to 50GB+)
- ✓ High-speed 4G/5G connections
- ✓ Consistent reliable speeds
- ✓ No throttling or deprioritization
- ✓ Works in 200+ countries
Real Traveler Scenarios
Scenario 1: Business Trip to London (5 Days)
Sarah needs reliable internet for video calls, emails, and navigation for her business meetings.
AT&T Day Pass Cost:
$60 USD
Limited by her existing plan
Lotsotravel eSIM Cost:
$10 CAD (~$7 USD)
5GB dedicated for travel
Sarah saves $53 USD and gets dedicated travel data!
Scenario 2: Backpacking Through Asia (21 Days)
Mike is traveling through Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, constantly using maps and sharing photos.
AT&T Day Pass Cost:
$252 USD
($12/day × 21 days)
Lotsotravel eSIM Cost:
$20 USD
(15GB Asia plan)
Mike saves $232 USD - enough for several more nights of accommodation!
Scenario 3: Honeymoon Cruise (10 Days)
Emily and Tom want to stay connected during their Mediterranean cruise with port stops.
AT&T Day Pass (2 people):
$400 USD
($20/day cruise × 10 days × 2 people)
Lotsotravel eSIM (2 people):
$20 CAD (~$14 USD)
(5GB per person for ports)
The couple saves $386 USD - a romantic dinner upgrade!
Why AT&T Customers Are Switching to eSIM
Save Up to 97%
Stop paying $12-20 per day. Get a full month of data for less than one day of AT&T Day Pass.
No Bill Shock
Pay upfront with fixed pricing. No surprises when you get home.
Keep Your AT&T Number
Use eSIM for data while your AT&T number stays active for calls and texts (turn off data roaming).
Faster Speeds
Direct access to premium local networks means better speeds than roaming agreements.
More Flexibility
Choose exactly the data amount you need, from 1GB to 50GB+.
Making the Switch: Simple Setup
Setting Up Your Lotsotravel eSIM
- Purchase Your eSIM Online
Choose your destination and data amount. Instant purchase, takes 2 minutes.
- Receive Your QR Code
Instant email delivery with installation instructions.
- Scan & Install Before Departure
Add eSIM to your phone. Takes 3 minutes.
- Activate on Arrival
Turn on your eSIM when you land. Connect instantly.
Important for AT&T Customers:
Turn off "Data Roaming" for your AT&T line to prevent Day Pass from activating. Your AT&T number stays active for calls and texts while your eSIM handles all data at a fraction of the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent AT&T Day Pass from activating?
Before you travel, turn off "Data Roaming" for your AT&T line in your phone settings. This prevents automatic Day Pass activation while you use your eSIM for data.
Can I use both AT&T and an eSIM at the same time?
Yes! Your phone supports dual SIM. Keep your AT&T line active for calls/texts (with data roaming off) and use the eSIM for affordable data.
Does my phone support eSIM?
Most iPhones from XS onwards and newer Android devices support eSIM. Check your phone's settings under "Cellular" or "Mobile Data" to see if eSIM is available.
What if I need more data during my trip?
You can top up instantly through the Lotsotravel app or website. Unlike AT&T's daily charges, you only pay for the additional data you need.
Is eSIM data as fast as AT&T Day Pass?
Often faster! Lotsotravel eSIMs connect directly to premium local networks with 4G/5G speeds, while Day Pass depends on AT&T's roaming agreements which may be slower.
Will AT&T charge me if I use an eSIM?
No, as long as you turn off data roaming for your AT&T line. You can still receive calls and texts on your AT&T number without triggering Day Pass charges.
The Bottom Line
AT&T International Day Pass may seem convenient, but at $12-20 per day, it's one of the most expensive ways to stay connected abroad. With Lotsotravel eSIMs starting at just $10 CAD (~$7 USD) for 30 days, you can save hundreds of dollars on every trip.
Start Saving on Your Next Trip
Join thousands of AT&T customers who have discovered a smarter way to travel. Stop paying daily fees and start keeping more money for the experiences that matter.
- ✓ Save up to 97% vs AT&T Day Pass
- ✓ 200+ countries worldwide
- ✓ 30-day validity (vs daily charges)
- ✓ High-speed local networks
- ✓ No bill shock or hidden fees
- ✓ Keep your AT&T number active
- ✓ 24/7 customer support
Ready to travel smarter? Get your Lotsotravel eSIM today and never overpay for international data again.