Latest news with #NomadeSIM
Tom's Guide
01-08-2025
- Tom's Guide
I started using an eSIM for my summer travels — here's why I'll never go back to a physical SIM card
When I travel abroad, I want to be able to use my smartphone to manage my itinerary, navigate between destinations, and stay connected to those back home. That means I need a data plan that works where I am and that won't break the bank. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, allows me to connect to local cellular networks at an affordable price. An eSIM is a digital SIM card already built into your phone — instead of installing a physical chip into a card slot, you simply purchase an eSIM and activate it remotely via a Wi-Fi connection (or cell network, depending on your device). Nomad eSIM: When you're on the road, you need a data plan that matches your vibe. With its convenience, flexibility and coverage in over 200 destinations, Nomad eSIM is an essential companion for all travelers. Nomad has recently launched 21 new unlimited data plans starting at just $11 for three days. This summer, use the promo code NOMADSUN20 for 20% off. While I can connect to Wi-Fi while traveling, I need to be able to connect to data while out and about without worrying about expensive roaming charges or pay-per-use rates. An eSIM allows me to purchase a data plan for the specific country or region I am traveling to for the duration of my trip at a relatively affordable price. In addition to cost-effective data options, travel eSIMs have some advantages over purchasing a physical SIM card for a local network. When relying on removable SIM cards in the past, I have had to locate a vendor, leaving a gap between arrival and getting connected to a data network. With an eSIM, you can get everything set up in advance so your plan is active the minute you land. I also had to keep my primary SIM secure for the duration of the trip — SIM chips are tiny and easily lost. Even if I wanted to use a physical SIM card, I'd have to purchase a second device in order to do so. My iPhone 15 Pro is eSIM only, meaning it lacks a SIM tray. It's far more convenient to use my own device with both a travel eSIM for affordable data and my primary SIM for receiving calls and texts from home than it is to buy and carry two separate phones. Apple has largely discontinued the use of traditional SIMs in its iPhone lineup (at least for US users), while Android devices typically have dual capabilities with both a physical SIM and an eSIM. Note that your device will need to be carrier unlocked in order to use an eSIM from a different provider. If you are traveling abroad, an eSIM is the simplest and often most cost-effective option for connecting to cellular data with your existing device. A travel eSIM allows you to do everything from use maps to stream video as soon as you arrive at your destination. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Yahoo
Both of the world's two biggest tourist traps are in the U.S.
New data reveals which iconic destinations leave travelers feeling most duped in 2025. They're crowded, overpriced, and often underwhelming. While millions of people flock to them every year, many walk away wondering whether the experience was worth the hype — or the hefty price tag. They're ourist traps — attractions that promise iconic moments or local flavor but instead deliver inflated prices, long lines, and a lack of authenticity. And now, a new report has identified exactly which places around the world are the biggest offenders in the category. According to a global analysis by Nomad eSIM, which examined thousands of online reviews for popular destinations worldwide, the two worst-rated tourist traps on the planet — tied for first place — are both located in the United States. The first is Wall Drug in South Dakota, a sprawling roadside attraction that began as a small-town pharmacy in the 1930s and built its fame on quirky billboards and free ice water. Today, it's a full-blown spectacle featuring Western-themed shops, photo ops, and kitschy Americana — and it draws about 2 million visitors annually. But not everyone leaves impressed. Reviews label it 'crammed and tacky,' with some warning that visitors are 'ripped off by every store owner in town.' Sharing the top spot is San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, the city's waterfront strip of seafood joints, souvenir stands, and the occasional sea lion sighting. It pulls in around 12 million visitors a year — but critics say the area is 'dirty, run down, and overcrowded,' and 'only worth it to see the seals.' International destinations sit near the top of the list as well, including Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Temple Bar in Dublin, and Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin — all sites that regularly draw huge tourist crowds, and just as regularly show up in online complaints about inflated prices, aggressive vendors, and a lack of local authenticity. Nomad's analysis didn't just look at popularity: It specifically tracked mentions of the phrase 'tourist trap' in traveler reviews. It also tallied up the estimated cost of disappointment at several of the world's most expensive attractions, factoring in entrance fees alongside those negative mentions. Among the priciest letdowns: Graceland in Tennessee, with an $84 entry fee and hundreds of complaints. The Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina also made the list, thanks to high ticket prices and underwhelming experiences reported by visitors. While many travelers are still drawn to these iconic places for the photo ops or bragging rights, the data suggests that some may be better admired from afar — or skipped altogether in favor of more authentic, less crowded alternatives.
Daily Mail
27-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The worst tourist trap in the world
In every country, tourists eagerly gather at the most popular and talked-about spots , hoping it lives up to their expectations. Though at times, travellers may find themselves disappointed - charged premium prices and squashed shoulder-to-shoulder with others all aiming to chase the same sought-after attraction. Now, the very worst tourist trap in the world has been revealed, in research by Nomad eSIM. There's not one, but two places that tie as the top spots to avoid when travelling – and both are in the United States. Fisherman's Wharf, located in San Francisco, and Wall Drug, in South Dakota, scored the worst in Nomad's analysis. The company looked at thousands of reviews for attractions in 50 popular destinations around the world and tracked mentions of 'tourist trap'. Both Fisherman's Wharf and Wall Drug have 1,000 reviews labelling them as 'tourist traps'. Wall Drug attracts around 2 million tourists each year and started out as a small pharmacy in 1931. Now, it is known worldwide for being a quirky roadside attraction spreading across 76,000sq feet. Visitors can enjoy coffee for five cents, fresh donuts and an old-timey photo studio, as well as over 300 pieces of Western art. However, not everyone is impressed with its offerings and the attraction has received more than 1,000 reviews labelling it a 'tourist trap,' according to Nomad. One slammed it for being 'very crammed and tacky' while another swiped 'you will be ripped off by every store owner in town'. Fisherman's Wharf ties with Wall Drug as one of the worst tourist traps. The historic waterfront spot brings in around 12 million tourists a year who visit for the seafood restaurants, sea lions and souvenir shops. However, many leave disappointed and underwhelmed. According to Nomad, some visitors described the location as 'dirty, run down and overcrowded' and commented 'only worth it to see the seals.' Spain's Las Ramblas, a promenade that runs for more than a kilometre through central Barcelona, placed second in the 'tourist trap' rankings with 826 reviews. The attraction is packed with shops, eateries, and attractions and while some travellers enjoy its energetic vibe, others find the experience chaotic and overwhelming. Known for pickpocketing, the area is often packed with crowds some visitors find that it's 'one of the most overrated roads in the world', and one even went as far as to say that 'it should be on your DO NOT DO list'. Dublin's Temple Bar was listed third, despite being renowned for its lively nightlife and traditional Irish pub s. The Irish icon saw 'tourist trap' mentioned a whopping 687 times. Complaints about Temple Bar range from how dirty it is to the sky-high prices, with one reviewer describing it as 'overcrowded, overpriced and overrated'. Temple Bar was closely followed by Checkpoint Charlie, in Germany, which had 681 reviews dubbing it a 'tourist trap'. The famous Cold War-era border crossing in Germany features plenty of souvenir stalls and draws in plenty of visitors. But it doesn't always impress and according to Nomad, one traveller said: 'For somewhere with so much historical importance, it has become a cheap and nasty tourist spot'. While the Royal Mile in Edinburgh placed five in the 'tourist trap' rankings with 539 reviews. Stretching 1.81km, the cobbled road links Edinburgh Castle the Palace of Holyroodhouse. However, one visitor to the Scottish capital expressed disappointment: 'Bring back the days when locals could live and work in the area without locusts like plagues of tourists!'.
Tokyo Reported
17-07-2025
- Tokyo Reported
Tokyo's Takeshita Street Revealed One of the Worst Tourist Traps Worldwide
A new study by Nomad eSIM has revealed that Takeshita Street is one of the world's biggest tourist traps, counting 340 mentions of the term 'tourist trap' in its TripAdvisor reviews. What used to be a 'cool cultural hub' visited by many locals is now described as 'entirely overrated, no culture, overwhelmingly touristy, and honestly not worth it' by reviewers. One reviewer said: 'Back in 2004 I visited this street and it was amazing to see all the locals visiting this area for all the progressive trends however almost 20 years later it's now just a street full of foreigners and many cheap touristy shops. You cannot even move. Touts from other parts of the world are everywhere and made us feel so uncomfortable, felt like we were about to get scammed at every corner. Such a shame to see an area ruined by tourists and touts.' Eric Morhenn, travel expert at Nomad eSIM shares his advice for staying away from tourist traps and enjoying a stress-free holiday: ' Tourist traps often happen when a place stops being about the place itself and starts being about selling to visitors. Crowds grow, prices rise, and what made it special fades away. 'Sometimes it's best to just a few blocks away and see where the locals go. Avoid the spots with big signs and pushy sellers and instead, look for places that feel a little quieter, and more simple. Visiting outside the busy season helps too; things slow down, and you get a better feel for the place. And don't be afraid to ask someone who lives there. People usually love to share their favorite hidden spots .' Top 10 worst tourist traps worldwide: Fisherman's Wharf, USA – 1,000 reviews Las Ramblas, Spain – 826 reviews Temple Bar, Ireland – 687 reviews Checkpoint Charlie, Germany – 681 reviews Royal Mile, Scotland – 539 reviews Niagara Falls, Canada – 483 reviews Victoria Peak, Hong Kong – 381 reviews Takeshita Street, Japan – 340 reviews Eiffel Tower, France – 303 reviews Stockholm Old Town, Sweden – 293 reviews #### About Nomad eSIM: Nomad is a business line of LotusFlare, Inc, and provides travelers with digital SIM cards, known as eSIMs, enabling seamless mobile data connectivity across more than 200+ countries. Their user-friendly platform offers quick installation and reliable network access, allowing users to stay connected globally without the need for physical SIM cards.
Extra.ie
15-07-2025
- Extra.ie
Popular Dublin location named third worst 'tourist trap'
Temple Bar has seen its high prices and cobbled streets finally rewarded — as the third biggest 'tourist trap' in the entire world. Famed for its €10 pints of Guinness and being where most tourist will enjoy their first pint while on holiday in Dublin, Temple Bar's reputation precedes itself, with most Irish people, either from the capital or elsewhere, usually trying to avoid the place. Now, Nomad eSIM has released its list of the biggest tourist traps in the world, with Temple Bar taking home the bronze, coming in ahead of Paris' Eiffel Tower and Niagara Falls. Temple Bar has seen its high prices and cobbled streets finally rewarded — as the third biggest 'tourist trap' in the entire world. Pic: Derick P. Hudson/Shutterstock Checking reviews of the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, the term 'tourist trap' was mentioned a massive 687 times — with Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco and Las Ramblas in Barcelona coming in first and second. Rounding out the top five was Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, once a crossing point between East and West Berlin and one of the lasting symbols of the East-West divide during the Cold War, and Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Among the chief complaints about Temple Bar from tourists include its prices, as well as dirty streets and lack of safety and local culture — with one person who reviewed the location describing it in three words: 'overcrowded, overpriced and overrated.' The Temple Bar in Dublin Pic: Joaquin Gomez Sastre/NurPhoto via Getty Images 'Disgusting place,' another wrote. 'The smell of urine, dirty, drunken people, litter everywhere, overpriced, rude, unfriendly people. It was simply disgusting. Not safe during the day and definitely not at night. Not a place to bring kids.' Nomad eSIM, who sell eSIMs to people who are travelling abroad so they don't have to pay roaming charges, has said that tourist traps should be avoided by said tourists, saying that they're more about 'selling to visitors' rather than being about the place itself. 'Crowds grow, prices rise, and what made it special fades away,' Eric Morhenn of Nomad said. 'Sometimes it's best to just a few blocks away and see where the locals go.' Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco has been named the biggest tourist trap in the world. Pic:As for his advice, Mr Morhenn said 'avoid the spots with big signs and pushy sellers and instead, look for places that feel a little quieter, and simpler. 'Visiting outside the busy season helps too; things slow down, and you get a better feel for the place. And don't be afraid to ask someone who lives there. People usually love to share their favourite hidden spots.' Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco Las Ramblas, Barcelona Temple Bar, Dublin Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Niagara Falls, Canada Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Takeshita Street, Japan Eiffel Tower, France Stockholm Old Town, Sweden
