Competition in the browser market is becoming increasingly intense, with each vendor using new features to attract users. As many browsers continue to ramp up their AI capabilities, Opera has chosen a different direction by introducing a new service that is quite rare in the browser space: a travel eSIM.
Following the recent launch of its free VPN feature, Opera announced that it has integrated a travel eSIM service into the Android version of the Opera browser. Users can activate and manage an eSIM directly within the browser, without downloading a dedicated eSIM app. At the same time, Opera has launched a free trial in some markets, allowing eligible users to receive 3 GB of free mobile data valid for three days.
Although the entire activation process takes place in the Opera browser, the eSIM itself is not limited to browser use. Once installed, it can provide mobile data connectivity to all apps on the device, including maps, messaging apps, and other programs that require an internet connection. Opera says the service currently covers 47 destinations and will connect to 5G networks where supported by local carriers.
Opera emphasizes that claiming the 3 GB of free data does not require payment information or an email address. Users in eligible regions can claim it directly in the Opera app. Once the free data has been used up, users can choose a paid plan to continue using the service. The plans offer 3 GB, 5 GB, or 10 GB of data and remain valid for 30 days from activation.
Opera offers considerable flexibility in how the service is used. Users can install the eSIM at home before departure and activate the data plan only after arriving at their destination. The same installed eSIM can also be reused in multiple countries and regions, although a separate data plan must still be purchased for each new country or region visited.
The feature is currently available only in the Android version of the Opera browser. The device must support eSIM and run Android 10 or later. Opera’s data plans include mobile data only and do not replace the user’s existing phone number or voice-calling service.
The first markets where users can claim 3 GB of free data include the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Poland. The eSIM purchasing service, however, is available to users worldwide.
According to information published by Opera, the eSIM service is currently available in Albania, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, China, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
For a browser product, offering a travel eSIM service directly is unusual. However, for users who frequently travel abroad and lack a reliable way to purchase eSIMs, Opera hopes to integrate connectivity services directly into the browser, providing a more convenient all-in-one experience for getting online overseas.
Those with Android phones that support eSIM can give it a try and see whether it works.