5G has been promising to revolutionize mobile connectivity for years. But when you travel abroad with an eSIM, the real question is: do you pay more for 5G or stick with 4G LTE? The answer depends on your destination, your habits, and the type of trip. Here’s all the data to help you decide wisely.
Technical Differences Between 5G and 4G
Before comparing prices, it’s worth understanding the real technical difference between both technologies for the average traveler:
| Feature | 4G LTE | 5G Sub-6 GHz | 5G mmWave |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Download Speed | 150–300 Mbps | 300–900 Mbps | 1–4 Gbps |
| Average Real Speed | 20–80 Mbps | 50–200 Mbps | 200–800 Mbps |
| Latency | 30–70 ms | 10–30 ms | <5 ms |
| Geographic Coverage | Global (95%+) | Cities and urban areas | Very limited (stadiums, city centers) |
| Battery Consumption | Moderate | +15–25% vs 4G | +40–60% vs 4G |
| Indoor Penetration | Excellent | Good | Very Low |
The key is that the 5G you find in most countries is 5G Sub-6 GHz (not mmWave), which offers speeds 2 to 5 times higher than 4G, but with much more limited coverage than the 4G network.
Real Speeds in Travel Destinations
According to Speedtest Intelligence Q1 2026 data, these are the average speeds users experience with eSIM in the most visited destinations by Spanish speakers:
As you can see, the difference is real but with nuances: in LatAm, even the available 5G performs less than European 4G. The quality of the local network matters more than the technological generation.
5G Coverage Worldwide
5G is not available everywhere. Here is the percentage of 5G coverage by country in urban areas where Spanish speakers mostly travel:
| Country / Region | Urban 5G Coverage | National 5G Coverage | Is 5G worth paying for? |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 98% | 78% | ✅ Yes, definitely |
| Japan | 94% | 65% | ✅ Yes |
| USA | 91% | 52% | ✅ In large cities |
| Spain | 87% | 71% | ✅ Yes |
| Germany / France | 82% | 58% | ⚠️ Depends on itinerary |
| Mexico | 71% | 29% | ⚠️ Only Mexico City / Guadalajara |
| Colombia / Peru | 55% | 12% | ❌ 4G sufficient |
| Argentina | 48% | 8% | ❌ 4G sufficient |
| Thailand / Indonesia | 62% | 15% | ⚠️ Only Bangkok/Bali |
| Morocco / Egypt | 31% | 4% | ❌ 4G sufficient |
Impact on Battery Life
One of the most important aspects for travelers is battery life. 5G chips consume noticeably more power, especially when the phone is searching for a 5G signal in areas of partial coverage:
The key data point: when your phone is in an area with intermittent 5G coverage (moving from a 5G zone to a 4G zone), consumption can soar up to 45% more because the chip is constantly searching for the 5G signal. This is especially relevant in destinations with partial 5G coverage.
Practical solution: If your eSIM supports 5G but you're traveling to a destination with partial coverage, consider forcing 4G mode in your phone settings to improve battery life without losing connectivity.
Price Difference in eSIMs
How much more does 5G cost in travel eSIMs? The difference is smaller than you might imagine:
| Destination / Plan | 4G eSIM (10 GB / 30 days) | 5G eSIM (10 GB / 30 days) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | €11,90 | €13,90 | +€2,00 |
| USA | €12,50 | €14,90 | +€2,40 |
| Europe (regional) | €8,90 | €10,90 | +€2,00 |
| Mexico | €7,90 | No 5G option | — |
| LatAm (regional) | €14,90 | No 5G option | — |
In destinations where 5G is available and has good coverage (Japan, USA, Europe), the average surcharge is €2 per plan. A small difference if you plan to take advantage of the speed.
When is 5G Worth It?
Executive summary for a quick decision:
| Situation | 5G or 4G? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Trip to Japan / Korea / USA | ✅ 5G | Excellent coverage, noticeable speed difference |
| Intensive remote work | ✅ 5G | Video calls, large file uploads, lower latency |
| Tourism in Western Europe | ✅ 5G | Good coverage in major cities, minimal extra cost |
| Trip to Mexico / Colombia / Peru | ⚠️ 4G | Very partial 5G coverage, 4G is sufficient and cheaper |
| Rural tourism or nature trails | ❌ 4G | 5G doesn't reach outside cities, save battery with 4G |
| Multi-country backpacking in LatAm | ❌ 4G | Many countries without viable 5G, battery is more critical |
| Phone with small battery (<3,500 mAh) | ⚠️ 4G | Extra 5G consumption can be a real problem |
Conclusion
The short answer: choose 5G if you're traveling to East Asia, the USA, or Western Europe and the extra cost is less than €3. In these destinations, the speed difference is real, and the extra battery drain is manageable.
For trips to LatAm, rural routes, or if you prioritize battery life, 4G is more than sufficient for WhatsApp, Google Maps, streaming in SD, and moderate remote work. Don't pay for speed you won't be able to use.
At PuraSIM, you'll clearly see on each plan whether it includes 5G or not, so you can decide based on your destination without surprises.
Frequently asked questions about eSIM 5G vs 4G
Is my iPhone compatible with 5G abroad?
iPhone 12 and later models support 5G. But 5G frequencies vary by country: the USA uses mmWave, which other iPhones may not support. In Europe and Asia, models from iPhone 12 onwards work with 5G Sub-6 GHz without issues.
Does the 5G eSIM plan activate automatically, or do I need to enable it?
With most travel eSIMs, the 5G network activates automatically when your device is in a 5G coverage area. You don't need any special configuration unless you have forced 4G mode in your settings.
Does it make sense to pay for 5G to watch Netflix while traveling?
For HD streaming you need at least 5 Mbps; for 4K, 25 Mbps. Typical 4G (20-80 Mbps) is more than enough for any streaming. 5G adds value for uploading large files, 4K video calls, and online gaming.
Does 5G use more data than 4G?
Not directly. However, because 5G connections are faster, apps may automatically download higher quality content (YouTube in 4K, larger app updates). Check the video quality settings in your applications.
Can I use a 5G eSIM on a 4G phone?
Yes. A 5G eSIM plan works perfectly on 4G devices, simply using the 4G network. There is no incompatibility — you simply won't enjoy 5G speeds, but connectivity is complete.
