Last Updated on March 3, 2024
These days, so much of travel research, planning, and booking is done online. And so it’s become more and more important to have mobile data when traveling.
While roaming and local SIMs are an option for getting online abroad, the best option I’ve found is to use an eSIM.
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What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that you can load into your device. With an eSIM, there’s no need for a physical SIM.
Esims work exactly like traditional SIM cards, enabling your phone to connect to cellular networks and access mobile data.
Unlike physical SIMs, eSIMs can be remotely activated, allowing you to easily switch between mobile carriers or plans.
You don’t need to visit a storefront to buy an eSIM, you can purchase them online. The information needed to activate your eSIM is then sent to you over email or via an app.
For example, with aloSIM, you can use their free app to purchase an eSIM, and then a QR code is provided through the app to install it.
5 Benefits of Using eSIMs for Travel
I started using eSIMs back in 2021 when I traveled to Portugal. Since then, I’ve used them throughout Europe, Morocco, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Mexico. They’ve worked beautifully in every country.
My eSIM of choice is aloSIM! After trying a couple different eSIM providers, I’ve found aloSIM to be the most reliable. Their app is super intuitive and easy to use, and they have great customer support.
Let’s dive into some of the main benefits of using an eSIM rather than a physical SIM.
1. More Affordable Than Roaming
Most cellular networks offer roaming packages for when you travel abroad.
This means you can turn on roaming when you’re in another country to connect to the internet, or, you can buy a prepaid mobile data package through your provider.
While this is an easy option for getting online while abroad, even just a few gigabytes of mobile data are typically very expensive when purchased through your carrier.
Esims are always the more affordable option. For example, 3 gigabytes of mobile data for Portugal through aloSIM costs less than $10.
2. Avoids the Hassle of Physical SIM Cards
Before using eSIMs, I typically bought a physical SIM card in the country I was visiting. This is cheaper than using roaming, but it can be a hassle.
When you land in a new country, you have to find a vendor selling prepaid local SIM cards, and then go through the process of purchasing and enabling the SIM.
With an eSIM, you can activate your local mobile data plan right from your phone, saving you time and the hassle of finding a store.
The second you arrive in a country, all you need to do is toggle the eSIM on in your phone’s settings, and you’re online!
3. Flexibility at Your Fingertips
One of the coolest perks of eSIMs? You can juggle multiple eSIM and physical SIM profiles on your phone at one time.
If you’re going back and forth between countries, you can have eSIMs for each one in your phone, toggling them on and off as needed.
And, with eSIM providers like aloSIM, it’s easy to top up your data plan if it runs out. You can also keep your physical SIM card in your phone.
This means you could have a data plan in Iceland via an eSIM, while still keeping your home country’s number active through your physical SIM (or your home network eSIM).
4. Option For Multi-Country eSIMs
Another unique benefit of eSIMs is that you have the option to purchase regional eSIMs that work in several countries.
For example, aloSIM offers a Europe eSIM that keeps you online in 34 countries in the region. AloSIM also has a regional eSIM for Asia that works in 13 countries!
With a regional eSIM, you can cross borders without any interruption in your coverage. If you’re doing a longer trip throughout a region, this is a really convenient perk.
5. Eliminates Unnecessary Waste
There’s also a meaningful benefit of using an eSIM for international travel – they reduce waste.
A physical SIM card that is used for one brief trip to another country typically ends up tossed. Over time, the volume of waste can be quite substantial.
If you’re working towards more sustainable and responsible tourism, using eSIMS is one small way to reduce your environmental impact.
Using an eSIM For Travel: Common FAQs
How do you activate an eSIM?
The process of activating an eSIM varies a bit from phone to phone, but generally, you will load the eSIM into your phone via a QR code or a manual code.
Then, you’ll go into your phone’s cellular or mobile data settings to configure and activate the eSIM.
Typically, it takes only a minute or two to get your eSIM loaded into your phone’s settings, and then to activate it, you’ll just toggle it on.
What devices work with an eSIM?
Most of the latest mobile devices are eSIM enabled, including iPhones (from XS onward) and Google Pixel phones.
That said, it’s a good idea to double check your phone’s specifications to be sure that it’s eSIM-compatible, before purchasing your first eSIM. Here is an eSIM device checker that provides a quick way to know if your phone supports eSIM.
Another way to check is to put your phone model and “eSIM” into your search engine. Another quick way to check? Dial *#06# in your phone. If your device is eSIM-compatible, you’ll be able to view your EID number.
Are eSIMs good for travel?
Yes, eSIMs are great for travel thanks to their many benefits. They are more affordable than roaming, and easy to purchase and activate.
Esims avoid the hassle of finding and activating a physical SIM, and are just overall a very flexible option for getting online while abroad.
Use an eSIM on Your Next Trip
Esims have made it easier than ever to stay connected while traveling across the globe. They’re simplifying the way we manage our phone plans and providing a level of flexibility that physical SIM cards just can’t match.
So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider making the switch to the digital side to take advantage of all the benefits of eSIMs. You will appreciate the ease of activation, flexibility, and how affordable they are.
Want to try aloSIM? Download the free app right here, and use the code PINA for 5% off your purchase.
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A huge thanks to aloSIM for sponsoring this blog post. All opinions shared in this post are completely my own.
