How to use eSim (When Travelling)

eSim: In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected while traveling internationally is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure, or to visit loved ones, access to mobile data and reliable communication is essential. Traditional SIM cards have been the go-to solution for years, but in the era of technological advancement, eSIM (embedded SIM) has emerged as a game-changer.

With an eSIM, you can switch networks, manage multiple carriers, and access local data plans across countries—all without the hassle of physical SIM cards. This article will guide you on how to get an eSIM for international travel, explaining the benefits, how to activate it, and the best eSIM providers to choose from.

What is an eSIM?

Before diving into how to get an eSIM for international travel, it’s important to understand what an eSIM is and how it works. eSIM stands for “embedded Subscriber Identity Module.” Unlike a physical SIM card that needs to be inserted into your phone, an eSIM is a digital SIM built directly into your device. This allows you to store multiple carrier profiles on the same eSIM, enabling you to switch between networks without swapping out physical SIM cards.

The eSIM technology offers various advantages, including better space efficiency, improved security, and ease of switching between local carriers when traveling abroad. Many modern smartphones, tablets, wearables, and even laptops are now eSIM-enabled, making it easier than ever to stay connected worldwide.

Why You Should Choose eSIM for International Travel

Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of eSIM is the ability to switch between networks without needing a new SIM card. If you’re traveling to multiple countries, you can add several local plans to your eSIM and switch between them with just a few taps.
Cost-Effective: International roaming charges can be expensive, and buying a local SIM card in each country you visit can be time-consuming. With an eSIM, you can avoid roaming fees and opt for affordable data plans that suit your travel needs.
Multiple Profiles: eSIM allows you to store multiple carrier profiles, making it ideal for travelers who frequently move between different countries. You can have one carrier for your home country and others for the countries you visit.
Environmentally Friendly: Since eSIM doesn’t require physical SIM cards, it helps reduce waste, contributing to a more sustainable travel experience.
Flexibility: Unlike traditional SIM cards, which can take time to purchase and activate, eSIMs can be activated remotely. This makes it easy to get connected as soon as you land in a new country.

How to Get an eSIM for International Travel

Now that you know why eSIM is the future of international travel, let’s go over the practical steps to get an eSIM for your global journeys.

Check if Your Device Supports eSIM

The first step in getting an eSIM for international travel is ensuring that your device is eSIM-compatible. Most modern smartphones, especially those from Apple, Samsung, and Google, support eSIM technology. Here are some popular devices that are eSIM-enabled:

Apple: iPhone XS and later models (including iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series)
Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, and newer models; Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series
Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and later models (Pixel 5, Pixel 6, Pixel 7)
Other devices: Many newer tablets, smartwatches, and laptops also support eSIM, including the iPad Pro, Apple Watch, and Microsoft Surface Pro.

To check if your device supports eSIM, go to your device settings and search for “Mobile Network” or “Cellular Network” settings. If you see an option for “Add eSIM” or “Add Cellular Plan,” your device is ready for eSIM activation.

Choose an eSIM Carrier or Provider

Once you’ve confirmed that your device supports eSIM, the next step is choosing an eSIM carrier. There are several options available, ranging from mobile network operators to third-party eSIM providers. Depending on your travel needs, you may choose a global eSIM provider or opt for local eSIM providers in the country or region you’re visiting.

Global eSIM Providers:

If you plan to visit multiple countries and prefer the convenience of one plan for your entire trip, global eSIM providers are an excellent choice. These services offer international data plans that work in many countries, so you won’t need to worry about switching SIM cards or managing multiple carriers. Popular global eSIM providers include:

Airalo: One of the largest global eSIM providers, Airalo offers affordable plans for over 190 destinations. They have eSIMs for both data-only and voice/data services.
GigSky: Offering international eSIM data plans, GigSky allows you to purchase regional or global plans, ensuring coverage in over 190 countries.
Ubigi: Ubigi offers eSIM data plans that work across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with flexible packages for short-term travelers.
Truphone: Known for their global eSIM service, Truphone provides plans for travelers in over 100 countries.

Local eSIM Providers:

For those visiting a single country, opting for a local eSIM provider can be more economical. Many national carriers have embraced eSIM technology, allowing tourists to purchase local data plans without needing a physical SIM card. Some examples include:

T-Mobile (USA): Offers eSIM services for domestic and international travelers.
EE (UK): Provides eSIM services for customers traveling within the UK and Europe.
Vodafone (Australia, Europe): Offers eSIM plans for various regions, including Australia, Italy, and Spain.
Telstra (Australia): Telstra supports eSIM for both local and international data plans.

Buy and Activate Your eSIM

Once you’ve chosen your eSIM provider, the next step is to purchase and activate your eSIM.

Through a Carrier’s Website or App: Many mobile carriers allow you to purchase eSIM plans directly from their websites or mobile apps. After purchasing, you’ll typically receive a QR code or activation details that you can scan with your device to activate your eSIM.
Through a Third-Party Provider: If you choose a global provider like Airalo or GigSky, you can download their app, browse available plans, and purchase your eSIM directly through the app. After that, they’ll send you an activation QR code, which you can scan to activate your eSIM.

Scan the eSIM QR Code

To activate the eSIM, you will need to scan the QR code or enter the activation details manually. Here’s how to do it:

For iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan. Scan the QR code you received, and your eSIM will be activated.
For Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Add Carrier. Scan the QR code, and follow the prompts to complete activation.

Select Your Data Plan

Once the eSIM is activated, you can select the data plan that best fits your travel needs. Most eSIM providers offer a variety of plans based on data usage, validity period, and coverage area. Some plans are designed for light users (with limited data), while others offer extensive data allowances for heavy users. Choose a plan based on your travel duration and data consumption patterns.

Manage Your eSIM Profiles

One of the benefits of eSIM is the ability to manage multiple profiles on the same device. If you’re traveling to several countries, you can store eSIM profiles for each destination and switch between them as needed. You can also keep your home country’s eSIM profile active to receive texts and calls while traveling.

For iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular to manage and switch between your eSIM profiles.
For Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network to manage your eSIM settings.

Tips for Using eSIM While Traveling

Ensure Compatibility: Before traveling, check if your destination country supports eSIM. Most major countries have embraced eSIM technology, but some regions may still rely heavily on physical SIM cards.
Pre-Activate Before Traveling: To avoid issues at the airport, try to activate your eSIM before leaving your home country. This ensures that you have data access as soon as you land.
Disable Roaming on Your Physical SIM: To prevent accidental roaming charges, it’s best to disable roaming on your physical SIM once your eSIM is activated.
Check Data Usage: Keep track of your data usage, especially if you’re using a local eSIM plan. Some providers offer apps to help you monitor your consumption.

Conclusion

eSIM technology is revolutionizing the way we stay connected while traveling. It simplifies the process of managing mobile networks across different countries, eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, and offers cost-effective solutions for international data plans. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily get an eSIM for your next international trip and enjoy seamless connectivity throughout your journey. Safe travels!