Travel Insider: Why to Use an eSIM for Travel

Staying connected while traveling can be a hassle—until you discover the magic of an eSIM for travel. An eSim is a digital SIM card that allows you to connect to local mobile networks without needing to swap out your physical SIM card. Whether you’re navigating a new city or sharing photos on the go, an eSIM makes staying online a breeze. In this article, we’ll walk you through using an eSIM for international travel and recommend some of the best companies to get you started, so you can stay worry-free and connected on your time away.

p.s. If you just heard of an eSIM for the first time recently, don’t worry, that was us just a few months ago before we used one for our overseas travel!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like tour links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and end up booking. That said, we would never recommend something we don’t stand behind 100%. 

What is an eSIM?

Easy Explanation of Using an eSIM for Travel

An eSIM for international travel lets you use another country’s data plan without physically swapping out your SIM card. It’s all digital, so you can easily switch back to your regular plan when you get home—no need to worry about roaming charges as long as you set it up correctly.

Simply put, it’s like using your phone just as you would at home—except calls and texts won’t work on most plans. You won’t notice a difference if you use apps like WhatsApp since it runs on data anyway.

More “Technical” Explanation of Using an eSIM for Travel

An eSim is a built-in, digital version of a SIM card that doesn’t require you to physically insert or remove anything from your phone. Since it’s part of your phone’s hardware, you can easily store multiple carrier profiles, which means you can switch between your home cellular plan carrier and local providers with a few taps—no need to carry or change physical SIM cards.

Most modern smartphones now come eSim-compatible, but it’s always good to double-check if your device supports it. Another benefit is that you can activate an eSim over the internet by scanning a QR code from the provider or entering an activation code. This means you can set up your eSim before you leave for your trip.

Beyond convenience, eSim technology allows you to use virtual carriers that often offer better data roaming rates compared to your home network. These carriers can optimize data usage by partnering with local networks, helping you avoid expensive international roaming fees. You get access to data services, which is perfect for navigation, communication apps, or booking last-minute activities—all without needing Wi-Fi.

Times When an eSIM for Travel is Helpful

The biggest benefit of using an eSIM for travel is avoiding the hefty roaming charges on your home cell phone plan. But more importantly, it ensures that you’ll have data access throughout your trip—which is a real game-changer for a stress-free vacation.

Picture this: you’re running late for the train and need to check the next schedule, or you’re messaging your hotel or tour company via WhatsApp. These are moments when having data access is crucial.

Other times you’ll find it super helpful:

• Receiving flight updates when you’re away from Wi-Fi.
• Quickly checking restaurant hours or locations when your plans change.
• Snagging last-minute museum tickets to skip the line.

All these scenarios highlight why having a reliable data plan is a must when traveling. With an eSIM, you can easily stay connected without the hassle of finding Wi-Fi. And the best part? It only takes about 10 minutes to set up.

How an eSIM Helps Avoid Roaming Costs

Roaming happens when your phone connects to a new network because it can’t find your usual one, often resulting in unexpected and expensive charges. These fees are typically charged by the minute or per day and can add up.

With an eSIM for travel, you can completely avoid roaming costs. Once your eSIM is set up, it acts as your new “home” network while you’re traveling. You turn off your home carrier’s network, so there’s no chance of accidentally roaming. Your eSIM keeps you connected throughout your trip, so no surprise charges.

Switching off the eSIM and reconnecting to your regular network is just as easy.

Choose an eSIM Provider

Before selecting an eSIM for your international trip, check that the provider offers coverage in the areas you’ll be visiting. This may seem obvious, but it needed to be said! The options below have easy-to-use Web sites and well-rated customer service.

Popular and Easy eSIM Providers for Travelers

• EasySim: EasySim offers a range of flexible plans with straightforward pricing and good coverage in various destinations. They are known for their user-friendly setup and reliable service. We selected and reviewed using EasySim during our travels, as we liked that they were also affiliated with EasyJet.
• Airalo: Known for its extensive coverage and flexible plans, Airalo offers options for data packages in many countries. It’s user-friendly and great for both short trips and long stays.
• Holafly: Holafly provides eSim plans with no extra fees for data usage, making it easy to manage costs. Their plans are available in numerous destinations and are praised for their ease of use.
• GigSky: With global coverage and a variety of data plans, GigSky is a solid choice for travelers looking for reliable service. They offer both regional and international plans.
• Ubigi: Ubigi provides a wide range of data plans with good coverage. Their eSim plans are known for ease of use and excellent customer service.

Getting Started with an eSIM for Travel

Verify your Phone is eSIM Compatible

Before diving into the best providers of an eSIM for travel, make sure your phone is compatible. Most newer models support eSIM technology, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.

Whether you have an Android or Apple device, there are plenty of resources available to help you confirm this. We found using the EasySim site’s compatibility check very straightforward. If you’re unsure about the ability of your iPhone model, Android model, Pixel model, etc. to run an eSim, checking there might save you some time.

With a quick check, you will know if you’re ready to set up an eSIM for your next trip!

Per Apple Support, you should be set if you have a model “iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, or later.”

Access more of our International travel guides, for travel outside of the US.

Purchasing and Activating an eSIM

One of the best things about an eSIM is how simple it is to get started, all without leaving home. You can purchase an eSIM online from a variety of providers, and the plans are flexible—whether you need just a few days of data or something more long-term. Prices range anywhere from a few dollars to over $100, depending on your destination and how much data you need.

If you have a newer iPhone or Android, your phone probably supports an eSIM. Activation is quick, too—usually just scanning a QR code or entering a code from your provider. You can activate it before you leave, so you’re ready to stay connected as soon as you arrive!

Manage Your eSIM and Data Usage

Keeping an eye on your data is simple. Just open your phone’s Settings and find your way to Cellular or Cellular Data, and you’ll see how much data you’ve used.

To avoid running out of data or slowing down your connection, keep track of any usage limits on your plan. Staying mindful of your data means you can stay connected without any surprises!

Summary: Using an eSIM for Travel

Using an eSIM is a simple and efficient way to stay connected while traveling. Although it might be new to some, it’s a standard and straightforward process that many travelers use. By choosing an eSIM, you can easily access local data plans without the hassle of physical SIM cards or worrying about expensive roaming fees.

Why not give it a try on your next adventure? With options from EasySim (Resource: our EasySim Review for Europe) and other top-rated providers like Holafly, you can find a plan that fits your needs and keeps you connected wherever you go. We’d love to hear about your experiences, so feel free to share how an eSim worked for you. Happy, breezy nomad travels!

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