When we travel abroad, we now use an eSIM for mobile internet instead of buying a physical SIM card. In this blog, I’ll explain what an eSIM is, its pros and cons, and how to set it up and use it.
While some people refer to it as cellular data, we’ll use the term mobile data throughout this blog.
A foreign SIM card is especially useful when travelling outside your region. Using your regular mobile data plan abroad can result in high roaming charges. To avoid these costs, you have two options: buy a physical SIM card at your destination, or order an eSIM.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM and a physical SIM card essentially do the same thing: they connect your smartphone to a local network. This gives you a local phone number and local mobile internet. Both allow you to keep using your current WhatsApp number, so there’s no need to change it.
Having mobile internet at your destination is incredibly useful—for ordering Ubers, checking restaurant reviews, navigating with maps, and more. Plus, it saves you from constantly searching for Wi-Fi.
The main difference? One is physical, and you insert it into your phone. The other, an eSIM, is a digital version that you install via software.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an eSIM?
Above all, the eSIM is incredibly convenient. No hassle—within a minute, you’re connected to the internet. We used to buy physical SIM cards, but switched to the digital version a few years ago. For us, it mainly offers advantages, but there is also a downside.
Never lose your SIM again & switch quickly
An eSIM is especially useful for those with a smartphone that only has one SIM slot, like all iPhones. By using an eSIM, you don’t need to remove your own SIM card, so you won’t risk losing it.
Plus, you can easily switch back to your physical SIM when needed. For example, I use two-factor authentication for certain financial apps, so I receive a text on my Belgian number. I quickly activate my Belgian SIM to get the message, then turn it off again. Super simple.
If your phone has multiple SIM slots, this advantage doesn’t apply to you.
Instant internet at your destination
Another advantage is that you can activate the eSIM before your trip. We usually do this at home, before heading to the airport. You’ll typically need Wi-Fi to activate the eSIM, so keep that in mind. Once activated, you’ll have mobile internet as soon as you land, so you can order an Uber or Grab right away!
Of course, Wi-Fi is available in many places, so you can also activate the eSIM at your destination if you prefer.
It saves a lot of time
An eSIM saves you a lot of hassle and time. We used to buy local SIM cards, and although it often went smoothly, it always took time. Comparing packages, verifying identity, waiting in line… Occasionally, something would go wrong with the activation, and we’d lose a few hours.
The first time we bought a SIM card abroad, it felt exciting, but now it just feels like an administrative task.
By opting for a digital SIM, we can spend more time enjoying the trip rather than handling paperwork. For us, this is the main reason we choose an eSIM.
But it is more expensive
An eSIM is usually more expensive than a local SIM card. That’s the main downside. However, for us, the time saved is worth the extra cost.
Of course, we can’t speak for everyone. If you’re a budget traveller, buying a physical SIM card at your destination will probably be the better option. But, you may have already saved the extra cost of an eSIM by choosing an Uber over a regular taxi! 😉
How do I know if my smartphone supports an eSIM?
It’s important to know that not all smartphones support an eSIM. Sometimes, bad reviews are due to people not checking if their phone is compatible first.
For iPhones, this is usually not an issue, but for Android devices, it depends on the model.
iPhone?
All models released after the iPhone XS in 2018 support eSIM.
Samsung?
Go to your settings, search for ‘IMEI’, and select ‘IMEI information’. If you see ‘IMEI (eSIM)’ listed, your phone supports eSIM. If you can’t find ‘IMEI’, go to Phone > Status.
Other Android?
Dial *#06# on your phone. If your smartphone supports an eSIM, you’ll see ‘EID’ on the screen.
How much mobile data do I need?
When buying a SIM card, you’ll usually find options for mobile data that last 5, 7, 8, 14, or 30 days. You can also choose different data volumes, such as a certain number of megabytes or gigabytes.
So, consider how much data you typically use while travelling, how many days you need to stay online, and choose the package accordingly.
I sometimes buy a package with 500 MB per day, and other times I opt for 5 GB per month. That’s usually more than enough for things like ordering Ubers, using Google Maps, and posting Instagram stories.
With most eSIM providers, you can also purchase extra data packs. There have been times when I’ve used more data than expected, and I simply buy an additional pack during the trip.
Where can I buy an eSIM?
We buy our eSIMs through Airalo and GetYourGuide, depending on which offers the best gigabytes-to-price ratio for the country we’re visiting.
Airalo
Airalo offers eSIMs worldwide. You can buy a virtual SIM for a specific country, or choose regional plans (Africa, Caribbean, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East) and even global cards that work in 85 countries. So, if you’re visiting several countries or planning a world trip, Airalo is a great option.
Airalo works through an app where you can easily select your destination and activate the eSIM. You also get $3 off with the code: KIMBER7371
Some of the countries Airalo covers include:
Antilles, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bonaire, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Philippines, Honduras, Haiti, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Thailand, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
We’re very happy with Airalo—the app is super easy to use, and within minutes, you’ll have internet!
Get Your Guide
Since I book almost all my excursions through GetYourGuide, I consider them a trusted partner. Whenever I have an issue or am unhappy with something, their customer service is always ready to help, and I get my money back if needed.
Ordering an eSIM here was a no-brainer for me. Since it was my first time buying an eSIM, I had some questions, but they were answered quickly and accurately. I’m really satisfied with the service!
Click on your destination to view and compare the plans.
Travelling to multiple countries in Asia? This eSIM works in China, Hongkong, Macau, Taiwan, South-Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
How to Activate an eSIM?
In most cases, after ordering an eSIM through GetYourGuide, you’ll receive a QR code. Simply scan the code to activate the eSIM. You’ll be given clear instructions on how to do this.
If you order via Airalo, you can easily activate the eSIM through the app. You’ll find clear instructions there as well.
Activating an eSIM usually takes just 1-2 minutes.
Still have questions?
Hopefully, all your questions about eSIMs have been answered. If anything is still unclear, feel free to ask in the comments!
