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Introduction to travel eSIMs
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built into your device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card. It allows you to download and activate mobile data plans remotely, making it ideal for international travel. Most modern smartphones, including recent iPhone (unlocked) and Samsung Galaxy models, support eSIM technology. Here are various providers suitable from travel! Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, and Gigsky. I personally have used Airalo, and quite satisfied with it. In fact, some providers offer free plans (No credit card required) for you to test out their service! How great is that?
See that sweet FREE eSim? Good way to confirm it works before purchasing their plans!
How International eSim plans works
With the majority of providers, you can browse and purchase eSIM data plans tailored to your destination directly from their website or mobile app. Plans vary by location, data allowance, and validity period, offering flexibility to suit different travel needs . Once purchased, the eSIM is delivered digitally and can be activated upon arrival at your destination, ensuring immediate connectivity without the hassle of SIM card swaps.
Most options are quite affordable and cheaper than buying at a local telecom provider! Many of them also offer rewards programs, so tag up your friends to earn cash back! Say goodbye to the unnecessary packaging of a sim card!
Have you used an eSim travel provider before? Try out Airalo today and let us know what you think!
How do I choose providers?
First off, are you a heavy data user? When I travel, I tend to prefer getting affordable options and turning off my cellular data for social media. It eats up a TON of data and why am I scrolling on those apps instead of exploring the country that I've just travelled to? For me it's a great way to save money and make sure I don't spend all my time on a screen.
For a more detailed look into providers, I suggest freaking nomad's article on Best eSim providers for international travel. See which provider works best for your needs!
Why eSIM > SIM Card (in many cases):
1. No Physical Swapping
No more fumbling with tiny SIM cards or losing them mid-trip. You can install an eSIM digitally—just scan a QR code or use an app. I used to be dreadful of losing my main sim card and would place it in a safe place in my pack, which I would promptly forget where I "stashed" it safely.
2. Instant Activation
Set up your mobile data before you even land. No need to find a local store or wait in line, in fact did you know you can set it up before you leave your country? Also save the hassle of some activation required by the local telecom provider. Plug and play! Although if something doesn't work after you arrive :( Make sure to connect to the Airport Wifi and try to figure it out. I haven't encountered any trouble yet, so we'll see!
3. Multiple Plans, One Device
You can store multiple eSIM profiles on your phone. Switch between carriers or countries without swapping SIMs. It's quite easy, in fact you can keep that same eSim even after it expires! Just top off with a new plan the next time (If you're lucky enough?) visiting the same country!
4. Eco-Friendly
No plastic SIM cards or packaging = less waste. You reduce the need for physical shipping and retail materials. Isn't that great for us Sustainable warriors? Every year, millions of SIM cards are produced and discarded, contributing to plastic waste. With eSIMs, there’s no need for replacements when switching carriers or countries. Just simply download a new sim card directly to your device. Additionally, eSIMs reduce the demand for retail infrastructure. No more paper brochures, plastic trays, or fuel spent delivering products to stores. All of it happens online, making eSIMs a cleaner, greener solution for a connected world.
For us zero waste travelers, eSIMs are especially eco-friendly. Instead of buying local SIM cards in each country, often wrapped in plastic trays and thrown away after a short trip, we can manage their data digitally. It’s a small change that, when adopted widely, can have a big impact on reducing waste and promoting sustainable tech practices.
Do note that most eSim providers are for DATA-ONLY. Meaning you won't have a phone number paired and you simply get internet access. Rarely is this an issue, as I would assume that the majority of people don't really need to have a phone number in the country you're traveling. That being said, if you happen to need one, Airalo does provide phone numbers for call / text in some countries like the United States, Mexico, etc. Before to check out beforehand!
My own thoughts: I've been using Airalo for about a year now, and I'm quite happy with it so far. Yes, I was still dumb enough to buy physical sim cards when traveling to Tokyo and Sydney last year, Which were actually quite expensive to purchase while being there. Truth be told, I already have no idea where the 2 sim cards are. There is a sim card sitting in my backpack from god knows where, but anyway you get the point! It would've been easier and more affordable (less wasteful!) to simply use a service like Airalo to get the data plans I needed. Try it out for yourself if you haven't already!
Do you have any tips and tricks on eSims? Share your thoughts below!
