An eSIM is an easy,
affordable way to stay connected when you travel abroad. Here's what you need to know about how and where they work, how much they cost, and some reliable eSIM providers you could try.
What is an eSIM? menfashdesign
An eSIM is a digital (virtual) SIM card that you can use
instead of a physical, removable SIM card to connect your phone, smart watch or
other electronic device to a local mobile network.
An eSIM serves the same purpose as a traditional, physical
SIM card.
Staying connected digitally when travelling can offer
important safety benefits
An eSIM is a great option when travelling abroad as it's far
cheaper than putting your device on roaming. It's also often easier than
purchasing a local SIM card. Here's why ...
Why is an eSIM better than a SIM card?
Just like a standard SIM card, an eSIM lets you connect to a
new (foreign) mobile network and download data packs. ethicmenvoguee
Depending on the country you're visiting, it can be
time-consuming to get a physical SIM card.
In Tanzania, for instance, where we run Kilimanjaro climbs
and safaris, getting a local SIM card can take a couple of hours, as there's
usually a queue. Furthermore, in addition to providing identification, you need
to have a local representative sign off on the purchase with you. Who needs
that in their life?
An eSIM, on the other hand, can be programmed using your
regular mobile network credentials. This eliminates the need for a laborious
registration process like the one described above for Tanzania.
What's more, an eSIM can be set up remotely, meaning you can
obtain one (and buy a data package) before setting off on your travels. That's
one less bothersome piece of admin to deal with when you're actually on your
adventure!
What are the cons of eSIMs?
There are a few teething issues when it comes to eSIMS, many
of which should be fixed in the near future.
A few current cons of eSIMS are:
The good news is that because eSIM adoption is growing
quickly, many newer electronic devices now include eSIM capabilities.
How d I get an eSIM? businessdirectorypc
You must purchase an eSIM package for a specific country or
region, much like you would a regular SIM card. You do this by downloading an
eSIM app.
Once you have the eSIM app (which is usually free to
install), you must purchase a data package for a specific country or region
The best eSIM providers
At present, the clear industry leader in eSIM technology and
service is Airalo. Other reputable providers include Nomad, Airhub, Holafly and
GlobaleSIM.
Two Tickets Anywhere has a nicely detailed article
discussing the various eSIM providers and their varying offerings and
performances.
Airalo
Many of us at Follow Alice use Airalo and are really happy
with their service. We especially like that this company offers eSIMs for over
200 countries and regions.
Note that some Airalo plans are data-only, while others
include a call-and-text feature as well. So be sure you know what package
you're buying based on what you'll need.
You can download the Airalo app for free on the Apple App
Store or the Google Play Store. You only pay when you download a data package.
How much does an eSIM cost? allinternetbuziness
eSIM subscriptions are often free, or at least at first.
When there is a subscription fee, it's usually small; we're talking a monthly
fee in the region of US$2, for instance. It's the specific package you purchase
that carry the proper costs.
The cheapest eSIM data packages out there are generally
around US$4-5 for 1 GB, and these last seven days. The most expensive eSIM data
packages can be around US$100 for 10 GB, and these last 30 days.
Note that if a country or region's data costs are high, then
an eSIM provider will naturally charge higher data package prices for that
place.
If you're wondering how much data you're likely to need for
a trip, we suggest you try out a travel data calculator like aloSIM.
Got any further questions? There's obviously a wealth of
information out there on eSIMs. But we're also happy to chat with you and help
where we can, especially if you're wondering about getting an eSIM on one of
our adventures. Just scoot over to the contact button and drop us a line!