Using an eSIM, or an embedded SIM card, is the best way to stay connected while traveling. Keep reading to see why.
As a seasoned traveler, I always seek the latest innovations to make traveling smoother and more seamless.
I’ve found that the embedded SIM technology has revolutionized how we stay connected on the road.
Gone are the days of fumbling with physical SIM cards and hunting for a local provider whenever you cross a border.
This is a game-changer, offering flexibility and convenience that traditional SIM cards simply can’t match.
Picture this: you arrive in a new country, and with a few taps on your smartphone, you instantly activate a local data plan without ever having to swap out your SIM card physically!
It’s a traveler’s dream come true! That’s what I discovered with the Airalo eSIM, among the best eSIMs for international travel, and my new go-to traveling companion. I’ll never travel without it again.
What, then, are eSIMs? What is the best provider and should you be using one?
What is an eSIM, and Why Does It Matter?
The word eSIM stands for “subscriber identity mobile” but that’s the only thing complicated about it. Everything else is a breeze.
A digital SIM is embedded right into your mobile device. Unlike the physical SIM cards we’re familiar with, eSIMs are virtual and can be programmed remotely.
This means you can easily switch between different carrier plans and networks without physically swapping out your SIM card.
No more frantically searching for a local SIM card vendor whenever you cross a border.
With this eSIM, you can simply activate a new carrier with a few taps on your smartphone, instantly connecting you to a local network: no more hassle, no more language barriers, and no more compatibility issues.
The best eSIMs provide the freedom of seamlessly switching between your personal and business numbers or the convenience of instantly activating a local data plan upon landing in a new destination.
The eSIMs are a major boon for the modern traveler. And the best part? More and more mobile devices are now equipped with eSIM capabilities, from the latest iPhones to cutting-edge Android handsets.
So whether you’re an Apple loyalist or an Android aficionado, chances are you can already benefit from this innovative technology or you will be able to very soon.
How does the eSIM work?
If an eSIM is a physical SIM card gone digital, does it work the same way?
That’s everyone’s first question. And the short answer is: Yes.
Unlike traditional plastic SIM cards, eSIMs are a digital, software-based solution embedded into your mobile device (see compatible devices here).
These innovative microchips perform a similar function to their physical counterparts, allowing your device to connect to mobile networks, make calls, send texts, and browse the internet.
But the true power of eSIMs lies in their unparalleled flexibility. Unlike physical SIM cards, which are locked to a specific carrier, eSIMs can be reprogrammed anytime.
This means you can seamlessly switch between multiple different service providers and data plans, all without the need to swap out your SIM card physically.
And the best part? More and more mobile devices are now equipped with eSIM capabilities, from iPhones to Androids and beyond.
Important points to remember about the eSIMS.
- There are no international data charges. The data plan is entirely separate from your regular carrier.
- You can continue to use your own phone number.
- The eSIMs from Airalo work in 200+ countries with the best eSIM plans, making fast data more accessible than ever. The eSIM connects to local networks. It offers the best worldwide eSIM from the best eSIM provider.
- Airalo is contractless, and you can renew your eSIM data plan anytime. It takes less than five minutes to top up a plan or switch it out for another one.
The bottom line is that an Airalo eSIM is the best option for Europe or any other region, the best regional option if you’re just traveling within Europe, Asia, etc. and also the best global option for worldwide travel.
How to use your Airalo eSIM
- Access Airalo here.
- Choose your destination package.
- How to install your eSIM
- How to activate your eSIM.
For even more detail on how to install and activate an eSIM.
Benefits of the Airalo eSIM
Way More Affordable Than Roaming
Most cellular networks offer roaming packages for when you travel abroad.
This means you can turn on roaming when you’re in another country to connect to the internet or buy a prepaid mobile data package through your provider.
While this is an easy option for online while abroad, even just a few gigabytes of mobile data are typically very expensive when purchased through your carrier.
The eSIM is always the more affordable option. For example, 3 gigabytes of mobile data for Spain for 7 days with an Airalo eSIM costs less than $10.
Airalo provides the best eSIM service 24/7, so you’re never alone.
It avoids the Hassle of Physical SIM Cards.
Before using eSIMs, I typically bought a physical SIM card in the country I was visiting. This is cheaper than using roaming, but it can be a hassle.
When you land in a new country, you must find a vendor selling prepaid local SIM cards and then go through purchasing and enabling the SIM.
With an eSIM, you can activate your local mobile data plan right from your phone, saving you time and the hassle of finding a store.
The second you arrive in a country, all you need to do is toggle the eSIM on in your phone’s settings, and you’re online!
The validity period starts only when the eSIM is connected to the local network. This means you can buy it way before your trip and it won’t start working until you get to your destination.
Flexibility at Your Fingertips
One of the coolest perks of eSIMs? You can juggle multiple eSIM and physical SIM profiles on your phone simultaneously.
If you’re going back and forth between countries, you can have eSIMs for each one in your phone, toggling them on and off as needed.
And, with eSIMs it’s easy to top up your data plan if it runs out. This means you could have a data plan anywhere via an eSIM while keeping your home country’s number active.
How to find out if your phone has an eSIM
Most of the latest phone models from major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Google, and Oppo now have an eSIM built right in. Here is a list of devices that have eSIM capability.
How much does an eSIM cost?
When it comes to eSIM plans, there’s a wide range of options to choose from, catering to different data needs and budgets. Let me break it down for you.
Airalo offers packages for over 200+ countries and regions. For example, if you go to France you can purchase an eSIM for 1GB for 7 days for $4.50, 2GB for 15 days for $7.50, and 3GB for 30 days for $10.00.
Compare that to the $10.00+ for your typical carrier plan. Plans are similarly priced for other countries. See pricing here.
If you’re visiting several countries in Europe, Asia, or Latin America, for example, you can purchase a regional plan. Going world-wide? Get the best global eSIM plan.
I appreciate that eSIM providers like Airalo don’t charge one-time activation fees added to the plan’s cost. Unlike some other carriers, which typically charge an activation fee of around $10, eSIMs keep things simple.
The best travel eSIM provider
Airalo
After trying a couple of eSIMs, I found that Airalo is the best travel eSIM for general use. It is also one of the most popular and what I now use exclusively. It has excellent coverage worldwide.
Airalo has a lot of flexibility in the geography it covers. You can choose eSIMs by country, or it has regional plans that cover areas like 39 European countries, 13 Asian countries, and 19 South American countries, and global plans as well.
The bottom line is that if you are looking for a convenient, reliable and reasonably priced way to stay connected while traveling, the Airalo eSIM is the best travel eSIM and the way to go.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re traveling soon, get yourself an Airalo eSIM here. That’s how you stay connected and save money.
How do YOU stay connected while traveling? Let us know in the comments.
BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful, money-saving links to book your trip:
- Research and book your flight with Skyscanner. I have found them to be the best because they list all airlines including the budget ones. You are always sure of having researched all options.
- For car rental around the world, Discover Cars has flexible pickup and drop-off options, I recommend Discover Cars.
- Book your accommodation with Booking.com. I find they have a wide selection and a nice, user-friendly, transparent website.
- Protect your trip and, more importantly, protect yourself with travel insurance. I use Travelinsurance.com and have been very happy with them.
- Looking for a small group tour to unforgettable destinations with top professionals? Intrepid Travel is your choice.
- For more general tours to any destination or attraction, book with Viator. Check them out.
- Need a visa? Get your visa for all countries with Passport Visa Express.
- Looking for a cool walking tour to explore a city? My favorite walking tours are offered by Take Walks.
- Food and drink tours are the best way to enjoy a city. And Devour Tours are my favorite.
- Looking for a good VPN to protect your security, privacy and freedom online while traveling? Nordvpn is your best option.
- The best and most economical way to stay connected while traveling is with an Airalo eSIM.
I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. By booking through these sites, the small commission we earn – at no cost to you – helps us maintain this site so we can continue to offer our readers valuable travel tips and advice.
