eSIMs are a cost-effective alternative to conventional roaming plans when visiting other countries. With an eSIM package, you won’t have to pay exorbitant roaming fees but, instead, enjoy robust internet access for the best possible price.
Since eSIMs debuted barely a decade ago, many companies have capitalized on this technology to offer cost-effective roaming packages to tourists and business travelers.
With the right eSIM provider, you’ll gain access to domestic cellular networks in the country you visit, at lower prices compared to a roaming plan from your home-based mobile carrier.
eSIMs support travelers in many ways, which are worth exploring. This article delves into eSIMs, explaining how they work and how they enable travelers to enjoy uninterrupted internet access.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital version of the physical SIM card that you are likely familiar with. It serves the same functions as a physical SIM card but removes the need to insert a physical object to activate a cellular profile.
To get technical, eSIM-enabled smartphones have special programmable chips embedded internally.
Instead of inserting a physical SIM card to connect to a network, you can simply download and activate it via this programmable chip. A single smartphone can hold multiple eSIM profiles, up to eight in some cases.
Why is an eSIM a good option for travelers?
Cellular access is a crucial consideration when planning a trip abroad. You need to maintain internet access even though your home mobile carrier isn’t available in the country you’re visiting.
The usual way is to buy a roaming package from your home mobile carrier. This roaming package will unlock access to the domestic network infrastructure in the country you visit.
However, mobile carriers are known to charge high prices for roaming packages, especially when visiting a faraway country. An eSIM is a cost-effective alternative.
eSIM providers have partnerships with mobile carriers across the globe. They secure access to these carriers’ infrastructure and, in turn, offer this access to customers for a fee.
eSIM providers are cost-effective because they negotiate bulk discounts with carriers, resulting in cost savings for customers. They offer various packages covering specific countries and regions.
For example, if visiting multiple countries in Europe, you can choose a package that unlocks network access in all of Europe. In contrast, if visiting a single country, you can select a package that only works in that country.
How eSIMs support travelers when things go wrong
1. Redundancy
Redundancy is a key benefit of choosing an eSIM during your trips. eSIM providers don’t just connect you to a single network in a foreign country. Instead, you’ll have access to multiple carriers operating in that country.
If a single carrier experiences disruptions, you’ll be immediately routed to the infrastructure of another carrier. It helps that mobile carriers are often required to share infrastructure in many countries, reducing the chances of experiencing disruptions in the first place.
For example, if you’re visiting the U.K., you can buy a Nomad eSIM package that unlocks network access within the U.K. Nomad works with EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three, the four biggest U.K.-based mobile carriers whose infrastructure spans the entire country. Hence, you wouldn’t worry about disruptions, knowing that if one network experiences a hiccup, another will quickly compensate for it.
2. Instant top-up
If you use up your initial data package, you don’t need to worry about losing access. You can quickly buy additional data through your eSIM provider’s app.
The app also allows you to monitor your data usage to avoid running out of data in the first place. You’ll be alerted when your data runs low and needs to be topped up.
3. Flexibility
Suppose you’ve planned your trip, bought an eSIM package, and landed in the destination country. Then, you suddenly need to visit another country for business or leisure purposes. You don’t have to panic about enjoying unfettered internet access. Instead, you can simply open your eSIM provider’s app and buy a package for the next country.
If you’re the type who likes visiting different places impromptu, an eSIM is perfect for you. You can simply buy new eSIM packages on the go and activate them seamlessly, just like the first package.
You can even purchase and activate an eSIM package after landing in a country, although you’ll need WiFi for the initial setup, which can be easily obtained at the airport. If an urgent trip arises, your eSIM provider always has your back.
4. Security
eSIMs are digital, meaning they can’t be stolen like a physical SIM card. If your phone gets lost, you can easily deactivate the eSIM installed on the phone from another device. The process involves logging into your eSIM provider’s app or website and selecting the option to deactivate the eSIM on the missing smartphone.
eSIMs also use standard encryption protocols to prevent malicious actors from accessing your data. They have more enhanced security features than physical SIMs.
5. Customer support
If you experience any issues when using an eSIM, you can quickly consult your eSIM provider’s Help Center to troubleshoot it. Help Centers have comprehensive information about an eSIM’s features and solutions to common issues that users face. You can find a quick solution there, especially for mundane problems.
If the Help Center isn’t adequate, you can contact your eSIM provider’s support team for further guidance. I’ve tested numerous eSIM providers and experienced responsive customer support in most cases.
