How to choose an eSIM for frequent travel

Landing in a new country often means hunting for a local SIM card, waiting in long airport carrier queues, and swapping out your existing SIM just to get connected. The hassle becomes even worse if you travel frequently and have to repeat the process every time you reach a new destination. This is where an eSIM, or embedded SIM, becomes a must-have travel accessory.

You can purchase one of the best eSIMs before you land at a new destination and connect to the local carrier instantly – all without ever having to pop open your SIM ejector tray. However, with so many eSIM providers available, it can be tough to zero down on one that fits your needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors you need to consider before choosing an eSIM for frequent travel.

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Why do you need an eSIM for travel?

Here are some reasons why you should consider using an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card when travelling.

• More affordable: eSIMs are more affordable than traditional roaming plans offered by network providers. You can get 1GB of data for as low as $1-4 with an eSIM. Plus, it allows you to make calls over the internet without needing a separate voice plan.
• No physical SIM hassle: With an eSIM, you don’t need to eject your physical SIM card and worry about keeping it safe until the trip ends. Your physical SIM can sit inside your device while you use an eSIM. Or, you can even use both of them simultaneously – the physical SIM for roaming calls and eSIM for data needs.
• Instant activation: Unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs can be set up and activated beforehand, giving you instant connectivity upon landing. With a physical SIM, you typically have to wait until after immigration to get one at the airport.
• More flexibility: eSIMs let you save multiple eSIM profiles on your device and switch networks with just a few taps, making them ideal for frequent travelers and helping make travel more sustainable.

What factors to consider before choosing an eSIM?

Below, we’ve outlined the most important factors to consider before choosing an eSIM for your next trip.

Places you’re visiting

First and foremost, make sure your eSIM provider offers adequate network connectivity in the places you’re traveling. Some providers may offer strong coverage in certain locations but not as much in other countries.

If you’re visiting a single country, say Germany, you can opt for a local eSIM. However, if you’re planning to visit multiple countries within a region, say Europe, it’s better to get a regional eSIM that works across all your destinations. This saves you the trouble of having to switch eSIMs for every country.

Next, if your trip spans multiple regions, such as Asia and Europe, consider getting a global eSIM like Roamless that works across several regions.

Data requirements

What are your data needs like? Do you need a data plan for casual browsing, or are you looking for unlimited data for video streaming and online gaming? Most providers offer two types of data plans: pay-per-GB models and unlimited plans.

For example, an affordable 1GB plan might be sufficient for a 5-day Germany trip if you only use maps, messaging apps, and casual browsing. Unlimited plans, on the other hand, cost more and are designed for more data-heavy activities. Also check whether the eSIM provider supports 4G, LTE, or 5G speeds.

Device compatibility

Most modern smartphones are compatible with eSIMs. For example, Apple rolled out eSIM compatibility with the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR back in 2018, while Samsung expanded eSIM support with its Galaxy S20 series.

To check if your phone supports eSIM, dial *#06# on your device. If an EID number appears, your phone is eSIM compatible.

Along with this, your device should also be carrier-unlocked. A locked device is tied to a specific provider, which generally doesn’t allow users to switch to another carrier or install an eSIM, even if the device is compatible.

Other factors to consider

Apart from the major considerations above, here are some additional things to keep in mind before getting a new eSIM.

• Ease of setup: Look for an eSIM that’s easy to get started with, ideally in just a few clicks. Most providers will email you the setup steps right after purchase, which usually include downloading the provider’s app, scanning a QR code, and entering an activation code.
• Customer support: Ensure that the provider you choose offers 24/7 customer support through various channels such as email, text, or phone. This can come in handy if you face connectivity or setup issues.
• Duration of your stay: Most providers offer plans for various lengths such as 1, 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, or 90 days. Choose a plan that’s closest to your stay duration.
• Hotspot/tethering support: Not all providers allow you to share your eSIM data from one device to another. If you’re carrying more than one device or travelling with a partner, hotspot/tethering support becomes crucial.

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