Why every business traveler needs a global eSIM

If you’re a frequent traveler, you’ve likely faced the annoying hassle of waiting for a Wi-Fi connection for internet access – and public Wi-Fi can often be insecure – or standing in long airport lines to get a local carrier SIM card. Getting one of the best eSIMs is the easiest solution to all of this.

An eSIM is an embedded chip installed inside a mobile device that can be configured to connect to various network providers using eSIM profiles. eSIMs can be of different types: local, regional, and global. A local eSIM works only in a specific country, say Italy or France. However, if you’ll be traveling across multiple countries in Europe, a regional eSIM is what you need.

A global SIM card, on the other hand, is tailor-made for those planning to travel across multiple regions such as Europe and Asia. This way, you don't have to switch eSIM carrier profiles every time you visit a new country or region. Simply load up the profile once before leaving your home, and you’re all set.

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Key benefits of a global eSIM for business travel

Here’s why you should get a global eSIM instead of a physical SIM card if you travel frequently for business purposes.

Seamless travel

If you're visiting multiple countries or regions, getting a physical SIM or even a local or regional eSIM can involve a lot of legwork. This includes buying, activating, and manually managing multiple data plans or eSIM profiles, or experiencing unwanted downtime due to the switching process.

A global eSIM, like Roamless, is more seamless because all you need to do is activate it once and it’ll work across every country you travel to. This minimizes downtime as you move between regions, making sure you’re always connected and ready for any calls or meetings you need to take mid-travel. You can also simply top up whenever you need additional data.

Instant connectivity

With an eSIM, you don’t have to wait in long airport lines just to get hold of a physical local SIM card. You can purchase and set up your eSIM before taking off and enjoy instant connectivity as soon as you land at a new destination. Along with this, eSIMs also make travel more sustainable with reduced plastic waste and lower energy consumption.

More affordable

A global eSIM is generally more affordable than your carrier’s roaming charges. With a top eSIM provider like Roamless, for instance, you can expect to pay around $2.45 per GB of data on average, which is significantly cheaper than most international roaming plans. You can also purchase a specific amount of data that remains valid for up to 90 days, giving you more flexibility during multi-country business trips.

Some global eSIM providers also offer unlimited data plans, which are ideal for data-heavy tasks like video calls and file transfers. Compared to international roaming passes, which often charge a flat daily fee regardless of usage, these options provide better value and greater control over your connectivity costs while traveling.

Keep both business and eSIM active

When you’re travelling for business purposes, you can’t let your primary business number go offline. However, using it for mobile data can lead to exorbitant roaming charges. The solution? Using an eSIM for internet connectivity while keeping your business number online for important calls. Even better, you can use internet-based calling (for example, WhatsApp) from your primary number using data on the eSIM.

How to choose a global eSIM?

Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a global eSIM for international travel.

• Duration of travel: Consider how long you’ll be travelling. Most eSIM providers offer multi-duration plans ranging from 1 day to 3, 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. Choose a plan that aligns with your travel duration.
• Data needs: If you’ll be using the internet for data-heavy activities like streaming videos, video calls, or gaming, it's best to get an unlimited plan, which usually costs more. A pay-per-GB plan, on the other hand, would be sufficient for casual browsing, using maps, and social media apps.
• Connectivity: Ensure that the provider you choose offers good connectivity in the regions you’ll visit. While most providers claim to offer seamless 4G/LTE/5G speeds, it's best to check customer reviews to understand what the real-world performance is like.
• Customer support: The eSIM provider you choose should ideally offer 24/7 customer support – and that through multiple communication channels such as chat, call, and email, so you can reach them if you face setup or connectivity issues.
• Compatibility: Check if your phone supports eSIM. While most modern smartphones are compatible with eSIMs, you can dial *#06# on your phone to be sure. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. Alternatively, you can check the list of supported devices on the eSIM provider’s website.
• Ease of setup: The eSIM you choose should be easy to set up and activate. This is particularly important if you’re a beginner or prefer a simple, hassle-free setup process. Providers usually email you a step-by-step activation guide, or you can find it on their website. The process typically involves downloading an app, scanning a QR code, and entering the activation code.

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