An eSIM also known as an embedded subscriber identity module, is a new tool that is changing the face of connectivity especially for travelers. An eSIM is an electronic card that can be used to change the mobile network through a scan of a QR code without changing having to change a physical card.
As more and more Mobile devices – smartphones, smartwatches and tablets – are leaving the factory with eSIM capability, these virtual SIMs enable you to remain connected on-the-go. As for those to whom stable Internet connection is critical while traveling in different countries, eSIMs open opportunities for flexibility, comfort, and security.
Imagine landing in Bali after a long and exhausting travel day, and you don’t have to go to a shop to buy a simcard anymore, sounds good, doesn’t it?
This guide will explain what an eSIM actually is, how you can use an eSIM, what are the best eSIM platforms, and strategies for optimizing this new phenomenon as a digital nomad.
This establishes that an eSIM or an embedded SIM means that the actual SIM card chip is integrated into the device. This means you don’t have to insert the physical nano-SIM card to be granted access onto a mobile network. That means all things are controlled via software.
eSIMs differ from traditional SIM cards in a few key ways.
• No actual card – they are merely eSIM profiles that are directly loaded onto the device firmware.
• Flexible to be controlled remotely – you can easily switch to other carriers with QR or activation codes.
• Work with multiple carriers simultaneously – Have two or more carrier profiles active
• Convenience – If you're traveling to different countries or regions that have different networks, you don’t have to be bothered with different SIM cards.
• Ease of use – you can switch easily between different eSIM’s without the need to disassemble a phone.
• Affordable – Use local carriers while in transit to cut expenses
Some of the new phones, tablets, and smartwatch releases come with the eSIM functionality integrated into them. Popular eSIM-enabled devices include:
• New Iphones include iPhone XS, XR and the newer models.
• Google Pixel 3, 4 e successivi
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold series and Galaxy Z Flip series, S20 series, Note 20 series
• Apple SE and newer with watchOS 6.0 or later
• Android mobile phones that are compatible with Google Fi
1. Check your device – Make sure your device supports eSIM Baghdassarian and Levy (2019).
2. Buy an eSIM plan
3. Select an eSIM service provider and data package
4. Scan the QR code – pick your phone and try to activate it using the specific code.
4. Data connection - Complete the steps below to download the eSIM profile:
5. Connect to the cellular plan – activate the Mobile Data on a tablet or another device.
If you have multiple eSIMs, then different profiles can be created and selected from one to another. All you have to do is switch your cellular option in your phone settings. You can also have the flexibility to choose which eSIM can perform the call or the data connection.
When evaluating eSIM providers for frequent international travel, consider these key criteria
• Terms and conditions - World-wide acceptance – over two hundred destinations most popular.
• Pricing – Thankfully, most of the countries have offered competitively priced data packages.
• Customers friendly – Easy to make an account and manage
• Good customer support – Support Is there to fix things fast
So, based on those priorities, here are the most favorable global eSIM platforms for the digital nomads in 2024:
Airalo belongs to one of the first companies that have started to use the eSIM card for travelers. Today, the company has plans in over 200 countries, and this is enough to ensure that you are always connected wherever you are.
Key features:
• The current attractive products include: Data packs by region, 1GB data for Europe at $9
• Local carrier partnerships – when operating in the U.S., it uses T-Mobile.
• Manage eSIM profile - Change plans using the app
Pros: Price competitiveness, extensive network, great application
Cons: No customer phone support or even having data-only plans for their customers.
They have one of the best eSIM apps that come equipped with multiple features that are not found in other apps. There is complete control of all the apps and tools with a single window.
Key features:
• Multi-network switching – Roving aggregation of the multiple networks.
• Usage analytics - Tracking and reporting of usage in real-time
• Internet sharing – Share your eSIM connection via WiFi hotspot.
Pros: Easy to use, data, international global 4G LTE affiliates
Cons: Incoming calls unavailable, activations can be a failure at times
Claiming to be available in over 165 countries, Nomad Internet is all about dependable connection. Get satellite back internet when you need it most.
Key Features:
• Backup satellite network – Always best connected
• The unlimited data option is where you have no limits on the amount of data that is provided to you, there is no throttling and you get full speed.
• 5G coverage: The next-generation internet speed in 36 countries
Pros: Global connectivity, worldwide coverage, unrestricted data selection
Cons: Some aspects of the app can be considered premium, while it is priced like it is a premium product; however, the UI can use some improvements.
Truphone was devised to cater for the international business users and provides crystal clear connections in more than 80 countries.
Key features:
• This problem can be solved with the help of Dual SIM mode – Local and global service.
• Postpay – Pay as you go, only for the actual consumption.
• Business user orientation – Its core customer base is business entities.
Pros: Excellent call quality, postpaid convenience
Cons: More costly though, there are fewer regional carriers.
Ubigi relies on Transatel’s strongest mobile network to ensure that eSIM is available at a low cost and with high reliability anywhere in the world.
Key Features:
• Affordable tariffs, with 50MB with $0.50.
• Global presence & market coverage – over 200 countries
• Big data bundles and easy to recharge- This plan allows you to easily top up the data or minutes depending on what you require.
Pros: Very cheap, wide market associates
Cons: Video and audio call quality is inconsistent; an organization in its early stages
1. Ensure a definite control over mobile data consumption in all the countries to prevent overcharging.
2. It is therefore important to check with carriers before traveling to your destinations.
3. If you are visiting an unfamiliar country, consider using a nano-SIM of the visited country as a main SIM, and an eSIM for connecting while traveling.
4. Connect to a VPN while using public WiFi and be careful when sharing information to maintain privacy.
5. Always ensure that there is an alternative method of going online in each of these instances: loss of the phone on which was using internet and theft of the phone, poor internet connectivity.
An eSIM allows for multiple carriers to be easy to navigate to, so one isn’t distracted by work or their vacation. While more and more smartphones and other devices are now releasing with eSIM as a default, travelers can now fully experience the freedom of switching networks on the go.
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