Our phones are our source of information, our go-to for fun, and considering that there are now 5.75 billion unique mobile phone users in the world, it’s safe to say that unfamiliar places aren’t so scary when we have our phones by our side.
We all enjoy it, but for tech-savvy travelers, staying connected is everything. However, it’s hard to do this when you need to swap SIM cards at every new place you visit. It’s a whole process – from hunting down a store to explaining what you need in a different language every time.
And then there’s the actual swapping of two tiny SIM cards, which, mind you, must be done very carefully if you don’t want to lose one along the way. Just imagine being in a hurry!
You can avoid this, though. Thanks to the recently-hyped eSIM technology. In this article, we’ll talk all about why eSIM is essential for tech-savvy travelers and what it actually is.
All about embedded SIM or eSIM technology
We already know what it means when we see the “e” prefix. That’s right, digital. So, eSIM is the digital version of the traditional SIM card. It’s not physical but rather built into your device.
The main idea behind it is obvious – to switch between your mobile network connections with a click instead of physically swapping SIM cards. It’s pretty convenient for those traveling all the time.
The only problem is that not all countries support this technology. And even though they all do the same, you might face some differences in activating the card. For example, an eSIM for tourists in Australia is easy to set up with QR codes, but in some countries, you might need to visit a local store in order to start using the eSIM or call the operator and wait for their approval.
Here are a few other things you need to know before your next trip:
- eSIm isn’t compatible with all devices: Now, this shouldn’t be a problem, as most newer devices support at least one eSIM card. As expected, Apple, Samsung, and Google are all keeping up with trends. However, if you’re using an older model, such as iPhone 7 or Google Pixel 3, you will have to stick with a traditional SIM card.
- Not all mobile carriers support it: This doesn’t only go for countries where eSIM isn’t available. It can be that even in countries that do, only 2-3 carriers might be offering it.
But this doesn’t change the fact that eSIM is always the more convenient choice for those who travel frequently, especially for those who need to swap their personal and business lines.
Let’s find out why!
Quick and easy to set up
Regardless of how you need to activate it, eSIM is a lot easier to set up than traditional SIM cards. You don’t have to roam the stores looking for a specific one that fits your device, and you don’t have to look for a pin to open the SIM card tray, either. You can simply open a website, add the eSIM to your cart, and enter your credit/debit card details to purchase it.
Once you activate your eSIM, you just need to open your mobile phone settings, go to cellular, and click on convert to eSIM anytime you need to use it. No need to physically swap SIM cards.
Now, think of how much time this saves you. And as a traveler, you can agree that there’s nothing more valuable than your time. If you’re traveling for business, you need to get prepared for meetings and be there on time. If it’s a personal trip, you want to see as many sights as possible. With eSIM, you can make sure to stay connected on your trip before landing.
It allows you to use two numbers on one device
Sure, you can always carry two phones with two separate SIM cards. This will again save you from the struggle of having to swap cards. But then, who wants to carry two separate devices with them when traveling? Not to mention how strict airports are when it comes to baggage.
With eSIM, you can store and use your two (or more in newer devices) phone numbers in one phone. For tech-savvy travelers, this is literally the dream. It makes communication so much easier. But those who aren’t as good with technology can also do it because, as mentioned above, the swapping is quite simple and requires no more than a few clicks.
It allows you to stay connected anywhere – securely!
Another amazing thing about eSIM is that many providers offer plans that work in different countries. What does this mean? It means that you’re not limited in any way. You only need to purchase one eSIM card to stay connected across multiple countries on each of your trips.
But the best thing about all of this is that you get to do it securely:
- An absence of a physical SIM card: There’s no physical card that you can lose or someone can steal. The whole process is digital – from purchasing the eSIM on a website to using it. You won’t have to worry about physical security breaches. But it’s also more reliable, as you won’t have to worry about scratching or breaking the card.
- eSIM is encrypted: Even though everything is digital, you need to remember that security risks still exist. However, eSIM technology uses far more advanced encryption protocols to make sure all the data you store on your card is secure.
- You can manage it remotely: Even if your phone gets stolen, there’s still no room for panic. The carrier can disable the eSIM remotely and prevent anyone from accessing it.
These advanced security features of eSIM technology can surely give you the peace of mind you seek during your trips. You won’t be having those small panic attacks when, for a second, you thought your SIM card wasn’t in your purse. Or going around thinking about what could happen if you lose important business data in case your card gets stolen.
After all, stress-free travels are what we all long for, aren’t they?
Save on roaming costs
You’ve probably been waiting to hear this since the start. And who can blame you? Staying connected while constantly traveling doesn’t usually scream “budget-friendly.” International roaming does the job, but it comes with additional expenses that you’re probably not a fan of.
eSIM cards, on the other hand, are the cheaper option not only because you can use most of them globally without having to purchase different cards every time but also because they come with cheaper pricing plans specific for a country or region that you can choose from to fit your travel needs. They’re not only designed to be convenient but also highly cost-effective.
A greener choice
And finally, by satisfying your needs as a tech-savvy traveler, you’ll be helping the environment even if this wasn’t your priority. You might think, how much damage can a tiny SIM card do?
Well, turns out, a lot. Because we’re not only talking about throwing a small piece of plastic on the ground. We’re also talking about producing billions of these pieces each year. In 2023, there were around 45 million SIM card users in Germany alone. That said, it’s easy to see why eSIM cards are considered a greener choice and why you should consider them as well.
Even if this won’t be the main reason you use an eSIM, it will definitely feel good doing something for yourself while at the same time doing something for the environment, won’t it?
Choosing convenience every step of the way
Everything nowadays seems to be more convenient than before, and taking into account everything we’ve talked about in this article, you can say the same thing about eSIM technology.
eSIM cards are everything you’ll ever need as a tech-savvy traveler besides your essentials like cosmetics, documents, and clothes. It’s a way to stay connected on your trips while, at the same time, saving money, staying secure, and protecting the environment.
And what did we say? How is all this possible?
All of these benefits are possible just because there’s no need to carry around and swap physical SIM cards during your travels, meaning that you won’t have to worry about scratching it, breaking it, losing it, or about someone stealing it. You can finally enjoy a worry-free trip!
Author Bio
Makedonka Micajkova is a freelance content writer and translator, always bringing creativity and
originality to the table. Being multilingual with professional proficiency in English, German, and
Spanish, it’s needless to say that languages are her biggest passion in life. She’s also a skilled
communicator, as a result of her three years of experience as a sales representative. You canfind her on LinkedIn.
