It is an irrefutable fact that you may feel excited while travelling to a new country. However, your original number may not work out there. So, to remain connected you need to find out new options. You will agree physical SIM cards come with hassle – you need to do a lot of physical swapping.
Also, you need to pay high roaming costs, and the network is also unreliable at many places. That’s where eSIM can help. In this blog, we will share a detailed insight on what an eSIM is and how you can use it in a new country. Also, we will make sure that it is easy to understand and you can start using one immediately.
Understanding eSIM
In simple words, an eSIM is an electronic SIM which does not exist physically. You just need to download the plan and start using it. Think of it this way: your phone can store multiple mobile plans without needing to change any card. You can switch between them easily based on where you are travelling.
Why Use an eSIM?
There are many regions like Europe that are made up of many countries, each with different mobile networks. If you are visiting more than one country, buying a local SIM in every new place can become both costly and inconvenient. An eSIM solves this by giving you:
- One plan that works across multiple countries
- No need to queue up at shops to buy local SIMs
- No physical SIM swapping
- Instant activation — you can set it up even before your trip
Overall, it saves you both time and money.
How to Get an eSIM
You can easily get an eSIM online. There are many providers who offer eSIM plans. Here’s a simple process:
- Check their official website.
- Choose a plan which suits your travel needs.
- Make the payment.
- You will receive details in your email.
That’s it. Now you’re ready to activate it.
How to Activate an eSIM on Your Phone
Follow these steps once you get details from your provider:
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings. Select Mobile Data. Now Add eSIM
- Scan QR
- Check instructions
- The plan will get downloaded, and you can start using it
For Android phones:
- Go to Settings. Open Network & Internet. Select Mobile Network. Add carrier
- Scan QR code and activate the SIM
- Follow the instructions and activate your plan
Remember to switch off your primary SIM’s mobile data if you only want to use the eSIM during your trip.
How to use it to make your travel easy
After your eSIM is activated, you need to take care of following:
- Monitor your data usage to save yourself from data burnout.
- Keep Wi-Fi calling enabled — with this setting you will remain online even if the network is not coming.
- Download offline maps and apps in advance.
- Country coverage: Some eSIM plans only cover selected countries. Look for plans that match your exact itinerary.
- Data validity: Check how long the data is valid — some plans offer limited validity even if you don’t use up all the data.
- Top-up options: It’s good to know if you can top up the plan easily in case you need more data during your trip.
Can physical and electronic SIM be used together?
Yes, the majority of phones allow you to use both the versions at the same time. We recommend you to use the primary number for calls and messages. The digital one can be used for data usage. This approach will help you stay connected on the main number and enjoy cheap data at the same time. Just change your phone setting to use each one of them optimally.
Is It Safe to Use?
Many people wonder whether using an eSIM is safe when travelling to another country. The answer is — yes. eSIMs are backed by strict security standards. The activation is fully digital, and the plan details are securely stored on your phone’s hardware.
Also, since you are buying the plan directly from a provider’s official site, there is no risk of physical tampering — unlike with some local SIM cards that are sold through unknown street vendors.
In fact, many frequent travellers and even business travellers prefer using an eSIM these days because of its safety and reliability. Just choose a reputed provider, and you are good to go.
Final Thoughts
Still thinking about what is an eSIM? Go for it! Just grab a plan online, scan the code, and you’re good to go. Best part? One plan covers multiple countries—no need to keep changing SIMs. It’s simple, secure, and way cheaper than traditional options.
It is recommended to check if your phone supports digital SIM before buying any plans. Also, you must check if it supports all the places you’re planning to visit. Once that’s done, you’re all set for a smooth trip. Give it a try—you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with physical SIMs. Safe travels!