Does eSIM Work Internationally?

Before the advent of digital SIM cards, travelers had no choice but to pay for expensive roaming to make calls and use the Internet while staying abroad. However, with the launch of eSIM technology, the situation for voyagers has significantly changed. From now on, eSIM cards for international travel allow one to connect to the Internet anywhere without visiting traditional stores.

Undoubtedly, eSIM for international travel has many advantages. Below in the article, you will learn what eSIM is, does eSIM work internationally, what advantages it provides for travelers, and why virtual numbers are more profitable than roaming.

What is an eSIM?

eSIM is a great new technology for mobile communications. It is a built-in module that is often called a virtual SIM card. Unlike the plastic SIM card familiar to everyone, the eSIM is in the gadget initially, and it cannot be damaged or lost. The eSIM technology allows you to get a new number or transfer an existing one without visiting the operator’s office. Thus, one can change the operator at any time.

Moreover, a virtual SIM can store data from various mobile carriers at once. Thus, one can use at least two numbers simultaneously, even if the device has only one SIM chip slot. This is especially convenient when traveling: you can save your domestic number in your cellular phone to continue receiving SMS and mobile calls, and at the same time, use a local number.

How to Use eSIMs When Traveling Abroad?

If you travel abroad often, you may have thought about how to use your mobile phone in another country.

An eSIM is a universal solution that has helped many people to use cellular communication simply and economically. Actually, an eSIM for international travel is no different from another cellular card since the chip in the phone remains the same. The only thing one should do is to choose a tariff from a foreign operator and activate it. At the same time, one does not spend money on roaming or issue foreign SIM cards. In a word, today it is really profitable to connect the eSIM tariff.

To come to the country and be sure that eSIM has the opportunity to work there, it is worth checking this information in advance. In fact, this is not such a big deal since almost all countries, especially where tourism is well developed, have access to an electronic module solution.

Besides, you also need to learn about the service of a particular operator because not everyone is able to switch to eSIM and provide such a service.

One more point: pay attention to the gadget you use. Unfortunately, not all phones support the new digital technology. To be more precise, eSIM-supported gadgets, released about two years ago, have such an option. All the others, unfortunately, are not yet adapted to electronic SIMs.

Related: “List of eSIM supported devices in 2023“

Can i activate eSIM abroad or should I manage this in advance? To use eSIM in another country, you can purchase a tariff plan from a local telecom operator. Then, you can activate this data plan on your device using a QR code. The activation procedure is simple and takes only a couple of minutes.

Expensive Data Roaming vs. eSIM — What’s Better?

Roaming is the most expensive telecom option on a foreign trip. However, using roaming, you can keep the same phone number, forget about local peculiarities of telecom tariffs and do not change your SIM card. It is enough to decide about the number of minutes, a package of SMS messages, and gigabytes of data, as well as connect extra functions and services if they are needed.

Advantages of connecting to data roaming during a trip

• Constant access to the Internet. Telecom operators provide Internet access, which may be needed both for work, and for rest during the trip.
• Communication with your loved ones and colleagues. You can stay in touch with your loved ones and colleagues and send them text messages, photos, audio, and video files.
• Flexibility in terms of movement. Roaming allows you to move freely between countries without searching for places with Wi-Fi and safely use your smartphone on a foreign network.
• Availability of online communication services. Roaming provides an opportunity to use online communication services, such as voice and video, which is very convenient for business travelers.

High tariffs, a quota for the use of traffic, and possible problems with communication are the disadvantages of data roaming.

Advantages of using eSIM cards

• Enhanced security. An international eSIM card is more secure than a physical SIM because it cannot be removed if your mobile device is lost or stolen.
• No physical card. If you have an eSIM card, you don’t have to get, carry and change plastic SIM cards (which are so easy to lose) or wait for them to be delivered in the mail.
• Connectivity anywhere in the world. Today, you can buy an eSIM anywhere (as long as there is mobile network coverage) and connect to the network immediately.
• 2 or more numbers. In some phones, you can use several eSIM cards at the same time. For example, one digital module is for your home region and another for the place you are traveling to.
• Quick activation. To activate your eSIM, all you have to do is open your device’s settings or your provider’s app.
• Lower price. International travel using eSIMs proves to be more affordable in most countries due to lower roaming costs compared to physical SIM cards.
• Cross-platform. Since eSIM is installed on various gadgets, you don’t need to buy a new device. You can easily install an eSIM on your tablet or smartwatch and travel the world, chatting online with everyone without any problems or restrictions.

How to Disable Data Roaming?

Do you want to avoid roaming costs because you arrived abroad without an international tariff plan? Check out data transmission settings in your phone and turn off data roaming.

1. Go to the “Settings” of your gadget and click “Cellular communication” or “Cellular data”.
2. If you have one SIM card or eSIM card installed on your device, enable cellular data transmission and tap “Data Settings”.
3. If your device uses two SIM cards or two eSIM cards, enable cellular data transmission, pick the number you want to change, and click “Data Settings” then.
4. Disable data roaming.

Conclusion

So, there is no doubt eSIM technology has revolutionized the field of international travel. Thus, voyagers can now stay connected more conveniently and economically. Thanks to it, travelers no longer need to buy and insert physical SIM cards or pay exorbitant roaming charges. They can simply purchase eSIM anywhere where there is mobile network coverage, activate it without leaving their hotel room, and immediately stay connected.

In addition, eSIM abroad allows travelers to save their local number and keep multiple profiles on the same device. In short, eSIM cards are a fantastic solution for foreign voyagers, which has made traveling abroad more convenient and enjoyable.