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Have you ever wondered how many people travel around the world? According to global organizations, the number of tourist arrivals will be close to 2 billion in 2023. With globalization and the digital age, travel to other countries have become more accessible both financially and psychologically. This allows even more people to travel at the country and abroad.
Related: “Data roaming on iPhone: How to Save Money with eSIM“
Almost everyone who travels has a smartphone to stay connected to communicate, work, rest and optimize all life processes. This is especially useful on international trips: navigation, ordering cabs, booking hotels or communicating with colleagues on business trips. However, communication abroad can cost a large sum of money if you do not prepare in advance. So in our article we’ll tell you what data roaming is and how to save money on mobile data abroad with eSIM.
What is Data Roaming: Features of use and Benefits
Data roaming is the use of mobile data services while traveling and business trips outside the home network coverage area. For example, when you travel abroad, when you turn on the data on your smartphone or tablet with a SIM card, you will automatically be connected to the local network, which is usually provided by your partner’s network.
The features of using data roaming abroad allow you to continue using mobile data services: scrolling the Internet, sending and receiving emails, SMS, chatting in messengers, and using applications that require network connectivity. This means that it allows you to use the internet and mobile communications abroad, but at the price of the region in which you are located, with a surcharge from your carrier.
It’s worth noting that the key factor in using the network outside your home region is the high cost of cellular services, as most mobile local providers charge a higher rate for data usage if you connect overseas with your primary physical SIM. To avoid unforeseen costs, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with your mobile provider’s roaming policies and rates before you travel. But the best option would be using an eSIM, which will help you save money on mobile data.
How to get rid of roaming with eSIM
What is data roaming: a comparison with e-SIM? Even if we consider the issue from the connectivity side, the roaming process is as follows:
- Go to your phone’s settings app;
- Find the “Mobile Network” option and go to it;
- Look for the “Roaming settings” option and toggle the slider to the active position.
The moment of deactivation of this function is important, because if you forget about it, you will continue to use the network settings at higher tariffs. By the way, the process of activating MFF2: M2M form factor also takes several steps. But you don’t have to turn it off completely, you just have to switch to your native phone number.
What is an eSIM? It is a virtual card that contains settings of any network operator, local or home, while possessing such advantages as:
- The e-SIM is already built into your smartphone if it meets modern phone assembly standards – you don’t need to look for and buy a physical card;
- Allows you to connect online to the local cheap rates of the network of the country you are going to;
- Saves settings, allowing you to use up to 10 different profiles.
Pros and cons of Data Roaming
The benefits of using the network outside your home region include:
- This function allows you to stay connected and quickly connect to the local network on your physical SIM card;
- With such settings, you don’t have to worry about finding a Wi-Fi hotspot that might not be safe;
- It permits you to stay productive while traveling and on business trips because you can access your work files and email on the go;
- Connected roaming can save your life or help in an emergency situation in another country, because it will allow you to call emergency services.
Flaws of using home network settings at local operator prices:
- High cost. Data roaming service is quite expensive, especially in some regions. Your costs can rise quickly, especially if you use a lot of data while traveling;
- Geographic limitations. This feature is not available in many countries or regions, and in some areas network coverage may be limited or incomplete;
- Security. Using roaming can pose a security risk because data transmitted over the network may not be encrypted. This makes it easier for hackers to intercept and steal your data.
Summary
In total, travelers and businessmen in order to make the most of cellular data usage while minimizing risks and financial costs are opting for e-SIM, which is a modern alternative to the physical SIM with data roaming. Embedded SIM compared to roaming tinctures is advantageous, convenient and safe.
