When we’re travelling we want to use our phones and devices like we always do, but if you don’t have data roaming included in your mobile phone plan, you can end up paying a fortune!
Enter… the eSIM! In this article, we’re breaking down what an eSIM is and how it can help you stay connected for less when you’re travelling abroad. Oh, and we’ll share the best eSIMs on the market too.
This article may include mentions of products from one or more of our affiliate partners. Unless explicitly stated, we are not being paid to include these. To learn more about our advertising policy, please refer to our Terms of Service.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital sim card. It lets you use data to call, text and stream just like you would using a physical SIM.
What is a digital SIM card?
A digital sim card is just how it sounds – it’s a digital version of the sim cards we’re used to having inside our phones.
Instead of a physical card that goes inside, there’s a tiny chip already built into the device. So when you install and activate an eSIM, you’re tapping into the technology already on your phone.
What Are the perks of using an an eSIM?
Instead of being restricted by the costs of roaming on your current plan, an eSIM means you can get a local data plan and so pay less for data and calls
It’s also handy because you don’t need to manually switch the SIM card in your device by taking your current SIM card out. You can just switch to it in your phone’s settings.
How does an eSIM work with my phone?
Most newer phones have a microchip that supports eSIMs. For example, all iPhones from 2018 onwards and most Samsung phones from 2020 onwards, but not all. You just need to buy the eSIM and activate it, then use data just like you normally would.
To get the full range of options, search for and buy your eSIM online, although you can get them in some stores, for example you can get a Lyca Mobile eSIM from a shop that sells Lyca Mobile sim cards.
How many eSIMs can I have at once?
You can have multiple eSIMs on your phone at once, which is super helpful if you travel a lot – just make sure you’re activating the right one for your destination.
What’s included in an eSIM?
There are lots of different types of eSIM, so it can be confusing to work out what you need!
Choose your destination
First off you’ll pick where the eSIM works, i.e.
- Local eSIM that works in one country e.g. Egypt
- Regional eSIM that work in a region e.g. North America
- Global eSIM that works in most countries
Choose your data and call plan
Then you’ll choose what that eSIM includes. Most eSIMs are data-only but some also give you calls and texts (SMS).
- Data only
- A set amount of data to use in a specific number of days
- An unlimited amount of data to use in a specific number of days
- Calls, texts and data
- A set amount of minutes and texts to use in a specific number of days, plus a specific or unlimited amount of data
- A credit amount to use on minutes and texts in a specific number of days, plus a specific or unlimited amount of data
A data-only eSIM is often all you need, as you can make phone calls and send messages using data (and over WiFi) on apps like Whatsapp. So if you’re heading to a country with good 3G coverage and/or you’ll have plenty of WiFi access, you can get by on a data only plan.
Where’s the best place to buy my eSIM?
You can shop around online to find the right eSIM for you, and you may find that the network you’re currently on offers them too.
The Best eSIM Providers
Want to know where you can find the best eSIMs?
I’ve used a few eSIMs over the years which have worked great, and so here’s the ones I think you should know about.
Provider | Countries covered | Local, regional & global | What’s included | Unlimited data | Top-up | Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Airalo | 200+ | Yes | Data, calls & SMS | No | Yes, in app | N/A |
Holafly | 160+ | Yes (mostly local) | Data only | In some destinations | No | N/A |
Nomad | 100+ | Yes | Data only | No | Yes, in app | N/A |
Saily | 190+ | Yes | Data only | No | Yes, in app | Save 15% with code: PASSPORTS |
Airalo
The Airalo eSIM app has a rating of 4.6 on the app store, which isn’t bad when it has over 23k reviews! I’ve used this in the past and found it worked great.
I’ve written a step by step guide on how to use an Airalo eSIM.
Holafly
I tried out Holafly in Singapore and it worked really well, though I did have to buy a new plan once I had maxxed out my data plan.
Nomad
I tested Nomad for my recent trip to South Korea and it worked a treat! I particularly liked how easy it was to top up since I did manage to run out of data whilst there… I always underestimate my usage!!
Saily
Saily is the next eSIM that’s on my list to test, and I’m excited to try since it comes from Nord VPN who are the VPN company I use! They have a handy ad-blocker feature and also have a 15% off code at the moment with the code PASSPORTS.
Which eSIM is best?
I’m going to be really annoying here but all of the eSIMs I’ve tested have been quite similar in the way that they work and I’d be happy to recommend them all! However, they do all have slightly different prices and offers and so what I’d say is check each to see what works the best for you and your upcoming trip.
How do I install an eSIM?
Step 1: Check your device is compatible
Most newer smart phones, tablets and smart watches are compatible with eSIMs. If you aren’t sure, a quick google will tell you!
Step 2: Buy your eSIM
You can buy eSIMS from an online store like Airalo, Holofly, Nomad or Saily, or direct from a carrier like Vodafone. Some phone shops sell them too.
Step 3: Install your eSIM
- Different eSIMs work differently, so you should follow the instructions for installing the specific eSIM you’ve bought. You can generally see these online before you purchase.
- Some eSIMs enter their validity period when you install them, others when you activate them, so make sure you check the terms of yours or you could end up eating into your plan before you’ve started your trip!
- You’ll need access to a (good) WiFi connection to install your eSIM.
- If the validity period of your eSIM starts when you install it, then you’ll need to hop on WiFi at your destination and install it there. If it starts when you activate it, you can install – but not activate it – it before your trip.
- After you’ve bought your eSIM, you’ll usually receive a QR code to scan and download it onto your device. You can also install it manually in the mobile data area of your phone’s settings.
Step 4: Activate your eSIM
- Check when you should activate your eSIM. Many activate when they connect to a local network at your destination.
- Go to the mobile data section of your phone to activate your eSIM. If you have more than one eSIM on your phone, check you’re selecting the right one.
- Select your eSIM for mobile data and switch your data roaming on.
- eSIMs can sometimes take a few minutes to update when you arrive at your destination, so if your eSIM isn’t activated and you can’t work out why, it’s worth leaving it a few minutes and checking again. Failing that, switch your phone off and on again.
- If you have an eSIM with a set amount of data, and you run out, you’ll either need to buy another eSIM or a top-up package – check with your provider to see what options are available to you.
Can I use eSIMs everywhere?
You can use an eSIM in most countries, although be aware that how well they work will depend on the infrastructure.
So if you’re in an area with high connectivity, for example a city or town, then your eSIM should work pretty well for you. But if you’re in a rural area where connectivity is patchy, then that will have an impact on the quality of your connection.
Our Final Top Tips When Using eSIMS
Check your destination's stance on eSIMS
From personal experience I’ve found that some countries, including India and China, limit certain eSIMs so you may need to activate your plan before you get to that destination otherwise you’ll struggle to activate it – though a VPN may help you.
I would advise giving your destination a google to see if anyone has commented on this before you travel there, just so that you’re ahead of the game.
Connect to wifi when you can
It always surprises me how quickly I get through my data abroad, and it’s because at home you so often automatically connect to Wifi! Therefore, don’t forget to do this even if you’ve sorted yourself out with some roaming data.
Find out how reliant your destination is on phonecalls
If you’ve bought a data only plan, you won’t be able to use your phone to call. In most cases, this is totally fine – we live in a world where most stuff is done over the internet! However, after a bag of mine got left at an airport in India, it became more difficult to communicate with people who wanted a phone number to call me on. Fortunately, we were able to use Whatsapp instead but it’s something worth keeping in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About eSIMs
Will WhatsApp still use my normal phone number?
Yes. Installing an eSIM does not normally change the phone number connected to your WhatsApp account. You can continue sending messages and making WhatsApp calls using the data provided by your eSIM.
Do I need to remove my normal SIM card?
No, you do not need to remove your existing physical SIM card. You can keep both on your phone and choose which one should be used for mobile data, calls and texts in your phone’s settings.
Can I make normal phone calls with an eSIM?
It depends on the plan. Many travel eSIMs are data-only, meaning they do not include a telephone number or traditional calls and texts like you have in your usual mobile contract. You can still make internet calls using services such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, Facetime Audio, Messenger etc as these use data, rather than the traditional connection.
Can I use my phone as a hotspot with an eSIM?
Many eSIM plans allow tethering, meaning you can share your connection with a laptop, tablet or another phone. Be careful that a laptop connected to it might not
Some unlimited-data plans restrict hotspot use, though, so check the provider’s terms before buying.
Use An eSIM To Save Money on Data on Your Next Holiday
An eSIM is a great way to save on roaming costs when using data abroad, by using local networks for lower rates. All eSIMs work slightly differently, so make sure to follow the instructions you get from your provider about install and activation, then you can enjoy connectivity throughout your trip! Here’s to finding the best eSIMs on the market, and helping them save you money.
