It's only been the last two years that eSIMs have really blown up, though the technology has been around since 2016.
Basically, an eSIM lets you connect to a local mobile network through software without ever having to physically buy a SIM card. It is apparently the hot new way to go, so we're breaking down what to consider and what provider to go with for a plan.
Even the iPhone 17 Air will be eSIM only.
Just to clear the air, I have never used an eSIM. Mostly, because I am on T-Mobile where international data roaming is free and bountiful.
For the record, I would like to state how old I feel. I used to carry around a little SIM case, with my own little SIM cutter-for reals. To make sure I had service, I'd research some local wireless carriers in advance where I could pick up a prepaid SIM at the airport, so I could have a local number and cheap data available.
But, you know, not to date myself or anything.
How does signing up for an eSIM actually work?
Like anyone with high-functioning anxiety, I have the capacity to overthink a $10 purchase.
Chill out. Make a purchase: Each partner has its own steps for activation. In a few cases, some services may require users to download an app, and then apparently you just push a button on the app or something like that.
Chances are, unless you've been living in the dark ages, most older phones are eSIM-compatible (more on that in the next section).
Even though it sounds overly complicated, it is possible to manage the current SIM and a purchased eSIM simultaneously. Also, make sure data roaming is turned off on the actual SIM.
It is also possible to store multiple eSIMS on a device, though it is usually not possible to have more than one active at a time (unless running dual-SIM mode in some makes.)
Truthfully, though, thinking about this makes my head hurt, though I totally get reasons why this might be necessary.
How to figure out which eSIM company to go with
Obviously, there is no way to guarantee or test connectivity.
It would be best to figure out what eSIM companies support your destination specific phone make before proceeding 🤔.
Here are some common providers: Airalo, Airhub, AloSIM, BNEsim, GlobaleSIM, Holafly, Instabridge, Jetpac, Nomad, Orange, RedteaGO, Saily, Ubigi, UPeSIM, Yesim.
Although, we have no experience with it, Esimdb.com also offers a database with some less well-known options.
The only eSIM company we've really heard of is Saily, which is created from the NordVPN folks. (It is also interesting that each Saily plan comes with access to NordVPN, which is a plus. A few folks have noted Saily tends to err the more expensive side.)
There are three things to keep in mind in selecting a provider.
- Some eSIMs only provide data access, and offer local calling, but not always both.
- Prices depend on how long you're traveling for, and how much data you need.
- 24/7 access to customer service may be a dealbreaker depending on how reliant you are on data - I could go for a detox, but you know, not everyone is the same.
In our experience, 2GB is usually pretty sufficient for most basic Internet tasks, such as texting, VOIP calling, with the occasional YouTube video(s) thrown in.
In my opinion, if you're traveling, you probably should be out and about doing things. Mindless surfing should be at the hotel where theoretically you are connected to the Wi-Fi.
For a quick compare and contrast, because we literally can't compete with Reddit users, there's also an eSIM comparison chart floating around the Internet.
Maybe next time, we'll buy an eSIM for kicks? Talk about an upgrade to technology, dude.
