The benefits of using an eSIM for your next trip

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM, aka an embedded subscriber identity module, is a virtual SIM card that you download onto your phone. You might be familiar with a SIM card that you put in and take out of your phone, but eSIMs are embedded (hence the name) into your device. Like an old school SIM, eSIMs are a way to get budget-friendly mobile data while you’re traveling. 

Unlike purchasing a physical SIM card at a store, all you need to do is download an app to get an eSIM. Once you download the app, it’ll give you instructions on how to activate your data plan, and in a minute or so you’ll be able to search for the highest-rated bakery in your area or let your mom know that you survived the €10 flight. 

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of eSIM cards compared to physical SIM cards.

The top 6 benefits of using an eSIM vs. a physical SIM when traveling

An eSIM or a physical SIM card, that is the question. eSIMs are on track to becoming the go-to choice for getting mobile data while traveling, and it’s no wonder why. We live in a time where we can pretty much do everything on our phones, and as eSIM technology becomes more advanced and affordable, it’s no surprise that travelers are ditching traditional SIM cards. 

Let’s dive into six advantages of eSIM cards that make them a worthy opponent of physical SIM cards.

Skip airport lines and plan ahead

If you’re the friend who makes sightseeing spreadsheets for the trip, eSIMs are for you. Downloading an eSIM before your flight takes off is the perfect way to secure a game plan for mobile data coverage. They’re pre-planner-friendly! 

Psst…want to hear our pro tip? You can relieve some pre-travel anxiety by not only downloading, but activating your eSIM before you leave. That means that you won’t have to worry about finding a place to buy a physical SIM — you’ll have data as soon as you arrive. In other words, one of the first perks of eSIM cards is that you can cross “mobile data” off your travel prep to-do list. 

Avoid wild roaming charges or inflated SIM prices at the airport

“You’ve incurred $300 in roaming charges” is the perfect notification to trigger a bunch of four letter words and start a family fight. Data roaming is often that expensive because of the flat-fee you pay per day — using your data for five minutes or ten hours makes no difference to your service provider. A great way to avoid this tragic expense is by getting an eSIM plan. For instance, with the Saily eSIM app, you’ll have the option to select a plan with as little as 1GB over the course of seven days, which starts for as low as $3.99. 

Local SIM cards are another popular choice for travelers wary of roaming charges. When you arrive at your destination, you might want to get your mobile data situation out of the way and conveniently buy one at the airport. But just like those cheeky $7 water bottle prices, some airports jack up the prices of SIM cards, too. 

The bottom line — local SIM cards are good if you want to make phone calls, since you’ll be given a local phone number and a certain amount of minutes for domestic and international calls. But the benefits of an eSIM card outweigh those of a local SIM if you're just looking for affordable internet access during your travels. 

Enjoy flexible data plans

Another one of the major advantages of eSIM cards is that you can easily find a data plan that suits your travel needs without overspending. eSIM plans start with as little as 1GB of data, which is perfect for a weekend trip. But let’s say you drained your data by watching a video about the Roman Empire on the train (an all-too common scenario these days) — you can easily top up your data plan through the app. Some physical SIMs come with instructions to top up on data online, but sometimes, you’ll need to get a new SIM card altogether if you want more GBs. 

Not only can you choose a data plan that works for you but you can also decide when to activate your eSIM. Our recommendation is to activate it before you catch your flight, but do whatever floats your boat (or should we say “sails” your boat)? Just remember that you’ll need a stable internet connection to set it up.  

One more point of flexibility with eSIMs: you can switch between SIM plans (like between your home and travel one) if needed. Newer phones can handle a physical SIM card and an active eSIM (or multiple eSIMs) at the same time.  

Install your eSIM ASAP

Another one of the eSIM benefits in this non-exhaustive list is that it takes seconds to install an eSIM and you can do it whenever you feel like it. All you need is a reliable Wi-Fi network (meaning, one that won’t cut out halfway through eSIM installation) to download the app and activate the eSIM. You can do this at home before you leave. In fact, we suggest you do so! That way, you’ll have data to entertain yourself while you drag your luggage around the city waiting for that 3 PM hostel check-in. 

One important reminder before committing to an eSIM is to check whether your phone is carrier-locked or not. If it is, don’t worry — you’ll usually be able to unlock it. You may just need a code from your mobile service provider or the vendor you bought your phone from. You’ll find instructions on how to unlock your device on your mobile service provider’s website. 

Avoid losing or damaging your SIM

Physical SIM cards are delicate little things. If it’s in the wrong place at the wrong time, you risk losing, crushing, drowning, scratching, bending, or pulverizing it (plus whatever other verbs you can come up with). If you damage your SIM card, you may experience a bunch of annoying problems like a weakened signal, issues receiving or making calls and texts, and no internet access.

The fact that you can’t lose an eSIM is one of the biggest advantages of an eSIM over using a physical SIM. Installing an eSIM through an app means you don’t need to fidget with the tiny SIM tray, which puts you at risk for all those aforementioned mishaps to your SIM card. But you know the old saying “don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater?” Our cautionary tale would be “don’t lose the phone with eSIM.” Remember to check your pockets every now and then! 

Avoid having your data stolen by hackers

The last on our list of eSIM card benefits is that unlike a traditional SIM card, an eSIM can’t be stolen and reused. A quick way to put a damper on your trip is getting a notification that someone has gone on a shopping spree with your credit card. Sensitive info like your banking details can be swiped by hackers if they get their hands on your SIM card. 

eSIMs, on the other hand, can only be “stolen” if your phone is stolen. This is our second reminder in a row to be mindful of your belongings at all times! 

Long story short, eSIMs over physical SIM cards 

The benefits of an eSIM vs. a physical SIM are surely enough for you to try out an eSIM for your next trip. eSIMs are a quick and affordable way to get mobile data while you travel. You won’t have to wait in line to buy a physical SIM card, especially at the airport, where they’re likely to cost more. eSIMs are also a better option for security reasons — you won’t have to worry about having a physical card stolen, damaged, or lost. Last but not least, the mobile data plans you get with an eSIM are flexible. You can pick a plan that works for your trip and if you end up needing more data, you can easily top up in the app. Plus, you can activate your plan whenever you feel like it.

Whether you’re prepping to have some wild hostel experiences or to soak up the sun by the sea, make sure mobile data is taken care of and download an eSIM before you leave!