Article sponsored by Yesim.app
The humble SIM-on-arrival has been a travel essential for decades, that tiny piece of plastic we’ve all fumbled with at airport kiosks or accidentally dropped whilst trying to swap providers. Now there’s a digital alternative gaining traction: the eSIM, or embedded SIM, which promises to change how we manage mobile connectivity abroad. But is it really the solution travellers have been waiting for?
An eSIM is essentially a programmable chip built directly into your device that performs the same functions as a traditional SIM card, minus the physical plastic. Rather than physically swapping cards when you change networks or travel internationally, you download a new mobile plan directly to your device, kind of similar to the shift from physical bank cards to contactless payments on your phone. Services like Yesim.app have emerged to simplify the process, allowing travellers to activate international data plans by scanning a QR code, though the technology still has its limitations and quirks.
The technology has been around longer than you might think, quietly powering smartwatches and tablets for several years. Its adoption in smartphones has been gradual, with Apple introducing eSIM support in 2018, followed by Samsung and Google. The appeal for travellers is obvious: you can maintain multiple mobile plans simultaneously, keeping your home number active whilst using local data rates abroad. However, the reality isn’t always as seamless as the marketing suggests.
The Advantages Worth Considering
No More Physical SIM Hunting: One genuine benefit is avoiding the airport SIM card shuffle. You can purchase and activate a plan before travelling, which means no vendor negotiations or language barriers upon arrival. This is particularly useful when landing late at night or in countries where airport SIM vendors are notoriously overpriced.
Clearer Pricing (Usually): Most eSIM providers offer prepaid packages with defined data allowances and validity periods. You typically know what you’re paying upfront, though it’s worth noting that prices vary significantly between providers, and the cheapest option isn’t always immediately obvious. Some travellers report savings compared to traditional roaming, though actual savings depend heavily on your home provider and destination.
Multiple Profiles On One Device: The ability to store multiple eSIM profiles is genuinely useful. You can maintain your regular number for banking verification codes whilst using local data rates. Business travellers can separate work and personal lines without carrying two phones. However, managing multiple profiles can be confusing, and switching between them isn’t always intuitive.
Less Plastic Waste: There’s an environmental argument for eSIMs, eliminating the need for plastic cards, packaging, and shipping. Whether this makes a meaningful environmental impact compared to other travel emissions is debatable, but it’s a step in the right direction for those conscious about single-use plastics.
Real-World Usage
European Travel: For multi-country European trips, regional eSIM plans can be convenient. Instead of purchasing separate SIM cards for France, Italy, and Spain, one plan covers all three. However, coverage quality varies between providers, and some users report connectivity issues in rural areas where physical SIM cards from local providers work fine.
Remote Working: Digital nomads might appreciate the flexibility of monthly eSIM packages for different destinations. The ability to purchase plans in advance is helpful for maintaining consistent connectivity. That said, many countries still offer better deals on physical SIM cards purchased locally, particularly for longer stays.
Business Travel: For last-minute business trips, being able to purchase connectivity before departure is undeniably convenient. You can land with immediate access to emails and maps. However, corporate travellers should note that many companies’ IT policies haven’t caught up with eSIM technology, potentially causing expense claim complications.
Cruise Stopovers: Some cruise passengers use eSIMs for port days to avoid maritime roaming charges. This requires purchasing multiple plans and remembering to switch between them, which some find more hassle than it’s worth.
Important Limitations To Consider
eSIM technology faces significant restrictions in several countries. China, Egypt, Turkey, and others either have outright bans on or limit the use of eSIMs, often citing security concerns. This means you’ll still need physical SIM cards for these destinations, somewhat defeating the purpose of going fully digital.
Device compatibility remains patchy. While recent flagship phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google support eSIM, many mid-range and budget devices don’t. Older phones are generally incompatible, and even some newer models sold in certain regions have eSIM functionality disabled.
The transfer process between devices is notably less convenient than simply moving a physical SIM card. If your phone breaks or you upgrade, transferring your eSIM typically requires contacting customer service or going through a re-registration process. Some providers limit how many times you can transfer an eSIM, adding another layer of complexity.
Network quality can be inconsistent. Many eSIM providers are MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that resell access to major networks. This can mean lower priority during network congestion and potentially slower speeds compared to direct carrier SIM cards.
Frequently Asked Questions About eSIM Technology
Can I use an eSIM alongside my regular physical SIM? Most eSIM-capable phones support dual-SIM functionality, allowing you to use both simultaneously. This lets you maintain your regular number whilst adding a data-only eSIM for travel. You can select which SIM to use for different functions through your phone’s settings, though the interface varies between manufacturers and some users find it confusing to manage.
What happens if I need to change phones unexpectedly? This is where eSIMs become less convenient. Unlike physical SIMs that transfer in seconds, eSIM profiles must be re-downloaded to your new device. Some providers make this relatively painless, while others require customer service intervention. It’s wise to keep your eSIM QR codes and activation details backed up separately, and be prepared for potential delays in transferring service.
Are eSIMs suitable for emergency situations? This is debatable. While eSIMs can’t be physically lost or damaged like traditional SIM cards, they’re entirely dependent on software and internet connectivity for initial setup. If you’re in a situation where you urgently need to change providers or your phone’s software fails, a physical SIM might be more reliable. Many experienced travellers keep a physical SIM as backup for emergencies.
The Bottom Line
The eSIM represents an interesting evolution in mobile connectivity. For certain, intrepid travellers, particularly those taking short trips to eSIM-friendly countries with compatible devices, the technology offers genuine convenience. The ability to arrange connectivity in advance and maintain multiple numbers is appealing.
However, it’s not a universal solution. Physical SIM cards remain necessary for many destinations, often offer better local deals, and provide a simplicity that eSIMs haven’t quite matched. The technology feels like it’s still in transition, perhaps.
For now, the pragmatic approach might be using both technologies as appropriate. An eSIM for convenient pre-arrival setup in compatible countries, and the flexibility to grab a physical SIM when it makes more sense.
