Why You Should Use an eSim When You Travel

This is a collaborative post.

Travelling is one of life’s greatest joys, until you find yourself desperately hunting for Wi-Fi to order an Uber or translate a menu. Enter the eSim, the unsung hero of travel tech. If you’re still swapping out physical SIM cards or using expensive roaming plans, it’s time to change.

This guide will walk you through what an eSim is, why it’s perfect for your next holiday, and how it can make your trips smoother, cheaper, and more fun.

What Is an eSim and How Does It Work?

First things first—what exactly is an eSim?

An eSim (short for embedded SIM) is a digital version of the traditional SIM card. Instead of inserting a tiny piece of plastic into your phone, the eSim is already embedded in your device. All you need to do is activate it digitally, and you’re good to go. Most modern smartphones, wearables, and tablets already support eSims, so there’s a good chance you’ve been carrying this hidden gem around without even knowing it.

Once you purchase an eSim plan, it works like magic:

• Download the eSim profile onto your device (usually via a QR code or an app).
• Toggle between your primary SIM card and the eSim to have multiple plans active at once.
• Enjoy seamless connectivity without the hassle of physically swapping cards.

The Benefits of Using eSims for Travel

Now, let’s get to the important part. How can eSims transform your travel costs?

1. Say Goodbye to Physical SIM Cards

Remember the horror of almost losing your home SIM card while fumbling to switch to a local SIM abroad? Having to keep your tiny SIM card in a case or memory card holder until you need it again was never easy was it. With eSims, there’s no need to carry or handle tiny pieces of plastic. Your eSim is entirely digital, safe from getting lost, dropped down the side of the sofa or accidentally thrown away.

2. Avoid Pricey Roaming Charges

Roaming charges can feel like a cruel joke when you see your bill after a trip. With eSims, you can bypass traditional roaming fees by selecting an appropriate eSim. Providers such as Voisim offer them for a huge range of countries and with prepaid you can be sure you wont have an unexpected bill too. Check out the Affordable Switzerland eSIM 5G Plans or international data plans for whichever country you are visiting and see how much cheaper than roaming fees it could be for you. Many providers even offer eSim travel plans that cover multiple countries, making them ideal for multi-destination travellers.

3. Instant Activation

Got off the plane and realised you have no service? No problem. With an eSim, you can activate a new plan in minutes from the comfort of the airport—or even before you leave home. Many eSim providers offer apps where you can browse and purchase data plans instantly, so you never have to waste time at sketchy phone shops.

4. Stay Connected Everywhere You Go

Whether you’re navigating the winding streets of Venice or uploading sunset snaps from the Maldives, eSims make it simple to stay online wherever you are. With reliable data coverage and no dependency on unsecure hotel Wi-Fi, you’re always connected, letting you focus on enjoying your adventure, not buffering screens or worrying about roaming costs.

5. Use Multiple Plans Simultaneously

Here’s a cool trick that physical SIM cards can’t do. eSims allow you to run multiple mobile plans at the same time. Keep your home number active for essential calls while using a local eSim plan for data. This dual functionality is perfect for staying flexible and efficient while you’re on the move. Not only that but it means you don’t need a dual sim phone to do this!

6. It’s Eco-Friendly

Switching to an eSim means fewer plastic SIM cards are manufactured, and fewer end up in landfills. If you’re the kind of traveller who carries a reusable water bottle and chooses eco-friendly hotels, why not add eSims to your sustainability checklist?

7. Ideal for Frequent Flyers

If your passport is your most-used accessory, an eSim will be your best friend. Many eSim providers offer global or multi-country plans, allowing you to stay connected across borders.

How to Set Up an eSim for Travel

Convinced? Great! Here’s how to get started with your eSim.

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Before anything else, make sure your smartphone supports eSims. Most newer models, like the latest iPhones and later or Samsung Galaxy models, are equipped with eSim technology. A quick Google search or peek at your device settings should confirm this.

Step 2: Choose Your eSim Provider

There are numerous eSim providers catering specifically to travellers. Compare plans based on your destination, data limits, and pricing.

Step 3: Purchase Your Plan

Buy the eSim plan that suits your trip. Many platforms make this super simple, you can purchase directly through their apps or websites and receive a QR code to activate your eSim.

Step 4: Activate Your eSim

Once you’ve received your QR code:

1. Open your phone’s settings and go to the “Mobile/Cellular Data” section.
2. Scan the QR code provided by your eSim provider.
3. Follow the setup prompts to enable your eSim.

And voilà—you’re connected!

Step 5: Test Before You Go

It’s always a good idea to set up and test your eSim before you leave home. This ensures you won’t face any connectivity issues once you arrive at your destination and that you know how to activate your eSim or switch to the eSim when you arrive.

Why Frequent Travellers Should Switch to eSim Travel

For frequent travellers, convenience is everything—and eSims are as convenient as it gets. Beyond cutting costs and simplifying connectivity, eSims are your ultimate travel assistant:

• Imagine effortlessly hopping between countries without changing SIM cards.
• Enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ll always have reliable access to maps, apps, and friends.
• Save hours (and stress) that you’d otherwise spend researching local plans or finding free Wi-Fi.

eSim travel essentially unlocks a seamless, hassle-free experience. Whether you’re globe-trotting for business or leisure, eSims empower you to stay present in the moment—while staying connected to everything that matters.

Take the First Step Towards Smarter Travel

Still using physical SIM cards or struggling with roaming fees? It’s time for a change. Switching to an eSim is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s an investment in better, smarter travel experiences.

Give it a try before your next trip, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make the switch sooner. Your luggage might still get lost, but at least your connection won’t!