Traveling across several countries at once, you need a stable Internet connection. This is a matter of safety and comfort, essential in the 21st century. While your SIM cards use roaming for connection abroad, experts recommend a better option. eSIM technology allows you to install and activate data plans for all possible countries, and avoid roaming charges. All you need is a smartphone and a reliable eSIM data provider. Let’s see how to use eSIM, and what makes eSIM the best solution for international trips.
What is eSIM and How it Works?
Shortly, eSIM replaced a traditional SIM card in your phone and completed the same function. This technology is supported on smartphones and tablets with a special chip. You should see the list of eSIM-supported devices before buying a data plan.
eSIM works like a SIM card and connects you to the local Internet just like your network provider. The amount of services depends on the company:
- choose from unlimited connection (pay for the number of days) and pre-paid plans;
- buy virtual numbers to make calls and SMS;
- share the Internet with other devices by using hotspot;
- connect to the VPN and change your IP address to work internationally, etc.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIM is much more versatile. A single data plan can be supported by several countries and last the period you actually need. Plus, you avoid roaming fees abroad.
How to Use eSIM Plans for Traveling Internationally?
Some customers already use eSIM as a full alternative to SIM cards in their native countries. Yet, the key advantage lies in the opportunity to travel and stay connected abroad:
- Select the provider and a data plan. Choose among the best travel eSIM providers depending on their prices, coverage, Internet speed, and supported destinations.
- Choose the data plan. As it was said, the choice is wide. Choose the destination (or international data plans), the data volume, or the unlimited Internet period.
- Pay and install. Depending on the provider, you may receive a QR code for installation, or install your new eSIM through the application. All happens digitally, and you don’t need a plastic card.
Each eSIM provider sends you detailed instructions for installation, setting up your smartphone, and how to use an eSIM for travel. Once you install the eSIM, it is ready to use. After arriving at the destination, simply activate it in your smartphone settings and turn the roaming on. You will receive guides on activating eSIM abroad.
Can You Use an eSIM Aboard?
Don’t get it wrong. You need a separate eSIM for each destination. If you purchased a plan for your own country, it won’t work anywhere else. Once you cross the border, the roaming turns on. Yet, there are solutions. Consider regional or global plans. This is a unique solution, provided only by eSIM companies.
For example, the Yesim provider offers 10 regional and 4 global plans. By activating them, you receive global connectivity and mobile Internet in all selected countries. The provider will be automatically switching between carriers and cell towers of chosen countries. As a result, you receive an international solution within one data plan.
Regional plans are usually created to suit popular tourist demands:
- Business Global covers countries, popular among corporations and business travelers: Canada, Austria, Belgium, Hong Kong, Israel, Malta, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Spain, etc. (40 in total).
- The Caribbean plan is especially popular among Summer holiday fans;
- The Europe & UK plan covers the most popular destinations for sightseeing, etc.
Other providers, for example, Instabridge and Roamless, developed another solution. The “Pay as you go” system is a way to visit any country without overpaying. You top up the eSIM balance and activate it the moment you need it (and where you need it). The provider will automatically connect you to the local Internet and write off the amount of money, needed for a local connection.
What Makes eSIM the Best Solution for International Trips?
| Save on roaming charges | In each country, you use the Internet like a local. Thus, you don’t overpay for roaming charges and give as much money as it was described in the plan. |
| Connect to several destinations within one plan | This option is not available among SIM providers. eSIM offers a switch from cell providers in several countries within one regional plan. |
| Pay less by purchasing regional plans | Purchase a tariff that covers several destinations at once. Commonly, these offers are much cheaper than buying SIM for each country separately. |
| Install and activate the plan before your departure | Trips across several countries are already overwhelming. Don’t spend your time and nerve switching between SIM cards and buying data plans in airports. |
eSIM for International Trips: Final Thought
eSIM technology works differently depending on outer conditions: the connection may be poor on highways and far from the cities. Countries with 5G offer between connections than 3G ones, etc. The virtual SIM card providers do everything possible to ensure good quality in every region, even if local coverage leaves much to be desired.
If you plan an international trip to several countries, eSIM is your top choice anyway. These tariffs cover several destinations within one plan, so you don’t overpay for each destination separately. Select a plan depending on the countries you visit, the stay duration, and the data volume you actually need. Freelancers and business travelers, for example, prioritize unlimited Internet. Meanwhile, 1–2 GB is enough for a tourist. Decide on your priorities and compare available offers.
Yes if you use regional or global plans. These tariffs cover several countries and connect you to the cell towers of local providers internationally.
You activate the plan only once. Once you cross the border, the eSIM provider automatically switches networks and connects you to new cell data providers.
Usually, you pay for the whole plan – the price depends on the number of days and the data volume. However, some providers offer the “Pay as you go” system. In this case, you deposit money, and your provider automatically spends it on the local Internet while you travel.
To support eSIM technologies, a device needs an embedded chip. Look through the list of eSIM-compatible devices and search for yours.
Commonly, global and regional tariffs are more expensive as they cover several destinations. At the same time, buying all included destinations individually is much more expensive. If you really plan to visit all of them, prioritize regional offers.
