eSIMs have become increasingly popular, especially for international travelers. No one enjoys waiting in long queues to purchase an eSIM right after arriving at their dream destination. Fortunately, you can now skip the line with the best eSIM for international travel. These eSIMs offer plans ranging from 3 days to a year, providing excellent network coverage and easy installation. With numerous providers offering eSIMs, it can be challenging to choose the right one. That’s why I have done the research to find and review the best eSIM for international travel. So, make sure to read until the end to get all the information you need before making your purchase.
An eSIM is a digital SIM card already embedded in your mobile device, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. It is a small rewritable chip inside your phone that functions as a SIM card, connecting to a network of your choice. With a simple phone call, you can change your operator without the hassle of purchasing and waiting for a new SIM card to arrive. While eSIMs have been around for some time, they gained attention when iPhones removed the traditional SIM card slot and became fully eSIM compatible. The convenience and ease of use are the main reasons why eSIMs are preferred.
One of the advantages of eSIMs is their ability to save space, either making phones smaller or allowing for larger batteries. Additionally, eSIMs eliminate the need for excessive plastic used in producing physical SIM cards. They also have the potential to enable 5G connectivity in various devices without taking up much space. While using an eSIM is similar to using a physical SIM card, there may be a slight drawback when it comes to switching phones. However, the benefits of eSIMs far outweigh any minor disadvantages.
Now, let’s talk about why eSIMs are beneficial for international travel. The most significant advantage is the ability to store multiple eSIMs on your phone, up to eight or even more in some cases. When needed, you can activate the SIM without incurring additional roaming charges. If your current network operator does not offer free roaming service, finding the right operator and dealing with language barriers can be challenging. eSIMs also provide better security since they cannot be lost or removed from the device. If your phone gets lost or stolen, tracking it through the eSIM card is much easier.
While international roaming works the same way with physical and eSIMs, eSIMs have the advantage of allowing you to add local eSIMs while keeping your old numbers. This is especially useful when visiting multiple countries. With eSIMs, switching SIMs is as easy as purchasing a plan online and activating it. This convenience is ideal for frequent travelers who need to switch contact numbers frequently.
To check if your phone is compatible with eSIM, most phones manufactured after 2018 should be compatible, except for a few exceptions based on location and carrier. For iPhones, you can follow some steps to determine compatibility. On Android phones, it is best to check with the manufacturer or look for the “eSIM cards” option in the settings.
Now, let’s discuss the top 10 eSIM providers for international travel. The best overall provider is Airalo, offering wide coverage in around 200 countries and flexible, customizable plans for users. While most packages do not include voice minutes, Airalo is cost-effective and has great collaborations with local telco companies worldwide. Other reputable eSIM providers include…