Mark Collie | Director | KnowRoaming | mail me |
At some point during your daily internet and social media trawl, you will probably have encountered the term “eSIM.” You would not be wrong to think the name sounds a bit techy. It most definitely is, as it stands for “Embedded Subscriber Identity Module”. That’s a mouthful.
Chances are, if you are scrolling your newsfeed for something light after a hard day, you would skip it. You may want to reconsider because these little beauties can change your travel experiences.
An alternative to the traditional SIM card
An eSIM is an alternative to the traditional SIM card you’re used to. Instead of inserting a physical card into your phone, an eSIM is embedded directly within your device’s hardware. This allows you to activate mobile plans without needing a physical SIM card. It simplifies the process of switching carriers and using different data plans.
You should not think eSIMs are just some new fad for tech geeks. South African social media influencer Amike Oosthuizen swears by them. She has made international headlines for travelling on the world’s longest cruise.
An eSIM allows travellers to manage everything from their phones and works in over 200 countries. Travellers are covered no matter where they travel. The connection is reliable, the data rates are reasonable, and the setup is straightforward.
Simplicity of eSIM use
Most modern smartphones support this technology. Once you have bought an eSIM, it’s easy to install. You activate it by clicking to install or scanning the provided QR code.
Follow the on-screen prompts. You will be up and running in under two minutes and staying online from the moment you activate.
If you are travelling and have reached your destination, make sure the eSIM is set as the primary data connection. Toggle ‘Data Roaming’ to on. International travellers are impressed by the strong 5G signal across urban and rural areas. The real standout is the 473 Mbps speeds on the NOS network. These speeds are a game-changer for sharing content, streaming, and working on the road.
eSIM settings
Setting up an eSIM with the correct roaming settings is essential. This helps avoid unexpected charges while travelling. If settings are incorrect, your device might connect to networks with high roaming fees via your home network.
If your primary SIM has data roaming enabled, your phone could use it instead of the eSIM. This could lead to significant charges. Choose providers that offer plans aligning with your requirements.
For example, content creators needing large amounts of data might find high-capacity plans more cost-effective.
What are the data usage eSIM benefits for travellers
Leading eSIM providers let you view your data usage. This feature helps avoid unexpected charges. Consider using regional eSIM plans that cover multiple countries. These plans are convenient and cost-effective for frequent travellers.
You will not need to purchase eSIMs per country, making staying connected borderless. Use your eSIM to set up a hotspot to share your data connection with other devices. This is useful for multitasking, such as WhatsApping and working simultaneously.
The hotspot will appear in available Wi-Fi networks. Your phone will generate a password to control who accesses your data.
Install your eSIM before leaving for your destination. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and follow the instructions with your eSIM package. When you arrive, activate your eSIM by turning roaming on. Set the appropriate eSIM to primary for data.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs let users switch between multiple carriers effortlessly. This flexibility helps you choose the network with the best coverage and data speeds. Switching networks can maintain a stronger connection while travelling through regions with spotty service.
Keep home SIM active for SMS
With dual-SIM devices, use your eSIM for data while keeping your physical SIM active. This ensures you can receive SMS from your home network, like banking alerts or two-factor authentication codes. This is invaluable for staying connected to critical messages and services without paying for roaming data.
Related FAQs: eSIM benefits for travellers
Q: What are the eSIM benefits for travellers and how does it?
A: An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan without the need for a physical SIM card. It is particularly useful for travellers as it provides seamless connectivity by enabling you to switch between different carriers and plans easily, ensuring you stay connected while traveling abroad.
Q: How can I activate an eSIM for my travels?
A: To activate an eSIM, you typically need to purchase an eSIM profile from a carrier that supports eSIM technology, like Airalo. After purchasing, you will receive a QR code or activation details that you can use to set up your eSIM directly on your device, such as an iPhone or Samsung.
Q: What are the eSIM benefits for travellers travelling internationally?
A: The advantages of using an eSIM for international travel include cost-effective international data plans, flexibility to switch carriers without needing to swap a physical SIM and the ability to easily find local plans in various countries, eliminating the need for physical SIM swaps.
Q: Can I use an eSIM in my smartphone?
A: Yes, many modern smartphones, including the latest iPhone and Samsung models, support eSIM technology. Check if your device is eSIM compatible to take advantage of seamless connectivity while travelling.
Q: How does using an eSIM help me avoid roaming charges?
A: Using an eSIM allows you to purchase local data plans in the country you are travelling to, which can often be more affordable than international roaming charges. This way, you can enjoy global connectivity without the hassle of high roaming fees.
Q: What should I do if my carrier does not support eSIM?
A: If your carrier does not support eSIM technology, you may consider switching to a carrier that does or using a travel eSIM service like Airalo that supports eSIM profiles for international travel. This will provide you with the flexibility and convenience needed for seamless connectivity abroad.
Q: Is it possible to install multiple eSIM profiles on my device?
A: Yes, many devices allow you to install multiple eSIM profiles, but you can only use one active at a time. This feature provides flexibility, allowing you to switch between different plans as needed when travelling.
Q: How do I set up my eSIM once I purchase it?
A: To set up your eSIM, you will typically need to scan the QR code provided by your carrier or enter the activation details manually in your device settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to install your eSIM and activate it for use.
Q: What happens if I lose my eSIM profile?
A: If you lose your eSIM profile, you can usually re-download it from your carrier’s app or website. It’s essential to keep a backup of your activation details or QR code provided during your initial purchase.
