What is an eSIM Card?
An eSIM card is a digital SIM. Traditionally you’d be sent a physical SIM card to put inside your phone, but eSIM technology happens virtually. eSIMS are purchased online and activated by scanning a QR code and following on-screen instructions. They usually take a few minutes to install and start working immediately, but in rare cases, you can choose a future activation date.
Using eSIM Phone Plans for Traveling Overseas
A growing number of providers also offer eSIMs for traveling. How does this work? Well, someone in the UK, for example, can purchase an eSIM for a specific country they’re visiting — let’s say Chile. They can buy the digital SIM for a specific number of days or start a subscription if they’re visiting for a longer period or traveling to multiple destinations. Upon arrival, the data for the destination country will activate, and the user will be able to browse the web, scroll social media and watch movies as they would at home.
eSIMs allow travelers going abroad to get data access anywhere (on compatible devices). Calls (outside of social media apps) and texts (in contrast to social media messaging) still happen, in most cases, through your home country provider. This is one of the downsides of eSIM use for travel, but most users don’t need to worry. You can install an eSIM alongside a physical SIM card, so you can still text relatives and receive verification codes.
3 Popular eSIM Providers for Travel
There are a handful of great travel eSIM providers on the market today. Here are our favorites.
1. Holafly
Holafly provides users across the world with easy-to-install eSIMs for travel. Born in 2017, this brand has taken off in recent years due to the vast number of locations they offer and their new subscription plan: Holafly Connect. It offers 24/7 support, so you’ll be back up and running if you face any issues during your adventure.
You can buy as many days as you need, from a single day to 90 days, and enjoy unlimited data, providing you with peace of mind and freeing you up to jump straight into your vacation plans. Whether it’s Japan, France or Mexico, Holafly can get you connected. This provider offers data packages for over 200 countries. You can also select a regional plan for travel across areas including Latin America, Asia and Africa. Alternatively, Holafly Connect is an affordable way to stay connected wherever you go, with a monthly fee and unlimited data and hot-spotting.
Download the Holafly app today to get started!
2. Airalo
With Airalo, you can get eSIMs for more than 200 countries, including Canada, Australia and Italy. Uploading those pics of Toronto’s CN Tower, Sydney’s Opera House or Rome’s Colosseum has never been easier! Plus, Airalo offers great regional plans and global eSIM packages for those on bigger adventures.
Airalo’s app is easy to use and will get you connected to reliable networks instantly. Installation is easy and pricing is transparent. Gone are the days of excessive bills abroad.
The Airalo app is available to download now. Your next adventure is just a few clicks away!
3. Nomad
Nomad knows how important it is to keep their customers connected when they’re on vacation. They offer eSIM options in over 200 countries alongside special offers worth exploring. Brazil, South Korea, the UK, and more are available alongside regional plans. Installation is easy, and there’s a 24/7 live chat to iron out issues if they arise.
eSIMs at Nomad are available in different GB capacities, ranging from 1GB to 50GB. Download the Nomad app today to source your next eSIM.
The future of smartphone connectivity is here with eSIMs. Wherever you travel, eSIM phone plans can keep you online and connected.