Want to instantly make every trip safer, more fun, and less aggravating? Use the technology already built into your phone and utilize the benefits of an eSIM. Maintaining communication while traveling is crucial. An eSIM makes it easy.
What is an eSIM?
Most phones are equipped with SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards. These little insertable chips help identify your phone and connect you to your carrier's network. An eSIM (already installed in most phones built after 2020) is an embedded SIM card. But how does an eSIM work?
Without getting too technical, this little piece of hardware inside the phone can be reprogrammed remotely. When traveling, there's no need to pop out the card and swap it with a new one. Instead, the phone can be updated as soon as you land, so you’re still able to use your device seamlessly.
Benefits of Using an eSIM When Traveling Abroad
The biggest perk of using an eSIM for international travel is convenience. No messing around with removable hardware. Just activate what’s already in your phone and hit the ground talking. Along with convenience, your eSIM provides: adaptability, which is key when visiting multiple countries; security, since you don’t have physical cards to worry about, and flexibility to keep multiple eSIM profiles on one device and easily switch between them throughout your travels.
Combine this new technology with Global Entry, and you set your travel up for smooth sailing coming and going.
How to Set Up and Use an eSIM
While eSIMs are already built into modern phones, you need to activate a plan for your phone to get service while traveling. Setting up your eSIM plan largely depends on which company you choose. In the US, most major carriers offer plans, although how well they work in other countries varies. For those looking for the best eSIM for Europe, it's often better to use a third party instead of a US-based company.
Setting up an eSIM through your phone carrier starts with contacting your service provider. However, most people will get the biggest bang for their buck using a third-party provider. In those cases, an app is downloaded right to the device and set up quickly through the profile you create.
Related: Choose wisely! International planes have different restrictions. Find the right luggage for hassle-free European travel.
How to Maximize Your International Data
International roaming can get expensive quickly (1GB of data can cost as much as $12 per day). But if you use an eSIM, those data costs can shrink tremendously – often under $5 for 10GB of data that you can use over the course of an entire week.
The biggest issue is ensuring that the plan is set up for the right country. While there are cooperative agreements between some countries (like the European Schengen area), others have their own unique cell and data systems.
Keep in mind that even if the country has a robust cell network, some of them don’t play friendly with all eSIM providers; always double-check that yours will work before you hit your destination.
Optimize Your International Travel
Before you depart on international travel, learn how to use an eSIM, and how to set one up. Once you've arrived, your phone can detect your location and immediately start using the new profile, so you won’t have to worry about getting hit with pesky international roaming charges.
Now that your tech is taken care of, check out these important tips for traveling abroad so you can truly optimize your time spent seeing the world.
