Should I get a travel eSIM for my next trip?

Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. One of the issues for modern travelers is staying connected without racking up exorbitant roaming charges or constantly seeking out Wi-Fi hotspots. Enter the eSIM (embedded SIM), a digital SIM that promises to simplify the process of staying connected abroad. Preparing for your trip and wondering if you should also get a travel eSIM to help you stay connected?

Even if we tell you that yes, you should, you probably aren’t just going to take our word for it. So, let’s take a look at why you should and you can decide if an eSIM is the answer to your connectivity needs when traveling.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a small chip embedded directly into your smartphone, smartwatch, or other connected devices. They perform similar functions as traditional physical SIM cards, but without the actual card itself.

Before eSIMs, many travelers would have chosen to get a tourist SIM card or to rent a portable WiFi device upon arrival at their destination. However, with the introduction of eSIMs, the process of getting connectivity is now much more convenient and hassle-free.

eSIMs provide travelers with a quicker and more convenient option to get connected at a relatively affordable price. The process from buying an eSIM to getting connected takes no more than a few minutes, and it can be done without having to speak to a single person.

What you need to be able to use an eSIM

Before considering whether you should use an eSIM for your travels, it is important to note that there are some prerequisites that you must meet to be able to use one:

1. You need an eSIM-compatible device
2. Your device must be unlocked (i.e. not carrier-locked)

As long as your device meets the two criteria above, you will be able to use an eSIM for your travels.

Why you should use an eSIM for travel

Now, let us take a look at why you should use a travel eSIM, and how an eSIM compares with the traditional option of getting a local tourist SIM card.

1. Convenience and Flexibility

• One of the primary advantages of using an eSIM is the convenience it offers. No more fumbling with tiny SIM cards or worrying about losing them. You can easily switch between different carriers and plans directly from your phone's settings.
• With an eSIM, you can purchase the eSIM and install it in your device even before you arrive. This ensures you’re connected as soon as you land, without the hassle of finding a local SIM card vendor. This is especially important if your flight will be arriving at odd hours and the telco counters at the airport may not be open.
• Getting a tourist SIM card often requires you to provide a proof of identity for KYC checks. On the other hand, travel eSIMs usually do not require such identity documents.

2. Cost-Effective

• Compared to traditional roaming options, travel eSIMs are definitely going to be more cost-effective. Many eSIM providers offer competitive plans tailored for travelers, often at a fraction of the cost of international roaming fees.
• Compared to the option of getting a local SIM card, the truth is that travel eSIMs are not always going to be as cheap. But, that is not always the case and there are destinations where getting a travel eSIM could actually be cheaper than getting a tourist SIM card.

3. Multiple Profiles and Destinations

• An eSIM can store multiple carrier profiles, allowing you to switch between them as needed. This is particularly useful for frequent travelers who visit multiple countries or regions regularly.
• Providers of travel eSIMs typically also offer regional plans which allow you to use your eSIM across multiple destinations in a given region. This is unlike most tourist SIM cards that will only work in the country that you got the SIM card from. This makes travel eSIMs a good option if your trip includes multiple destinations.
• Since travel eSIMs are digital, it will not require a physical SIM card slot. This essentially means that you can continue to keep your primary SIM card within your device and continue to receive calls and messages on your primary number, while still using your travel eSIM for your data needs.

4. Multiple Networks

• Traditional tourist SIM cards that you get from a local provider usually only works with a single network - which is the network that you get your SIM card from. On the other hand, providers of travel eSIMs typically have agreements with multiple network providers, giving you the option to switch between networks as you require.

5. Environmentally Friendly

• By reducing the need for physical SIM cards, eSIMs contribute to less plastic waste. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional SIM cards.

Why you might not want to get a travel eSIM

Now, let’s take a look at what are some reasons you might not want to get a travel eSIM, and if these are reasons that are important for you.

1. Cost

As mentioned previously, travel eSIMs are cheap and cost-effective compared to traditional roaming. But, if you were to compare them with tourist SIM cards, the truth is that they are not always going to be the cheaper option.

If you are on a very tight budget and cost is one of your biggest deciding factors, then perhaps you might want to get a tourist SIM card upon arrival at your destination instead.

2. Need for a local phone number

In most cases, travel eSIMs are data-only. That essentially means that the travel eSIMs do not come with a local phone number. And, even for eSIMs that claim to provide you with a phone number, that number might not always be a local number - in which case, you might be better off simply using your home number.

However, the truth is that it is not very often that you will need to use a local number especially on short-term travels. Times that a local number could come in handy would perhaps be when you wanted to make a call to get a reservation at a restaurant, or if you needed a local phone number to get access to certain local services — this is probably more likely the case in China than in other destinations.

Prior to your trip, do some research about how important it is for tourists to have a local phone number to help you make a decision of whether a travel eSIM is a good fit for your needs.

Get a Nomad eSIM to stay connected when traveling

Get a Nomad eSIM to help you and your friends stay connected when traveling. It is crucial for you to get a good internet connection so you can contact each other - especially if there might be times when your group is splitting up to do different things!

Nomad offers data plans in over 170 countries, and you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your travel needs. And if you will be traveling across multiple countries, there are also regional plans available so you can stay seamlessly connected as you hop between countries. Data plans are available from as low as $1.10/GB.

The networks that Nomad's eSIMs use for each plan are stated on the plan details on the web store and apps, so you can check which networks are supported before buying your plan. Data sharing and tethering is also supported on Nomad's eSIM plans.

If you share your Nomad referral code with your friends, your friend will be able to enjoy $7 off their first purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more). You will also be able to enjoy $7 off your next purchase (only applicable for plans $10 and more).