Master eSIM: Everything You Need to Know Uncovered
What's an eSIM, and why is it great for traveling? Let's explore this cool new tech and find out all the important stuff you should know.
What is eSIM?
eSIM refers to an "Embedded SIM," which is a virtual version of the traditional plastic SIM card. It lets your device link up with various networks seamlessly because it's entirely digital, bypassing the need for physical swapping. You can effortlessly acquire and activate new eSIM connections on your device from anywhere, without the hassle of visiting a mobile store.
eSIM vs. SIM Card
Feature | eSIM | SIM Card |
Form Factor | Embedded chip; no physical card is involved. | Physical card; available in mini, micro, and nano sizes. |
Portability | Can be reprogrammed without physical swapping. | Must be physically removed and inserted into another device. |
Compatibility | Compatible with any device that supports eSIM technology. | Depends on the device’s SIM slot size and type. |
Availability | Gradually increasing; supported by newer devices. | Ubiquitous and used globally in all types of devices. |
Durability | No physical damage possible unless the device itself is damaged. | Physical wear and tear possible; can be lost or damaged. |
Security | Tied to the device, reducing theft; potentially more secure due to remote provisioning. | Can be physically swapped or stolen. |
Provisioning | Can be provisioned remotely by the carrier. | Must be provided and activated by the carrier. |
Switching Carriers | Can be done remotely without obtaining a new SIM. | Requires obtaining a new SIM from the carrier. |
Manufacturing Cost | Lower physical production costs, but potentially higher software management costs. | Physical production and distribution costs. |
Environmental Impact | Less waste as there is no need for plastic cards. | Produces more electronic waste. |
Ease of Use | Easier to manage, especially for devices with no easy access to SIM slot. | Requires manual handling for swapping. |
Support for Multiple Plans | Supports multiple profiles; can store several carrier profiles. | Single profile; swapping needed for multiple numbers/plans. |
Device Design | Frees up space in device design. | Constrains design due to space for SIM tray. |
Customer Experience | Instantaneous service activation possible. | Physical handover or mailing required. |
Which is better for travel? eSIM or SIM card?
For travel, eSIM is the way to go!
Local SIM Cards:
Past Practice: Used to avoid roaming fees.
Downside: Lost access to home phone number for calls and texts.
eSIM:
Pre-Trip Setup: Choose and activate data plans online before traveling.
Seamless Connectivity: Instant connection to local networks on arrival without losing your home number.
Dual SIM Benefits: Maintain your home number for calls and texts while using a local data plan to avoid roaming costs.
Post-Trip Convenience: Return to your primary SIM with a few easy taps – no physical SIM handling required.
However, the best option may still depend on the traveler's specific needs and whether their device supports eSIM technology.
eSIM Travel Data Plans vs. Carrier Travel Plans: Which to Choose?
We think eSIM travel data is the clear winner.
Carrier Travel Data Plans:
Cost: Can be expensive, with charges like $20/day.
Usage: Pay full price, regardless of actual usage.
Tip: Before your trip, if you plan to discuss travel data with your carrier, ensure you ask key questions to grasp their rates, limitations, and what you can expect on your next bill.
eSIM Travel Data Plans:
Savings: Generally cheaper than carrier options.
Flexibility: Tailor your plan to your exact data needs. (Like the amount of data you buy, and how long you need the package to last)
Convenience: Activate directly on your device.
Is Your Phone eSIM Compatible?
Consult our comprehensive list to see if your phone supports eSIM! It's updated frequently, so you can always check for the latest device compatibility.
Where can I buy an eSIM?
Sources:
Mobile carriers
Specialized eSIM providers online
Travel-focused companies
Why Choose TokyoeSIM?
Shop any time: 24/7 online marketplace
Easy comparison: View and compare plans instantly
Quick setup: Purchase and install eSIM on your device immediately
What is eSIM useful for?
Overall, eSIM technology provides a more flexible, secure, and user-friendly experience, particularly for users who frequently change carriers or travel internationally.
1. Affordable local travel data: Avoid expensive roaming fees by connecting to local networks when you're out of your carrier's area.
2. Temporary Data for Extra Devices: You can add a quick data plan to gadgets like an iPad or an old phone that doesn't have its own connection. This is great for short-term needs, like giving your kid an old smartphone with a couple of days' data when they go on a trip.
3. Pay-as-you-use data: Not into monthly bills? With an eSIM, you can buy data only when you need it, without getting stuck in a monthly contract.
4. Convenience: eSIM allows users to switch carriers or data plans without the need to physically swap out a SIM card.
5. Dual-SIM Capability: Many eSIM-enabled devices also support a physical SIM, allowing users to have two numbers or service plans on a single device.
6. Improved Security: Since an eSIM is embedded and cannot be easily removed, it offers better security against theft and misuse compared to traditional SIM cards.
How does eSIM prevent roaming charges?
Why Roaming Fees Happen?
Roaming charges are additional fees that mobile phone users incur when using their devices to make calls, send texts, or access data services outside of their home network's coverage area, typically while traveling in a different country. These charges are applied by home carriers and can be significantly higher than standard domestic rates.
But with an eSIM, you can dodge these fees. Here's how:
Get a local eSIM online before you go or when you arrive.
It's quick to set up and activate and then gives you cheap data in the place you're visiting.
Turn roaming “on” on your travel eSIM and turn off expensive roaming on your usual SIM.
You can also keep your primary SIM active for calls and texts. It might cost a little extra, but being reachable on your primary number during your travels could be worth the extra expense. It's a good idea to check the exact costs with them since they differ from one carrier to another.
FAQs
Do eSIMs include phone numbers?
Not always. There are eSIMs called "data-only eSIMs" that just give you internet data. They don't have a phone number because a lot of people only need them for the Internet, and they already have a phone number.
How can I call people using a data-only eSIM?
Use social media apps to make calls.
You can use apps like Facebook or Instagram to call friends and family. They let you make video calls right from the app.
Make calls using your real phone number (carrier charges apply).
Even when you're on the go, you can use your data-only eSIM for the Internet and keep your main SIM card active for calls and texts without worrying about roaming charges.
Just remember, if you do this, while you won't have roaming fees, you will still be charged for any texts you send and any time you spend on calls. These charges will show up on your next phone bill.
Extra Tip: Since your main phone plan doesn't have roaming charges when you're using your eSIM's data abroad, you won't be charged for incoming calls you don't answer. So, if someone calls you, you can see who it is and then call them back using a free method like a social media app.
Can I use my usual phone number with an eSIM?
Yes, you can! If your phone works with two SIMs at once and you keep your main SIM active, you can use your regular phone number even when you're using an eSIM. Just keep in mind, if you use your main number to call or text people when you're not in the area your usual phone service covers, you might have to pay extra fees.
What is eSIM travel data?
eSIM travel data refers to the use of an eSIM (embedded Subscriber Identity Module) to access cellular data services when traveling abroad, without the need for a physical SIM card. By downloading a local or international carrier's profile onto their eSIM-enabled device, travelers can enjoy local data rates and avoid roaming charges