Attention, Travelers: Now Is the Best Time to Switch to eSIM (Published 2023) (2024)

FAQs

When should I buy eSIM for travel? ›

Using an eSIM for data on vacation? Great! You're going to love staying connected without roaming charges. Since you'll need a solid Wi-Fi (or data) connection to complete the eSIM installation process, we recommend installing your eSIM on your device 1-2 days prior to leaving on your trip.

Changing devices might not be straightforward

If you are using an eSIM and you need to change phones, chances are that you will need to contact your local provider to enquire how to transfer your eSIM. While Android and iOS have eSIM transfer tools, not all carriers allow an eSIM transfer.

eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen. With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards (which can also be lost), or wait for them to arrive by mail. You can have two eSIMs active on supported iPhone models at the same time.

While travelling abroad, eSIM can be a great advantage. Though it cannot be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen, it is more secure than a physical SIM. You don't have to get, carry, and swap actual SIM cards which might get misplaced with eSIM, nor do you have to wait for them to arrive by mail.

Shall I activate eSIM before or after landing? eSIM activation requires an internet connection, so we strongly suggest you activate before arriving at your destination. But you could also use local Wi-Fi at the airport to place order and activate eSIM right after landing.

Find out more about the benefits of using eSIM while travelling abroad. eSIM is more secure than a physical SIM because it can't be removed if your iPhone is lost or stolen. With eSIM, you don't need to obtain, carry and swap physical SIM cards, which can also be lost, or wait for them to arrive in the post.

eSIM plans with call and text services provide an international number that allows you to make phone calls and send text messages abroad. If you have a data-only eSIM plan, you can still make phone calls, but will need to use an internet-based calling app (like WhatsApp), social media, or your primary number.

Airhub. This is our best eSIM option – Airhub is a great service for frequent travellers and digital nomads especially. The app is intuitive and easy to use, and there are plenty of different plans available for trips of all lengths.

eSIMs aren't available for older phones: Since they're relatively new, eSIMs aren't compatible with older phone models. It's harder to transfer data: Instead of popping the card out of a damaged phone, you have to download your data from the cloud to get your contacts, messages, and other media back.

Does eSIM drain battery? ›

eSIMs do not use more battery than physical SIMs, so that shouldn't be a concern for your decision to use an eSIM to stay connected during your travels.

To convert your eSIM to physical sim, you need to first deactivate your eSIM permanently. This will delete all your network details from the existing eSIM. You can't complete the process online or by yourself. Therefore, find the nearest store of your network provider.

In conclusion, while eSIMs offer convenience, they also bring new risks like SIM swap attacks. It's vital to act proactively, collaborate, and use advanced security to protect digital identities and finances in today's connected world. Stay alert, stay safe!

Wait for your eSIM to activate. Your previous SIM card will be deactivated when the mobile plan on your iPhone has been activated. Remove the physical SIM from your iPhone. Then, restart your iPhone.

Does having an eSIM card improve my data security? Yes, there are significant security benefits. An eSIM card cannot be stolen without stealing the phone, whereas removable SIM cards are sometimes stolen, and used in port out scams.

Once you have scanned the QR code and entered your confirmation code, your eSIM should activate instantly. However, in some cases this can take up to 7 hours.

An eSIM QR code is sent out the moment you buy it. You should receive an email within a couple of minutes. If you don't see the email in your inbox, it might have gone into your spam folder. If you haven't received your code after more than 10 minutes, ask for help via our online chat and we'll sort it out for you.

Step 7. The eSIM push for activating a new number can take a few minutes to process. Activations are usually complete in less than 30 minutes.

The delivery and activation of an eSIM prepay plan is instantaneous. Once you have completed the ordering process and received your confirmation email, you can scan the QR code in the email to activate your eSIM. Your eSIM will be activated immediately and you can start using your new mobile phone plan right away.