Phone Travel Tips – Phone Travel Wiz

The idea of an eSIM sounds exciting. Cutting-edge technology that allows you to stay connected without needing a physical SIM card. The first SIM card was developed in 1991, and the world has seen several versions of the SIM card (standard, micro, and nano) since with the advancements of phone technology. Getting local prepaid SIM cards have been a way for frequent travelers to stay connected while not paying expensive international roaming fees. Instead, you will be enjoying local rates, which, in most cases, is much cheaper than the rates your operator will charge you for international roaming. With the advancement of eSIM technology, some have been wondering whether eSIMs can be used abroad. If so, how would that work? In this article, I will go over everything you need to know about using an eSIM abroad. eSIM logo by Surfroam What is an eSIM? An eSIM, standing for embedded Subscriber Identity Module, is a SIM card that is embedded into a device. It is a hardware piece that acts as a standard SIM card without the need to have an actual physical SIM card. The SIM in eSIM and SIM card is the same, both meaning Subscriber Identity Module, but you will never hear someone say that in full. Instead, you will hear people say SIM card, SIM, SimSim, or any local variation of referring to a SIM card. Some incorrectly assume that the e in eSIM standard for electronic, just like with e-mail (electronic mail), but that is not the case with eSIMs (embedded). Moreover, calling an eSIM an eSIM card is also not right because you do not have a real SIM card. Instead, an eSIM is baked into your phone without the possibility of getting rid of it. This means that instead of having to go to a store and buy a SIM card to use mobile data, make calls, or send text messages, you can alternatively download a profile by scanning a QR code or by entering a code, and you are ready to go. Unlike traditional SIM cards that can only have one plan from one operator active at a time, you can load multiple plans from different mobile operators on one eSIM device. Those who have a dual-SIM phone have the possibility to use two SIM cards in one phone and can switch which SIM card should be using data with a simple button in your settings page, and can choose with which SIM card you want to make a phone call or send an SMS before doing so. If you have more than two SIM cards and need to use another one for some reason, then you have to eject the SIM card slot, remove a SIM card you do not want to use, insert the SIM card you want to use, and put the SIM card holder back into your phone, and wait for your phone to connect to the network(s) again. All of this can be time-consuming. Six Taiwanese SIM cards I was testing at the time of writing. I had to keep switching SIM cards because I only have two dual-SIM phones, so I can test only four SIM cards at a time. With an eSIM device, however, you could, in theory, load six different eSIM plans at the same time, and switch plans with a button without the need to manually remove and insert SIM cards in your phone. Can eSIMs be used internationally? You can use an eSIM in the same way as you would use a regular SIM card abroad through international roaming. You can go abroad and purchase a roaming plan or decide to Pay As You Go roam (standard roaming rates). There are no extra steps you need to take when wanting to roam with an eSIM compared to a SIM card. For example, US Mobile, an American operator, offers international roaming only to those who have an eSIM because they believe that “Getting connectivity through eSIMs is easier and more convenient for a couple of reasons: you don’t have to replace the physical SIM in your phone, and you can use the same eSIM to travel to multiple countries seamlessly!” 3 Hong Kong has a prepaid eSIM for international roaming, which allows you to roam in various destinations. Why you should get a 3 Hong Kong prepaid roaming eSIM, according to 3 Hong Kong However, you do not have to purchase a dedicated roaming eSIM to use an eSIM abroad. The mobile operators that offer eSIMs and allow their customers to roam internationally with a roaming plan will also allow those with an eSIM to roam with such a plan. Just ensure data roaming is enabled in your phone’s settings, and you are good to go! Interested in learning more about how international roaming works? This comprehensive guide explains it all. Which Devices Support eSIMs? The Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch was the first device to implement eSIM in 2016. The Google Pixel 2 phones were the first smartphones to support eSIM (although you had to be a Project Fi subscriber). Since the initial release of the eSIM, eSIMs have been referred to as the SIM card killer, and many assumed more mobile operators and mobile phone manufacturers would use the eSIM technology. Unfortunately, that is not the case. At least, not yet. At the time of writing in 2020, 53 devices support eSIM, of which 33 of them are smartphones, according to GSM Arena. The other 20 devices are smartwatches. Do note that GSM Arena does not track tablets or laptops that support eSIM. Even if you have an eSIM compatible device and your mobile operator offers eSIMs, your mobile operator may still not support your device. 3 Hong Kong, for example, only supports the eSIM function for the Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Galaxy Z Flip, iPhone SE, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. Even then, only specific versions are supported (for example, only the international version of the iPhone XS Max, or only the 2nd generation of the iPhone SE). Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your mobile operator supports your eSIM compatible device. Below is a list of eSIM compatible devices: Apple iPhone 11Apple iPhone 11 ProApple iPhone 11 Pro MaxApple iPhone 12 Pro MaxApple iPhone SE (2020)Apple iPhone XRApple iPhone XSApple iPhone XS MaxApple Watch Edition Series 3Apple Watch Edition Series 5Apple Watch Series 3Apple Watch Series 3 AluminumApple Watch Series 4Apple Watch Series 4 AluminumApple Watch Series 5Apple Watch Series 5 AluminumGoogle Pixel 2Google Pixel 2 XL Google Pixel 3Google Pixel 3 XLGoogle Pixel 3aGoogle Pixel 3a XLGoogle Pixel 4Google Pixel 4 XLHuawei P40Huawei P40 ProHuawei Watch 2 2018Huawei Watch 2 ProMotorola Razr 2019Oppo WatchPalm PalmSamsung Galaxy FoldSamsung Galaxy Note20Samsung Galaxy Note20 5GSamsung Galaxy Note20 UltraSamsung Galaxy S20Samsung Galaxy S20 5GSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5GSamsung Galaxy S20+Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5GSamsung Galaxy WatchSamsung Galaxy Watch Active2Samsung Galaxy Watch3Samsung Galaxy Z FlipSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 5GSamsung Gear S2 3GSamsung Gear S2 classic 3GSamsung Gear S3 classic LTESamsung Gear S3 frontier LTEXiaomi Mi WatchZTE nubia AlphaZTE nubia Watch Which Mobile Operators & Countries Support eSIMs? The number of mobile operators in various countries around the world has been growing steadily, but not fast enough to make traditional SIM cards obsolete. Initially, various operators in around 10 countries supported eSIM. Now, the number of countries is more than 50, and more than 100 mobile operators support eSIM technology too. The Apple Support page keeps track of which mobile operators offer eSIM services. Although there may be operators that support eSIM but none of Apple’s devices, it is still a reliable source because most operators do support Apple eSIM devices. Below is a table of countries and mobile operators that offer and support eSIM services: CountryMobile Operator(s)ArgentinaPersonalArmeniaUcomAustraliaOptus, Telstra & VodafoneAustria3, A1 (Drei) & T-MobileBahamasAlivBahrainBatelco, Viva, ZainBelarusA1BelgiumOrangeBrazilClaro & VivoBulgariaA1Burkina FasoOrangeCambodiaSmart AxiataCanadaBell, Fido, Freedom Mobile, Koodo Mobile, Lucky Mobile, Rogers, Shaw, Telus & Virgin MobileChileMovistarColombiaMovistarCroatiaHrvatski TelekomCzech RepublicO2, T-Mobile & VodafoneDenmark3EcuadorMovistarEstoniaTeliaFinlandTeliaFranceOrange & SFRGermanyO2, Telekom & VodafoneGreeceCosmoteGuamiConnect & IT&EHong Kong1O1O, 3, csl, China Mobile Hong Kong & SmarToneHungaryMagyar TelekomIndiaAirtel, Reliance Jio & ViItalyTIMJapanRakuten MobileJordanOrange, Umniah & ZainKazakhstanKcellKuwaitOoredoo, STC & ZainLatviaLMTLebanonAlfaLuxembourgMTX Connect & POSTMalaysiaCelcom, Digi, Maxis & U MobileMexicoAT&T & MovistarMoroccoMaroc TelecomNetherlandsKPN, Simyo, T-Mobile & VodafoneNew ZealandSparkNorwayTelenor & TeliaOmanOmantel & OoredooPhilippinesGlobePolandOrangePortugalMEO & NOSQatarOoredoo & VodafoneRomaniaOrange & VodafoneSaudi ArabiaMobily, STC & ZainSingaporeM1SlovakiaOrangeSpainMovistar, Orange, Pepephone, Vodafone & YoigoSri LankaDialogSweden3, Tele2, Telenor & TeliaSwitzerlandSalt, Sunrise & SwisscomTaiwanAPTG (GT Mobile), Chunghwa Telecom, FarEasTone, Taiwan Mobile & Taiwan Star (T-Star)ThailandAIS, dtac & TrueMove HUkraineKyivstar & VodafoneUnited Arab Emiratesdu, Etisalat & Virgin MobileUnited KingdomEE & O2United StatesAT&T, Mint Mobile, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless & VisibleVietnamViettel International eSIMs Just like international SIM cards, there are also international eSIMs. An international SIM card is a SIM card specially made for travelers who want to use one SIM card and phone number when visiting multiple countries without buying local prepaid SIM cards. This way, the traveler does not have to pay (expensive) international roaming rates while still being accessible on one phone number. International eSIMs work in the same way as an international SIM card works, except for the fact that it used eSIM technology. The number of eSIM players on the market is still small. However, the rates they charge are significantly less than what many international SIM cards would charge you, which makes international eSIMs interesting and attractive. Moreover, you can load multiple eSIM profiles while having multiple eSIM plans so that you can take advantage of the lowest rates out there. Airalo eSIMs Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that offers to access to over 100 local eSIMs with affordable, local rates from around the world, including popular travel destinations like France, Spain, the United States, China, Italy, Turkey, Mexico, Germany, Thailand, and the United Kingdom if you have a supported device. Airalo recently released Regional eSIMs, which are plans that can be used in multiple countries in a region instead of having to purchase a local eSIM for each country you visit. The current Airalo Regional eSIMs are Africa (up to 14 countries), Asia (14 countries), Caribbean (up to 23 countries), and Europe (41 countries). Check out Airalo eSIM prices and plans for your destination! eSIM2FLY eSIMs eSIM2FLY, also known as simply SIM2FLY, is by far the best international eSIM for those visiting Asia with their Asia Data Package. It comes with 6 GB high-speed data (then throttled to unlimited 2G speeds at 128 Kbps) for 8 days, covering 21 Asian destinations, as long as you have a supported device. eSIM2FLY is not limited to Asia only. They also have plans that cover other parts of the world, like North America, Europe, and Oceania with their Global Plan. Check out eSIM2SLY eSIM prices and plans for your destination! Surfroam eSIMs If you have read any of my other articles on the site, or watch some of my YouTube videos, then you know that Surfroam is my favorite international SIM card. In fact, I take my Surfroam SIM card with me on every trip. The reason why I love Surfroam so much is that their rates start from €0.01/MB (or €10.24/GB), which is extremely low for international SIM cards. Luckily, those low rates also apply to the Surfroam eSIMs. Additionally, Surfroam covers more than 200 destinations. A Surfroam eSIM will cost you €20 (the international SIM card will cost you €15). However, you can use the €20 you paid for the eSIM when traveling, so the SIM card is basically free. At the time of writing, I am still using my initial Surfroam credit from my Surfroam international SIM because their rates are so low. Get yourself a Surfroam eSIM and learn more about the rates for your destination! Are eSIMs the Future for Travel? The main reason why many travelers buy local SIM cards is so that they can enjoy local rates instead of dealing with expensive international roaming rates. However, international roaming or using international an international SIM card is much more convenient because you do not have to purchase a new SIM card for each destination you visit. So frequent travelers should love the idea of eSIMs, right? The Pros of eSIMs One thing that can be said is that eSIMs will make the process of getting connected an operator much more convenient. Scan a QR code or enter a code, and you are done - connected. You do not have to queue up at the airport to purchase a SIM card there or go to an operator store to get a SIM card. Moreover, storing multiple profiles on an eSIM makes the process of switching plans so easy and quick. And you will never lose a SIM card ever again. For someone like me, who tries multiple SIM cards in each destination I visit (sometimes up to 15 SIM cards, like in Australia), I frequently have to swap out SIM cards on my two test phones to conduct tests. This is time-consuming if I have many SIM cards to test (if there are more than four to test). The Cons of eSIMs Although frequent travelers may love the idea of eSIMs, mobile operators are not as excited about the technology yet, let alone smartphone manufacturers. Since the first eSIM compatible smartphone (2017) until now, not many phones have been created that support eSIM, especially compared to the number of phones that get released each year. Moreover, the price of an eSIM is usually higher than the price of a regular SIM card. In some cases, they cost double compared to a physical SIM card. Additionally, even if your supports eSIM, the mobile operator(s) of the visited country may not support your device. Furthermore, eSIMs are usually offered to those on a long-term postpaid plan. Short-term travelers cannot commit to those plans and are not eligible for them. Prepaid eSIMs are still rare until this day. Besides, if you manage to find a local eSIM, it may be a data-only eSIM, which prevents you from making calls and sending SMS. The Future of eSIMs in General The future of eSIMs for general usage and travel still has a long way to go. However, some are optimistic about the future of eSIMs. Philippe Lucas, Strategy Director, Orange Architecture, and Standardization at Orange, stated In October 2018 that “100% of devices will have eSIM by 2030”. “In two to four years, the first smartphones equipped only with an eSIM should appear on the market. By 2030, all smartphones will be equipped with eSIMs.”Philippe Lucas, Strategy Director, Orange Architecture, and Standardization at Orange With the current pace of progress, we will have to see if Philippe’s predictions will be right. However, travelers can expect to see more devices with eSIM technology in the future, and they may not have to hoard a collection of SIM cards anymore in the next decade. The SIM cards I have collected and reviewed in 2020. Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do: Check Out My Resource Page Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises, and accommodation. Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too! Phone Travel Tips & Hacks I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out! 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