What is an eSIM for Travel?

With a Pearky  eSIM (embedded SIM), you can be connected to local mobile networks without the need for a nano-SIM card. eSIMs provides an easy, flexible and inexpensive mobile data connectivity when travelling abroad.

For those who travel overseas for work or pleasure, it has long been a necessity to ensure their phones are ready for their trips and to pick up local SIM cards in each new country they visit. This is a surefire way to ensure better rates and connectivity while travelling.

trIt was also sometimes challenging to obtain because of language barriers or technical issuesIt was also sometimes challenging to obtain because of language barriers or technical issues. Another issue is that local SIMs are often not usable until you are physically in the country of use, so trying to remain connected is tricky while crossing borders.

Advancements in technology and the introduction of eSIM in recent years now mean that you can switch on your phone once you arrive at your destination, and your phone will connect to a local carrier without the need to swap out a physical SIM card.

So What Is An eSIM and How Does It Works?

What most people don’t know is that the ‘e’ in eSIM does not stand for ‘electronic.’ That is mostly associated with e-mail, e-bill, etc. eSIM stands for embedded Subscriber Identity Module. It is a piece of hardware that is built into a mobile phone, tablet, or other electronic device capable of sending and receiving data.

An eSIM functions in the same way as a physical SIM card, which identifies and authenticates a device on a mobile network. However, since the eSIM is permanently embedded in the device, there is no need to ever remove it.

When you activate an eSIM, you scan a QR code or use an activation code that is provided to you. This “digital handshake” loads your service profile onto the eSIM so you can join their network.

After you have added and activated a new profile, it acts just like a physical SIM, just without you needing to go to a phone shop to buy and swap over a plastic SIM card. Once you have done with an individual eSIM profile, you can go to the phone settings and delete it.

Why You Need An eSIM For Global Travel?

Although the technology has been available for a while, it is still being adopted by other mobile companies. However, in many cases, you can now set yourself up with a low-cost, reliable data service for your destination before you leave home.

There is no denying that eSIM technology brings a lot of convenience to the table for regular travellers. It makes the process of getting connected overseas much simpler. You buy a plan, follow any set-up and authentication instructions, pay for the plan, and you are ready to go.

There are several great reasons to use an eSIM abroad:

  • No roaming fees – with eSIM data plans, you are saved from expensive roaming fees on your home carrier.
  • Easy setup – eSIM profiles are downloaded and activated within minutes of entering the destination country. No need to go to a shop and exchange SIMs.
  • Multi-platform- Swap eSIM profiles between countries effortlessly.
  • Worldwide service- You can use the same eSIM with many of the eSIM providers which provide services in hundreds of countries.
  • Affordable – eSIM data plans come with country-specific pricing, saving you more money than roaming.
  • Portability – Don’t hassle about small plastic SIM cards anymore! eSIMs are scan and connect.

eSIMs are an absolutely must have travel accessory for all travellers who wishes to connect at the port of arrival.

Other eSIM benefits.

The adoption of eSIM technology by mobile phone designers means the card space inside the device can now be used to add or boost other features. For example, devices can be given larger batteries for extra power or battery life or tweaked the internal hardware layout for better functionality. Eliminating the card port or draw would also help with waterproofing, as there would be one less external opening for water to enter the device.

The cost-effectiveness of using eSIMs is proving to be a godsend for travellers. One of the main issues of overseas travel is spending a small fortune on roaming charges. Switching to a local SIM card also means queueing at a phone shop at the airport or in town once you land to purchase a physical SIM card. Instead, the convenience of buying an eSIM on your phone before you even leave home or on your arrival at your destination is simply unmatched.

Activating an eSIM on iPhone and Android

Your eSIM will activate slightly differently, however:

You can have multiple eSIM profiles to switch between, both on iPhone and Android. Switch home carrier profile & international data plans seamlessly.

See our guide on how to install an eSIM

 

How much data do you need?

Estimating how much data you will need for your trip can be difficult. If you are a heavy data user, seeking an eSIM that provides unlimited data would be wise. However, if you are a light data user, your needs may be covered by a cheap or basic eSIM offering a set amount of data.

To help with your calculations, here is an example of how much data some apps use:

• Google Maps: 5MB per hour
• Internet Browsing: 50MB per hour
• Online Gaming: 70+MB per hour
• Social Media: 50MB per hour
• Streaming Music: 100MB per hour
• SD Video: 1GB per hour
• HD Video: 4GB per hour
• 4K Video: 7GB per hour

Pearky eSIMs are typically 7, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 90-day plans. Look for a plan that covers the length of time you plan to be away from home and using your eSIM.

Conclusion

eSIM technology offers frequent travellers a high level of convenience and cost-effectiveness. The time they save not having to queue to buy a local SIM or fiddle around changing a tiny card makes them worth their weight in gold.

eSIMs can free you from exorbitant roaming fees and give you the freedom to stay connected no matter where you go

Click here to download the Pearky eSIM from your App store

Have fun!