by Staying connected while traveling is essential, more often than not. Internet access is the backbone of planning your days out, making reservations and avoiding getting lost. Being able to call family or friends is vital to your safety. But the way holidaymakers keep in touch is changing.
The eSim is at the forefront of the technological revolution – a chip in your mobile phone that replaces the role of the traditional removable Sim card. With most mobile operators re-introducing data roaming charges in Europe since Brexit, this new technology offers travelers the chance to save money when calling, texting and using the internet on holiday.
Find out everything you need to know about the device here, as well as how it could help on your next holiday.
What is eSim?
A Sim – or subscriber identity module – usually takes the form of a small plastic card. It slots into a mobile phone and stores vital information such as your contact number, and allows you to make calls and use data to get online.
An eSim contains all the same information as a physical Sim card, but is in the form of a chip embedded in your mobile phone, and is operated via an app. Unlike the physical card, you can have multiple eSims on your phone, each with its own phone number and data plan.
The new technology is popular among people who use two numbers, such as those with separate home and work accounts. Only one account can work at any one time, but it means there’s no longer any need to carry around multiple Sim cards, or indeed handsets.
Are all mobile phones compatible with eSim?
Many phones now don’t have the plastic tray that the physical Sim sits in – they just have an eSim. But, be warned: since eSims is relatively new, they may not be compatible with all phones. If you use an Apple handset, anything from the iPhone XS – first released in 2018 – should work. All future iPhones will likely ditch the physical Sim tray, and instead rely entirely on on the eSim.
Most of the latest Samsung devices released from 2020 onwards, such as the Galaxy XS, are also likely to be functional, although mid-range options such as the Galaxy A53 are not. All Google Pixel phones released after 2018 support eSims. Older phones, or phones released by other manufacturers, may still use the traditional Sim.
Should I get an eSim for my holidays?
Having an eSim for your holidays could be a way to save money on excessive roaming costs abroad. After Brexit, most major phone operators have reintroduced data roaming charges, meaning UK travelers could be stuck with big bills if they use their standard phone contract in Europe.
A way to mitigate this was to purchase a physical Sim from the airport upon landing (allowing travelers to use a local service at cheaper rates). Some UK providers also offer upfront data bundles (although these are often more expensive than options with local businesses).
Now, the eSim means you can buy and activate a plan with a cheaper provider when you land, via an app. You can use your phone straight away, often at a fraction of the roaming cost charged by your current UK network.
What are the best eSim providers?
There are several eSim providers, all of which can work on your phone. Airalo, for example, offers eSims for over 200 countries. Download the app, select the country you are traveling to and the chosen contract, then activate the eSims. The amount of data and time can be customized, meaning you’re unlikely to overpay. Take, for example, a 15-day, 2GB package to travel in France. It costs around £6, and there are add-on options available if you find you need more data. If you’re traveling between countries, you can choose a regional eSim instead of a local eSim – meaning you can buy options that work across entire continents.
Other companies like Holafly, Airhub, Simify and Nomad offer similar deals to tourists. Holafly is popular among those who need a large amount of data, as their eSims usually have unlimited internet access. The downside to this, of course, is that its offering is more expensive than its competitors. A 15-day package for France with Holafly only costs around £40, but that includes unlimited data and calls within the country.
Nomad claims to offer ‘near-local’ pricing, with plans in France starting from £6.50 for 3GB of data over 30 days. Airhub allows users to compare prices of local operators, giving users more control. And Simify, best known for providing physical Sim cards to travelers, is also moving into the virtual space.
What do I need to look out for when choosing an eSim?
Your specific needs are likely to be different, so it’s best to compare the available eSims and choose based on the amount of data and messaging you’ll be using on vacation. The most basic options only include data, meaning you can use Whatsapp to message and call over the internet, but not send texts or make calls. If you pay a bit more, you’ll also be able to text and call people, although probably from a local number rather than your normal number. Prices also vary greatly, so always check the total cost before travelling.
It’s also worth finding out the rates for using data on your current contract while abroad. If you’re unlikely to use your phone much, a daily cost of £5 and a bit less internet may be sufficient – and the extra eSim may not be needed at all.
This story was first published in September 2023 and has been revised and updated.
