Is eSIM Better Than An International Plan?

Is eSIM Better Than An International Plan? As eSIM technology gains more adoption, more and more travelers are ditching traditional roaming in favor of this innovative technology.

But what exactly makes eSIM the preferred choice for staying connected abroad?

In this article, you’ll discover:

• How eSIM can save you up to 90% on international data costs 
• The little-known security benefits of using an eSIM while traveling 
• Why even business travelers are making the switch from roaming 
• The surprising flexibility that eSIM offers for last-minute itinerary changes

Let’s dive into the world of eSIM technology and explore why it’s revolutionizing the way we stay connected when traveling internationally.volutionizing the way we stay connected when traveling internationally.

What is eSIM and How Does it Differ from Traditional Roaming?

Before we compare eSIM and roaming, it’s essential to understand what each entails. An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that’s built into your device. Unlike a physical SIM card, it can be programmed and reprogrammed remotely, allowing you to switch between carriers and plans without swapping out hardware.

Traditional roaming, on the other hand, involves using your home carrier’s network partnerships to access cellular services while abroad. This typically comes with hefty fees and often requires you to activate roaming features before your trip.

The key differences lie in flexibility, cost, and ease of use. While roaming offers familiarity and simplicity for less tech-savvy travelers, eSIM provides greater control over your mobile connectivity and often at a fraction of the cost.

Cost Comparison: eSIM vs. Roaming

One of the most compelling reasons to consider eSIM for your next international trip is the potential for significant cost savings. Let’s break down the typical expenses associated with each option.

Roaming Rates and Fees

Major carriers often charge exorbitant rates for international data roaming. For example:

• Verizon’s TravelPass costs $10 per day in most countries 
• AT&T’s International Day Pass is priced at $10 per day 

These daily fees can quickly add up, especially for longer trips. Moreover, data usage beyond the included allowance can result in steep overage charges.

eSIM Prepaid Plan Pricing

In contrast, eSIM providers offer prepaid plans tailored for international travelers. Popular services like esim4.com provide regional and country-specific plans at competitive rates. For instance:

• A 30-day, 10GB plan for Europe might cost around $36.97 over 30 days
• A global plan covering multiple countries could offer 5GB for $49 over 60 days

These prepaid eSIM plans allow you to purchase exactly what you need, often at a fraction of the cost of roaming.

Potential Cost Savings

Let’s consider a 10-day trip to Europe. Using your phone plan on a major carrier’s international day pass would cost around $100 for the duration of your stay. 

An eSIM plan offering ample data for the same period might cost just $13, resulting in more than 80% savings over international roaming plans.

Moreover, the prepaid nature of eSIM plans eliminates the risk of “bill shock” – that unpleasant surprise of an enormous phone bill upon returning home.

With eSIM, you know exactly what you’re paying upfront and can easily top up if needed.

Flexibility and Convenience: A Game-Changer for Travelers

One of the most significant advantages of eSIM technology is the unprecedented flexibility and convenience it offers to international travelers. Let’s explore how eSIM outshines traditional roaming in these aspects.

Effortless Purchasing and Activation

With eSIM, gone are the days of hunting for a local SIM card upon arrival or dealing with complex roaming activation processes. You can purchase and activate an eSIM plan from the comfort of your home before your trip. The process typically involves:

1. Choosing a plan from an eSIM provider’s website or app
2. Paying for the selected plan
3. Scanning a QR code to install the eSIM profile on your device

This streamlined process means you can be connected the moment you land at your destination, without the need to find a local mobile shop or wait for roaming to kick in.

Switching Between Plans and Carriers

eSIM technology allows you to store multiple eSIM profiles on a single device.

This means you can easily switch between different plans or carriers as your travel needs change.

For example:

• If you’re visiting multiple countries, you can activate country-specific eSIMs as you go 
• You can switch to a plan with more data if you find yourself needing extra gigabytes 
• Business travelers can maintain separate profiles for work and personal use

This level of flexibility is simply not possible with traditional roaming, where you’re typically locked into your home carrier’s partner networks.

Customizing Data Allowances

eSIM providers offer a wide range of plan options, allowing you to tailor your data allowance to your specific needs.

Whether you’re a light user who just needs enough data for navigation and messaging, or a heavy user streaming video and making video calls, there’s likely an eSIM plan that fits your usage pattern perfectly.

Multi-SIM Capabilities

Many newer smartphones and devices support dual SIM functionality, with one physical SIM slot and one eSIM. This setup offers several advantages:

• Keep your home number active for incoming calls while using a local eSIM for data 
• Maintain separate lines for personal and business use while traveling 
• Easily switch between your home network and travel eSIM as needed

This multi-SIM capability provides a level of versatility that traditional roaming simply can’t match.

Coverage and Connectivity: Comparing eSIM and Roaming

When it comes to staying connected abroad, coverage and connectivity are paramount. Both eSIM and traditional roaming have their strengths in this area, but eSIM often edges out the competition.

Network Partnerships and Coverage

Major carriers have established roaming agreements with local providers in many countries, offering broad coverage for traditional roaming users.

However, these partnerships can sometimes be limited to a single network in each country, potentially resulting in coverage gaps.

eSIM providers, on the other hand, often partner with multiple local networks in each country.

This multi-network approach can lead to more comprehensive coverage, as your device can connect to the strongest available signal from any of these partner networks.

Potential for Better Speeds and Reliability

In some locations, eSIM users might experience better speeds and more reliable connections compared to roaming.

This is because:

• eSIM plans often provide access to 4G/LTE and even 5G networks, while some roaming agreements may limit users to slower 3G speeds 
• Local eSIM plans are typically prioritized on the network, whereas roaming traffic might be deprioritized during peak times

Seamless Border Crossing

For travelers visiting multiple countries, eSIM offers a significant advantage.

Many regional eSIM plans cover multiple countries, allowing you to cross borders without needing to switch SIMs or activate new roaming services.

Your device will automatically connect to partner networks in the new country, ensuring uninterrupted service.

This seamless connectivity is particularly valuable for those embarking on multi-country European tours or traveling in regions with frequent border crossings.

Security and Safety Benefits of eSIM

While often overlooked, the security and safety advantages of eSIM technology are substantial, especially for international travelers.

Physical Security Advantages

Unlike traditional SIM cards that can be easily removed and potentially accessed by unauthorized individuals, eSIMs are embedded within the device. This physical integration offers several security benefits:

• Reduced risk of SIM card theft or loss 
• Harder for malicious actors to clone or tamper with the SIM 
• No need to carry multiple physical SIM cards when traveling

Data Privacy Considerations

When using international roaming, your data traffic typically routes through your home network, which may raise privacy concerns for some users.

With a local eSIM plan, your data is treated like that of a local user, potentially offering greater privacy protection.

Moreover, some eSIM providers offer additional security features:

• End-to-end encryption for data transmission 
• No collection of personal browsing data 
• Option to use a VPN service integrated with the eSIM plan

Device Compatibility: Is Your Phone Ready for eSIM?

While eSIM technology offers numerous advantages, its availability is still limited to certain devices.

Before you purchase an eSIM always check to see if your mobile device supports eSIM technology.

Latest Smartphones and Devices Supporting eSIM

eSIM support has become increasingly common in newer, high-end devices. Some popular eSIM-compatible smartphones include:

• iPhone models from XR and XS onwards 
• Google Pixel devices from Pixel 2 onwards 
• Samsung Galaxy S20 series and newer 
• Many recent models from manufacturers like Huawei, Motorola, and Sony

Additionally, eSIM technology is available in some tablets, smartwatches, and even some laptops with cellular connectivity.

Older and Budget Devices

If you’re using an older smartphone or a budget model, it’s less likely to support eSIM technology.

In this case, traditional roaming or purchasing a local physical SIM card may be your only options for international connectivity.

Dual SIM Functionality

Many newer eSIM-compatible phones also offer dual SIM functionality. This feature allows you to:

• Use both a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously
• Have two active eSIM profiles at once

This dual SIM capability can be particularly useful for travelers who want to maintain their home number while using a local eSIM for data.

Ease of Use: Activating and Managing Your Connection

The user experience of setting up and managing your mobile connection while traveling can significantly impact your trip. Let’s compare the ease of use of eSIM and traditional roaming.

Activation Process

For traditional roaming:

1. Contact your home carrier to ensure roaming is enabled on your plan
2. Activate any specific international roaming features or add-ons
3. Upon arrival, wait for your phone to connect to a local partner network

For eSIM:

1. Purchase an eSIM plan from a provider’s website or app
2. Scan the provided QR code with your device
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to activate the eSIM profile

While both processes have become more streamlined over the years, eSIM activation is generally quicker and can be done before you leave home, ensuring you’re connected as soon as you land.

Managing Plans and Usage

eSIM providers typically offer user-friendly apps or web portals where you can:

• Monitor your data usage in real-time 
• Purchase additional data or extend your plan 
• Activate or deactivate different eSIM profiles

With traditional roaming, you often rely on your home carrier’s app or SMS notifications to track usage, which may not always provide real-time information.

Topping Up on the Go

Running low on data mid-trip?

With eSIM, topping up is usually as simple as opening the provider’s app and purchasing additional data. 

This can often be done in a matter of minutes, without needing to find a local store or contact customer service.

Roaming top-ups, on the other hand, may require contacting your home carrier or navigating their website, which can be more cumbersome, especially if dealing with time zone differences.

Specific Use Cases: When to Choose eSIM or Roaming

While eSIM offers advantages in many scenarios, there are specific situations where traditional roaming might still be the better choice. Let’s explore some common use cases to help you decide which option is best for your travel needs.

Short Trips vs. Extended International Travel

For short trips (1-3 days):

• Traditional roaming might be more convenient if you have an inclusive roaming package 
• The simplicity of not needing to set up a new eSIM could outweigh potential cost savings

For extended travel (1 week or more):

• eSIM typically offers significant cost savings 
• The flexibility to choose plans tailored to longer stays becomes more valuable

Data-Heavy Users vs. Light Data Needs

Data-heavy users (streaming, frequent video calls):

• eSIM plans often offer larger data allowances at lower prices than roaming packages 
• Ability to easily top up or switch to unlimited plans as needed

Light data users (mainly messaging and light web browsing):

• Some carriers offer affordable light roaming packages that might suffice 
• However, even light users can often find more cost-effective eSIM plans