What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work? A Game-Changer for International Travel

ByNausheen Farishta Updated on
Affiliate disclaimer linking to privacy policy

What’s the first thing you do when you land in a new destination? If you’re like me, you immediately take your phone off of airplane mode and try to connect to data so you can shoot off a ‘just landed’ text to a loved one. And, of course, so you can catch up on anything you might’ve missed while in the air.  

Especially as a frequent solo female traveler, I like to get connected to the internet as soon as I land somewhere international. A few years ago, this was a tedious task on my travel to-do list. These days, not so much thanks to the discovery of an eSIM for travel! 

I’ve now used eSIMs across 4 different continents. Read on to learn exactly what it is, why it’s a travel must-have and some key considerations.

What is an eSIM and how does it work? 

Although I’m always tempted to call it an electronic SIM, the ‘e’ in eSIM actually stands for embedded. 

And what that means is that an eSIM is basically just a digital SIM card. No more plastic, pre-loaded SIM cards! You can simply install an eSIM on your phone using a provider like Airalo, which is the one I personally use and recommend, and activate it when you land.

In my Airalo review I share details of how I used an eSIM in Japan, Europe, Colombia and more. 

“I used to waste hours abroad trying to get a SIM card. Now I land, turn on my eSIM, and go.”

A classic red double-decker bus drives through a street in London, passing by a grand, historic red-brick building with ornate stone detailing. The bus features an ad for the play "The Ocean at the End of the Lane."
With an eSIM, you can hit the ground running

What are the main benefits of eSIM vs physical SIM card?

There are several reasons I really find eSIMs are better than physical SIM cards. 

First of all, they’re much more convenient. I used to have to dedicate part of my travel time to going into a physical phone store to purchase a physical SIM card for my phone while abroad. 

I often had to navigate to a phone store without the help of Google Maps all while figuring out new transport systems, city layouts and language barriers.

It was a time-consuming, stressful yet necessary task at the start of a trip abroad. Using eSIMs completely eliminates that task and literally gives me time back, along with peace of mind. I usually install mine through the Airalo app before I even leave home.

A cream-colored minibus with Japanese characters and the text “Zamami Village Bus” is parked on a coastal road. The scene captures a calm day with views of the ocean and green hills in the background.
Staying connected with eSIMs makes navigating language barriers in new cities easier

Another benefit of using an eSIM vs physical SIM card is that you can keep your same phone number. 

Plus, they’re more eco-friendly as well as you’ll do away with the little plastic SIM cards altogether. 

Are there any disadvantages of eSIM for travel abroad?

I wouldn’t really call these disadvantages. They’re more so key considerations.

In order to use an eSIM, you’ll need an eSIM compatible phone that is unlocked. Also, most plans only offer data, but you’ll also find ones that do include voice and text if you’d like.

Sometimes, in more rural areas, I’ve had to manually adjust network connection settings in my phone to find a solid signal. But this has been extremely rare, and I always figured it out in the end. 

Overall, eSIMs are far better than physical SIM cards and personally I’m never going back!

📱 Read my eSIM review post for more real-world pros/cons, pricing information and setup tips

Who should use an eSIM?

Well, honestly? Everyone. Why wouldn’t you? These days, staying connected while traveling is so important. 

A classic red double-decker bus drives through a street in London, passing by a grand, historic red-brick building with ornate stone detailing. The bus features an ad for the play "The Ocean at the End of the Lane."
As a solo traveler, using an eSIM is easy and comforting

I use my phone to access Google maps constantly while traveling, to easily navigate around new cities. Not only does it give me walking directions, but also details out helpful guidance for using local public transportation systems around the world. 

Often, I have tour and activity tickets, ferry tickets, plane tickets and more saved on my phone as well. Staying connected allows me to reference and use these as needed. 

From a safety perspective, especially for my fellow solo travelers, staying connected while traveling internationally is a non-negotiable and another reason to ensure you have an eSIM at your fingertips. 

Ready to try using an eSIM for your next international trip?

If you’re ready to try an eSIM out for yourself, definitely check out my Airalo review post next. In it, I include Airalo discount codes along with my experiences using Airalo all around the world – from Japan to Guatemala. 

Ready to travel smarter?

👉 Read my full Airalo Review to get my tips, real-world experience, and exclusive discount codes.

Nausheen is a solo female traveler who is passionate about travel as a way to increase self love and confidence. She focuses on slow travel and bouts of digital nomadism, and has experience living abroad across several continents. As a post-divorce, South Asian woman in her 30s Nausheen aims to empower fellow women of color in particular to live life on their own terms. She shares travel itineraries, tips and inspiration on her blog and social media channels.