Advantages and disadvantages of using eSIM for your travels

An eSIM can revolutionize the way you travel, which is why there were nearly 600 million eSIM smartphone connections globally in 2024. But, there are always going to be advantages and disadvantages of using eSIM carriers while you’re away.

Thankfully, the pros tend to outweigh the cons. They’re flexible, convenient, and often cheaper than other solutions, which makes them super popular among those who travel frequently for work or vacations. 

However, like with any technology, there are some downsides. Before you rush to get your brand new eSIM, it’s worth exploring the potential drawbacks, such as data limitations, compatibility issues with older devices, and so on. We’ll cover everything you need to know below.

Advantages and benefits of using eSIM

eSIM technology is revolutionizing the way we stay connected, especially for travelers. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are embedded within your device, which leads to a lot of great advantages. 

You can activate your eSIM online

One of the biggest advantages of using eSIMs is the ability to activate them online. As a result, you don’t need to visit a carrier’s store or wait for a physical SIM card to arrive. eSIM activation is typically done through scanning a QR code, or via the carrier app, which can be done from anywhere.

This online activation makes it incredibly convenient for international travelers, as you can activate a local or international plan the moment you arrive at your destination, without worrying about hunting for a physical SIM card. It saves you time, reduces stress, and ensures you have internet access immediately upon landing.

You can’t lose or damage an eSIM

Physical SIM cards are made using a small piece of plastic, which can easily be lost or damaged. Back in the day, if you had to switch to a local SIM when traveling, you were at serious risk of losing your SIM card during travel. Replacements were both inconvenient and costly.

However, since the eSIM is activated digitally, there’s no need to physically swap cards when you change plans or carriers. This also makes your device more secure, as the eSIM is integrated into the system, reducing the risk of theft or fraud that can occur with a physical SIM card.

You can have multiple eSIM profiles

Another great benefit of eSIMs is the ability to store multiple eSIM profiles on your device. This feature is especially useful for travelers who need to switch between different carriers or data plans. For instance, you can keep your home carrier’s plan as one eSIM profile and a local or international plan as another.

Having multiple profiles makes switching between networks or data plans easy, giving you flexibility and convenience. Whether you use this feature for work or travel, it avoids the hassle of switching physical SIM cards.

You can switch through networks easier

Switching between networks with an eSIM is much easier than using a physical SIM card. You can change carriers and data plans without needing to physically remove or replace a SIM card. With dual SIM or dual eSIM devices, you can even have multiple active lines at once, ensuring seamless coverage as your phone finds the best connection.

When traveling, you can quickly switch to a local carrier’s plan for better rates on data and calls, in addition to the best service. And since you can manage your profiles directly through your device’s settings, network changes are as simple as a few taps.

eSIM has improved security

eSIM technology is more secure than traditional physical SIM cards. Because the eSIM is embedded into your device, it’s much harder for it to be stolen, swapped, or tampered with. It also reduces the risk of fraud or identity theft, as eSIMs use encryption for communication between your device and the network. 

Additionally, eSIMs are not physically transferable, so you don’t have to worry about someone swapping your SIM while traveling. 

It’s very easy to use and convenient for traveling

Since eSIMs eliminate the need for physical SIM cards, you can activate a local or international plan on your device before arriving at your destination. You no longer need to search for a local SIM card or worry about the compatibility of different networks. 

Even better, you can avoid potentially expensive roaming fees issued by your primary carrier. You don’t need to activate roaming to use your eSIM, which means you can save money on longer trips. And with online purchases, you can get immediate access to any eSIM service as soon as you land.

It has flexible plans and larger choice

eSIMs provide access to a wider range of plans and carriers, allowing you to select a plan that best fits your needs. Many eSIM providers offer flexible data plans with different amounts of data, ranging from short-term travel plans to longer-term data packages.

Furthermore, the ability to switch between networks digitally opens up even more options, as you can select carriers with the best coverage, pricing, or additional services. The diversity and flexibility of eSIM plans make it an excellent choice for both short trips and long-term stays.

It’s more eco-friendly

One advantage that many people don’t consider is eSIM’s contribution to reducing plastic waste. Not only are traditional SIM cards plastic, but they also come with plastic packaging that adds to environmental pollution. Since eSIMs remove the need for a physical SIM card, there is no need for manufacturing and disposing of this plastic. 

Additionally, activation and management are entirely digital, meaning there’s less reliance on paper documentation.

Disadvantages of eSIM

While eSIM technology offers many benefits, it also comes with a few disadvantages that users should be aware of. However, most of these challenges can be managed or avoided with the right knowledge and preparation. 

Not all devices are eSIM-compatible

eSIM technology is relatively new, which means not all devices support it. Older phones and certain models might now have eSIM capabilities, which is why it’s important to check your phone’s functionality before you invest in an eSIM profile.

iPhones from the XS onward, and many of the newer Android devices, now support eSIM. Make sure you look for your phone on a list of eSIM-compatible phones so you don’t wind up disappointed. 

By the way, even phones with eSIM technology differ in their features. Some allow dual SIM functionality, while others have dual eSIM capabilities. It’s worth understanding exactly how your device works.

It’s not easy to switch a device

Switching between devices when using eSIM is not as simple as moving a physical SIM card from one phone to another. Since eSIMs are embedded in the device, transferring them to a new device requires uninstalling from one phone and reactivating it on the other. 

This is generally a straightforward process, but it’s still a little more time-consuming than just inserting a physical SIM. To make this process smoother, ensure you have all the necessary activation details from your carrier and follow their instructions carefully. This should reduce any delays.

You need internet connection in order to activate it

You must have an internet connection to activate an eSIM, which can be a problem if you’re trying to do so while traveling in areas with limited or no access to WiFi or mobile data. Activating an eSIM without internet can be slow, which means you don’t get the instant access to calls and data.

However, this shouldn’t be an issue if you plan ahead. Consider purchasing your eSIM online before traveling. If you activate it at home, your plan will kick in as soon as you arrive.

In a pinch, you can use a physical SIM temporarily while setting up your eSIM.

Should you switch to eSIM?

Yes, we recommend switching to an eSIM if your device supports it. The advantages of eSIM technology–such as convenience, flexibility, security, and the ability to manage multiple plans seamlessly–make it an excellent choice for modern travelers and tech users. It allows you to avoid the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards, helps you stay connected more easily while traveling, and even supports multiple plans on a single device, all while being more eco-friendly because it helps you avoid plastic.

While there are some challenges, these can usually be managed with proper planning. Given its numerous benefits, eSIM offers a streamlined and efficient solution that aligns with the needs of today’s mobile users.

So, if you’re upgrading to a newer device or just looking for a more flexible and future-proof way to manage your mobile connectivity, making the switch to eSIM is definitely worth it.

Which eSIM provider should you use for your next trip?

When choosing an eSIM provider for your travels, there are several reliable options, and each has unique benefits. Some of the top providers include Holafly, Airalo, Nomad, and Saily, each of which offers flexible data plans designed for international travel.

• Holafly is known for its simplicity and competitive pricing, offering data plans for over 100 destinations worldwide. They even offer unlimited plans for specific countries, making it an excellent choice for travelers who need consistent and affordable connectivity. More information: Holafly review
• Airalo provides a wide selection of regional and global eSIM options, offering a variety of prepaid plans. The platform is easy to use, and they cover a vast number of countries, ensuring that you’ll have data wherever you go. More information: Airalo review
• Nomad offers both short-term and long-term data plans tailored to travelers. They provide coverage for over 100 countries and allow easy plan management via the app. More information: Nomad eSIM review
• Saily is another great option, offering affordable eSIMs for a variety of destinations and flexible data packages designed to meet different travel needs. More information: Saily review

While all of these providers are reliable, we highly recommend Holafly as our most trusted eSIM provider. They consistently offer the best value for international travelers, with unlimited data plans in many countries and exceptional customer service. Holafly’s ease of use, broad coverage, and competitive pricing make it a standout option for staying connected.

Alessia Copolla

I’m Alessia Coppola, and I combine my love for writing with a passion for travel and staying connected. Through my work, I guide readers to the best solutions for staying connected while on the move, covering options like eSIMs, SIMs, and pocket Wi-Fi. My goal is to help travelers stay connected easily and seamlessly, no matter where they are in the world.