With globalization, traveling around the world is becoming more and more common. Whether it’d be for business, tourism, or study, these are the most common reasons for travel. However, when you leave your country, it is normal to need internet connection to perform daily activities, and with an international eSIM, you will be able to enjoy data internet while traveling.
Although it is possible to connect to the Internet abroad through data roaming, this service is very expensive with most companies, so it’s better not to use it. Another option is to get a local SIM card from the country you are traveling to.
For those who prefer convenience, the most recent and innovative option is an international eSIM, which is this article’s focus. We’ll explain everything you need to know about it, such as what it is, how to acquire and install it, providers, and more. Keep reading to find out!
Contents
- 1 What is an international eSIM?
- 2 Uses for an international eSIM
- 3 Pros and Cons of the int’l eSIM
- 4 Countries included in an international eSIM
- 5 How to activate an international eSIM?
- 6 Best international eSIM providers
- 7 Alternatives similar to the international eSIM
- 8 Frequently asked questions about international eSIM
- 9 eSIM for other destinations
What is an international eSIM?
An international eSIM is a virtual SIM card that allows you to access the internet abroad without the need to use your operator’s international roaming. With this product, you will be able to travel with peace of mind in one or multiple countries around the world.
How does it work?
It works similar to a local eSIM, installed via a QR code or an activation code, instant activation. International eSIMs do not usually require a passport or ID to purchase, which is quite beneficial for those who want it simple.
How and where to buy?
Now that you know how it works, we tell you how to buy it. You can purchase an eSIM anywhere in the world from an online store. In our case, we recommend the Holafly international eSIM store. You can buy it easily without registering and you receive the eSIM in a matter of seconds.
Uses for an international eSIM
International eSIMs have many uses for people who have to travel all the time, and they are really easy to use and purchase from online stores. But what are the uses? If you are a foreign student or a business traveler you can use an eSIM on your cell phone to stay connected with your family or colleagues.
Also, there are computers and tablets that support eSIM, so you can buy an eSIM for your laptop or iPad and use them in your classes or meetings and always stay connected.
On the other hand, if you are an influencer or a Digital Nomad you can edit and upload videos to YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or whatever you need from your PC or Cell phone without worries.
Pros and Cons of the int’l eSIM
Although international eSIMs are not perfect, they stand out for their great advantages, especially for those travelers who like convenience on their trips and peace of mind at all times.
The good stuff…
- Convenience: When traveling to an unfamiliar country, it is important to stay connected to the internet at all times. With an eSIM you have internet when you arrive at your destination without the need to search, speak other languages or wait in lines at local stores.
- Data sharing: with an international eSIM you have the ease to share your mobile data without restrictions. Share the data you need with your partner or companion. This avoids buying two SIM cards.
- Easy activation: turning on your data and roaming will activate the eSIM in a matter of minutes, even seconds!
the not so good…
- Incompatibility: as a novel technology, most cell phones are not compatible. It is expected that in the coming months and years manufacturers will incorporate eSIM. For the time being, the supported phones are high-end and medium-high range phones.
- Data only: the international eSIM will allow you to connect to the Internet on your travels. However, it’s not possible to make conventional calls. An alternative solution is to use WhatsApp or Skype to communicate with your family or friends abroad.
Countries included in an international eSIM
Holafly has eSIM data to travel to different continents, mainly Europe, America, and Asia. Similarly and for fewer destinations there are eSIMs for Africa, The Caribbean, and Oceania.
Europe:
For Latino, U.S., Asian and African travelers there is eSIM Europe. If you are planning to visit the old continent, you have coverage in the following destinations:
Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, Sweden, Spain, Slovenia, Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, Portugal, Norway, Netherlands, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Latvia, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Greece, Germany, Georgia, Gibraltar France, Reunion (France) Finland, Faroe Islands, Estonia, Denmark, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Belgium, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria, Armenia, Albania, and Andorra.
America:
In America, you have service in world-renowned countries such as USA, Canada and Mexico. In addition to Latin countries among which are:
Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Chile, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The Caribbean:
If you will be visiting one of the amazing Caribbean islands, then the Holafly eSIM have coverage in the following countries of this region:
Aruba, Barbados, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, and Martinique.
Asia:
Asia is one of the continents where language is completely different from western countries. For this reason, it is advisable to take an international eSIM with you before traveling in order to avoid setbacks and to receive support in English. The destinations included are the following:
Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Bangladesh, China, South Korea, Japan, Cambodia, Fiji, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, and Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Laos.
Africa:
As we have already mentioned, eSIMs for Africa destinations tend to be quite limited, keeping in mind that in some of them having an Internet connection is a privilege and mobile network connection is not that good. But, Holafly offers eSIMs to a good number of countries in this continent, which are:
Morocco, Egypt, Botswana, Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sadun, Swaziland, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Oceania
On the continent where it’s common to see kangaroos you’ll be able to enjoy a good Internet connection with an eSIM in the following destinations:
Australia and New Zealand.
How to activate an international eSIM?
The activation of an international eSIM is pretty simple. After the purchase, you receive an email with a QR code. This code must be scanned with your eSIM compatible cell phone. By scanning the QR code you will be able to download the virtual SIM profile.
After downloading and installing the eSIM profile, you only need to turn on mobile data and data roaming to activate your international eSIM. You will then be able to surf the Internet with no worries!
One important thing is always to select the international eSIM as the data line. If possible avoid inserting your usual SIM in your cell phone. This way you prevent yourself from selecting the wrong SIM for mobile data abroad.
As a plus for customers with iPhones, Holafly has a new eSIM app for iPhone. With it, users can easily activate, install and manage the eSIM from their cellphones after buying it in the Holafly virtual store. The app will guide you on how to install the eSIM, it could be done in a matter of seconds.
Best international eSIM providers
Nowadays there are many eSIM providers, but not all of them have a really good Internet connection or low prices. However, we will tell you about some eSIM providers that are good.
- Holafly
- YeSIM
- Gigsky
- Truphone
- MTX Connect
Holafly
Holafly is a provider of international eSIMs for travel. It works on Android and iOS devices. Their eSIMs can be purchased from their online website. It stands out for offering unlimited data plans in more than 40 countries around the world. Among them are the United States, 32 countries in Europe, Mexico, Japan, China. This company offers its products and customer service in English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese and Italian.
YeSIM
Yesim is an app for iOS and Android aimed at selling international eSIM cards. Through the Yesim app, customers can manage the data plan of their eSIM and customize some preferences. You can find its official website in two languages: English and Russia, available on the internet to a wide group of countries in the world.
If you want to buy any eSIM from this store, you will have to create an account.
Gigsky
GigSky eSIM allows its users to stay connected to the internet while traveling. For this, the company has a mobile app, from which each user can manage browsing plans. Its eSIM is available for Android and iOS, and you can choose plans or packages according to your needs.
Truphone
The Truphone eSIM is aimed at both everyday users and companies or organizations. These eSIMs have GSMA technology that guarantees high reliability and a much wider operation.
This eSIM has several benefits as that provide a great cellular connectivity experience for users and businesses.
Flexiroam
This is another eSIM provider very well positioned in Asia. Their eSIMs can be activated through their Flexiroam X app for iOs and Android. They offer a very interesting service, called FlexiShare. With it, you will be able to share data to other devices.
MTX Connect
Finally, this data provider offer eSIMs for different destinations to tourists, international business agents, and digital nomads. They sell eSIMs for specific countries, or for regions. Also, you will be able to choose between different data plans, or the pay per use option with the worldwide eSIM.
Alternatives similar to the international eSIM
As mentioned above, eSIM is a recent technology that solves Internet connection problems for travelers. Before this service arrived, there were and still are other options that you may be interested in knowing about, in case the eSIM does not meet your needs. Among them we have the following:
International roaming
It is perhaps the best-known service and you have it at hand in most cases, after getting a plan with your mobile operator. Some of them offer it for free (as is the case in the EU roaming) and sometimes there are special rates.
International roaming is usually expensive in most destinations. Paying for every MB used is the norm, and must be borne by each traveler leaving his or her country.
Although not everything is discouraging, if you have registered your mobile number you will be able to continue using this service when roaming. This way you will be able to receive SMS if you need to make payments abroad. Normally receiving text messages while roaming is free of charge. The important thing is to clarify this issue with your bank before you leave.
Travel SIM cards
This alternative is the one that most closely resembles your local SIM card. In most cases, they include a number and mainly mobile internet. There are prepaid travel eSIMs to use and dispose of, as well as subscription or contract eSIMs. The former is more convenient because they do not tie you down, nor do you have to sign or risk-taking on usage commitments.
However, you should keep in mind that travel SIM cards are dedicated to that. Nothing else. Normally, you cannot receive messages from the bank and in many cases, they do not include calls. Travel SIM cards are an excellent option for those who need to stay connected to the internet and use their social networks, upload photos to their networks and use Google Maps, among other uses.
Pocket WiFi for traveling
Being able to have a portable WiFi network always at hand is the dream of many, and the Pocket WiFi is the solution. With this device, you will be able to connect to the internet on your travels through a wireless network that makes use of mobile data from a SIM card.
Pocket WiFi along with international roaming are the most expensive options for connecting to the internet abroad. With the service, you have to keep in mind that you are paying not only for the use of mobile networks but also for the rental of the device, insurance, shipping, and return.
Frequently asked questions about international eSIM
Any doubts? We’re happy to help with any questions you may have about this new service! There’s also a comment box at your disposal to solve your inquiries.
The price of an international eSIM depends on the continent you are traveling to and the number of days you’ll be traveling. In this case, the international eSIM cards are prepaid and include an amount of data adjusted to the days of travel.
This is the biggest advantage of this product! An international data eSIM can be delivered to your email in a matter of seconds or minutes. There is no need to wait hours to enjoy this service.
For now, it’s not possible. What you can do is to make calls using Apps that take advantage of your internet connection, also called VOIP calls.
At the moment this function is not enabled. However, this is not a disadvantage on your trips because you can receive conventional messages for free on your regular SIM.
