When preparing for a trip overseas, one of the most important details to get sorted out is how you are going to stay connected throughout. Having reliable data and signal makes everything easier, from navigation to translation to digital passes and more. The current choice is physical SIM card versus travel eSIM, so which option is the best for international travellers?
- The Traditional Choice: Physical SIM Cards
For years, physical SIM cards have been the standard option for travellers. One you land, you head to a local kiosk and purchase a prepaid SIM to put into your phone. It’s certainly simple and inexpensive, but the truth is that these days it isn’t the best option in terms of multi-country vacations. Each time you cross a border, the chances are that you will have to buy a new SIM card that connects to national networks. Add to that the worry of keeping track of your ‘at home’ SIM card, and it’s really just too much to think about these days!
- The Modern Upgrade: Travel eSIMs
This is where a travel eSIM can enter the conversation and solve a lot of problems. Rather than buying a physical card, you download a digital profile to your mobile that connects you to networks in a number of destinations. All it takes is a simple QR code scan and you can have everything installed before you even leave home.
eSIMs are the clear winner for anything who wants seamless connectivity wherever they happen to be. You can keep your familiar number whilst using a local data plan, and your phone automatically connects to a new country’s network. It’s the best possible streamlined solution for any business travellers or frequent flyers who are sick of juggling physical SIMs.
- Comparing Costs and Coverage
Price is always a key factor for travellers, and a local SIM can still be slightly cheaper in single-country stays. It is for multi-country trips, however, that the eSIM becomes the obvious choice. Many providers include regional coverage across large parts of Europe, meaning that just one purchase can cover dozens of countries. With the reassurance of clear data packages and transparent pricing, there is also no fear of hidden roaming charges that can often happen with physical SIM cards when moving from region to region.
- Convenience and Compatibility
There is no doubt that an eSIM is the most convenient option between the two. You can purchase your chosen plan online and install it before you have even departed, meaning that as soon as you land you are connected and ready to go. No searching for vendor kiosks, no taking apart your phone to fit plastic into the little tray.
In terms of compatibility, it is true that not all smartphones have the ability to support eSIMs, but the vast majority of modern Android and iPhone devices do.
- Security and Flexibility
If you lose a physical SIM card, you run the risk of exposing your number and account to anyone who picks it up. Obviously, eSIMs offer a more secure option. They are built into your device and cannot be managed remotely, meaning that you can easily deactivate and/or replace them if you lose your phone. In terms of flexibility, you can have multiple eSIM plans at once, switching between home and travel profiles whenever you wish. This is perfect for travellers who want to mix leisure and work when abroad.
Ultimately, there is still a place for traditional SIM cards in travel, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that eSIMs are the future, and will soon be an automatic choice for anyone planning a vacation that spans different countries and networks.
