What Is An eSIM And How Does It Work? September 2026
Understanding eSIMs: What an eSIM is, how it works, the differences between SIM and eSIM and the benefits of using an eSIM for your travels
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your device that lets you activate a mobile plan without inserting a physical card. You buy a plan through an app, install the eSIM and you’re online in under five minutes, no store visit or physical swap required.
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Travel eSIMs are quickly becoming a favorite to stay connected overseas, and for good reason. We’ve been using them on every trip since 2022, across 49 providers and 17 countries. Here’s everything you need to know about what they are, how they work and why they’ve made physical SIM cards feel a bit outdated.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What Is An eSIM? | An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in devices that allows you to activate a cellular plan (data, calls, text messages) without having to use a physical SIM card. |
| How Does An eSIM work? | An eSIM works by downloading a digital SIM profile from an eSIM provider directly to your device, enabling cellular services. It can be managed through your device’s settings. |
| How To Activate An eSIM? | To activate an eSIM, follow these general steps: Choose and purchase an eSIM plan on the provider’s website or app. Install the eSIM directly from the app or scan the provided QR code with your device or manually enter the eSIM profile details. Follow on screen instructions to complete the setup and activate your eSIM. Always check the specific activation instructions provided by your travel eSIM provider, as steps may vary. |
| Is It Better To Use SIM or eSIM? What’s the Difference? | eSIMs are digital and let you switch plans and carriers easily without physical cards – great for travelers. SIMs are traditional, need physical swapping and generally work in all devices. See our full comparison. |
| What Are The Benefits of eSIM? | eSIMs offer seamless carrier switching, eliminate physical SIM swapping and support multiple profiles, enhancing convenience, especially for travelers and those using dual SIM functionalities. |
| How To Get An eSIM Card For International Travel? | To get an eSIM for international travel, explore the many eSIM providers focusing on global connectivity. Choose a plan that fits your destination and activate it by scanning a QR code or entering configuration details directly on your device. |
| What Phones Support eSIM? | Many modern smartphones support eSIM technology, including the latest models from Apple (iPhone XS and newer), Google Pixel (Pixel 3 and newer), Samsung Galaxy (S20 and newer), and others. For a comprehensive list of compatible devices, you can check this article. |
| What Are the eSIM Leading Brands? | We think Nomad, Airalo and Ubigi are the best at the moment. |
What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a digital SIM technology that simplifies how mobile devices connect to cellular networks. Unlike traditional SIM cards that require you to buy a physical card and manually insert it into your device, an eSIM is already built into your device’s hardware. This means that not only can you get data, calls and text messages directly and immediately on your device, but you can also switch carriers and plans anytime and anywhere, all with just a few simple taps.
While eSIMs have been around for some time, they’ve gained more popularity recently due to the numerous benefits they offer, which we’ll discuss later. Most importantly, eSIMs are incredibly convenient for travelers since you can purchase and activate them online for immediate use. Additionally, you can connect eSIMs to your phone, smartwatches, tablets and other devices, allowing those gadgets to function independently without relying on a mobile phone.
What’s the difference between an eSIM and a traditional, physical SIM card?
An eSIM and a traditional, physical SIM card serve the same basic function: they connect your device to a cellular network and hold your subscriber information. However, there are many differences between the two of them, especially if we talk about convenience, flexibility and accessibility.
The table below compares the key aspects of both technologies, as well as showcasing why we think eSIMs are particularly appealing for international travelers (and anyone looking for a more seamless mobile connectivity experience):
| Feature | eSIM (Embedded SIM) | Traditional SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Form | Embedded directly into the device’s hardware. | A physical plastic card that needs to be inserted into the device. |
| Device Compatibility | Supported by newer mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches and other connected devices. | Compatible with most mobile devices that have a SIM card slot. |
| Where to get (Accessibility) | Activated digitally via carrier’s service. | Must be purchased physically from a store or online. |
| Installation/Activation | No physical installation required; activated digitally via app or QR code. | Requires physical insertion into the device’s SIM slot. |
| Portability | Not applicable since it’s embedded; no need to physically move it to another device. | Physically transferable between devices. |
| Switching Networks | Allows for digital switching of carriers or plans directly on the device. | Requires physical replacement to switch carriers or plans. |
| Storage | Can store multiple carrier profiles, but only one can be used at a time. | Stores one carrier profile at a time; must be replaced for a different carrier. |
| Flexibility (Convenience for Travel) | High flexibility for international travel and switching plans. | Less flexible, often requires purchasing a new SIM card for different carriers or international travel. |
| Durability | Not subject to physical wear and tear since it’s embedded. | Subject to physical damage and loss due to handling. |
| Security | Offers secure authentication methods similar to traditional SIMs. | Secure, but can be physically stolen or lost. |
For the full breakdown including which scenarios still favor a physical SIM, see our eSIM vs Physical SIM guide.
Is eSIM good? Exploring the benefits of using eSIM technology for travel
Ever wondered if travel eSIMs are a good choice? For us, the answer is simple: yup! We use them regularly, sometimes even in our home countries depending on the prices of the local carriers. Here’s a peak at our always expanding eSIM folder below:
For now, let’s explore some of the main reasons why we believe eSIM technology makes traveling easier:
1. Convenience and connectivity
Arriving in a new country and struggling to get online is a common headache, especially in an airport where the wifi is usually patchy and you might need to pull up immigration forms, request your Uber, or check your route on Google Maps. Whereas before you’d have to deal with high roaming fees or buy a local SIM card, nowadays you can simply choose a travel eSIM provider on your phone, pick a plan, pay and start using it right away. For us, the convenience of eSIMs is unbeatable and our number one reason to get one when we’re traveling.
2. Great value for money
When it comes to managing travel expenses, it’s worth bearing in mind the cost of getting online. Travel eSIMs are very cost-efficient, especially if you compare them to traditional roaming charges. They give you the flexibility to choose from various local carriers’ plans, which are often much more reasonably priced. This shift not only saves money, but also provides the freedom to select a plan that best fits your data and communication needs while you’re overseas. The affordability offered by travel eSIMs make them an increasingly popular choice for savvy travelers looking to stay connected without breaking the bank.
3. Flexibility
The flexibility that travel eSIMs provide is another big advantage. More often than not, you’ll be able to find a wide range of options available when selecting a package. Whether you need just a few gigabytes for casual browsing or a more comprehensive plan with data, calling or texting options, travel eSIMs will likely be able to cover your specific needs.
Now, if for example you’re nearing the end of your data allowance quicker than expected, topping up is as simple as opening your app provider and choosing what’s right for you. No need for a time-consuming visit to a local store. For us, this level of adaptability is a great option to have and has improved the travel experience.
4. Dual SIM capability
The dual SIM capability in compatible devices is a cool feature to have. This functionality allows you to use a local data plan through an eSIM while keeping your home phone number active on the same device. It’s an ideal setup for balancing cost and convenience.
With a local eSIM plan, you can enjoy lower data costs – important when traveling. At the same time, your home SIM card remains active, allowing you to receive calls and SMS text messages as usual. This is particularly beneficial for scenarios like getting Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) codes while overseas (happens to us very often).
This dual SIM approach essentially provides you with the best of both worlds. You can stay connected cheaply in your travel destination without losing touch with important contacts or services back home. For a full walkthrough of how to set this up on your device, see our How To Use Dual SIM guide.
5. Avoiding red tape and data submission
In many places, acquiring a physical SIM card requires you to provide personal details, such as your passport information. In theory, there isn’t much wrong with this as it is a standard security measure. However, this adds an extra step to the process and some people might be uncomfortable with this requirement or at least find it inconvenient.
There’s also the issue of potential technical hiccups. There are instances, like the one we experienced in Indonesia, where despite following all the procedures and even bearing the cost of an expensive SIM card, it simply didn’t work due to failure to verify our identity. You can imagine how frustrating it was for us to have to rely on connecting to different wifi networks to move all around Bali for two weeks.
Luckily, travel eSIMs usually don’t require physical documentation submission and never require in-person verification. They save time and reduce the chances of hitting administrative technical issues related to SIM card activation. It’s a straightforward and reliable way to be able to connect and stay connected.
6. Wide availability
The availability of eSIM technology has seen a significant increase, with many device manufacturers, from high-end to budget-friendly options, incorporating eSIM compatibility into their models. This means that more and more travelers can take advantage of the benefits offered, and experience the convenience, cost-effectiveness and flexibility of using travel eSIMs while exploring the world. Check our eSIM compatibility checker to see if your device is supported.
For the full argument including the genuine downsides of eSIMs, see our eSIM Pros and Cons guide.
Why you can trust us
59 Providers personally tested 455 Total verified speed tests run 20 Countries tested
- We test each product personally.
- Our feedback and comments are entirely our own, we are not influenced by any third parties.
- We test extensively and back it up with data (speed tests, screenshots and more).
- We keep our content updated and our information accurate.
- We are a truly multi-national team coming from, living in and traveling to many different countries. As a result, we have genuinely used these products for years.
- We have an extensive background in writing, editing, strategizing and working on content creation in the UK, France, USA and South America with a combined experience of over 15 years.
- More on why you can trust us
🧾❗We brought receipts. Click for proof we’ve used these travel eSIM services.
Nomad eSIM
Airalo eSIM
Ubigi eSIM
Yesim eSIM
aloSIM eSIM
Holafly eSIM
Airhub eSIM
GigSky eSIM
Instabridge eSIM
Saily eSIM
Firsty eSIM
GoMoWorld eSIM
How we test eSIMs
Speed Testing
We run 3 consecutive speed tests using Speedtest by Ookla in the same physical location with at least 3 out of 4 signal bars. If all 3 results fall within roughly a 15% download speed range, we record the highest result. If results vary more than this, we rerun the test to avoid random spikes or drops. This reflects realistic peak performance under stable conditions.
Stability Check
We use the eSIM normally over at least 2 to 3 days and note:
- Any full signal dropouts
- Whether reconnections happen automatically
- Whether any manual intervention is needed
If no issues occur, we state that explicitly.
Real-Life Usage Tests
We test every eSIM with common everyday tasks, including:
- General web browsing
- Google Maps loading and navigation
- WhatsApp messaging and media sending
- Uploading photos to cloud storage
- YouTube streaming (HD playback)
- Hotspot usage where supported, connecting a 2nd device
These checks confirm the connection is usable in real travel scenarios, not just fast in speed tests.
Customer Support Testing
We run quarterly support reviews across all providers using the same questions for each provider. We record and rate:
- Time to 1st human response
- Support channel used (live chat, email, WhatsApp)
- Whether the response is human or automated
- Whether the issue is resolved in the 1st interaction
- Overall clarity and usefulness of the reply
Support results shown in reviews reflect the most recent quarterly test.
Devices
We test on:
