Traveling today is a much different experience than it was just a couple of years ago. Instead of looking for a SIM card at every new destination, these days I just arrive; turn my phone on, and I'm online! Don't get me wrong, I still worry about the impending roaming charges, and I have stepped up my game at airports to a new level. A few years ago, I was always inconvenienced by exchanging cash and struggled with purchasing SIM cards. Now, all I have to do is scan a QR code, and I'm connected as soon as I turn my phone on.
In this article, I will reflect on why eSIMs are disruptive for travellers and business travellers, how eSIMs work, and why Esimtrav is my preferred option to connect while I am traveling.
Why eSIMs Are a Game-Changer for International Travel
eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are digital SIMs that come pre-installed into your phone. Rather than buying and swapping physical SIM cards, you just download a mobile plan directly to your device.
Here's why it is important for travellers:
• Instant activation: No more waiting in lines at airport kiosks or searching for local shops.
• Your number: This allows you to use your home SIM for calls/texts while your eSIM handles data.
• Reduced cost: Travel eSIM plans are usually significantly cheaper than international roaming (!).
• Country coverage: One global eSIM card can often work across several countries.
While flying from London to Bangkok, I activated my Esimtrav plan before getting on to the plane. By the time I cleared customs, I was back online to order a taxi and text home. Easy! No queue and no pressure.
eSIM vs Physical SIM for International Travel
So what is the best eSIM for international roaming compared to a SIM?
• Cost: International eSIM providers such as Esimtrav can provide you with fixed data packages starting from a few dollars, roaming is often $10-$15 per day.
• Convenience: You do not have to constantly swap cards when you cross borders. Some eSIM plans offer broad coverage across entire regions, such as Europe or Asia.
• Security: eSIMs cannot be cloned or stolen as can the physical SIM.
• Flexibility: You will appreciate the potential to instantaneously swap between plans.
For me, the biggest benefit is flexibility. I experienced this on one trip from Turkey to Greece, where I continued to use my Esimtrav Europe plan and never touched my phone. Had I had a physical SIM card, I would have had to obtain another card.
Using and Activating an eSIM for International Travel
It’s very simple if you have never done it:
1. Check compatibility: Most new phones and some older models work with eSIM technology. There are eSIM-compatible iPhones, Samsung Galaxy phones, and Pixels available, too.
2. Purchase your plan: I typically do my purchase on Esimtrav.com a few days before my flight.
3. Install using a QR code: Go to your phone Settings > Add eSIM > scan the QR code you received by email.
4. Activate: After you land, choose the eSim plan, and you should be connected to the internet in seconds.
Tip: I recommend you install your eSIM before you leave your home and when you arrive you are instantly connected to the internet.
Selecting the Best International eSIM Provider
There are plenty of international eSIM providers out there, but they may not be created equally. The most important criteria:
• Coverage - does it cover all the countries you need to go to
• Cost - are the plans affordable?
• Easy activation - is easy to get it going
I have sampled a few eSIM providers and the one I use most of the time is Esimtrav. this is why:
•Coverage in 190+ countries is pretty good, to say the least. it works in Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Plans start at $4.50 for 1GB with unlimited data plans starting from $6.99.
• You can get up and running instantly, I have never waited more than a minute.
• They offer regional bundles - for example, a pass in Europe or South East Asia that allows travel across several borders.
Whether for holidays or business trips, I found that Esimtrav travelling has saved me money and time every time.
Travel eSIM Plans: Cheap Options
Cost is a primary reason travelers choose eSIMs.
Here are a few examples I've used from Esimtrav:
• 1 GB / 7 days – excellent for quick trips - just $ 4.50.
• 5 GB / 15 days – awesome for a week or two in Europe - about $12.99.
• Unlimited plans – beginning at $6.99, a good choice for big data users.
Instead of paying $15/day in roaming, then these travel eSIM data plans are an easy decision.
Best eSIM for Travel to Asia and Europe
If you are travel through multiple countries, consider the option of a regional eSIM.
• Europe eSIM: Works in multiple countries, including Spain, Greece, and dozens of others.
• Asia eSIM: Covers the most common destinations including Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and South Korea.
In my most recent trip through Asia, I went to Bangkok, Hanoi, and Tokyo. With one Esimtrav Asia plan, it covered my entire trip - there was no buying long SIM cards, zero downtime, and my connectivity was smooth.
Recommendations for tourists and frequent travelers
This is what I found helpful after travelling with both eSIMs and SIMs on dozens of trips.
• Ensure you check the device settings before purchasing.
• If your device supports it, use dual SIM mode so your home number is active for calls/SMS.
• Monitor your data usage so you won’t run out of data.
• Buy it before you fly and be ready as soon as you land.
• If you are visiting multiple countries, choose multi-country plans.
This is especially a big bit of advice for you business travelers out there. On one of my work trips through Europe, I happily didn’t miss any work calls or Slack messages.
eSIM vs Physical SIM: Final Thoughts
Physical SIMs aren’t going away completely, but for travelers, eSIM is simply better. It’s:
- More convenient
- Cheaper than roaming
- More secure
- Eco-friendly (no more plastic waste)
With eSIM, you get instant worldwide connectivity and spend more time enjoying your trip instead of hunting for SIM cards.
Why Esimtrav Is the Best eSIM for International Travel
At the end of the day, the best eSIM for international travel combines affordability, coverage, and ease of use. Esimtrav delivers all three:
- Global reach in nearly every travel destination.
- Budget-friendly plans starting under $5.
- Instant activation with no stress.
Whether you’re a tourist uploading photos in Paris or a business traveler joining video calls in Tokyo, Esimtrav keeps you connected.
So, if you’re packing your bags for your next adventure, make sure you add one thing to your travel checklist: an Esimtrav eSIM. It’s affordable, reliable, and makes staying connected abroad as easy as turning on your phone.
