What Is eSIM and Why It’s Good for Tourists

eSIM is a modern, convenient alternative to traditional plastic SIM cards. Many major brands – from Apple to Samsung – especially in the US and Europe, are already releasing flagship smartphones without physical SIM slots, like the iPhone 14 and newer models. But even if your device still supports plastic SIM cards, opting for an eSIM can be a smart choice – especially if you’re traveling abroad or to a region where your home mobile operator has limited coverage. It’s a great way to save money on data by activating the best available plan.

Let’s dive into what eSIMs are, what a Travel SIM specifically offers, and why you might need one.

What It Is and Why It Matters

An eSIM is a chip built into your smartphone that can perform the same functions as a physical SIM card. To use it, you need to buy a tariff plan from the operator, for example, PrimaSIM, and activate it. The process is simple – just scan a QR code or enter the data manually in your smartphone’s Settings. Here’s what you need to know about its key features that make using eSIM convenient:

• Lighter and slimmer phones. Devices without a physical SIM slot tend to be smaller, thinner, and lighter – and often have larger batteries.
• Flexibility. You can cancel your plan and activate a new eSIM at any time. This is especially convenient for travelers. For example, if you’re planning a trip to Italy, you can get an eSIM valid for 7 or 30 days. When you travel to Spain, you can activate another eSIM for the duration you need – saving on roaming fees and enjoying competitive rates similar to local carriers.

Sample Travel eSIM Plans

The majority of modern smartphones support eSIM, so switching to the new format will be easy, even if you’ve only used physical SIM cards before. However, it’s still a good idea to double-check your phone before buying.

Modern smartphones typically support using multiple SIMs simultaneously – for example, a physical SIM plus an eSIM, or even two or more eSIMs. The exact number depends on the brand and model. For instance, the iPhone 14 (USA) allows you to use two SIMs at once and store up to eight digital profiles.

Important: The eSIM functionality depends on the operator. For example, travel eSIMs usually offer mobile internet only (no calls or SMS), which is why their rates are lower. But that’s not an issue – for calls and texts, you can use your primary SIM or set up call forwarding.

Benefits of Using eSIM

More and more people are switching to eSIMs – especially when traveling abroad. The main reasons:

• Easy setup and quick switching between plans or operators. There’s no need to switch a physical SIM card – just activate the eSIM online.
• Better rates while traveling. When you travel beyond your home carrier’s coverage, you’re often charged higher international roaming fees. Travel eSIMs offer more affordable data plans. At PrimaSIM, you can purchase travel SIMs for specific countries (like Italy, Spain, Austria, the UK, and others) or regional plans covering areas such as Africa, the Caribbean, North America, and more.
• High reliability. There’s a lower risk of loss or damage, which is especially convenient if you travel frequently and are used to swapping SIM cards.
• Enhanced security. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can easily deactivate your eSIM remotely. A thief also won’t be able to remove the SIM and insert it into another device to access sensitive information like banking apps or verification codes.
• Using multiple SIMs at the same time. For example, you can keep your main SIM for calls and texts and use a travel SIM for affordable data while abroad.