Using an eSIM card for international travel: Full guide

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If you’re traveling abroad, one important detail that’s often overlooked is how your phone’s SIM will work in a foreign country. Without a local SIM, staying connected can quickly become a challenge, especially if you need to contact people back home or visit places without reliable Wi-Fi.

Traditionally, travelers relied on physical SIM cards purchased at their destination, often facing expensive roaming charges or limited data plans. However, with the rise of embedded SIM (eSIM) technology, you now have a more convenient, cost-effective, and flexible solution for international connectivity.

So if you’re planning to travel internationally in the future, this article is for you. We’ll discuss how eSIMs work, why you should use them, eSIM pros and cons, and provide steps to set one up.

What is an eSIM card, and how does it work?

An eSIM is the digital version of the physical SIM card. Unlike standard SIM cards (which are physical cards that you insert into your phone), an eSIM is a small chip soldered directly onto your phone’s motherboard. It allows your device to connect to mobile networks by downloading and activating carrier profiles digitally.

When traveling internationally, you can select a local carrier and download its profile via a QR code. This eSIM profile is stored on your phone until you get to your destination, where you can activate it to access that country’s mobile network. This gives you access to calls, text, and—most importantly—mobile data, exactly like you would back home.

Companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google have already integrated eSIM technology into their smartphones, tablets, and even laptops. In fact, the iPhone 14¹ series and Google Pixel 7² come with native eSIM support.

The biggest advantage of eSIMs is their ability to store multiple carrier profiles simultaneously, allowing users to switch between networks easily. This makes eSIMs ideal for frequent travelers who want seamless connectivity and access to affordable local data plans.

Benefits of using an eSIM for international travel

eSIMs offer multiple advantages for international travelers. Below are some of them:

Instant activation upon arrival

With a travel eSIM, you can get connected quickly once you land. Physical SIM cards often require travelers to locate a local store or kiosk, purchase a card, and go through a manual setup process. In contrast, you can purchase and activate an eSIM plan before even leaving home, often through your mobile provider’s app or website.

All you need to do is scan a QR code or enter an activation code on your phone, and then you’ll be able to connect to the local network. This makes eSIMs a practical and time-saving option for travelers who want to stay connected as soon as they get off their flight.

No need to change SIMs

With a digital SIM card, there’s no need to physically change SIM cards every time you travel. This eliminates the inconvenience of carrying multiple SIM cards, which can be easily misplaced or may not be compatible with all networks.

If your phone supports eSIM functionality, you can switch between multiple carrier profiles while keeping both your home number and local travel SIM active on the same device. This is particularly useful for people who value convenience.

Use multiple carrier profiles

As mentioned, eSIM technology allows you to store multiple carrier profiles on your device. You can easily switch between mobile networks without physically removing or inserting SIM cards. This flexibility is useful for frequent travelers.

For example, one profile could cover data usage in Europe, another for the Middle East, and another for your home country. Some eSIM providers like Holafly^3,4 even offer plans that include multiple regional profiles with unlimited data, removing the need to constantly change your network settings as you travel.

Added security

eSIM technology provides better security⁵ than traditional SIM cards. Since eSIMs are embedded in the device, they can’t be physically removed or stolen. This reduces the risk of SIM-related theft or fraud. eSIMs use the same encryption standards⁶ as traditional SIM cards, ensuring your data is secure when accessing international networks.

These security features are beneficial for travelers concerned about device security abroad. Unlike physical SIMs purchased locally, which may pose a small risk of being tampered with, eSIMs are provisioned digitally, reducing the risk of your phone being compromised while you’re on vacation.

No need to look for a local store

If you plan on using a physical SIM card, you’ll often have to find a store that sells them. This can be inconvenient, especially in rural or remote areas where availability is limited.

This makes eSIMs an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the hassle of changing SIM cards while on the go. eSIMs can be downloaded and activated before your trip, saving you valuable time.

Disadvantages or limitations of eSIM cards

Despite their numerous advantages, eSIM cards have some limitations that you should consider:

Not all operators support eSIM

While eSIM adoption is growing rapidly, it hasn’t yet reached full global coverage. In certain regions (especially in rural areas or developing nations), eSIM support may be limited or non-existent.

Before traveling, always check whether your destination supports eSIM use. If it doesn’t, you may still need to use a traditional physical SIM card for connectivity.

Phone compatibility issues

Not all smartphones support eSIM technology. Older or budget models may lack the necessary hardware to enable eSIM functionality. Before purchasing an eSIM plan—especially for international travel—always check that your device is compatible.

It’s also worth noting that eSIM capability can’t be added to a device that wasn’t originally designed for it. Older phones don’t have the required hardware or software support, and attempting to modify them could void the warranty or break the device altogether.

Transferring an eSIM to new devices

Transferring an eSIM profile from one device to another isn’t as straightforward as transferring a physical SIM card. While physical SIM cards can be easily removed and inserted, transferring an eSIM may require you to deactivate it on the old device and reactivate it on the new one.

This can be an issue if the new phone doesn’t support eSIM or the activation process fails. Newer devices may also have different eSIM setup procedures, making the transfer process more complex.

How to set up and use an eSIM for travel abroad

Setting up an eSIM for international use is relatively simple, and with a few steps, you'll be ready to go. Here’s how to do it:

Check device compatibility

Before anything else, make sure your device supports eSIM technology. Newer devices usually offer eSIM support by default, which you can verify by checking your device’s settings or consulting the manufacturer’s website.

Select an international eSIM provider

Several eSIM providers cater to international travelers, including Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, and GigSky. These providers offer region- or country-specific data packages, allowing you to choose the best plan based on your travel needs.

Purchase and activate your eSIM

After choosing a provider, purchase your data package. You’ll receive a QR code via email or in-app. Scan the QR code using your phone's settings to activate the eSIM profile. You may also activate your eSIM manually using an activation code if your camera isn’t working.

Enable roaming services

Once your eSIM is activated, ensure that roaming is enabled. If you’re using an eSIM on an iPhone for international travel, navigate to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming.

To activate an eSIM on Android⁷, go to Settings > Connections > SIM manager (or Network & Internet > SIMs), tap Add eSIM, and then choose either Scan QR code or Enter activation code.

eSIM vs physical SIM for international travel

Here’s a table showing the key differences between using an eSIM vs. a physical SIM card for traveling:

	eSIM	Physical SIM
Activation	Instant, via QR code or app	Requires purchasing and inserting a physical card
Ease of use	No need to swap SIM cards	Requires visiting local stores or kiosks
Compatibility	Works with most new phones	Works with almost any phone
Multiple profiles	Yes, can store multiple profiles	No, only one SIM card allowed
Cost	Generally cheaper for data	Typically more expensive if roaming services are enabled
Security	Embedded and encrypted, reduces risk of theft	Can be lost or stolen
Network availability	Limited in some countries	Works in almost any country

Which is better for travelers: eSIM or physical SIM?

Choosing between an eSIM and a physical SIM usually depends on your needs and destination. If you travel often and don’t like the hassle of switching physical SIM cards everywhere you go, eSIMs are the ideal choice. However, you do have to ensure that your phone supports eSIM functionality.

Physical SIM cards remain a reliable option, particularly in areas with limited or no eSIM support. You could also be using an older device model without eSIM capabilities. Most modern smartphones accept physical SIM cards with little to no issue.

Overall, while both options have their advantages, the convenience of eSIMs makes it a better choice for international travelers.

Best international eSIM providers

Here’s a quick rundown of some popular international eSIM providers:

Airalo⁸: Offers a wide selection of regional and global eSIM plans for over 190 countries⁹ and regions. Known for its affordable pricing.
Holafly¹⁰: Provides unlimited data plans for various destinations, with an easy-to-use interface for eSIM activation.
Maya Mobile¹¹: Delivers flexible data plans, ideal for both short trips and long-term stays.
Nomad¹²: Known for its flexible data plans and excellent customer service.
GigSky¹³: Offers global coverage and has multiple options for international travelers.

BOSS Revolution is also launching eSIM cards soon, giving travelers another convenient way to stay connected abroad.

Are eSIMs safe and reliable?

Absolutely! eSIMs use the same encryption and security standards¹⁴ as traditional SIM cards. They’re also harder to steal or tamper¹⁵ with since they’re already directly embedded into your device. eSIMs are protected from SIM swap fraud, making them a reliable option for travelers who prioritize mobile security.

How much do eSIMs cost?

Overall, eSIMs tend to be more cost-effective than physical SIM cards when factoring in activation, switching, and maintenance expenses. For frequent travelers and multi-network users, eSIMs significantly reduce total costs by avoiding roaming fees¹⁶ and allowing instant digital carrier switching at minimal or no cost.

Additionally, providers like Singapore’s MyRepublic¹⁷ are offering eSIM services at little to no cost for their customers with new mobile plans. Pricing for international eSIM data plans varies depending on destination and data volume. For example, Holafly offers short-term plans ranging from $5 to $30 USD, with longer plans offering better overall value.¹⁸

Tips for using an eSIM abroad

Here are a few quick tips to best maximize your use of eSIMs when traveling internationally:

Check device and carrier compatibility:
Confirm your smartphone supports eSIM, is unlocked, and your home carrier allows temporary switching to a traveler profile.

Download and activate the eSIM before departure:
To avoid issues (such as destination country restrictions¹⁹), it’s best to set up the eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi in your home country. Always save your activation QR code.

Verify coverage, validity, and plan details:
Review your eSIM’s coverage, expiration date, and remaining data.

Manage your data wisely:
Download maps, enable data-saver settings, turn off background refresh, and use Wi-Fi when possible.

Monitor data usage and network settings:
|Track how much data you’re using, and ensure the correct eSIM line is selected for mobile data and roaming.

Conclusion

eSIMs undoubtedly offer a convenient and efficient way for travelers to stay connected abroad. Still, it’s essential to confirm that your device and destination support eSIM technology before your trip.

If you’re looking for a way to make cheap calls internationally or top up your mobile number abroad, consider BOSS Revolution. All you need is a BOSS Revolution account, fund it with debit or credit, and start making low-cost calls worldwide.

Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of November 6, 2025

https://support.apple.com/en-us/111850
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https://www.getnomad.app/blog/are-esims-safe
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https://esim.holafly.com/internet/best-unlimited-data-plans/
https://www.thesun.ie/travel/15577324/urgent-warning-irish-holidaymakers-sunshine-spot

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