HOW TO STAY CONNECTED ABROAD?
Whether you're navigating the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, ordering a croissant in French at a Parisian café, or posting your photos of sunsets in Santorini, there’s one thing you’ll always need—connectivity!
The internet has revolutionized the world of travel, but to order a taxi, search on a map, or check the details of your bookings, you need a local SIM card from the very first minute after landing. Until now, you needed to buy a local SIM card, try to find a reasonably priced deal, and register your data. But now, the rules of the game have changed. Welcome to the world of virtual SIM cards, a traveler's best friend.
In this guide, we'll dive into what virtual SIM cards are, their advantages for international traveling, how they work, and compare some virtual SIM providers for your journeys.
What is a Virtual SIM Card?
A Virtual SIM Card (or eSIM) is essentially a digital version of a traditional SIM card. It operates using software to emulate the functionality of a physical SIM, allowing your mobile device to access mobile networks through a completely digital process. The moment you arrive to Thailand, Colombia or Mexico, you’ll be able to connect to a local Internet provider!
Advantages of Using a Virtual SIM Card
- Hassle-Free Connectivity: Jump from one country to another without losing your internet connection. No more hunting for Wi-Fi!
- Cost-Effective: Avoid roaming charges and enjoy local rates for data and calls.
- Enhanced Security: With no physical SIM to steal, your personal information is safer!
- Fast Activation: No need for physical store visits or waiting for a SIM card to ship.
- No Physical SIM Swaps: Forget about fiddling with tiny chips. Your phone setup remains untouched.
- Eco-Friendly: With no plastic involved, it’s a nod to environmental sustainability.
How Does a Virtual SIM Card Work?
Can my device use an eSIM?
Before your trip, do a search and make sure that your device can use an eSIM. Both Android and Apple phones, as well as some other devices such as smartwatches, can use virtual SIM cards. Most phones released after 2018 are compatible with eSIM but you might need to check with your provider.
Step 1: Subscription and Setup
If your device can use an eSIM, now is the moment to subscribe to a plan that suits you. You can choose between many providers and select a plan that fits your needs (we compare some below!). Upon subscribing, you will typically be provided with a QR code, either through an app or via email, depending on the service provider.
Step 2: Downloading the eSIM Profile
Once you have your QR code, the next step is to scan it with your smartphone. This action prompts the download of an eSIM profile directly to your device. This profile contains all the necessary information for your phone to authenticate and connect to mobile networks without the need for a physical SIM card.
Step 3: Activation
After the profile is installed, the eSIM is typically activated through your phone’s settings. This can be done immediately, or once you arrive at your destination. Activation is instant in most cases, and once done, your device will be able to connect to the internet and carrier services through the virtual SIM.
Step 4: Network Connection
With the virtual SIM activated, your phone can now connect to mobile networks just as it would with a traditional SIM. The eSIM enables your device to tap into local and international networks, depending on your location and service plan. As you travel across different regions or countries, the eSIM can automatically shift to different network providers based on the strongest signal or your data plan preferences.
Step 5: Travel!
Throughout your use of the eSIM, you can usually manage settings, switch plans, or even add multiple profiles through your provider’s app. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for travelers who move between countries and need to manage different network plans.
Now, we'll examine the plans offered by some well-known Virtual SIM providers, comparing coverage, plans, usage, and prices.
Hola Fly
Plans and Coverage: Access to networks in over 190 countries. Hola Fly is famous for offering unlimited data in most plans. Options available for short trips (1-3 days) and longer stays (1 month).
Activation: Purchase a plan and receive a QR code to scan with your smartphone immediately. They offer reliable customer support in English, Spanish, and other languages.
Prices: Prices for prepaid eSIMs vary widely depending on the destination and duration but are generally on the pricier side, starting at over USD $20.
Things to consider: Like many other providers, they do not offer a local phone number; you will be able to call using internet-based apps such as WhatsApp but won’t be able to call or receive SMS.
Our Opinion: Particularly advantageous for last-minute travelers who need immediate connectivity and are willing to pay a higher rate for unlimited internet access and custom support.
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Airalo
Plans and Coverage: Coverage in more than 200 countries. Offers plans by country and by region (e.g., Europe, Asia), including global plans covering trips to multiple countries over several months. Top-up options are available depending on the eSIM chosen.
Activation: Purchase a plan, receive your eSIM as a QR code, and scan it. The eSIM should be activated within 60 days of purchase.
Prices: Competitive prices with a wide range of customizable options. Prices start as low as USD $4.50 for a 1GB 7-day plan in the United States.
Things to consider: Most eSIMs are data-only, but global plans support data, calls, and texts, providing access to a local phone number.
Our Opinion: A sensible choice for travelers, especially globetrotters planning trips across multiple countries for several months who want both data and call capabilities.
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Yesim
Plans and Coverage: Global coverage with options on how much data you want to buy. While country-specific, regional, and global plans are available, the International eSIM is Yesim’s signature plan. This pay-as-you-go card allows data-only connections across more than one hundred countries worldwide.
Activation: Download the Yesim app, purchase a plan, download the eSIM, and decide whether to activate it immediately or later. Support via email in English.
Prices: With the tourism and business International eSIM plan, your data costs a certain number of “Ycoins” per MB. Fees are charged based on the amount of data you use and your device's location, making costs location-dependent and variable.
Things to Consider: Not all cards offer top-up options. The pay-as-you-go scheme for the International eSIM entails fares that are less predictable compared to prepaid plans.
Our Opinion: The International eSIM plan offers a lot of flexibility for frequent travelers who do not wish to purchase a new card for each trip. It's a good option both for tourism and business trips. Check out the options in Yesim.
GlobaleSIM
Plans and Coverage: Choose from country-specific, regional, or global plans. While regional options may have limited coverage, country-specific plans offer better service. Flexible durations and data allowances are available, with easy access to balance checks and top-ups.
Activation: Choose a package online, receive a QR code by email, activate your eSIM card.
Prices: A wide variety of prices according to the destination, amount of data, and duration, but affordable options are available. Notably, it’s possible to add voice minutes to many plans for making calls using the internet instead of a traditional phone line. An eSIM for 5 days in Mexico or Europe with 1GB starts at $5 USD.
Things to Consider: Customer support is limited to email and chatbot in English. No yearly plans or pay as you go options are available.
Our Opinion: This is a cheap option to stay connected on short low-budget trips. If you think it can be convenient, you can find all the details in GlobaleSIM.
Nomad
Plans and Coverage: Coverage for more than 170 destinations. Plans are available both by country and region (e.g., North America, Africa), but they do not come with a local phone number, so no call and text services are available. Add-on plans are available in case you run out of data.
Activation: Select your plan on the website, scan the provided QR code to install your eSIM, and activate according to instructions. Customer service only in English and mainly through forms.
Price: Prices vary widely depending on the country and duration of the plan but are competitive. Options start at USD $4 for 1GB per day in Italy or USD $12 for 50GB over 10 days in Thailand.
Things to consider: Monthly to daily plans are available, but no yearly plans or pay as you go options.
Our Opinion: A reasonably priced alternative for those who need basic internet connectivity on short trips abroad. Check Nomad for more information.
What is the best eSIM Card for traveling abroad?
Whether you opt for the unlimited data offerings of Hola Fly, the competitive prices and customizable options of Airalo, or the flexibility of Yesim pay-as-you-go plans, there's a virtual SIM provider to suit every traveler's needs. Budget travelers might find GlobaleSIM and Nomad particularly appealing for budget or backpacking trips. From last-minute connectivity needs to long-term global adventures, these virtual SIM cards offer the flexibility and convenience to keep you connected wherever your travels take you.
Ready to upgrade the way you travel? Start your journey by choosing a Virtual SIM provider and embark on a connected adventure like no other. Stay connected and travel the world with ease!
Do you want more travel tips? Check Our Recommended Travel Resources for 2024.