Last Updated on: August 22, 2024 at 4:08 am
As more mobile devices offer embedded sim (e-sim) support, e-sims have become a great alternative to other ways to stay connected abroad, such as a physical sim. With e-sims, you can say goodbye to overpriced data and the hassle of getting a physical sim. Aside from their versatility, e-sims are also touted as a sustainable alternative as no packaging and shipping are involved throughout the purchase process.
With forecasts that the e-sim industry will grow to over 16.3 billion US dollars by 2027, it’s clear that travel e-sims are getting increasingly popular. If you’re still on the fence, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll break down some e-sim basics and what makes it stand out amongst its competition.
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An e-sim works just as a physical one does. Instead of a sim card you slot into your phone, you can install your e-sim through an app or a QR code. Most newer models have e-sim capabilities alongside dual sim support, ensuring that you can have two active data plans at the same time.
With travel e-sims, you’ll be able to keep your active phone number while having access to a local internet network. You can buy data packs for a certain country or region and activate your e-sim upon arrival. Depending on your provider and plan, you can also tether your connection to other devices, such as your laptop.
The first step of using an e-sim is ensuring that your phone has e-sim capabilities. Phones sold in several countries may not have e-sim support, so don’t forget to double-check beforehand. Once you have a supported device, you can simply buy your e-sim online.
Most providers, like Jetpac, have a variety of data plans to choose from. Prices generally start from USD 5 and depend on your data plan and regional coverage. Upon payment, you’ll be able to download a series of instructions on how to install your e-sim. If you encounter any problems throughout the process, you can contact your provider’s customer support for assistance. Running low on data? You can easily top up or buy a new plan via your provider.
Aside from how easy it is to set up your e-sim, here are three key factors that differentiate it from using physical sims or public WiFi:
Using free, public WiFi, such as in airports and hotels, can be prone to network attacks or malware. As they normally are unencrypted, others on the network may be able to see your information and internet activity. If your work involves handling sensitive data, an e-sim offers better security overall. You’ll have a secure, encrypted connection to your network instead.
Compared to physical sims, which are more vulnerable to theft, cloning, or sim swapping, e-sims are entirely embedded in your phone. This adds more security to your device, especially when you’re travelling through high-traffic areas.
Most physical sims are local, with international roaming available at a price. You can buy local physical sims when you arrive and manually slot a new card into your phone. If your phone has a single physical SIM slot, this also means replacing your active number for your stay.
While easy to connect to, airport and hotel WiFi networks are constrained to a certain radius. They are also often used by many, affecting their speed. E-sims often offer coverage ranging from local to global, ensuring that you’re connected wherever you go. Upon arrival, your e-sim automatically connects to a preferred network, making travel efficient and hassle-free.
Physical sims come in plastic packaging and often must be shipped to local stores or your address. As e-sims are directly installed on your phone, no shipping and packaging are involved in the process. You can also load new plans onto the same e-sim, removing the need for multiple physical SIM cards. Thus, e-sims produce less waste and encourage sustainable practices. A 2022 assessment of e-sim and physical sim life cycles also found that using an e-sim reduces carbon emissions by 46% compared to its physical counterpart.
For corporate travellers who are always on the go, e-sims offer a higher degree of flexibility and security that stands out compared to their counterparts. Its rising popularity also helps to encourage more sustainable practices while keeping prices user-friendly.
Here at TruTrip, we help businesses streamline their booking processes and provide a great travel experience for employees. With our innovative platform, you can easily track past trips, analyse spending, and get great prices for your hotel and flight bookings. Book a demo or sign up for a free trial at TruTrip to learn more.
Jetpac’s travel tech platform instantly connects travellers globally to reliable roaming in 100+ countries through the simple activation of an eSIM when they travel. Jetpac is focused on delivering a hyper-convenient way for customers to roam, providing them with data freedom and a bill-shock-free travel experience. More than a travel eSIM, Jetpac also provides value-added innovative services that go beyond traditional data connectivity, making it the ideal travel partner for all. To learn more, visit www.jetpacglobal.com
TruTrip streamlines booking, management, and reporting for hassle-free business trips.