eSIM Pros and Cons: What Travellers Should Know

eSIM basics

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital version of the traditional SIM card found in your phone. Rather than inserting a plastic card to connect to a mobile network, the eSIM is built into your device and can be activated with a mobile plan online. This allows you to add or switch plans without handling a physical card.

It is a bit like the difference between watching a film on a DVD and streaming it online. With a DVD, you need the disc to play the film, while streaming sends it straight to your device. The old SIM card is the disc, and the eSIM is the digital version you can set up without anything physical.

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Tourists Staying Connected

eSIM vs SIM card: key differences

Getting itAn eSIM can be purchased and set up before you travel. A physical SIM is usually picked up from a shop or kiosk once you arrive at your destination.

Ease of useOnce you have activated your eSIM, you can use it as soon as you arrive. With a physical SIM, you need to buy one and insert it before you can get connected.

Phone compatibilityPhysical SIMs work with nearly every phone. eSIMs are only available on certain compatible phones and tablets.

Passing it onIt is easy to pass a physical SIM to someone else by moving the card to their phone. eSIMs cannot be transferred between devices.

Signal qualityBoth SIM cards and eSIMs use local mobile networks. Neither is automatically better, but many eSIM providers, such as BeachSIM, connect you to multiple networks in the country. This can make them more reliable than some local options.

Advantages of using eSIMs

You can set up an eSIM before you leave home, so your phone will connect to a local network as soon as you land. There is no need to search for a shop or queue at the airport. It is a straightforward way to stay online from the moment you arrive.
If you travel often or visit several countries, you can add multiple eSIM plans to your phone and switch between them. This is useful if you want to use local data in each country or combine plans for different destinations.
Losing or damaging a physical SIM is a real risk when you are on the move. With an eSIM, there is nothing to misplace. All your plans are stored securely inside your phone and can be managed from your settings menu.
Many eSIM plans let you keep your regular phone number active for calls and texts while using local data abroad. This means you can stay in touch with home and use services like WhatsApp and FaceTime without any changes.
If your phone supports dual SIM, you can use your eSIM for data and your physical SIM for calls or texts. This is handy for keeping work and personal numbers separate, or for managing local and home contacts during your trip.
With an eSIM, you do not need to handle tiny SIM cards or risk damaging your device by swapping them in and out. Everything is handled digitally, making it a cleaner and simpler process when you want to change plans or networks.

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Connect Without a Hassle

Disadvantages of using eSIMs

Not every phone works with eSIMs. You will need to check your device is compatible before you buy a plan. Older models and some entry-level phones do not support eSIM, so physical SIMs are still the only option for many travellers.
Once you have installed an eSIM on your phone, it cannot be transferred to another device. This means you cannot simply hand it to a friend or switch it to a new phone if yours stops working during your trip. With a physical SIM, you just move the card.
Some eSIMs only offer data, not calls or texts. If you need a phone number for voice calls or to receive SMS (for banking or two-factor logins), you may need a different solution, or to keep your regular SIM active alongside your eSIM plan.
Setting up an eSIM usually requires an internet connection, which can be awkward if you arrive somewhere with no Wi-fi. You will need to activate your eSIM while still at home or in an airport with free Wi-fi, rather than waiting until after you land.

Will my phone work?

Most recent iPhones and many newer Android phones support eSIM, but not all devices do. To check, you will need to look for something called an EID in your phone's settings. This small detail determines whether you can use an eSIM or should stick with a physical SIM card. Always check before buying a plan, especially for family or friends.

iPhone: Go to Settings, then General, then About, and look for a long number called EID. If you see it, your iPhone is eSIM-ready.
Android: Open Settings, tap Network and internet, then SIMs or Add eSIM. Or dial *#06# and look for EID. Menu names can vary by phone make.
Buying for someone else: Always check their phone too. Do not assume your partner's or child's phone supports eSIM just because yours does.
If your phone can't use one: Buy a local SIM card at your destination. For these travellers, a physical SIM still works perfectly and is the better choice.

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An iPhone and Android Phone

How eSIMs are a great choice for travellers

Keep your local phone number active on FaceTime, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger while using mobile data abroad.
Avoid the high roaming fees your local provider charges when you travel abroad.
With an eSIM, you can organise your mobile plan in advance, so you are set up before you go. There is no pressure to sort things out at the airport, and you can get connected as soon as you arrive without any extra steps.
eSIMs are especially handy for multi-country trips. You can add several plans to your device and switch between them as you cross borders, which means you always have local data without buying a new SIM each time.
If your trip is last minute, eSIMs make it easy to get mobile data quickly. You can purchase and activate a plan online right before you leave or even while waiting at your departure gate.

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Get Connected as You Land

Things to consider before getting an eSIM

Destination coverageMake sure the eSIM works in every country you're visiting.

Network qualityCheck which local networks the eSIM connects to and whether they have good coverage where you'll be travelling.

Data allowanceLook at how much data you get and whether it will be enough for maps, messaging, social media and streaming.

PriceCompare the cost with local physical SIMs and other travel eSIM providers.

Validity periodCheck how long the plan lasts and when the validity period starts.

Activation processIdeally, activation should be simple, with clear instructions and no need to visit a shop.

Hotspot supportIf you plan to use your laptop or share your connection, check whether mobile hotspot/tethering is allowed.

Calls and SMSSome eSIMs are data-only, while others include a phone number, calls and SMS.

Phone compatibilityMake sure your phone supports eSIMs and is unlocked for use with other networks.

Customer supportIf something goes wrong when you land, having responsive support can make a big difference.

BeachSIM for your travel eSIM needs

BeachSIM provides eSIM coverage for your chosen destination, with clear pricing and a range of plans. You can check that your planned trip is covered, see which networks are available, and review the data allowance and validity period for each plan. All details about activation, hotspot support and whether calls or SMS are included are set out on the product page. Customer support is available if you need help. Take a look at the plans for your next destination here: Explore

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BeachSIM for Your Next Trip

FAQs

When should I buy and set up my eSIM?It is best to buy and set up your eSIM before you leave for your trip. This way, you can make sure it is working while you still have Wi-fi access, and you will be connected as soon as you land.

Can I turn off my eSIM and turn it back on?You can switch your eSIM off and on as often as you need. Turning it off simply disables it for the moment. Your plan and number remain safely saved on your phone, so nothing is lost.

Does an eSIM work without wi-fi?You need Wi-fi to install and activate your eSIM, but after that, it uses mobile data for internet access. This means you must set up your eSIM where Wi-fi is available, then rely on mobile data while travelling.

Do I turn off the primary SIM when using eSIM?You do not need to turn off your primary SIM when using an eSIM. Keep it active if you want to receive calls or texts. If you are abroad, turn off data roaming to prevent unexpected charges.

Does my eSIM drain my batteryAn eSIM does not use more battery than a physical SIM. Both connect your phone to the network using the same parts inside your device, so you will not see any difference in battery life.

Is an eSIM cheaper than roaming?Travel eSIMs are usually much less expensive than roaming on your home network. They are a practical way to avoid high fees, letting you use mobile data abroad without worrying about unexpected charges.