eSIM for Travelers: The Pros and the Cons

Over the past year, the term “eSIM” has become a part of our lexicon. But not everyone knows what an eSIM actually is. It’s not an electronic SIM-card, as some of us think. An eSIM is an embedded SIM card inside of your smartphone. Actually built into it, or any other device that supports this technology. It’s easy to activate an eSIM, you just scan the QR code sent to you by your carrier.

It should become easier to travel with the arrival of eSIM technology. You won’t have to use international roaming on your home carrier anymore which may have some financial, traffic volume, and speed issues associated with it. You’ll also free yourself from an aggravating search for rate plans with local carriers in an unknown country. Now, you can arrange everything prior to your trip. Search and select rate plans on the website of the carrier’s website. After you pay online, you’ll get a QR code and go on your trip with an activated eSIM for travel.

How Ideal is an eSIM for Travel?

Even with all the convenience eSIM technology offers, is it an optimal solution for travelers? Is using an eSIM ideal compared to international roaming fees? eSIM technology is not available in all smartphone models. For this reason, not everyone can use it. Besides, if your smartphone is locked to a particular carrier, then it’s not possible to use a rate plan for eSIM–offered by other carriers. Moreover, not all carriers support this new technology. And, even in those countries where this technology already exists, there might be connection problems because not all equipment is properly set up.

Also, if your smartphone stops working, you cannot simply replace the eSIM card like you can with an ordinary SIM card. You’ll have to go into the office of a mobile carrier to restore your eSIM card, then activate it on another smartphone. Just imagine this happening during your trip. First, you’ll spend time searching for the office of a local carrier. Then, you’ll have to explain what happened and what you need. If you don’t know the local language, this task will become even more difficult. This new technology is still going through the setup process, so it’s better not to rush the usage of eSIM technology right now. Wait until it’s fully up and running before using it for international travel.

Is There an Alternative to Using an eSIM?

The global operator POND mobile offers you a much easier solution than using an eSIM: World Phone rate plans with international roaming in 210+ countries around the world. With POND mobile, you can choose any SIM card and World Phone rate plan with a fixed monthly subscription fee. Depending on the plan you choose, you’ll get a certain amount of GB, minutes for voice calls, and SMS. No matter what country you go to, the rate will not change–it’s one for the whole world. You’ll also get a U.S. number with a POND mobile SIM card and the possibility of adding local numbers from 90+ countries. With a POND mobile SIM card, you’ll feel at home anywhere in the world.