In the world of travel, connectivity is king. But until recently, staying connected abroad often meant battling with sluggish data speeds, exorbitant roaming fees, or the hassle of acquiring physical SIM cards in every new destination.
Enter eSIMs, the game-changer in global connectivity. In this post, we’ll dive into what eSIMs are, why they’re worth the investment, and why GigSky (the sponsor of this post) is your ultimate travel companion.
What on Earth is an eSIM?
Imagine a SIM card, but virtual. That’s essentially what an eSIM (embedded SIM) is. Instead of a physical chip you swap in and out of your phone, an eSIM is built directly into your device, allowing you to switch between mobile networks and plans with a few taps on your screen.
The Pre-eSIM Era: A Saga of Unlocked Phones and Roaming Woes
Before eSIMs graced us with their presence, international travelers faced a conundrum. Either they had to have unlocked phones and wrestle with physical SIM cards upon arrival in a new country, or suffer the consequences of sky-high roaming fees that could rival the cost of a fine dining meal.
Sure, some carriers offered roaming packages, but they often came with speed throttling, leaving you with a connection that moved at a glacial pace.
I was introduced to the world of eSIMs when I upgraded to the iPhone 14, which no longer has a physical SIM slot. For our trip to Japan last winter, I tried an eSIM and was wowed by how much easier it was than any other method.
I’d gotten comfortable with just buying SIM cards on arrival over the years, but that was always a bit of a gamble – would they even have them at the airport? Would they be overpriced (like in Bali?) If I landed later at night, would I be able to buy one at all? Since I rely on my phone for navigation and it makes me feel safer being connected when traveling solo, eSIMs eliminate that worry.
Enter the eSIM: Connectivity at Your Fingertips
With eSIMs, the days of frantic SIM swapping or bracing for outrageous roaming charges are over. Now, travelers can breathe easy knowing they can stay connected right from the moment they land, without the need for physical SIM cards. It’s a major time-saver, too. Gone are the days of searching out a store and waiting in line to buy a SIM card.
Simply purchase an eSIM plan before your trip, activate it (but don’t start using it until you land at which point you’ll turn it on, and turn on roaming for the card as well) and voilà – you’re ready to rock and roll the moment your plane touches down. Gigsky also offers 100MB free if you want to test it before buying.
How Do eSIMs Work?
The beauty of eSIM technology lies in its simplicity. Once you’ve purchased an eSIM plan from a provider like GigSky, activating it is a breeze. Just scan a QR code or download a profile, and your device is instantly connected to the local network in your destination country.
My first time using an eSIM, I need a little bit of help from support in order to get it going. I learned that you need to turn on roaming for your eSIM specifically for data. You can still have your home SIM card in place for your phone number and phone calls, text messages, etc. The other nice thing is you can have several eSIMs on your phone at once, so if you will be popping in and out of a country, you can keep the SIM on your phone. With eSIMs, it’s all about convenience.
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The only downside is eSIMs tend to be data-only. This isn’t a huge deal if you don’t need to make local calls (and as long as you set up WiFi calling on an iPhone before leaving home, you can make calls over WiFi). If I do need to make a local call, I usually use the Skype app on my phone to do so at a cost of a few cents.
Why Invest in an eSIM?
The question isn’t why invest in an eSIM – it’s why wouldn’t you? Here are just a few reasons why eSIMs are worth every penny:
Convenience: Say goodbye to the hassle of hunting down physical SIM cards in every new country you visit. With an eSIM, you can activate your plan before you even embark on your journey, ensuring seamless connectivity from the get-go.
Cost-Efficiency: Sure, roaming fees may seem like a necessary evil, but they can quickly add up. With eSIMs, you have the freedom to choose from a range of affordable plans tailored to your travel needs, without the fear of bill shock upon your return home.
Flexibility: Whether you’re a frequent globetrotter or an occasional traveler, eSIMs offer flexibility. Switch between plans and carriers with ease, ensuring you always have the best possible connectivity no matter where your adventures take you.
Why GigSky?
When it comes to eSIM providers, GigSky stands head and shoulders above the rest. Here’s why:
Global Coverage: With GigSky, you’re not just limited to a handful of countries – their eSIM plans offer coverage in over 190 destinations worldwide, ensuring you stay connected wherever your travels take you.
Affordability: GigSky understands that staying connected shouldn’t break the bank. Their eSIM plans are competitively priced, offering excellent value for money without compromising on quality. They also offer your first 100MB free, which, while not much, is enough to test the service before you buy it.
Ease of Use: Activating a GigSky eSIM is simple thanks to their user-friendly interface and seamless integration with a wide range of devices. With just a few taps, you’ll be ready to roam in no time.
Customer Support: Should you encounter any issues or have any questions, GigSky’s dedicated customer support team is on hand to assist you 24/7, ensuring your travel experience is as smooth as possible.
In a world where staying connected is more important than ever, eSIMs are an amazing tool for travelers seeking convenience, affordability, and flexibility.
*Thanks to GigSky for sponsoring this post. Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Your trust always comes first!
Jazzlyn Roth says
Interesting! I have been using Better roaming esims. Good connectivity and prices, especially for Apple watch family setup.