Traveling offline these days can be a real pain. Looking for directions, translating a sign, ordering a car, or simply sharing a photo in real time all depend on internet access.
In recent years, eSIMs have become one of the best solutions for staying connected without complications, without relying on physical chips or having to find a local store as soon as you arrive at your destination.
In this post, I'm going to tell you what an eSIM is, how it works, and why it can be your best ally when traveling, especially if you're one of those people who are always moving between different countries.
Table of Contents
How does an eSIM work?
The eSIM is basically a digital SIM integrated into the phone, which replaces the classic physical chip that we used to change every time we arrived in a new country.
Instead of inserting a card, you just need to scan a QR code or install a profile that the provider sends you, and that's it, your phone automatically connects to the local network.
The big advantage is that you can activate the plan before traveling, without waiting in lines at airports or searching for phone stores.
Plus, most phones these days allow you to have two active lines at the same time, so you can continue using your primary number for WhatsApp or calls while using the eSIM for data only.
Advantages:
- Quick installation: You just need to scan a QR code and you're connected in minutes.
- No physical chips: No more losing or changing SIM cards every time you cross a border.
- Ideal for frequent travelers: You can purchase and activate new data plans without leaving the hotel.
- Keep your primary number: Many phones allow you to use your original line for WhatsApp and calls, while the eSIM handles data.
- Variety of options: There are local, regional, and global plans, depending on the type of trip or destination.
Disadvantages:
- Not all phones are supported, especially older models.
- It doesn't always include calls or SMS, as most plans are data-only.
- Variable price: Some options may be more expensive than buying a local chip, especially in affordable countries.
- Once installed, it can't always be reused, so it's a good idea to check before purchasing.
Even so, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, especially if you value comfort and want to avoid complications during your trip.
My experience: from the traditional chip to the digital world
During my travels along the Silk Road, India, China, Morocco, etc., I was using traditional SIMs, mainly because my cell phone — a Samsung A51 — was not compatible with eSIM.
At the time, it seemed like the cheapest option, but the truth is that it was always a challenge arriving in a new country and having to go out and find a local card: comparing prices, understanding the plans, activating the chip, dealing with the language... all of that ended up being time-consuming.
Now that I have a compatible phone, I'm going to take the plunge into the digital world of eSIMs. The idea of landing or crossing a border, scanning a code, and being connected in seconds is incredibly convenient, especially for those of us who travel frequently and want to keep things as simple as possible.
Airalo: the option I chose for my next trips
After comparing several alternatives, I decided on Airalo. Among the huge variety of options available today, this one seemed to me to be the most balanced in terms of price, coverage, and ease of use.
Additionally, it offers plans in more than 200 countries, making it one of the most comprehensive platforms for those of us who travel frequently or visit different regions on the same trip.
Another point in its favor is that, in general, its prices are cheaper than the competition, and the app is quite intuitive; from there you can buy, activate, or recharge your plan in a matter of minutes.
For all these reasons, it seemed like the best option to start using eSIM at my next destinations.
How to purchase and activate an eSIM on Airalo
One of the great advantages of Airalo is how simple the whole process is. You don't need to go to a store or talk to anyone; everything is done directly from the app or website.
Although the Airalo official site has videos and instructions on how to buy and use the eSIM, here is a summary of the main steps:
- Download the Airalo app from the Play Store or App Store and log in (you can create your account in less than a minute).
- Find the country or region you're visiting. For example, you can buy an eSIM just for Türkiye or a regional one that covers all of Southeast Asia or Europe.
- Choose the plan that suits your trip, whether it's by number of days or gigabytes of data.
- Pay directly from the app with card or PayPal. You'll receive the QR code or the automatic installation option in seconds.
- Install the eSIM following the instructions (you can do this before traveling, but activate it only when you arrive at your destination).
- Activate mobile data and that's it: you'll have internet as soon as you land, without wasting time looking for a physical SIM.
If you want to try it, you can buy your plan directly from the following links, and when you do so use my discount code, with which you will get:
- 💸 15% de descuento desde este enlace, si es la primera vez que compran en Airalo. Ingresá el código NEWTOAIRALO15 antes de pagar.
- 💸 10% de descuento desde este enlace, si ya son usuarios y vuelven a recargar o comprar otro plan. Ingresá el código AIRALOESIM10 antes de pagar.
💡 Advice: si tu celular lo permite, podés mantener tu SIM física para seguir usando WhatsApp con tu número habitual, mientras la eSIM se encarga solo de los datos.
Check your cell phone's compatibility
Before purchasing an eSIM, it's essential to make sure your phone is compatible with this technology. Not all devices allow the installation of eSIMs, so checking this detail will save you trouble when you arrive at your destination.
Airalo has a section on its website that lists all compatible devices, so it's a good idea to check in and confirm that your phone is included before purchasing. This ensures the eSIM will work properly and you'll be able to connect instantly when you arrive at your destination.
Conclusion
If your phone is compatible with eSIM, I definitely recommend trying this digital world. The convenience of not having to search for a physical SIM, being able to buy it from home and activate it upon arrival at your destination makes traveling much simpler and faster.
Plus, if you're already a regular Airalo user, you can take advantage of the discount codes the platform offers. If it's your first time, you can also save significantly when purchasing your eSIM for the first time. It's a practical and affordable way to stay connected while traveling.
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