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Here’s a shocking fact: People love to travel!
And when anyone travels, they likely carry a cellular device in hand…at all times. Let’s admit it — you never know when a photo opportunity will surface or when you want to call a friend or family member to share the experience.
It’s pretty simple for people to become absentminded while outside of the comfort of their own homes. It’s also typical for people to forget the unexpected charges they’ll receive on the following month’s phone bill, especially while traveling internationally.
Don’t come home well-rested from your tropical vacation and then find yourself wincing as you fall into disgust over your next phone bill. eSIMs can help.
The Power of the SIM Card: What Does It Store?
To kick off this discussion, let’s be clear: SIM cards do not store videos and photos. Essentially, SIM Cards access and archive your:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Account Information
- Contact List (or, if you’re old school, your Phone Book)
- Text Messages, both SMS and MMS
- Authentication Keys
Since the SIM serves as the “brain” of your phone, your privacy and anonymity are essential. This info may not be something you want to share with your social circle.
Specifics on eSIM: What Is It All About?
We won’t assume you know what an eSIM card is. So, let’s take the time to define it.
Starting with the basics, eSIM stands for “embedded subscriber identify module” in tech speak. Breaking it down a little more, it’s software built into a cell phone, allowing the phone to talk to the associated phone number.
No SIM card? You’ll have a difficult time using your phone — it’s basically worthless without one. The SIM cards perform a lot of the legwork and are essentially why you can receive a call, a text, or even scroll through social media.
The Birth of eSIM and Its Future
The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSMA) is to thank for the invention of the eSIM. This technology didn’t originate in the cell phone. Consumers found it through their vehicles, smart home devices, and other electronics.
eSIMs have high forecasted growth over the next few years. In 2023, the market generated 4.7 billion dollars. In 2027, it is projected to reach 16.3 billion dollars! That’s a 2.5% increase.
Businesses are catching on to eSIMs and using them to increase their return on investment (ROI). Its sister, the iSIM, is under development, too. The “i” stands for “integrated,” and it is not meant to replace eSIMs necessarily. They’re looking to optimize the product in the future as cell phones and devices decrease in size.
Determining If Your Phone Supports eSIM
Which side of the cell phone force are you on, Android or Apple?
The method of determining which phones support eSIM isn’t rocket science, thankfully. First, check with the phone manufacturer. If you have time, try referring to the phone instructions.
For Apple iPhone users, models before the iPhone 11 are generally incompatible with eSIMs. There's no use stressing, though: The physical SIM card is still an option. And did you know that Apple iPhones allow you to set up to 20 eSIMs? This might be good news to some of you Apple loyalists.
For Android users, the answer is straightforward. Android works differently than Apple. Based on where the phone is manufactured and the carriers' guidelines, Android may or may not support eSIM cards.
A quick way to check is under your settings. If you can select the option to enable an eSIM card, then it’s supported!
Installing Your eSIM Card
The reviews are in, and more often than not, the response is that the installation itself is effortless. It should only take a few minutes. Once you get the green light that the software downloaded successfully, you’ll be on your merry way to your next European vacation.
The defined steps to install the eSIM card may vary by cell phone manufacturer. Your carrier should have instructions to guide you through the steps to download the eSIM and get started. Using a QR code is one example, generated by the cell carrier.
eSIM Versus Physical SIM Card
Do you prefer having a plastic, tangible, compact device on hand? Or do you risk the move forward with digital transformations, using software unseen to the eye?
About the Physical SIM Card
Nearing three decades ago, the original SIM cards date back to the 1990s when they were created. They made their first debut to consumers in 2016, enabling the capacity for a cell phone to connect to the wireless carrier’s network.
SIM cards come in different sizes, such as nano, micro, and standard. Standard SIM cards measure 25mm x 15mm x 0.76mm. The nano SIM card supersedes the charts on the popular list of the latest phone models, measuring 12.3mm x 8.8mm x 0.67.
Generally, the size does not matter as standard SIM cards are made as adapters, having plenty of space for a micro or nano SIM card to snap into like a battery in a remote control.
The SIM cards fluctuate with memory or how much data can be saved. Older SIM cards may not support 5G networks. It’s worth the extra time to ensure your phone is compatible.
Pros and Cons Between Physical SIM Cards and eSIM Cards
Knowing the pros and cons between physical SIM cards and eSIM cards may help you decide which side you choose — the small card that is easily misplaced or the invisible card that is also greener for the environment:
- eSIM cards are delivered to you instantly. Physical SIM cards are visible and packaged, requiring them to be purchased in-store or handed to you by your mail carrier.
- eSIM cards are activated digitally, sometimes with the assistance of your carrier’s helpdesk. Physical SIM cards require you to search your phone for the hidden compartment to insert a physical SIM card before activation. Make sure you have a safety pin or paper clip handy!
- eSIM cards are transferable between carriers, whereas physical SIM Cards lock, making it more difficult to move between carriers. Remember all those broadcasts on jailbreak techniques?
- eSIM cards welcome the use of dual lines. Physical SIM cards have stricter rules, limiting the usage to one line.
- eSIM cards are not easily stolen since they are embedded in your phone. This is a bit different than physical SIM cards, which can be taken and copied if fallen into the wrong hands.
- eSIM cards require your phone to be charged and powered on. Physical SIM cards may take the lead if you have a secondary phone handy to re-assign the SIM card to when your phone is on low battery.
Is It Possible To Have the Best of Both Worlds?
Most phones with eSIMs also allow the use of SIM cards. Will there come a day when this ceases? Maybe.
For now, if you can use dual SIMs, utilize the benefit. Dual SIMs translate to dual phone lines run on the same device.
What About Travel eSIM Phone Numbers?
It might sound cumbersome, but having an eSIM phone number while seeing the world is valuable. The journey to the destination is just half of the battle. Wouldn’t it be satisfying to step off the airplane and immediately have your connection switch to a local network?
Traveling Internationally with eSIM Cards
With your bags packed and ready to roll, using eSIM phone numbers can be the final step in your journey.
No one dreams about misplacing their cell phone while taking in the culture, architecture, and scenery, especially in a foreign country. If push comes to shove — and this does indeed happen — don’t fret. eSIM cards are sold by carriers globally, not just in the U.S.
Don’t get caught off guard at the end of your travels with a hefty phone bill because of roaming charges. eSIMs are the cheaper, more affordable option.
And for all those introverts out there, you’ll be pleased to hear that you won’t have to walk up to the counter of a restaurant to ask for the Wi-Fi password if you choose an eSIM Card.
It’s Time To Sign Up
Both physical SIM cards and eSIM cards have advantages and disadvantages. Assess your needs first since one may be more beneficial than the other. Every situation is different, of course.
Similar to eSIM phone numbers, Burner apps are another option available to you. Check out Burner today to choose the phone number you’d like to use, recycle it at any time, and keep your private life hidden. As captain of your ship, keep calm and stay in control (yes, the ship is a metaphor for your cell phone).
Sources:
eSIM - statistics & facts | Statista
eSIM Cards FAQ | Federal Communications Commission
What Is An eSIM | Pros And Cons Explained | Forbes Advisor UK
