Travelling With an eSIM: Why It's Easier and Safer

Still paying crazy roaming fees on your cell phone when you travel? An eSIM could make your life so much simpler abroad. Because between a cell phone bill that skyrockets and doing a mad dash to find a local SIM card after a long flight, neither option sounds very appealing.

With an eSIM, you can do everything right from your phone, often before you even leave home. That way, when you arrive at your destination, you can connect to the Internet without having to change your SIM card. Most of the time, it'll also cost you a lot less than what your Canadian provider charges.

So if you still haven't made the switch to an eSIM for travelling, here's what you need to know before your next trip.

What Exactly Is an eSIM?

An eSIM works just like a regular SIM card, except there's no little piece of plastic to insert into your phone. It's completely virtual, and you install it directly on your phone through the settings or an app.

Depending on the provider, you'll buy a plan online or through an app, and they'll guide you through the steps to install your eSIM. You just activate it when you need it.

Once you reach your destination, your phone connects to the local mobile network through your eSIM, and that's it! You're connected to the Internet.

How an eSIM Makes Travelling Easier

With an eSIM, you're not stuck with your Canadian mobile provider's daily roaming rates. You can shop around for a plan based on your destination, the length of your trip and how much data you'll actually need.

A lot of the time, it works out cheaper than roaming, or even some of the tourist SIM card plans sold locally. In Thailand, for example, tourist SIM cards can sometimes cost more than what you'd pay for an eSIM.

How an eSIM Can Make Travelling Safer

An eSIM doesn't just make travelling easier. There are also a few benefits when it comes to safety and security.

Stay Connected When You Really Need It

Having Internet access while travelling, without relying on public Wi-Fi, isn't just useful for scrolling through social media or posting pictures on Instagram. A reliable Internet connection can actually keep you out of trouble.

Let's say you need Google Maps to find your hotel or an Uber to get back at night or head to the airport. Even being able to quickly translate something can help when you're trying to communicate with someone who doesn't speak the same language as you.

In those situations, having your own mobile data is a lot better than depending on public Wi-Fi.

Keep Your Canadian Phone Number Active

An eSIM also lets you keep your Canadian phone number active. Before, if you removed your regular SIM card to replace it with a local one, you couldn't receive calls or texts sent to your number back home.

Now, with an eSIM, your regular Canadian SIM card stays in your phone. This means you can still receive verification codes sent to your Canadian number, along with important calls.

You can even keep both lines active at the same time, using your Canadian line for calls and texts and your travel eSIM for mobile data.

Rely Less on Public Wi-Fi

With your own mobile data, you depend a lot less on public Wi-Fi networks. Airports, cafés, hotels and restaurants often offer free Wi-Fi, but these networks don't all have the same level of security, especially when they're open networks.

If you need to access sensitive information or use your banking app, your own cellular data is generally a safer option than connecting to public Wi-Fi.

Avoid Handing Over Your Passport Just Anywhere

In some countries, buying a local SIM card requires identification. You might even have to let a store employee photocopy your passport. Think of those small kiosks tucked away at the back of a shop in Mexico. You might not feel entirely comfortable sharing your personal information there, but when you need mobile data, you don't always have much choice.

With an eSIM from a reputable provider, you can usually take care of everything directly on your phone, often before you even leave home.

What to Check Before Buying an eSIM

Even though the process is relatively simple, there are a few things you should check before leaving on your trip.

Does Your Phone Support eSIMs?

Most newer smartphones support eSIMs, but some older models don't. You also want to make sure your phone isn't locked to your Canadian mobile provider. You'll need an unlocked phone to use a travel eSIM from another company.

Is Your Destination Covered?

Many eSIM providers advertise coverage in more than 200 destinations, but don't automatically assume the country you're visiting is included. Double-check the coverage before buying your plan.

What Type of Plan Is Best for You?

Take a close look at what each plan includes. Some offer data only, while others also include calls and texts.

If you're travelling through several countries, whether it's a Euro trip or a trip around Asia, check out the regional plans. Instead of buying a different eSIM for every destination, you might be able to use the same plan throughout your trip.

Install Your eSIM Before You Leave

Don't wait until you've landed to take care of this!

Choose your provider, install the eSIM on your phone, get familiar with the settings and make sure your payment goes through. It's much easier to sort everything out at home while you still have access to your regular Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Just check when your plan starts, since some providers begin counting the days as soon as you install or activate your eSIM.

Otherwise, you might end up searching for Wi-Fi at the airport just to install the eSIM you bought to avoid searching for Wi-Fi in the first place!

An eSIM: A Good Habit to Pick Up Before Your Next Trip

Obviously, you don't want to spend your whole trip with your nose stuck in your phone! But when you really need Internet access, you'll be glad you have an eSIM ready to go, without having to figure things out on the spot.

And while you're getting everything sorted before leaving, don't forget about travel insurance. With soNomad, you can get a quick quote almost as quickly as you can install your eSIM.