Traveling internationally can be affordable, and you don’t have to rely on winning the lottery to explore the world – not if you know how to watch your pennies. Numerous budget-friendly travel options exist, such as leveraging reward points or miles and choosing the right times to travel, which can result in significant savings. However, there’s a pro tip that can be the most cost-effective investment for your trip: eSIM for international travel. Still in doubt? Keep reading.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding eSIM
An eSIM, which stands for embedded SIM, is the digital counterpart of a traditional physical SIM card. It’s a game-changer for travelers, offering seamless connectivity to foreign networks at minimal cost. Purchasing eSIMs online, downloading them onto your device, and activating them through network settings is incredibly convenient. Plus, removing eSIM from your phone after use is a straightforward process.
Are you still uncertain about its benefits? Let’s compare the expenses of the traditional approach with the cost-effectiveness of using eSIM for the same journey.
2. Easy Roam vs. eSIM for International Travel
I am presently subscribed to Telus, a Canadian mobile service provider that offers the ‘Easy Roam’ feature. This feature allows me to utilize my Canadian plan not only in the US but also in various international destinations. While this feature undoubtedly provides convenience—disabling airplane mode upon arrival—it may not be the most cost-effective option. According to their pricing, a single day of travel within the US incurs a cost of $14, and for other international destinations, it amounts to $16 per day.
Now, imagine if I told you that I recently acquired an eSIM for my upcoming 5-day trip to Las Vegas, and it only cost me $18.19 USD for 5GB of data, valid for 15 days? It becomes apparent that Telus’s seemingly ‘reasonable’ prices are, in reality, quite extravagant.
A quick calculation reveals that opting for an eSIM is approximately 16 times more cost-effective than the ‘Easy Roam’ alternative.
3. Prerequisites for eSIM Adoption
While mobile devices with eSIM and dual SIM capabilities are becoming more common, it’s essential to note that not all devices support eSIM. Before purchasing an eSIM, ensure that your device is compatible. Many devices, including select models from Apple, Samsung, and Pixel, support eSIM functionality.
You can see the eSIM-compatible device list here. If in doubt, you can check it directly by following the steps below:
For iPhone:
- Make sure your phone is not locked to a specific network operator.
- Navigate to Settings – Cellular – Look for an ‘Add Cellular Plan’ or ‘Add eSIM’ or ‘Add Mobile Plan’ option. The presence of this option indicates eSIM compatibility.
For Android:
- Ensure your phone isn’t locked to a specific network operator.
- Navigate to Settings – Connections – Manage SIMs. If you see an ‘Add Mobile Plan’ option, your device is eSIM-compatible.
Please note: that ALL phones purchased from China, Hong Kong, and Macao do not support eSIM. Travelers visiting mainland China and wishing to use an eSIM for prepaid data plans should explore options offered by various global service providers.
4. Obtaining an eSIM for International Travel
4.1. Choosing the Best eSIM Travel Provider: Gohub
If you’re wondering where to find the $18.19 US eSIM with 5GB of data for 15 days that I mentioned earlier, your answer lies with Gohub. Gohub offers eSIM travel services for over 100 countries, making the purchase and installation process hassle-free with clear instructions.
Gohub sets itself apart by offering both data and call (voice or SMS) and data-only plans, providing a wider range of choices.
Benefits of using Gohub eSIM:
- Convenience: Purchase and activate your eSIM online, eliminating the need to search for a local mobile operator during your trip.
- Affordability: Gohub offers a variety of eSIM plans to suit various budgets.
- Reliability: Gohub utilizes reputable networks, ensuring a dependable connection during your travels.
- 24/7 Support: Gohub provides round-the-clock customer support for any eSIM-related issues.
4.2. Acquiring eSIM from Gohub
Getting an eSIM from Gohub is a straightforward process. Visit their website at esimgohub.com, select your destination and trip duration, and a simple search will display suitable packages. Provide your payment details, and upon processing, you’ll receive a QR code for eSIM activation.
5. Installing eSIM on Your Device
Important considerations:
- Ensure a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or 4G) before installing your eSIM.
- Remember that each eSIM profile can be installed only once and cannot be reused or reinstalled after deletion.
For iOS devices:
Navigate to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Data Plans.
Please note: To set up eSIM, your device should have an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) and a compatible operating system version. To activate eSIM, ensure your iPhone is running iOS 12.1 or higher.
For Android devices:
Access Settings > Network and Internet > Mobile Network > Carrier > Add Carrier.
Please note: To set up eSIM, your device should have an internet connection and run a compatible operating system version.
In Conclusion
If your device supports eSIM functionality, integrating it into your travel plans can be a cost-effective solution. The process of acquiring, installing, and utilizing eSIMs is straightforward. Based on my positive experience with Gohub, I highly recommend them to anyone considering eSIM for future journeys.
Click here to enjoy a 20% discount on your first purchase at Gohub
