The problem: paying big prices for very little data on holiday. Or, having to get a whole new SIM card at the airport, which means no one has your number while you’re away. The solution: an eSIM.
An eSIM is an embedded SIM card, so it’s all digital – the data package is downloaded directly to your phone. No new SIM card, no new phone number, and you can do it all before you go. Buy one online and simply activate it when you get to your destination by scanning a QR code.
Sold? You can buy one with our partner, Mozio, as part of our Holiday Extras. Read on for all the info…
How it works
eSIM technology makes getting data abroad super easy. Since the UK left the European Union, a lot of our data plans now carry roaming charges to access the internet in Europe and beyond. But, with an eSIM, you avoid paying those roaming fees or international add-ons by getting local coverage instead. It’s what buying a local physical SIM card from the airport allows you to do – except, in this case, you don’t have to worry about losing your original SIM card and changing numbers.
Once you’ve bought your eSIM, you’ll get an email with a QR code to to install it. Some eSIMs will activate as soon as you scan the QR code, regardless of your location. Others will activate in your destination once they’re connected to a supported network. Either way, as soon as you’ve arrived, you can get connected – you won’t need the data until then anyway.
eSIM plans are usually data-only, allowing you to use apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime to make internet-based calls and messages, as well as browsing online. But it’s used alongside your physical SIM card – hence keeping the same digits – so calls and texts received or sent by your phone number can be charged by your home network.
How to find out if your device is compatible
Almost every new phone these days features eSIM technology. All iPhones from iPhone 13 onwards have dual-SIM support, where you can use multiple eSIM profiles on one device. The iPhone 15 doesn’t even have a physical SIM card slot, so all users automatically transfer to eSIM.
We’d recommend checking that your phone is eSIM-compatible first, before buying one – just to make sure. Our partner, Mozio has a few ways of doing this…
Check your device is on their list of eSIM-compatible devices.
Check your iOS device is compatible and your carrier is unlocked:
- Go to Settings > General > About
- Scroll down to ‘Carrier Lock’ or ‘Network Provider Lock’
- It should say ‘No SIM restrictions’ and you should have IMEI numbers for both a physical SIM and a digital SIM to show your device is compatible. This might also show as a primary SIM and available SIM, depending on your phone.
Check your Android device supports eSIM:
- Go to Settings
- Type ‘IMEI’ into the search bar and ‘IMEI information’ or similar should show up. If you don’t have a search bar, go to About phone > Status.
- Under IMEI information, if ‘IMEI (eSIM)’ is available, then your device is e-SIM-compatible.
- You can also dial *#06# and if your device supports eSIM, an eSIM unique identification number should show up under ‘EID’.
How you get one
We’ve partnered with Mozio to offer you eSIM data plans in 190+ countries around the world. Pick and purchase yours here.
- Pick a destination and the data package that works for you
- After payment, check your inbox for a confirmation email, which has your QR code and installation instructions
- In your destination, scan the QR code to activate your eSIM, make sure roaming is switched on, and get connected
The perks
Save money
Naturally, the biggest perk of getting an eSIM is saving money. You avoid paying your provider’s roaming charges and international add-ons and can just pay for what you need. Your data package at home might be more than you’ll use abroad, or you might want more cover in case of emergencies. So, pick a package that suits your situation and that might also mean you get charged less.
Save waste
Yep, eSIMs are better for the environment, too. The digital process cuts the carbon footprint from manufacturing and shipping physical SIM cards all over the world almost in half.
Save time
The fact that you can pre-buy your eSIM online and activate it as soon as you arrive in your destination means you don’t have to visit an actual shop or wait in a queue at the airport to buy one. The whole process is so quick and easy and even if you do need some help, Mozio is on hand 24/7.
Find out more about our partnership with Mozio and how to get picky with an eSIM on our eSIM page.
Looking for more articles? You’ll find them on the Inspire homepage.
Author: Lily Owen
Last updated: 28/08/2024
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