Why We Switched to eSIMs for Travel
We’re happy we made the switch. These days, we land in a new country, our phones connect automatically, and we’re online in minutes.
No more queues at kiosks. No more lost SIMs. Just easy, breezy travel with reliable internet.
So go ahead—ditch the plastic, go digital, and stay connected the smart way!
Travel Smarter: And Why You Might Want to Too!
There was a time when arriving in a new country meant one thing: hunting down a SIM card. Sometimes, we’d score one right at the airport. At other times, we wandered through unfamiliar streets, looking for a tiny mobile store while jet-lagged and dragging our luggage. Sound familiar?
**Gone are the days of digging out that tiny SIM tool (or a paperclip!), popping out your regular SIM card, and swapping it for a new one—no more frantic searches for a mobile store in a new city. The convenience of eSIMs is a game-changer.
And don’t forget to stash your original SIM somewhere safe—or risk playing “Where did I put that thing?!” when you get back home!
With eSIMs, the process is a breeze. No more fumbling with tiny tools or worrying about losing your original SIM. It’s a simple and efficient solution that we’ve fully adopted.
All the Ways We’ve Stayed Online While Exploring the World
1- Roaming on Our Cell Plan!
We could roam with our usual provider. However, it meant paying a daily fee, using up our existing data limits, and still paying our regular monthly bill. It added up fast. We learned to say “no, thank you” to this pricey option.
2- Free WiFi (When You Can Find It)
Who doesn’t love free WiFi? We’ve used hotel WiFi, cafés, airports—even public squares. But free WiFi isn’t always fast or secure.
3- WiFi Hotspot
Back in the day, you could sometimes spot a WiFi pole or sign on the street and stand nearby to catch a signal. Yep, we’ve lingered on a sidewalk or two for a bit of internet—those were the days!
4- Local SIM Cards
Ah, the classic traveller move. You can buy a SIM when you arrive. It’s affordable, but it means taking out your home SIM (and hoping you don’t lose it). Also, you often need a new SIM for every country you visit. It got tiring—and expensive.
We love eSIMs because!!
It’s a digital SIM card. No plastic. No swapping. You scan a QR code or download a plan, and voilà—your phone is connected!
**No more fumbling with SIM trays.
**Plans are available for countries, regions, or even global coverage.
**You can often install multiple eSIMs and switch between them.
**They’re generally cheaper and more flexible than roaming or physical SIMs.
But there are a few catches…
No phone number. Most eSIM plans are data-only. You can pay more for adding an international phone number. (I try, and if you’re like me, it’s a hassle!)
For calls, we use Skype, WhatsApp, or Telegram. It is free.
SMS Verifications (Like Banking)?
We keep our Canadian number active, but it can be a bit of a hassle. To receive verification texts (such as for banking), we need to temporarily switch off the eSIM and turn our home line back on.
And don’t forget to turn it off again—or you might get hit with roaming charges!
The good news? Most Canadian plans don’t charge for receiving texts while abroad, so at least the message itself won’t cost you.
Our Experience With eSIM Providers
Airalo: Our Favourite So Far, after trying a few!!
Airalo won us over with:
*A wide variety of plans (single country, regional, global).
*Great prices.
*Seamless connectivity.
*Solid customer service.
We’ve had consistently good experiences with Airalo—and yes, we’re still using it!
**Go ahead and try another name for your eSIM; you might find one you like better. **
Be sure your phone supports eSIM — older models typically don’t. You can check compatibility before purchasing your eSIM.
Conclusion:
Be sure your phone supports eSIM — older models typically don’t. You can check compatibility before purchasing your eSIM.
**Go ahead and try another name for your eSIM; you might find one you like better.
P.S. If you’re not a frequent flyer or prefer a little extra help, pop into an Orange store (or another local mobile shop). The staff are usually friendly and will happily install the SIM card for you—no stress.
Final Thoughts: Is an eSIM Right For You? If you:
*Travel often,
*Want to skip the SIM-swapping hassle,
*Like flexible, pay-as-you-go data,
*Don’t rely heavily on traditional phone calls…
Then, yes, eSIMs are worth it!
