SIM or eSIM for Travel: How to Get Internet Abroad
- May 23
- 7 min read
Difference between a traditional SIM card and an eSIM installed via QR code.
When we are at home, we almost never think about the SIM card inside our phone.
It has been there for years and simply works: we can make calls, send messages and use the internet without worrying too much about it.
But when we travel abroad, the questions start.
Will my phone work the same way as at home?
Will I be charged a lot for using mobile data?
Do I need to buy a SIM card in the country I’m visiting?
What exactly is an eSIM?
The good news is that having internet while travelling is much easier today than it was a few years ago.
For a long time, the only option was buying a local SIM card after arriving at your destination. Now there is also a very convenient alternative the eSIM, which can be installed digitally on your phone without changing any physical card.
In this guide we will explain, in a simple way
what a SIM card is
what an eSIM is
the different options you have when travelling
how to get internet in another country
a few tips to avoid common problems
The idea is that, the next time you travel, you will know exactly what to do with your phone.
What Is the SIM Card We Normally Use?
A SIM card is the small chip card inside your phone.
Thanks to it, your mobile operator knows:
your phone number
your mobile plan
whether you can use mobile data
Without a SIM card, the phone would still work with WiFi, but you would not be able to make calls or use mobile internet.
In everyday life we rarely think about it because it simply works.
The topic becomes important when travelling abroad.
What Happens to Your Phone When You Travel Abroad?
When you leave your country, there are usually three ways to use your phone.
Using Your Normal Plan (Roaming)
Roaming allows your phone to work in another country using local mobile networks.
Inside the European Union, you can normally use your mobile plan as if you were at home.
But outside Europe, roaming can become very expensive.
For that reason, many travellers look for alternatives such as a local SIM card or an eSIM.
On the blog you can also find a more detailed article explaining how roaming works and when it can become expensive.
How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM (in 10 Seconds)
There are two quick ways to check.
Option 1
Go to:
Settings → Mobile Data → Add eSIM
If that option appears, your phone supports eSIM.
Option 2
Search online:
your phone model + eSIM
For example:
iPhone 13 eSIM
Samsung Galaxy S21 eSIM
Buying a Local SIM Card
For many years this was the most common solution.
When you arrive in a country you buy a SIM card from a local operator.
Advantages
cheaper mobile data
local mobile rates
Disadvantages
you need to find a shop
you must change the SIM card
you need to keep your original SIM safe
it can take some time
Before buying a local SIM card, it is important to check that your phone is unlocked.
This means it can use SIM cards from any operator.
Nowadays most phones are unlocked, but if you are unsure, your operator can confirm it for you.
Using a Travel eSIM
An eSIM allows you to install a mobile line on your phone without changing any physical card.
You only need to scan a QR code and within a few minutes you will have internet access.
The biggest advantage is that you can prepare everything before leaving home.
What Exactly Is an eSIM?
An eSIM (“embedded SIM”) is a small chip already built into the phone.
Instead of inserting a physical SIM card, the operator sends you a QR code.
When you scan it
the phone downloads the mobile line
the data plan becomes active
you can start using the internet
The whole process usually takes less than five minutes.
Physical SIM vs eSIM for Travel
Feature | Physical SIM | eSIM |
Installation | Buy a SIM card | Scan a QR code |
Activation | In a shop | Directly on the phone |
Time required | Can take longer | 2–5 minutes |
Need to remove SIM | Yes | No |
Best for | Long stays | Short trips |
How to Get a SIM Card for Travel
If you prefer using a physical SIM card, you have several options.
Buying at the Airport
Convenient, but usually more expensive.
Buying in a Local Shop
Normally the cheapest option.
Local operators can also help you install it.
Buying an International Travel SIM Before the Trip
Some companies sell travel SIM cards that can be delivered to your home before travelling.
How to Get an eSIM for Travel
Travel eSIMs are usually bought online.
The process normally works like this:
choose the country you are visiting
buy a data plan
receive a QR code
scan it on your phone
activate the plan when you arrive
Everything can be prepared before leaving home.
The Difference Between a Data eSIM and an eSIM With a Phone Number
Not all eSIMs work in the same way.
Data eSIM
This is the most common option for travellers.
It allows internet access for:
WhatsApp
maps
social media
apps
It usually does not include a phone number.
Even if the eSIM only includes data, you can still use WhatsApp or Telegram with your normal number because these apps are linked to your phone number, not to the SIM card itself.
eSIM With a Phone Number
This type includes a local phone number.
It allows:
phone calls
SMS messages
mobile data
These plans are usually less common and slightly more expensive.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Travel SIM
These are some very common mistakes.
Not Checking if the Phone Is Compatible
Some older phones do not support eSIM.
Buying at the Airport Without Comparing Prices
Airport options are usually more expensive.
Choosing Too Little Data
Maps, social media and videos can use a lot of internet data.
Not Installing the eSIM Before Travelling
It is better to install it calmly before leaving home.
Traveller’s Tip
How Much Data Do You Need for One Week of Travel?
As a general guideline, many travellers choose plans between 10 GB and 20 GB for one week.
That is usually enough for:
maps and navigation
sending WhatsApp messages and photos
searching information online
transport and booking apps
If you watch many videos or share internet with other devices, you may need a larger plan.
If you mainly use your phone for maps, messages and searching information, it is unusual to spend more than 2–3 GB per day.
A Small Trick That Helps Avoid Problems
Install the eSIM before the trip, but activate mobile data only when you arrive at your destination.
That way you avoid using data before your trip starts.
Quick Checklist Before Travelling With Your Phone
Before leaving home, it is worth checking:
✔ whether your phone supports eSIM
✔ whether you will use roaming, a local SIM or an eSIM
✔ offline maps downloaded
✔ the eSIM QR code saved
✔ the SIM eject pin packed
✔ that the phone is unlocked
Two Small Experiences Using eSIM While Travelling
When You Discover Your Phone Is Not Compatible
The first time I tried using a travel eSIM, I made a very common mistake: I did not check whether my phone supported eSIM.
I bought the plan thinking everything would be simple, but when I tried to install it, I discovered my phone was not compatible.
At first I thought I had lost my money.
Fortunately, that was not the case.
In my situation it happened with Holafly, and the plan was never activated because the eSIM was never installed.
Since it was not downloaded to the phone, the validity period never started.
Since then I always recommend one thing first
check compatibility before buying.
Arriving in a Country With Internet Ready Immediately
On another trip I used an eSIM the right way.
I bought the plan a few days before travelling, installed the QR code calmly at home and prepared everything in advance.
When I arrived at the airport, I only needed to activate mobile data.
Within seconds I had internet access to:
check the map
order transport
let people know I had arrived safely
After years of searching for airport WiFi, having internet immediately after landing feels incredibly convenient.
Popular eSIM Companies for Travellers
There is no single “best” eSIM for everyone.
It depends on the country, the amount of data you need and your budget.
Today there are many companies selling travel eSIMs.
Most work in a similar way: you choose your destination, buy a data plan and receive a QR code.
Company | What It Offers | Advantages | Things to Consider |
Holafly | Data plans for many countries | Very easy to use | Slightly more expensive |
Airalo | Plans by country or region | Usually affordable | Limited data |
Nomad | Good coverage in Asia | Many destinations | Less well known |
Ubigi | Works in many countries | Good network coverage | Less intuitive app |
Conclusion
For many years, the only way to have internet while travelling was buying a local SIM card.
Today there is a much more convenient alternative the eSIM, which allows you to activate mobile data abroad without changing the SIM card inside your phone.
If your phone supports it, it can be a very practical solution, especially for short trips.
In any case the important thing is knowing that different options exist and choosing the one that best fits your trip.
With a little preparation, you can avoid unexpected charges and arrive at your destination with internet ready to use from the very first moment.
And once the internet connection is sorted out, all that is left is to enjoy the trip.
If you think this might help someone, feel free to share it.
Comments