Why You Need An eSIM For Your Next Trip And How It Will Change The Way You Travel
Remember the days of fumbling with tiny SIM cards at the airport, praying you didn't lose that microscopic tool to pop open your phone tray? Good news: Those days are officially numbered. If you're planning your next trip, whether it's a quick European city break or a long-haul adventure, there's a smarter, much easier way to stay connected — and it's called an esim. So, what exactly is an eSIM? Short for "embedded SIM", an eSIM is a small chip built directly into your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. It works just like a traditional SIM card — letting your device connect to a mobile network — but you don't have to insert anything physically. Instead, you can instantly download mobile plans, switch providers without swapping cards, and manage multiple numbers from your settings. It's a game changer, especially for travel.
All You Need To Know About Using An eSIM For Your Next Trip:
Why eSIMs Make Travelling So Much Better
First off, no more queuing at tiny airport kiosks trying to buy a local SIM with patchy Wi-Fi and a dubious language barrier. With an eSIM, you can sort out your mobile data before you leave home. Services like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad let you buy local, regional, or global plans online. You scan a QR code or download a profile directly to your device, and boom — you're connected the moment you land.
Another massive win? No more worrying about losing your primary SIM card. Travellers used to juggle their original SIMs, tucking them into wallets (or worse, the bottoms of rucksacks) only to panic later when they couldn't find them. With an eSIM, your original number stays untouched, and you simply activate a temporary travel plan alongside it. Dual SIM functionality means you can keep using your regular WhatsApp, banking apps, and texts while enjoying local rates abroad.
The Tech You Need To Know
Before you get too excited, check if your device supports eSIMs. Most newer smartphones do: think iPhone XR and later, Google Pixel 3 and onwards, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and above. Many new tablets and wearables, like the latest iPads and Apple Watches, are also eSIM-ready. It's worth noting that not all mobile networks fully support eSIM technology yet, especially in more remote parts of the world. But coverage is growing fast. According to GSMA, the association representing mobile operators, eSIM adoption is set to triple over the next few years. Translation: If it's not available where you're heading today, it probably will be soon.
How To Set Up An eSIM
Setting up an eSIM is refreshingly simple. After purchasing a travel data plan, you'll usually receive a QR code via email. Go into your phone's settings, select "Add Mobile Plan", scan the code, and follow a few on-screen instructions. That's it. In some cases, you might download an app (like Airalo's) to manage your plan directly. Pro tip: Set it up before you fly. You'll avoid stress and any roaming charges that might kick in as you search for a cafe with Wi-Fi in a new country.
Also Read: 5 Airline Stopover Programmes That Offer You (Almost) Free Mini-Vacations
Why It's Totally Worth It
Not only does using an eSIM save you money — no overpriced airport SIMs or outrageous roaming charges — but it also gives you serious peace of mind. Imagine landing in Tokyo, Paris, or Cape Town and instantly hailing an Uber, finding your Airbnb, or checking in with family without breaking a sweat. Plus, most eSIM providers offer transparent, pay-as-you-go rates, so you're not tied into sneaky contracts or hidden fees. You buy what you need, when you need it. For frequent travellers, digital nomads, and even casual holidaymakers, eSIMs are quickly becoming the no-brainer choice. They're flexible, secure, and ridiculously convenient — everything modern travel should be.
Popular Network Providers For International Travel
1. Airalo: 200+ countries including USA, UK, France, Japan, Thailand, Australia, India, Mexico
2. Holafly: 160+ countries including USA, Canada, UK, Europe (regional), Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil
3. Saily: 150+ countries including USA, UK, Germany, Australia, UAE, Turkey, Singapore
4. Ubigi: 190+ countries including USA, UK, France, Italy, China, UAE, South Africa, Japan
5. Nomad: 165+ countries including USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia
6. Jetpac: 70+ countries including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe
7. Instabridge: 100+ countries including USA, India, Brazil, Philippines, South Africa, UK
8. Flexiroam: 150+ countries including USA, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, UAE, UK, Australia
9. aloSIM: 130+ countries including USA, Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Japan
10. GigSky: 190+ countries including USA, UK, Europe (regional), China, UAE, Australia
11. Matrix: 130+ countries including USA, UK, UAE, Thailand, Singapore, Canada, Germany
12. ETravelSim: 200+ countries including USA, India, UK, Europe (regional), Australia, UAE, Japan
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
T&M expires, Musk goes back to day job
Synopsis Elon Musk resumes his role at his tech companies after working with Donald Trump. He criticizes Trump's tax bill, which impacts Tesla's EV subsidies. Tesla faces competition from Chinese EV makers. SpaceX struggles with launches, and Starlink faces European rivals. Musk's government role had limited success in cutting spending. The Trump-Musk partnership shows mixed outcomes for business and government.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Microsoft says to step up AI-powered European cybersecurity
U.S. tech giant Microsoft said Wednesday (June 4, 2025) that it would step up its cooperation with European governments against cyber threats, including by deploying AI-powered intelligence gathering. Its new European Security Program 'puts AI at the center of our work as a tool to protect traditional cybersecurity needs,' Microsoft Vice Chairman Brad Smith wrote in a blog post. Aiming to deliver real-time intelligence about cyber threats to governments, the scheme will extend to the '27 EU member states, as well as EU accession countries, members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the UK, Monaco, and the Vatican,' he added. Microsoft accused the governments of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea of being behind infiltration of European computer networks for espionage and other purposes. Meanwhile cybercriminals are expanding attacks using tools such as ransomware, which encrypts data on victims' computers and demands they fork over cash to unlock it again. 'We see 600 million attacks on our customers every single day,' Smith told reporters in a briefing ahead of the blog post's release, calling cyberdefence a 'multi-billion-dollar expense for customers across Europe'. AI systems can help detect and identify new forms of attack, Mr. Smith wrote in his blog post. But Microsoft has seen malicious actors using the technology for everything from researching targets to writing code and 'social engineering' — or convincing human employees to facilitate access by hackers. And 'influence operations' by nation-states 'are increasingly using AI to mislead and deceive' including with convincing 'deepfake' images, audio and video, Smith added. The company itself 'tracks any malicious use of new AI models we release and proactively prevents known threat actors from using' them, he wrote. Microsoft last month helped police across Europe take down large swathes of digital infrastructure supporting an 'infostealing' network, Lumma, that had been gathering sensitive information like passwords and crypto wallets from victims' devices. In future, members of the company's Digital Crimes Unit will be embedded with Europol's cybercrime specialists in The Hague, Smith wrote, part of a broader increase in collaboration with European security forces. Microsoft's cybersecurity effort is part of a wider push to increase its operations in Europe. The drive comes as trade tensions simmer between the EU and the Trump administration in the U.S., with many voices questioning European firms' strategic dependence on American-made technology.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Microsoft is offering European governments this service for free
Microsoft is offering a free cybersecurity program to European governments to enhance their defences against cyber threats. The program, which was launched recently, includes safety against cyberattacks that are amplified by artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative comes after a recent increase in cyberattacks across Europe, many of which have been linked to state-sponsored actors from countries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The program's objective is to boost intelligence-sharing specifically concerning AI-based threats. It also aims to help these countries with the prevention and disruption of these attacks. In an interview with the news agency Reuters, Microsoft President Brad Smith revealed how the company is planning to offer its services to these European governments to safeguard against cyberattacks. What Microsoft President Brad Smith said about this cybersecurity project In the Reuters interview, Smith said: 'If we can bring more to Europe of what we have developed in the United States, that will strengthen cybersecurity protection for more European institutions. You're going to see other things we are doing later in the month.' He noted that attackers are increasingly using generative AI to expand the scale and impact of their operations, from disrupting critical infrastructure to spreading disinformation. However, Smith added that while AI has been weaponised by malicious actors, it also offers valuable defensive capabilities. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo 'We don't feel that we have seen AI that has evaded our ability to detect the use of AI or the threats more broadly. Our goal needs to be to keep AI advancing as a defensive tool faster than it advances as an offensive weapon,' he highlighted. Smith continued, saying audio has, so far, been easier to fake than video. He also confirmed that Microsoft monitors the use of its AI models for any malicious activity and restricts access to known cybercriminals. Notable examples of AI-driven deepfakes include a 2022 video falsely showing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy surrendering to Russia, and a fake audio clip in 2023 that influenced the Slovakian election. Stay ready with these 7 essential medical gadgets as COVID cases rise AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
