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Essentials

A guide to eSIMs for International Travel

February 9, 2024
Alfie Laurence

If you’re a backpacker who loves to travel, you’re probably all too familiar with the inconveniences of dealing with physical SIM cards. Often, we find ourselves wasting precious social time to find a new one, swap it with the original, and if lady luck has blessed us, then it’ll work the first time, and you might even get to keep your existing phone number… But roaming charges are where the real issue lies, with unexpected costs crippling the cash-conscious student. Did you know, for instance, that in 2022, Brits travelling abroad spent an average of £242 for using their phones outside of their home network? What’s perhaps even more concerning is that the compulsory £45 cap on worldwide data roaming charges is no longer in effect in Europe since leaving Brexit, and even with these caps in place, they only cover data usage, leaving text and voice plans unprotected. Fear not, as eSIMs for international travel solve our data roaming woes. Read on to find out how to get connected.

International roaming with an eSIM works just like a normal SIM card

That’s why you need to know about eSIMs. They are the future of mobile connectivity, and they make travelling a breeze. Here’s how: An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is permanently embedded into a mobile device. It’s used to confirm your identity with your carrier, enabling you to switch between mobile networks without having to change your SIM card physically. With an eSIM, you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging your SIM card or finding a compatible one for your phone model. You also don’t have to deal with the hassle of signing up for expensive roaming plans. You can simply download an eSIM plan from the internet and activate it on your phone within minutes and benefit from:

  • Local carrier selection – effortlessly switch to a local carrier in the country you’re visiting without needing a new SIM card. Take advantage of local rates, data plans, and promotions by using eSIMs for international travel.
  • No international data roaming charges abroad – When you use a local eSIM profile, you are essentially using a local number and plan, which removes the need for international roaming (and their associated costs).
  • Flexible data plans – eSIMs offer flexibility in choosing data plans that suit your needs. You can select plans with the right amount of data for your stay, which can be more cost-effective than paying for a one-size-fits-all international roaming package.

eSIMs are not only convenient, they are also eco-friendly. Did you know that 4.8 billion SIM cards are bought every year? That’s 20,000 tons of waste, including packaging, manufacturing and shipping. By switching to eSIMs, you can help reduce this environmental impact and save precious resources.

eSIMs are the future of data roaming worldwide

eSIMs really are the future of mobile communication. In fact, eSIMs are so popular that some of the latest smartphones, such as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, only support eSIMs in the US. This means that soon, physical SIM cards will become obsolete. There are a number of different providers, but we feel that the best eSIMs to use are from ZIM Connections.

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ZIM Connections is a pioneer in the eSIM industry, offering a wide range of data and voice plans for over 190 destinations. Whether you need a plan for a weekend getaway or a long-term stay, ZIM Connections has you covered.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1. Browse eSIM data plans

Browse through ZIM’s collection of eSIM data plans and voice plans on their app. You can filter by country, duration, data amount, and price.

Step 2. Select

Select the plan that best serves your needs, ZIM has plans for every budget and preference. For some plans, you can also choose to activate later, up to 30 days before your trip.

Step 3. Purchase

Buy your chosen plan online with a few clicks. You will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to activate your new eSIM plan on your phone.

It’s really that simple! You’re ready to enjoy seamless connectivity wherever you go. So, don’t wait any longer. Join the eSIM revolution today and discover how ZIM can keep you connected everywhere, at all times.

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Written by

Alfie Laurence
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