What is an eSIM?
First of all, let us explain what an eSIM is. An eSIM – short for embedded Subscriber Identity Module – is a digital SIM card that you can load onto your device, usually with a QR code that you receive after purchasing it online. This means there is no physical card anymore; instead, the data is integrated directly into your device's hardware. This relatively new technology makes it possible for you to connect to cellular networks and even switch easily between different mobile carriers. But that’s just one of the advantages of an eSIM. Let's talk about the other benefits it offers.

Before we delve into it, let's imagine the following scenario:
Summer holidays. Yay! You’re on a flight to a different country and very excited about the upcoming trip. The airplane lands. You turn off airplane mode and – you have instant internet access. You grab your bags, look up how to get to the hotel from the airport, and get going straight away. Sounds great, right?

Well, exactly that is possible with an eSIM if you purchase and activate it before your travel. No worries, the data will be activated once you enter the country and not beforehand. But there is more to it:

Flexibility: As mentioned earlier, eSIMs allow you to switch between mobile networks without the need to physically switch SIM cards. This flexibility is especially useful for your travels because you can easily switch to a local carrier when abroad without the hassle of finding a store. It also gives you the possibility of using separate profiles for personal and work purposes on the same device.

Convenience: eSIMs can be remotely activated, provisioned, and managed by mobile network operators. The activation process is often done electronically by yourself through a QR code. This allows for faster activation times and eliminates the need for physical SIM card distribution, making it more convenient for both users and service providers. Plus, without a physical SIM, there's no need for you to worry about losing or damaging it.

Space-saving: Since eSIMs are embedded directly into your device, they free up physical space within the device that would otherwise be occupied by a traditional SIM card slot. And that leads us to the next and these days a very important point for many people:

Environmental impact: Since there is no physical SIM card and therefore also no packaging, you reduce unnecessary waste. eSIMs can also help reduce electronic waste. That way you approach a more sustainable and responsible way of tourism and mobile communication.

Improved security: Since there is no physical card to remove from your phone, an eSIM is safe from theft. It’s not possible to transfer an eSIM into another device. Also, it can be programmed to ask for confirmation whenever a user profile is changed. After ten failed attempts to authenticate, it will erase all the SIM data due to a self-destructing mechanism. That makes it also hard for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your phone.

Costs: Purchasing an eSIM through a mobile network provider usually costs the same as a physical SIM or is sometimes even cheaper. But when it comes to traveling, many providers don’t support their service abroad. So an eSIM is definitely the smarter option since you can connect with a local provider and use the data which is more affordable than data roaming.

Conclusion:
eSIMs might not be known or used by everyone yet, but they certainly offer a lot of benefits that enhance convenience, flexibility, and security. Especially for travelers seeking immediate internet access abroad, the ability for remote activation and management proves incredibly useful. Furthermore, eSIMs contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing electronic waste associated with traditional SIM cards. With improving security features and cost-effectiveness, eSIMs play a central role in staying connected in our increasingly digital world.

What devices work with an eSIM?
Now you probably wonder if your phone is available for an eSIM card. Let us tell you:
Most of the latest mobile devices are eSIM capable of installing an eSIM plan. But if you want to make sure, dial *#06# on your phone. If your device is eSIM-compatible, you’ll be able to view your EID number - short for “Embedded Identity Document”.