What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is an app version of a SIM card.

OK David…

But what’s a SIM card? 

A SIM card is a tiny card that contains all the information needed to connect you to your mobile phone network.

Things like your phone number, and which network to connect you to.

The SIM card is a physical card that sits inside your phone. 

SIM vs eSIM

So what’s an eSIM?

An eSIM is an electronic version of that SIM card. It’s an app instead of a physical SIM card.

You download the eSIM from your app store.

Can I have a SIM and an eSIM?

Yes.

Well, err… probably.

Most phones will allow you to have both. 

But check before you invest in an eSIM. 

1. Your phone needs to be compatible

How can I check?

There’ll be a list of compatible phones on the eSIM service provider’s website. 

2. Your phone needs to be unlocked 

That means it needs to be able to connect to any network; not just the one you bought your existing contract from.

Beware: some phones are locked to a mobile phone service provider if you sign up to a contract with them. 

eSIM for Roaming

If your mobile phone contract doesn’t include international roaming, an eSIM can become very handy.

It means you’ll be able to travel the world and still be able to use your phone like you would at home. 

Well… almost the same way…

You see…

Most eSIMs provide us with only data. With internet. But not with ordinary phone calls and text messages. 

That’s great for browsing, using apps, social media, sending WhatsApp messages, and so on.

But if normal phone calls and regular SMS text messages are important to you, make sure to get an eSIM that includes those. It might cost a bit more. 

eSIM for Where?

Roaming eSIMs are location-specific.

So one location might cost more to use the eSIM than another location.

You can purchase a package for

• A specific country (e.g. France)
• A region (e.g. The Caribbean)
• The world 

But they don’t work at sea.

Using a Phone at Sea

If you’ve ever been shocked when the phone bill arrives after you’ve been on a cruise, you’ve probably left your phone on whilst on board, and it will have connected to the “Maritime Service” – or “Cellular at Sea”. 

That’s done via a satellite. 

A very expensive connection.

An alternative is to connect to the ship’s WiFi instead for an agreed price.

But if you do, remember to go into aeroplane mode to disconnect your phone from the outside world in order to avoid connecting to the expensive Maritime/Cellular at Sea.

eSIM at Sea

Nowadays, there are some eSIMs that will provide a phone service at sea.

They use those same Maritime/Cellular at Sea services, but at a better rate.

Again, make sure your phone is compatible and unlocked.

In addition, make sure the eSIM is compatible with your ship. It should tell you on the eSIM’s website.

Which eSIM?

I’m not going to recommend any. 

But here are two eSIMs I’ve used for roaming in other countries:

• Airalo (charged in pounds sterling for UK purchases)
• Saily (charged in $US)

They’ve both worked well for me.

Which eSIM is better?

Neither. I chose those two because:

1. Friends recommended them.
2. They appeared at the top of the list when I searched for “eSIM” in my phone’s app store.

When I go travelling, which do I prefer?

I choose one over the other based on their price for a particular destination.

Do remember, though, that these two eSIMs work only on land. Not at sea.

eSIM Freebies

Both Airalo and Saily – and many other eSIM providers – have Refer-a-Friend schemes, so if you have a friend who already uses an eSIM, ask them for their referral code. You’ll both get some bonus credit.

If you don’t know anyone with an eSIM and want to use my referral code, feel free. 

Airalo:  DAVID41874 (at the time of writing, we both get £2.50 credit)

Saily:  DAVIDT3447 (at the time of writing, we both get $8 credit)

As a disclosure, just a reminder that if you purchase your eSIM via my link, I’ll get some eSIM credit. And you will too.

Best eSIM at Sea?

I haven’t yet used an eSIM at sea.

But some friends have. 

They report that they sometimes get a decent connection; sometimes not.

They will only work when the ship is at sea – typically 12 miles or more from shore.

The most popular one seems to be Red Bull.

Another is Gig Sky (this one is an affiliate link which means I might receive a small commission if you purchase via my link).

eSIM Checklist

Remember, to use an eSIM, your phone needs to be:

• Unlocked
• Compatible with the eSIM

And for extra safety, only ever download your eSIM app from your phone’s official app store. 

How Do I Make my eSIM Work?

Most eSIMs work like this:

1. Download your eSIM from your phone’s official app store.
2. Sign up.
3. Choose your country/region.
4. Pay for it.
5. Follow the instructions. These might walk you through setting up some details, but usually it’s all done automatically.
6. When you arrive at your destination, the eSIM should activate. If not, make sure the eSIM is switched on in settings.

If the eSIM still doesn’t connect after 10 minutes, I always find a restart of my phone does the trick. 

Last Thing

To prevent your regular SIM card accidentally connecting whilst you’re using your eSIM for land or sea, follow the eSIM instructions carefully. They will guide you through activating your eSIM and temporarily switching off your regular SIM to avoid those unexpected bills.

Then… enjoy your trip.