When traveling abroad, one of the biggest concerns is staying connected with the world. Roaming charges can quickly add up and burn a hole in your pocket. This is where eSIMs come in as a game changer for tourists.
eSIM stands for Embedded SIM, which is a digital SIM card that is embedded directly into your device. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIMs can be programmed over-the-air and do not require you to physically swap SIM cards.
The benefits of using eSIMs while traveling are numerous, here are a few:
- Cost Effective: eSIMs offer much more cost-effective plans as compared to roaming with your current provider. You can choose from a range of plans that suit your needs and budget, without having to worry about hidden charges.
- Easy to Activate: Activating an eSIM is a straightforward process, and you can do it right from your device. All three of the US based virtual mobile networks I tested, Mint Mobile, Visible, and Tello, offered an easy process to install the eSIMs.
- Accessibility: All three companies I tested allowed me to download an app from the Apple app store, making it easy for me to use as I am 100% blind. However, I found Visible’s app to be not as accessible, and I had to use the website to register my account as it refused to accept keyboard input on my iPhone, using VoiceOver, without totally messing up the entry.
- Unlimited local Texting and Calling: All three networks offered unlimited texting and calling within the US with decent data packages as part of their plans, which is perfect for travelers who need to stay in touch with friends and family back home and to conduct business within the US.
- Data Packages: Each network offered various sizes of data packages, allowing you to choose the right plan for your needs.
My favorite among the three was Mint Mobile, for the ease of use of the app and the activation process. This was closely followed by Visible for the amazing data speeds on Verizon’s network and then Tello for their low-cost voice and text packages starting from $4 per month.
In conclusion, eSIMs are a great option for tourists who want to stay connected while traveling abroad. They offer cost-effective plans, easy activation, and accessibility, making them a much better option as compared to roaming with your current provider. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below, and I’ll be happy to assist.