Fully realizing eSIMs have been around for a long time, it is something I only recently experienced first hand. I finally utilized an eSIM for my mobile phone a recent trip. Wow, I can’t believe how easy it is. eSIM makes cheap local mobile data so easy to use. Note that this requires an unlocked phone. Many phones are unlocked these days or can be, but if the phone isn’t unlocked, an eSIM won’t work
I was in London last month to run the London Marathon. Usually I just use my T-Mobile plan for the free international data it provides even though it is pretty slow in most places, UK included. I have used $5 daily high speed passes a few times, and until now, this is sufficient for my needs. Much of my travel is work trips when I’m not using my personal phone that much. But for London, this would be about a week long, and not work related, so I opted to try a data only eSIM for my personal phone. There are a few options which I will discuss below. There are various databases with you can review some options, one I have used is eSIMdb.
What is an eSIM?
Many newer phones now have the ability to use an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card. In the case of iPhones, starting with the iPhone 14, in most locations, there is no longer a physical SIM tray, so eSIM is the only way to add service.
International options
Much of what is available on the site mentioned above is companies often in places where mobile internet is cheap selling eSIM plans for various places. This is a totally valid option, and is what my wife has used on occasion for travel. She does not have an international data plan like I do from T-Mobile, so this works well. Not an endorsement, but she has had good luck with redteago. This Singapore based company sell eSIMs from all over. It has an easy to use app, and seems like a good option for many people.
These options seem to be best for convenience. Travelers can buy these before their trip, get them set up, and turn it on once on the ground in the new place and go. Since I have free international data on my plan, I wanted to find something even better for my needs. As the priority was fast local data, since I could use my existing plan for most basic functions.
Local options
For the UK, I looked into local options, and not all carriers offer eSIM. There are several options that would for for my needs, and what I decided on is LycaMobile. They are a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), operating on the O2 network. They offer free sim, and a £1 plan with 6GB of data for 30 days. This plan seemed to be promotional, now it looks like 3GB for £1. This was far more than I needed, but the price is right. Note that ordering online required a UK address and phone number. I used my hotel address, and a number for an old UK physical sim card I had from long ago travels. Doubtful that sim card is still active, but it worked, and all confirmations were sent to my email.
Of course, the intent of these plans is not for travelers like me, but it worked out fine, and fit the specific case I was looking for. There are various other carriers and countless other plans that might work for your needs.
After landing in the UK, I set up my phone to use the new eSIM, and quickly was on my way. On my iPhone, users can choose which SIM card to use for what, and it is pretty easy to do. While on the train from Heathrow, I didn’t seem to be getting good fast service, but before long, my eSIM was activated and I had access to 5G service everywhere I went, other than some tube rides which were far enough underground to get service.
I’m happy to have this option, and it worked perfectly for my needs. Have you used an eSIM when traveling abroad? How did your experience compare?
