... and a few reasons why they might not be for everyone!

One of the first questions that used to come to my mind when planning a trip was always, “How do I stay connected while on the trip?” I’ve been through the hassle of finding local SIM cards, paying outrageous roaming fees, and even going off the grid when I couldn't find a solution. But this question doesn’t bother me anymore since I discovered the world of eSIMs!

Here’s why eSIMs have become my go-to choice when traveling abroad—and why they might just become yours too.

#1 - Convenient and instant eSIM setup

Ever landed in a new country and had to hunt down a local SIM card? With an eSIM, you can say goodbye to that hassle. You can buy and activate your eSIM in just a few clicks, right from your phone. That means you're connected the second you touch down, which is especially handy if you need to call a ride or check directions.

Note: Just make sure your phone is compatible with eSIMs—most newer models are. You can easily check this online before your trip.

#2 - No more juggling SIM cards

If you've ever swapped SIM cards in and out while crossing borders, you know how annoying it can be. With an eSIM, you can switch between networks without ever touching your phone. Most of the installation process is as simple as scanning a QR code, and you’re good to go. Plus, you won't have to worry about losing that tiny piece of plastic in the process. Not to mention that tiny little sim card slot opener you have to bring with you all the time!

#3 - Keep your home number active

You can use both a physical SIM (the one you might be using in your home country in this case) and an eSIM at the same time. This means you can keep your home number active for calls and texts while using a local eSIM for data. Perfect for staying in touch with folks back home while avoiding those crazy roaming charges.

#4 - Plan ahead thanks to multi-country coverage

One of the best things about eSIMs is how easy they make it to plan ahead. You can purchase and activate your eSIM before you even leave home, so you’re ready to go as soon as you land. Plus, some eSIMs offer coverage in multiple countries, making it super convenient if you’re hopping from one country to another. No more worrying about buying a new SIM at every stop!

#5 - Better for the planet

Since eSIMs are digital, there’s no plastic waste involved. It’s a small but significant step towards more eco-friendly travel. With millions of SIM cards being produced and discarded every year, opting for an eSIM is one easy way to help reduce your environmental footprint.

Why eSIMs Might Not Be for Everyone when Travelling Abroad

eSIMs are awesome, but they're not perfect for everyone:

Device Compatibility

Not every smartphone can use an eSIM. If you’ve got an older phone, you might be out of luck. Check online to see if your phone is eSIM-compatible before you make any plans.

Some Tech Challenges

Setting up an eSIM can be a bit more technical than just popping in a physical SIM. If you’re not super tech-savvy, you might find it tricky, especially when switching between different plans.

No Traditional Calling or SMS

Most eSIMs only offer data, which means you can’t use them for traditional phone calls or SMS messages to local numbers. But with apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and others being so popular, this is usually not a big deal.

Conclusion

"Staying connected while traveling isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, spontaneity, and staying in touch with the world around you." eSIMs are making travel smoother, greener, and more flexible. They’re perfect for most travelers who want to stay connected without the fuss of physical SIM cards. Just make sure your phone can handle an eSIM, and consider the few downsides before diving in. Whether you’re jet-setting across Europe or backpacking through Asia, an eSIM could be your new travel best friend.

Pro tip: When purchasing eSIMs my go to is always Mobimatter! Based on my experience of using eSIMs for over a year during my travels, they offer the most competitive prices I've found online when it comes to staying connected abroad and never had a single issue.

The best part?! By purchasing an eSIM plan on Mobimatter using my referral code SCT7V66980, you’ll get 50% cashback (up to $5) on your first purchase!

Simply click here to get to their website, enter the destination or destinations you will be travelling to, and choose the data option that best suits, you will then receive an email with all the instructions to set up your eSIM.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. In the meantime, safe travels and happy connecting!