eSIMs are solving travellers’ headaches!

eSIM for travelling

Remember frantically searching for a SIM card kiosk the moment you land in a new country? Or worse, returning home to a shocking roaming bill that cost more than your flight? Those travel nightmares are becoming a thing of the past, thanks to eSIM technology.

If you’ve been hearing buzz about eSIMs but aren’t quite sure what the fuss is about, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down why this technology is quietly revolutionising how we stay connected while travelling.

The pre-flight panic is real

We’ve all been there. You’re about to board your flight, and suddenly you think: “Wait, do I have international roaming? What will my data plan cost me? Should I have bought a local SIM?”

Queue the stress, the last-minute googling, and the inevitable decision to either risk paying roaming fees, which are sometimes hard to guage, or go completely offline during your trip (hello, getting lost without Google Maps).

Traditional travel connectivity has always meant compromise. Either you:

• pay premium roaming charges to your home carrier;
• hunt for a local SIM card shop upon arrival (hoping they speak English);
• rely solely on spotty hotel Wi-Fi; or
• go fully offline and hope for the best.

None of these options is ideal, especially when you’re trying to navigate a new city, stay in touch with home, or share those holiday snaps in real-time.

Enter eSIM: your digital travel companion

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is exactly what it sounds like, a digital version of the physical SIM card that’s permanently built into your phone. Instead of swapping plastic cards, you simply download a data plan directly to your device. Think of it like downloading an app, but for your phone’s connectivity. No tiny pieces of plastic to lose, no SIM card tools to carry, no queuing at airport kiosks.

The technology isn’t brand new, it’s been around for a few years but only recently that travellers have started cottoning on to just how game-changing it can be.

Why travellers are making the switch

Sort your connection before you even leave home

Here’s the beauty of eSIMs: you can set everything up from your sofa. Download your travel data plan days before departure, and you’ll have connectivity the moment your plane touches down. No more airport queues, no more language barriers with local vendors.

And if you’re nervous about trying something new? Many providers like Nomad eSim now offer free trial plans (typically 1GB for a few days) so you can test the waters before committing to a full purchase.

Keep your regular number active

Unlike traditional travel SIMs that require you to remove your home SIM card, eSIMs work alongside it. You can receive calls and texts on your regular number while using the eSIM for data. Perfect for those important verification codes or staying reachable for work.

Perfect for family and group travel

Travelling with family or friends? Here’ss where eSIMs really shine.

Some providers let you purchase multiple eSIMs at once (with promotional discounts applying to all of them), share data across devices, or even transfer plans between family members. No more arguing over who’s used up all the data or trying to coordinate separate SIM card purchases.

Plus, with hotspot capabilities, one person with a data plan can keep the whole group connected when needed.

Is your phone eSIM-ready?

Before you get too excited, check if your device supports eSIM technology. The good news? If you’ve bought a smartphone in the last few years, chances are you’re good to go.

Most recent iPhones (XR and newer), Google Pixels, Samsung Galaxy phones (S20 onwards), and many other modern devices support eSIM. A quick google of your phone model will tell you for sure.

By 2030, industry experts predict that nearly all smartphones will have eSIM capabilities. Some newer iPhone models have even ditched the physical SIM card slot entirely in certain regions.

How to get started with eSIM

Getting set up is refreshingly straightforward:

1. Check compatibility – Confirm your phone supports eSIM
2. Choose a provider – Look for one that covers your destination(s)
3. Select your plan – Pick the data amount that suits your trip
4. Install the eSIM – Usually via QR code or direct app installation
5. Activate upon arrival – Turn it on when you land

The whole process takes about 5 to 10 minutes, most of which you’ll spend choosing between data plans rather than wrestling with technology. Many providers even offer guest checkout on their websites, so you don’t need to create an account if you’re just trying it out once.

What about Nomad eSIM?

When it comes to good eSIM providers, Nomad eSIM has built a strong reputation among frequent travellers.

Coverage and flexibility

Nomad eSim offers plans for 200+ destinations, covering everything from single countries to entire regions to global packages. Whether you’re island-hopping in Southeast Asia, road-tripping through Europe, or bouncing between continents for business, there’s likely a plan that fits.

Actually affordable

One of the biggest draws is pricing.

Plans start at just $1.10 per GB, which is competitive with (and often cheaper than) local SIM cards in many destinations, never mind international roaming rates. They regularly offer promo codes that make it even more budget-friendly.

Built for families and groups

Nomad eSIM’s in-app cart system lets you buy multiple eSIMs at once, with promotional discounts applying across all purchases, ideal for family trips. You can also share data across devices or transfer plans between people, which eliminates the usual connectivity logistics when travelling with others.

Rewards that actually matter

They’ve also introduced a rewards programme where you earn points with every purchase and through referrals. These points can be redeemed for future data plans or other travel-related products, which is a nice touch for frequent travellers.

Support when you need it

One thing that stands out in user reviews is the customer support. The in-app chat actually responds (and responds helpfully), which is refreshing in an industry where you often feel like you’re shouting into the void. They work closely with local network providers to ensure reliable connectivity, not just theoretical coverage.

Try before you commit

Nervous about making the switch? Nomad eSim offers a free 1GB trial for 3 days, so you can test the service without any financial commitment. The setup process is also well-guided with step-by-step instructions, making it accessible even for first-time eSIM users.

The future is already here

eSIM technology represents a fundamental shift in how we think about staying connected globally. No more stress, no more plastic SIM cards scattered in your wallet, no more bill shock when you return home. Just seamless, affordable connectivity wherever you roam.

The travel industry has been slow to adapt to many modern conveniences, but eSIM feels like one innovation that’s arrived at exactly the right time. As more travellers discover how much simpler it makes their trips, physical SIM cards are looking increasingly like relics of a more complicated era.

So next time you’re planning a trip abroad, consider going digital. Your future travelling self will thank you.