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eSIM for Travelers: The Pros and the Cons
Lolita VyshniakFebruary 23, 20212 min read

eSIM for Travelers: The Pros and the Cons

Over the last year, the term “eSIM” has become a part of our lexicon. But not everyone knows exactly what an eSIM is. It is not an electronic SIM card, as some of us think. eSIM is an embedded SIM card inside of your smartphone. Actually built into it. Or any other device that supports this technology. It is easy to activate an eSIM. You just scan the QR code, which is generated and then sent to you by your carrier.

It should become easier to travel with the arrival of eSIM technology. You won't have to use international roaming on your home carrier anymore. Which has some financial, traffic volume, and speed issues associated with it. You'll also free yourself from an aggravating search for rate plans at local carriers--in an unknown country. Now you can arrange everything prior to your trip. Search and select rate plans on the website of the carrier or that country where you plan to go. After you pay online, you get a QR code and go on your trip with an activated eSIM for travel.


How Ideal Is eSIM for Travel?


But is eSIM an optimal solution for travelers? Is eSIM an ideal solution compared to international roaming? eSIM technology is not available in all smartphone models. This is the reason why not everyone can use it. Besides, if your smartphone is locked to a particular carrier, then it is not possible to use a rate plan for eSIM-- offered by other carriers. Moreover, not all carriers support this new technology. And even in those countries where this technology already exists, there might be connection problems. Because not all equipment is properly set up.

Also, if something goes wrong with your smartphone and it stops working, you cannot simply replace the eSIM card like you can with an ordinary SIM card. You'll have to go into an office of a mobile carrier in order to restore your eSIM card. Then activate it on another smartphone. Just imagine this happening during your trip. First, you'll spend time searching for an office of a local carrier. And then, you'll have to explain what happened and what you need. If you don’t know the local language, then this task will become even more difficult. This new technology is going through the setup process, so it is better not to rush with the usage of eSIM right now. Wait until it will be fully up and running before international travel.

Is There an Alternate Solution?

The global operator POND IoT offers you a much easier, less stressful solution than eSIM. World Phone rate plans with international roaming in over 200 countries around the world!

With POND IoT, you can choose any SIM card and a World Phone rate with a fixed monthly subscription fee. Depending on a selected plan, you'll get a certain amount of GB, minutes for voice calls, and SMS. No matter what country you go to, the rate will not change. You'll also get a US number with a POND IoT SIM card and the possibility to add local numbers in over 90 countries. One SIM, one plan and you're good to go.

You'll feel at home, anywhere in the world, with POND IoT services.

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Lolita Vyshniak

Lolita Vyshniak, Leading Channel Manager. Lolita has a master’s degree in management and logistics and has extensive research experience in building healthy relationships with clients.

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