Why Every Traveller Should Consider an eSIM Card

Staying connected has become increasingly important - not just for sharing those wing views on Instagram, but for practical matters like accessing boarding passes and navigating new cities.

Enter eSIMs - the game-changing technology that's revolutionising how we stay connected while travelling. After using them extensively during travels, I can confidently say they're one of the most valuable tools in any frequent traveller's arsenal.

What Exactly is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your device. Instead of physically swapping plastic SIM cards when you travel, you simply download a prepaid data plan for your destination. Most modern phones support eSIMs - including recent iPhone models, Samsung Galaxy devices, and Google Pixels.

The Benefits Are Game-Changing

1. Instant Activation: You can purchase and activate your travel data plan before you even leave home. No more hunting for local SIM cards at foreign airports or dealing with language barriers at mobile shops.

2. Keep Your Home Number Active: Since you're not removing your physical SIM, you can maintain your UK number for calls and texts while using data from your eSIM. This is particularly handy for receiving those crucial two-factor authentication codes from banks.

3. Multiple Plans: You can store several eSIM profiles on your phone and switch between them instantly. Perfect for those complex itineraries crossing multiple regions.

My Go-To Provider: Airalo

After trying several providers, I've settled on Airalo as my preferred eSIM service. During my recent runs through Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Taiwan, their coverage was consistently reliable, and their prices are competitive.

A quick cost comparison: My recent 3GB plan for Southeast Asia cost around £10 for 30 days - significantly less than what most UK carriers charge for international roaming. Plus, their app makes it incredibly simple to top up if you need more data.

You can get started with Airalo using our referral link - we both get a small credit when you make your first purchase.

Pro Tips from My Experience

1. Set up your eSIM before leaving. Hotel WiFi isn't always reliable for downloading plans.

2. Double-check your phone's eSIM compatibility before purchasing. Most phones from the last 2-3 years support it, but it's worth verifying.

3. If you're visiting multiple regions, consider their regional plans instead of country-specific ones. For instance, their Asia plan covers multiple countries for less than buying individual country plans.

4. Keep your physical SIM active but turn off data roaming - this way you'll still receive important SMS messages without incurring charges.

The Bottom Line

Whether you're a frequent flyer chasing status or just planning your annual holiday, an eSIM can save you both money and hassle. Gone are the days of returning home to shocking roaming bills or being unable to order an Uber because you can't get online.

For status runners like myself who might find themselves in multiple countries within days (or even hours!), having reliable, instant data access without juggling physical SIM cards has been invaluable. It's one less thing to worry about when you're focused on maximising those tier points and hotel stays.

Have you tried using an eSIM for travel? Drop us a message on Instagram - we'd love to hear about your experiences!