If you’ve recently come across the term eSIM and are curious to understand, “What is an eSIM and how does it work?” especially when it comes to your travel plans? No worries, you’re in the right place!
In this article, we'll delve into how eSIMs are changing the way we connect across the global and explore their benefits for travellers.
We’ll cover:
- What is an eSIM?
- How eSIMs Will Unlock Choice for Australians?
- Benefits of eSIMs for Travelers
- How to Use an eSIM While Travelling?
Let's begin by examining the readiness of Australian consumers for eSIMs. With an impressive 86% smartphone penetration rate, there's a clear indication that this consumer base readily embraces new technologies. The widespread adoption of smartphones creates a conducive environment for the introduction and acceptance of eSIM technology.
Since their global inception in 1991, SIM cards have been indispensable for Aussies’ connectivity. Now, the eSIM revolution is underway. According to GSMA Intelligence, forecasts predict around 1 billion eSIM smartphone connections globally by the end of 2025, reaching 6.9 billion by 2030. This would account for around 75% of the total number of smartphone connections by 2030.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that’s already built into your device. Unlike traditional SIM cards, there’s no physical swapping involved. The technology behind eSIMs is simple yet brilliant, enabling the download of additional SIM plans straight to your device.
It’s a game-changer for travellers, with many many utilising an eSIM as a second SIM. This allows travellers to have an alternate data plan from a different carrier, like eSimmer, staying connected wherever they go and avoiding expensive data roaming charges.
How eSIMs Will Unlock Choice for Australians?
Despite being introduced in Australia in 2017, eSIMs were initially limited to wearable devices. This may be because major Australian telcos have been reluctant to expand the usage of eSIMs due to the ease with which consumers can switch providers.
Think about the typical prepaid phone plan experience with Telstra or Optus. You visit a store or buy online, then wait for a SIM card to arrive and your number to be ported. This cumbersome process, endured for decades, has been ideal for retaining customers, as they know many of us could not bear going through it again just to switch to a new provider.
The eSIM has changed everything. In a matter of seconds, you can log onto a new telco’s website, find a travel eSIM plan with lower data roaming rates, purchase it, scan a QR code and your plan will be instantly activated upon arrival. This means you can switch or add at will, without any hassle.
This consumer-friendly flexibility, however, presents a challenge for Australian telcos. While they may be hesitant due to potential customer churn, the tide is turning. With eSIM technology now standard in most smartphones launched since 2021, driven by major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google, the shift is inevitable. As more Australians become aware of eSIMs through their new phones, telcos will find themselves pressured to offer this convenient option. By default, they'll be educating the market and ultimately opening it up to more choice and flexibility.
Benefits of eSIMs for Travelers
The benefits of eSIMs for travellers are clear and compelling:
- Avoiding roaming charges: With eSIMs, you can purchase an additional travel eSIM that matches your data needs, destinations and travel duration. Paying local data rates with no hidden fees.
- Instant connection upon arrival: No more hunting for a SIM card vendor at the airport; your travel eSIM connection is ready as soon as you land.
- Flexibility with data plans: Switching your mobile data source from your home number SIM to your travel eSIM is as easy as a few taps on your screen.
- Security: eSIMs can’t be lost or stolen like physical SIM cards, offering peace of mind.
- Eco-friendly: Reduce plastic waste and the environmental footprint with eSIMs, offering an eco-conscious choice.
- Keep Your Primary Number: Maintain your primary phone number for calls and texts while using your eSIM for data. This dual SIM functionality ensures you stay connected on all fronts without any hassle.
How to Use an eSIM While Travelling?
Pre-departure:
- Ready to go? First, check if your phone is compatible with eSIM.
- Plan Ahead: Purchase an eSIM data plan that matches your destination and travel duration.
- Get Set Up: Install your eSIM by scanning the QR code provided in our eSimmer email, follow the installation steps, and voilà—you’re setup. Do this at home to ensure immediate data connection upon arrival.
Upon Arrival:
- Activate on Arrival: Connecting your eSimmer eSIM to the local network is a breeze. Open Settings, turn ON your travel eSIM, and toggle data roaming ON. Your connection will be established within seconds, and data will start flowing.
- Plan Starts: Turning ON your travel eSIM at your destination activates your data plan to start from that day.
- Need Help? If you encounter any issues, reach out to our eSimmer Support Team - support@esimmer.com. They’re there to help ensure a smooth activation process.
In essence, eSIMs are reshaping the travel experience. They offer the freedom and flexibility that modern travellers need. As the eSIM trend accelerates, particularly in tech-savvy Australia, the preference for having multiple SIM plans, from various telco providers at home and abroad is here to stay. For your next trip, consider an eSIMs from eSimmer - your key to a seamless, connected adventure. So, when someone asks, “What is an eSIM?” you’ll not only know the answer but also how to use it to your advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that offers several advantages for travellers. It allows you to purchase a local data plan for your destination, avoiding expensive roaming charges. With an eSIM, you can instantly connect to a local network upon arrival without hunting for a physical SIM card. It also provides flexibility to switch data plans or telco providers easily, and it's more secure than a physical SIM card since it can't be lost or stolen.
How do data eSIMs handle voice calls and texts?
Data eSIMs are typically used for mobile data only, while your primary physical SIM card handles voice calls and texts. This allows you to maintain your primary phone number for calls and texts while using a second travel eSIM for data. If you need to make calls or send texts using your travel eSIM, you can use apps like WhatsApp or Skype over the eSIM data connection.
What devices are compatible with eSIMs in Australia?
Many recent smartphone models from major brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, and Oppo are eSIM-compatible in Australia. To check, refer to our device manufacturer guide to confirm if your specific model supports eSIM technology. Additionally, some Microsoft Surface tablet models are also eSIM-compatible, and included in our approved device list.
