7 eSIM Myths That Might Be Stopping You From Making the Switch

Ask a group of frequent business travelers how they get mobile data abroad and you will hear a mix of answers: roaming, airport SIM cards, public Wi-Fi, even borrowing a friend’s hotspot. Far fewer say eSIM, often because of a handful of half-true assumptions. If you want to learn more about eSIM technology, a good place to start is separating the myths from the facts.

Myth 1: An eSIM is just a different brand of SIM card

Fact: It’s a different format. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is built into your device, so there is no card to insert. You purchase the plan, download it via your phone app, via QR code or manually, and your phone takes the rest. The network continues to have a normal subscriber. You never handle any plastic.

Myth 2: Switching to an eSIM means giving up my number

Fact: Not at all. Your normal SIM remains in the telephone and your number remains unchanged. It may still take incoming calls and texts, and the eSIM will offer mobile data. There are a lot of travel plans that require only data, and then they call over WhatsApp or other messaging apps. Some plans have a number and if there is, you can switch on it during setup.

Myth 3: It will give me a better signal

Fact: This is one that cuts the other way. An eSIM doesn’t make things easier to receive calls. Digital SIMs and physical SIMs are compatible with the same local networks and thus signal strength will be dependent upon the carrier and the location. An eSIM is more convenient, and can be less expensive, but is not necessarily better covered.

Myth 4: It’s too complicated to set up

Fact: This typically only takes a few minutes to install. Automatic installation via the provider’s app is the easiest method, as it is for iOS 17.4 and later and Android 10 and later versions. If not, use the QR codes or type in the codes. Installation requires a fairly strong internet connection so you should do this at home on WiFi.

There’s a little secret to it, just leave the eSIM off until you arrive and then turn it on. In the case of regional plans, do not install it before the day of your flight.

Myth 5: My phone probably doesn’t support it

Facts: When in doubt, check. All iPhones since the XS model are compatible with eSIM, and some US-based newer iPhones don’t even have a SIM slot. On Android, support varies from brand to brand and model to model; check the support of your specific model. There are also a lot of smartwatches, tablets and laptops that are compatible with eSIM. Also, make sure that your device is carrier unlocked, as it can reject plans from other carriers if it is not unlocked.

Myth 6: Once I install one, my regular SIM stops working

Fact: Your physical SIM carries on as normal. These can be changed in your settings and both you can use your home plan for calls and your travel plan for data. The only catch with roaming is that if your home SIM remains active when you are roaming overseas, your carrier may charge you. Turn off the data roaming feature on that line and use the eSIM.

Myth 7: eSIMs are expensive

Fact: There’s no cost for using eSIM. The data plan is sold and the cost varies based on how far you are going and for how many days. Usually a prepaid travel plan will be significantly more budget friendly than regular roaming and the price will be known upfront so you will have a predictable budget. Service providers like Holafly provide unlimited data in over 200 locations for as low as $1.55 a day. The longer plans are, the cheaper they are per day, so make sure to select the right plan depending on your trip.

How Holafly Fits In

Holafly is designed to meet these travel needs. Select your destination and the days you’ll be there, and then set up your plan via the app and join the local network when you get there. Chatting and email support are available around the clock, a very convenient option if a question arises at the last minute, right before take-off. Before purchasing an eSIM plan for your destination, read the plan details to get more information about it, as some eSIM plans may offer different features, like data sharing.

A Quick Readiness Checklist

• Ensure that your phone is compatible with eSIM and unlocked.
• Select a plan that corresponds to your destination and dates.
• Install at home via Wi-Fi and have a copy of your QR code.
• Turn the eSIM off until you get to the destination and then turn on the eSIM.
• Switch off data roaming on home SIM.

Final Word

Most of the worry about eSIMs comes from not knowing how they work. Once the myths are cleared up, the picture is simple: a SIM that arrives in seconds, cannot be lost and helps you avoid roaming bills. Before your next trip, check that your phone supports eSIM, compare plans for your destination and try installing a few days before your flight. If you still want to learn more about eSIM options, start with your destination’s plan page. It is easier than it sounds.

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R Arlo