eSIMs for travel: The easy solution to getting yourself and your family online overseas
We take a quick look at eSIMs for travel and why they’re a fantastic solution for getting yourself and your family online overseas without it costing a fortune.
Travelling overseas is a memorable experience with your family, but let’s be real, going offline is really inconvenient these days. Staying connected to the internet is crucial for navigating new places, staying in touch with loved ones, keeping the kids occupied on travel days and sharing your adventures on social media. If you’ve ever been caught out with bad hotel WiFi (very common, unfortunately), or stung with an international roaming bill from your Telco, you’ll know where I’m coming from.
Thankfully, times have changed, and there is now an easy solution in eSIMs. We had a chance to try one of these out recently on a three-week holiday through Los Angeles and Nevada. The result? It worked flawlessly to keep us all connected at a fraction of the cost of international roaming fees. Me for work, and hubby and the kids for entertainment.
In this article, we’ll explore why eSIMs are the perfect travel companion for accessing data overseas and how they can be used as a hotspot for family members.
What are eSIMs for travel?
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that allows you to activate a cellular plan from a carrier without needing a physical SIM card. eSIMs are built into modern smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices. This enables you to switch carriers and plans without the need to swap out SIM cards physically.
Yes, you read that right. If you have a modern phone, you most likely already have eSIM capability, and it just needs to be ‘activated’. You don’t have to buy a physical SIM and swap it out in your phone like the ‘old days’.
Advantages of using eSIMs for travel
Convenience and flexibility:
With an eSIM, you can easily switch between different data plans and carriers without the hassle of purchasing and inserting a physical SIM card.
eSIMs support multiple profiles. This means you can store several plans from different carriers on your device and switch between them as needed.
Cost-effective:
eSIMs can save you money by allowing you to purchase local data plans at your destination. This is often at a fraction of the cost of international roaming fees charged by your home carrier.
Many eSIM providers offer competitive pricing for international plans, making it easier to find a deal that suits your budget.
Instant activation:
No more waiting in long lines at the airport or hunting for a local SIM card shop. They can be activated instantly via a QR code or app, so you’re connected as soon as you land.
Enhanced security:
eSIMs are securely embedded in your device, reducing the risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM card.
Some eSIM providers offer added security features such as data encryption and secure authentication.
Using eSIMs as a hotspot for family travel connectivity
One of the standout features of using an eSIM for travel is its ability to turn your device into a personal hotspot. This is particularly useful for family travel, as you can share your data connection with other family members. Just like you would at home! Here’s how it works:
Activate your eSIM plan:
Purchase and activate an eSIM plan that offers sufficient data for your trip. Many eSIM providers offer plans tailored to travellers, with generous data allowances and flexible terms.
Enable hotspot mode:
Once your eSIM is activated, go to your device’s settings and enable the mobile hotspot feature. This allows other devices to connect to your phone’s data connection.
Share the connection:
Family members can connect to your hotspot by selecting your device from the list of available Wi-Fi networks. They’ll need to enter the password you’ve set up.
This ensures that everyone stays connected without needing individual data plans or SIM cards.
Recommended eSIM providers for travel
Here are a few reputable eSIM providers that offer excellent international travel plans:
Conclusion
eSIMs are revolutionising the way we stay connected while travelling overseas. With their convenience, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility, they are the perfect solution for accessing data on the go. Additionally, the ability to use your device as a hotspot ensures that your entire family can stay connected. All without the need for multiple SIM cards or data plans. Embrace the future of travel connectivity with eSIMs and enjoy a seamless, hassle-free experience on your next adventure.
If you’re planning your next trip, consider checking out these eSIM providers here and here for a wide choice of plans. Stay connected, stay safe, and enjoy your travels!
