What I Like

• Low cost trial for $0.60 (nearly free). For 500mb data
  
• eSim operates in over 200 countries. Great for multi-country trips
• They offer country specific, regional and global plans
• One of the easiest eSims to install. Purchase -> Install -> Connect in minutes
• Automatic network switching feature, to maintain quality of connection
• Helpful customer support. Available 24/7
• Virtual phone numbers for SMS verification
• Free VPN on iOS
• 100% refund guarantee
• Hotspot mode to share internet with other devices

What I don’t like

• eSim not compatible with all mobile phones
  
• More expensive than a local sim card
  
• Reception limited in rural locations, such as Maldives Islands
  
• eSim is data only. It doesn’t support voice calls or SMS
  

eSims vs Carrier Roaming

You probably know what Carrier Roaming it. That’s when you use your normal phone when you go abroad.

If you’re reading this article, you might have used your phone abroad. And come home to a nasty bill!

Traditional mobile carriers rip their customers off, when it comes to international roaming. Because they know most customers won’t bother to install an eSim. They typically charge $10-15 per day for international roaming.

eSims are designed for international roaming and are much cheaper than carrier roaming.

One thing that really annoys me with traditional mobile carriers, is that international roaming costs them next to nothing. When you use your mobile phone abroad, your mobile carrier will pay a foreign carrier for the data you use. That price won’t be very high.

But here’s the kicker. Your mobile carrier will also get money from foreign carriers. When foreign customers use data in your home country. So overall, the cost of roaming for mobile carriers is virtually nothing.

The $0.60 eSim trial

You can signup for a $0.60 trial (almost free) here. For that you get:

• 500mb of high speed internet data
  
• Activate instantly, or within 365 days of purchase
  
• More than 50 countries to choose from
  

The almost free trial is available in over 50 countries, and the list of countries is really good. The countries include USA, European countries, India, Pakistan, most Middle Eastern Countries, Australia, New Zealand and more. The country you want to visit is probably on the list.

eSim free trials are the holy grail. If you know of one with a reputable company, then please email me. But as it is, $0.60 is close to free anyway.

The Plans are affordable

Once your (almost free) trial is up, you’ll need to purchase an ordinary priced plan. Sucks I know!

On the plus side, the eSim data plans are well priced.

One unique feature, is that you can get plans for countries, regions and global. So if you’re visiting Europe. You can get a plan that covers the whole of Europe. This eSim is perfect for digital nomads.

Daily plans include:

• United States. From $1.72/day
  
• North America. From $2.16/day
  
• United Kingdom. From $1.88/day
  
• Germany. From $1.88/day
  
• Europe & UK. From $2.24/day
  
• India. From $2.16/day
  
• Pakistan. From $2.36/day
  
• Global (83 countries). From $3.17/day
  

You also have the option of prepaying for data. Plans include

• United States. From $1.01/GB
  
• North America. From $1.61/GB
  
• United Kingdom. From $1.13/GB
  
• Germany. From $1.13/GB
  
• Europe & UK. From $1.13/GB
  
• India. From $1.40/GB
  
• Pakistan. From $2.22/GB
  
• Global (83 countries). From $1.64/GB
  
• Angola. From $102/GB
  

These plans are super affordable. Meaning that you don’t need to worry about a nasty surprise when you look at your phone bill.

Ok. Maybe Angola is a bit expensive! But I don’t think many people reading this article are planning to visit Angola. There’s a few reasons why Angola is so expensive. The country is very large with a low population density. There was also a long civil war from 1975 to 2002, which destroyed a lot of infrastructure.

Some other African countries are also very expensive, such as Zimbabwe.

The 24/7 Support

The eSim support is one of the best in the market. With 24/7 support. And average response time of 6 minutes. Even during the $0.60 trial.

The online reviews are especially positive about the customer service. A lot of reviews praise:

• Friendly support agents
  
• Fast help with re-issuing eSIMs (e.g. after phone change)
  
• Quick resolution for activation issues
  

Below is one example review

“Support is top-notch. I needed to be issued a new eSIM after changing to a new phone, and Ann from support created a new one for me within minutes. Everything worked perfectly afterwards.”

The high quality support is very important to me personally. There’s no point in me having an eSim, that has awful support. I don’t want to be waiting for hours, waiting to speak to someone.

1 Click Installation

The eSim is super easy to install. Below are the steps

• Choose your destination and data plan
  
• Pay and receive your sim QR code
  
• Install it in minutes
  
• Activate the eSim when ready
  

Customers frequently praise the app. It’s clean and easy to navigate, even if you have multiple eSims.

Virtual Phone Numbers

They also offer a virtual phone number, which is an excellent feature. It’s a real phone number (no need for physical sim). You can use the number inside the app to receive text messages. Useful for receiving OTPs.

The price of a virtual phone number is reasonable too. They charge $3.60 per month for a US phone number. And the same for a UK phone number.

Automatic Network Switching

When I used the eSim, I found the stability of the connection to be excellent.

This is because they offer automatic network switching. The eSim connects to the strongest and most efficient network in your location. And switches network automatically.

Hotspot mode

The eSim has a hotspot mode so you can share your data with other devices. This is super useful.

If you’re travelling with a friend or a partner, then both of you can share the data from your eSim.

Not all Mobile Phones are compatible

The most frequent complaint is that not all mobile phones are compatible with the eSim. So make sure you check.

In the online reviews, the biggest complaint is that some mobile phones are not compatible.

But there is good news. The app has a device compatibility checker. Which means you should never buy a plan that you can’t use.

Remote Regions have limited service

The eSim has slower data speeds in rural and remote areas.

I read a review from a lady, who said that reception was limited in the Maldives. She said that she could only do emails and messaging. She wasn’t able to watch videos.

Although, if you’re in the Maldives, I wouldn’t suggest spending too much time watching Youtube! It’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. Don’t believe me?! Read my review of the Conrad Maldives.

But yes. If you do plan on going to the Maldives. And you intend to spend a lot of time on Zoom meetings and on Youtube. Then this eSim isn’t right for you.

A local SIM is cheaper than the eSim

An eSim will be more expensive than a local Sim card. The downside with a local sim card, is that they’re a pain to setup. You need to sign up for a phone provider, and swap the sim in your phone. Or buy a separate phone for your local SIM.

For this reason, I think it’s best to use a local sim card if you need to stay somewhere for longer. E.g. a few months. Don’t bother if you’re going on holiday for a week.

Also, it’s not possible to get a local sim card in some countries. India doesn’t provide local sim cards unless you’re a resident. So an eSim is your only option.

The eSim plans are data only

The eSim plans are data only. You won’t be able to make calls or take texts.

For 90% of people, this won’t be a concern. Using the phone is a very old fashioned thing to do! These days, most people connect via Whatsapp, Zoom or Teams.

But it’s important to know this, before you buy your eSim.

If you need unlimited talk, then this isn’t the right eSim for you.

My Take on eSims

eSims have been a revalation for me. Like most people, I didn’t think too much about data roaming. I paid to roam with my carrier and didn’t think too much about it. Until I got annoyed by the $100 bills every time.

In countries that were REALLY expensive, I just struggled! I would use wi-fi at the hotel, and then wing it when I was out!

Using an eSim has been a massive source of comfort for me. In terms of safety and in terms of comfort. It’s great that I can direct myself in a rental car. And I have certainty about what the data will cost.

Sign up and get a trial for $0.60 trial.