eSim what are they and how do they work?
eSim what are they and how do they work? When I travel, I have almost everything at my fingertips, especially the most important things. [...]
eSim what are they and how do they work? When I travel, I have almost everything at hand, especially the most important things. I am a person who needs to be in control, similarly to many other business travelers.
In this article:
Everything I need to work, and to keep in touch with family and friends, must fit inside my backpack and the handy fanny pack I always carry.
My technology compartment, over the years, has grown so much that my space needs have changed. As I traveled to countries outside Europe, I realized that a kind of Internet "anxiety" was being generated in me, the kind theorized by Andrew Przybylski and known as FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
Maybe it's because now we all have a constant need to be connected. And without the Internet, it would mean in a sense living isolated, just try to think about it for a moment.
An example would be when you trivially have no roaming connection like in Switzerland and you need a foothold right away that is Wi-Fi.
Or if you need to connect in a hostel, hotel or guest house and need 24-hour connection. You may need to use the connection for different reasons, like all ordinary travelers, for example: using maps for orientation, translator, sharing stories or TikTok. Looking for a restaurant or checking the weather or using an app to book a train: in short, you name it.
That's why we talk about eSim. When I first learned of its existence, I was puzzled for a moment, and yet it is the solution to the little evil of the internet connection world. Whether you are a backpacker or a traveler who appreciates lounge and luxury hotels, you will definitely need to know what eSim is and especially how it works!
Internet on the go: eSim the winning alternative
Until recently, there were very few alternatives for having the Internet with you:
- Roaming within the EU, with the opportunity to call and use Giga included within the rate plan (often with a reduction depending on the phone company).
- Outside Europe, on the other hand, you have to pay different rates or take advantage of other means of connecting, such as a local SIM, which in some ways, however, can be inconvenient because you have to take out the Italian SIM. Another method I have used firsthand is the small portable Wi-Fi router that we commonly call a "soapbox." I have used it to go to Japan finding it quite good although it overheats easily and you have to have a power bank with you at all times (sometimes the actual range is not what is presented on paper).
The alternative is the eSim! Perfect for the always-connected traveler!
The eSim is a full-fledged SIM card, so don't get confused and don't worry, just because you will need it read carefully. The eSim, or embedded SIM phone card, does not deal with a physical SIM, but receives data through the microchip in the smartphone.
A way to save the environment from our constant harassment, greatly reducing waste and plastic consumption with the resulting waste generation.
We at TFC are committed to promoting all initiatives that respect the environment and seek to protect the planet especially for the next generation.
What are the advantages of having eSim abroad? How does it work?
The advantages as you might have guessed are numerous compared to the other tools we have summarily discussed. The thing that amazed me the most, however, is the method of use, which is simple and straightforward.
I give a basic example: if I had had it when I arrived in Japan, I would not have had to go looking for the office to pick up Pocket Wi-Fi (although very useful) and I could have immediately taken the train to my apartment.
The benefits don't stop there, although the one I already told you about is really a game changer for me!
- Do everything via email: you won't believe it but it is! Once you order an eSim, you get a QR code to activate it. You can then buy it even a day before departure or even while you are traveling (I would never do that because I am anxious).
- You can keep your Italian number with your SIM.: Your smartphone will basically become a kind of dual-sim without actually being one. I tell you this because you will not have to remove your Italian SIM. Also even though you won't be able to use your number for calling, you will be able to use the data and therefore WhatsApp, Telegram and Social and what you want of course.
- Environmental sustainability: We have already talked about it, but it is indeed a breakthrough in this respect. No Co2 emissions, no plastic production or anything else. It is a totally sustainable solution with no environmental impact.
- Small budget, big opportunities: with a really low budget, you can buy this eSim, allowing even those close to you to use the connection through the hotspot. If you feel more secure, buy a VPN so you can shield your data anyway!
- Compatibility: to date it is compatible with the latest generation of smartphones. Our advice is to check first of course according to your choice if it is compatible with your smartphone. Let me give you an example, in my case I have 2 smartphones (iPhone) and the first one is a non-compatible model because it is an iPhone 6, while the other 11 Pro is compatible. It is good to inquire first!
What are the best eSims to use?
Of course, it all depends on what you are looking for, but our advice is to turn to Manet, the first Italian site that offers eSim. Practical and very intuitive.
How much does an eSim cost?
It depends on the destination, but prices are around 2 or 3 euros daily. In the long run you will pay less.
Concluding
We can say that we particularly like the idea of having a product that we can take with us through our smartphone to connect. This is a really innovative initiative that especially allows us to have more peace of mind when we think about internet connection abroad.
If you liked the article, keep following us on social as well and tell us about your experience with the eSim!
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