eSIM 101: What You Need to Know About Travel eSIMs
, by Sim Du Lịch AVIRO, 6 min reading time
In today's globalized world, staying connected while traveling internationally is essential. Aviro's eSIM 101 is the ideal starting point to help you understand what eSIMs are, how they work, and why they are gradually replacing traditional physical SIMs. With outstanding benefits such as flexibility, ease of use, and cost savings, eSIMs for travelers are a hard choice to refuse.
What is eSIM? The evolution from physical SIM to digital connectivity.
Source: Aviro
From the first SIM cards the size of ATM cards to today's compact nano SIMs, physical SIM cards have always played a crucial role in connecting devices to network providers. However, the need for manual insertion and removal makes traditional SIM cards less flexible and prone to problems when traveling frequently.
eSIM (Embedded SIM) emerged as a more modern solution. It's built into the device, doesn't require a physical card, and can be activated remotely via the internet. This allows users to easily install an eSIM, switch carriers with just a few steps, and avoid visiting stores or buying a new SIM when traveling abroad.
In addition to convenience, eSIM allows you to store multiple carrier profiles on the same device – making it ideal for frequent business travelers, international tourists, or those who want to use multiple phone numbers simultaneously.
Comparing eSIM and physical SIM
Despite its superior flexibility and convenience, what are the reasons why eSIM cannot replace traditional SIM cards? Which is the best solution for users' needs? Let's compare them in detail to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type!
|
Criteria |
Physical SIM |
eSIM |
|
Form |
The SIM card needs to be inserted into the device. |
Built inside the machine |
|
Setting |
It takes time waiting for the SIM card to be delivered and installed into the phone. |
Activate immediately after scanning the QR code. |
|
Flexible |
It's difficult to switch between carriers quickly. |
It's easy to change or add multiple network profiles. |
|
Safety |
May be lost or damaged |
Securely fixed in place, no fear of falling off. |
|
Parallel capability |
1 physical SIM + 1 eSIM (depending on the device) |
Multiple eSIMs can be stored and switched flexibly. |
|
Compatible devices |
Most phones support it. |
Only works on devices that support eSIM. |
|
Environmental impact |
Causes plastic waste and packaging |
Environmentally friendly |
|
Security |
Stolen items may be disassembled and used in other devices. |
Integrated with the device, making it difficult to tamper with if the device is lost. |
What is mobile data? How much data do you need when using an eSIM?
Source: Canva
Most activities on your phone, from browsing the web and using Google Maps to watching videos and messaging through apps, require mobile data to connect to the internet. Each task consumes a different amount of data. For example, web browsing only uses about 50MB per hour, while watching 4K video can consume up to 7GB per hour.
To put it more clearly: 1GB of data = 1024MB. Every time you download or upload something using mobile internet, you are "consuming" that MB/GB. The amount of data you need will depend on the apps you use frequently and the amount of time you use it each day.
Below are estimates of data consumption for popular apps:
Google Maps : ~5MB/hour
Browsing social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.): ~50MB/hour
Web browsing : ~50MB/hour
Online gaming : ~70MB/hour or more
Online music streaming : ~100MB/hour
Watch the video :
-
SD quality: ~1GB/hour
-
HD: ~4GB/hour
-
4K: ~7GB/hour
You can refer to the estimated data usage for the 1GB/day, 2GB/day, and 3GB/day packages below:
Source: Aviro
So, if you only use your phone for maps, checking email, and texting, you might only need about 1–2GB per week of travel. But if you frequently watch videos or work remotely, you should consider higher data plans like 5GB or 10GB.
How to choose the right eSIM plan when traveling.
Once you've calculated your data consumption, choosing an international travel eSIM package becomes much simpler. At Aviro, you can easily select a suitable data package (daily or total data) and a validity period that matches your itinerary.
For example, if you're planning a 10-day trip to Japan and expect to need around 3GB of data per day, simply visit the Japan eSIM product page , select the 3GB/day plan with a 10-day validity period, make the payment, and scan the QR code. Upon arrival, your device will automatically connect to the local network – no need to buy a physical SIM, no need to wait in long lines at the airport.
After choosing a suitable eSIM plan, you can refer to the instructions on how to set up eSIM on iPhone and Android to connect to the network quickly in just a few simple steps.
The article eSIM 101 has provided you with a clear, easy-to-understand overview of the new connectivity technology that is changing how we use data when traveling abroad. Knowing what eSIM is, how it works, how to set it up, and its benefits for travel, you can proactively stay connected anywhere in the world, starting today!
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