Why Use an eSIM? Benefits, Uses and How to Get One

An eSIM lets you download a mobile plan to a compatible phone without inserting a physical SIM card. Discover the main benefits, how people use eSIMs for travel and work, and how to install one.

Most people first consider an eSIM before an overseas trip. They want mobile data as soon as they land, without searching for a SIM shop or paying unexpected roaming charges.

But travel is not the only situation where an eSIM can be useful. It can help you manage a second mobile line, keep your personal and work numbers separate, or connect a compatible device when you're away from home.

The biggest advantage is convenience: instead of handling a plastic SIM card, you can download a mobile plan to a compatible device. What you can do with it depends on the plan, your phone and the network it uses.

Here's why people use eSIMs, the situations where they can help, and how to get started.

Why use an eSIM?

An eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM profile that works with a device's built-in eSIM hardware. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download the mobile subscription electronically.

Here are some of the main benefits.

1. Get connected without a physical SIM card

You can purchase a compatible eSIM plan online and install it using a QR code or the provider's installation instructions. That means no need to wait for a physical SIM to arrive or find a shop after landing.

Installation usually takes only a few minutes, although the exact steps depend on your device and plan.

2. Manage mobile data costs before you travel

International roaming charges can be expensive, depending on your home carrier and plan. A prepaid travel eSIM lets you check the price and data allowance before buying.

Choose a plan that matches your destination and expected usage. Check its validity, coverage and any restrictions so you know what you're purchasing.

A travel eSIM does not automatically prevent all roaming charges. If your home SIM remains active, your regular carrier may still charge for calls, texts or data, depending on your settings and contract.

3. Keep your existing SIM and use a second line

Many eSIM-compatible phones support dual-SIM functionality. This can let you keep your home SIM installed while using a travel eSIM for mobile data.

For example, you could use your travel eSIM for maps and browsing while keeping your home number available for calls or verification messages, subject to your home carrier's terms.

Remember that not every eSIM includes a phone number or traditional calling and texting. Many travel eSIMs are data-only, so check the plan details before buying.

4. Reduce the risk of losing a physical SIM

A digital SIM profile means there's no small plastic card to remove, carry or accidentally leave behind when switching SIMs.

However, an eSIM profile still needs to be managed carefully. Keep your installation details available and avoid deleting the profile unless your provider instructs you to do so.

5. Switch plans without changing a physical card

If you travel frequently, an eSIM can make it easier to install plans for different destinations. You may be able to use a single-country plan for one trip and a regional or global plan for another.

The coverage depends on the specific plan. Before purchasing, check which countries are included and whether you need a separate plan for your next destination.

Physical SIM vs eSIM: What's the difference?

Both types of SIM connect your device to a mobile network. The main difference is how the SIM profile is supplied and managed.

Feature	Physical SIM	eSIM
Format	Removable plastic card	Digital profile on compatible hardware
How you get it	Shop, kiosk or delivery	Usually purchased and installed digitally
Installation	Insert the card into the device	Download the profile using supported setup instructions
Switching plans	May require changing cards	Can often be managed through device settings or the provider
Dual-SIM use	Depends on the phone's SIM slots and capabilities	Can work alongside a physical SIM on supported devices
Device support	Requires a compatible SIM slot	Requires eSIM-compatible hardware and software
Best suited to	People who prefer a physical card or need a particular local service	Travellers and users who value digital setup and flexible plan options

An eSIM isn't automatically cheaper or better for every situation. A physical SIM may be a good choice if you need a local number or want a particular operator's domestic package. Compare the cost, coverage and included services before choosing.

What is an eSIM, and how does it work?

An eSIM performs the same basic role as a traditional SIM: it allows a compatible device to authenticate with a mobile network.

The difference is that an eSIM profile can be downloaded electronically rather than supplied on a removable card. When you purchase an eSIM, the provider supplies installation details that let your device download the profile.

The general process is:

1. Choose an eSIM plan that supports your destination and device.
2. Purchase the plan from the provider.
3. Install the eSIM profile using a QR code or the supported manual method.
4. Configure your phone's mobile-data and network settings.
5. Connect when the plan is active and a supported network is available.

Some plans activate when installed, while others start their validity period on a selected date or when they first connect to a network. Always check the plan's activation rules before installation.

For the technical background, see the GSMA's eSIM overview.

Five ways people use eSIMs

An eSIM can be useful in different situations, but the right plan depends on where you need connectivity and what you want to do.

1. Leisure travel and holidays

Travel is one of the most common reasons to consider an eSIM.

Whether you're visiting a city for a weekend, spending two weeks at the beach or taking a longer holiday, a travel eSIM can provide mobile data for:

• Maps and navigation
• Restaurant searches and transport bookings
• Messaging and video calls through supported apps
• Travel confirmations and online bookings
• Sharing photos and checking local information

You can install the eSIM before leaving home and follow the plan's activation instructions when you arrive. For trips covering several countries, compare regional and global plans, and confirm that all your destinations are included.

2. Business travel

Business travellers often need access to email, calendars, online documents and meeting tools while moving between destinations.

A travel eSIM can help you get mobile data without having to buy a new physical SIM at every stop. This is particularly useful when you have a tight schedule and want to arrange connectivity before departure.

Before relying on it for work, check the plan's data allowance, hotspot terms, network coverage and whether it supports the services you need.

3. Remote work and digital nomad travel

People who work remotely while travelling may need regular access to messaging platforms, cloud documents, video meetings and other online tools.

An eSIM can provide a convenient mobile-data option when arriving in a new country. However, a travel eSIM isn't necessarily a replacement for home broadband or a local long-term mobile plan.

If you're staying for several months, compare the cost and data allowance of travel plans with local services. Also consider whether the network coverage and upload speeds are suitable for your work.

4. Separating work and personal mobile use

A compatible dual-SIM phone can let you use one line for personal calls and another for work or mobile data.

For example, you might keep your regular number on your existing SIM and use a separate eSIM for work-related connectivity. This can help you manage two lines on one device without carrying two phones.

The exact setup depends on your phone, carrier and the type of eSIM plan you buy. A data-only eSIM won't provide a second traditional phone number for ordinary calls and SMS.

5. Backup data or connectivity for another device

An eSIM can be an additional way to access mobile data when your usual connection isn't available, provided you have a suitable plan with coverage where you need it.

For example, a traveller might use a compatible cellular tablet with its own eSIM plan, or use a phone's supported hotspot feature to connect a laptop.

Before relying on an eSIM as a home internet backup, check whether the plan is suitable for use in your country and whether it offers enough data for your needs. Travel plans may have destination, validity or usage restrictions, so don't assume every plan is intended for domestic use.

Device support also varies. Some cellular tablets support eSIM, but a device's eSIM compatibility doesn't guarantee that every provider's plan will work on it.

How to get and set up an eSIM

Getting started is straightforward if your device is compatible and unlocked.

Step 1: Check your phone's compatibility

Not every phone supports eSIM, and some compatible models are restricted by the country where they were sold or by their carrier lock.

Use Airhub's eSIM compatibility checker to check your device before purchasing.

Step 2: Choose the right plan

Visit the Airhub eSIM plans page and select your destination.

Compare the data allowance, validity period, supported countries, network information and calling features. If you need calls and SMS, make sure the selected plan includes them; many travel plans provide data only.

Step 3: Purchase your eSIM

Complete the checkout process and follow the provider's instructions for receiving your installation details. Airhub's setup guide explains that a confirmation email with a QR code is supplied after the purchase process is complete.

Step 4: Install the eSIM

Connect to Wi-Fi and open your phone's mobile or cellular settings. Select the option to add an eSIM, then scan the supplied QR code if your device supports that method.

Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installation. Menu names can vary with your phone model and software version.

Step 5: Activate and connect

Follow the plan's activation instructions. Depending on the plan, you may need to select the eSIM for mobile data, enable data roaming or configure an access point name (APN).

Check the provider's guidance rather than assuming every eSIM uses identical settings. Once the plan is active and you're in a covered area, test your connection by opening a website or map.

For additional help, visit Airhub's eSIM compatibility and setup guide.

Will your phone work with an eSIM?

Many recent smartphones support eSIM, including a range of iPhone, Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models. But compatibility depends on the exact model, regional variant, software and carrier-lock status.

Airhub's compatibility list includes supported iPhones from the XR and XS generations onward, as well as a selection of Google Pixel, Samsung and other devices. Some cellular iPads are listed too.

Don't rely on the brand name alone. Check the exact model against the Airhub compatibility list before purchasing.

Also remember that the number of profiles you can store and the number you can use simultaneously vary by device. Consult your phone manufacturer's guidance for the specific model.

Why choose Airhub for travel connectivity?

Airhub offers local, regional and global eSIM options for travellers. Its website lists plans covering more than 190 countries and destinations, although the countries available depend on the plan you select.

You can compare available data allowances, validity periods and prices online before buying. Depending on the destination and plan, you can choose data-only service or a plan that includes calls and SMS.

Before checkout, check the exact plan details, coverage and activation instructions. Start by exploring the Airhub website.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of using an eSIM?

An eSIM lets you download a mobile plan without inserting a physical SIM card. It can simplify travel setup, help you manage a second line and make it easier to use compatible mobile-data plans in different destinations.

How do I activate an eSIM using a QR code?

Purchase a compatible plan, connect your phone to Wi-Fi, open the eSIM or mobile-plan settings and scan the QR code supplied by the provider. Follow the on-screen steps and the plan's activation instructions.

Can I use an eSIM without a physical SIM?

Yes. A compatible device can use an eSIM without a physical SIM card. Whether you can use it alongside another SIM depends on the device's dual-SIM capabilities.

Can I keep my home number while using an eSIM?

On a compatible dual-SIM phone, you can often keep your home SIM installed while using an eSIM for data. Calls, texts and verification messages depend on your home carrier, plan and device settings. Roaming charges may still apply.

How many eSIMs can I add to my phone?

It depends on the model. Some phones can store multiple eSIM profiles, but the number that can be active simultaneously varies. Check the manufacturer's instructions for your exact device.

Can an eSIM make calls and send SMS?

Some eSIM plans include traditional calling and SMS, while others are data-only. Check the plan details before purchasing. Data-only eSIMs may support internet-based calling apps where those apps and services are available, but they don't automatically provide a traditional phone number.

Can I use an eSIM as a backup for my home internet?

Potentially, if the plan supports use in your location and offers enough data for your needs. Check whether the plan is intended for domestic use, whether hotspot or tethering is allowed and whether any usage restrictions apply.

Is an eSIM cheaper than a physical SIM?

Not always. An eSIM can be convenient, but the total cost depends on the destination, data allowance, validity, local SIM prices and included services. Compare equivalent plans before deciding.

Make your next connection simpler

An eSIM isn't just a digital alternative to a plastic SIM card. It can make travel setup easier, help you manage more than one line and provide another way to access mobile data on compatible devices.

The key is choosing a plan that fits your destination, data needs and device. Check compatibility, compare the terms and follow the installation instructions before you travel.