What’s the most challenging task of planning an overseas trip? People might think that it’s a currency conversion, but that’s definitely not the case. While currency conversion can be a tough job, what’s tougher is figuring out your mobile data costs. Relying on roaming packs will always result in a terribly high phone bill. However, opting for eSIM travel plans will result in a significantly lower cost as compared to the physical SIM card.
What Are Roaming Packs?
Roaming packs are optional packages that are offered by your home network provider. They enable you to make calls, texts and data with your local SIM card in a foreign country, but they charge an outrageous amount to do so. These packs are usually:
Add-ons you can prepay or postpay prior to your travel.
Billed on a daily/weekly basis, depending on your carrier.
Limited in data and validity.
It is a fact that roaming packs are convenient since they do not require a SIM card change or a new activation. But, they may be very costly, particularly when travelling over a long distance or when the traveller has large data requirements.
What Are eSIM Travel Plans?
eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that is constructed and embedded directly into your phone. Using eSIM travel plans, you can buy local or regional mobile data directly with the operators in the country, usually even without getting home. Features include:
Real-time activation through QR code or application (be it an iPhone eSIM or an android one, the activation process stays the same).
Data eSIM offers a large variety of data packages (1GB to unlimited).
One plan covering several countries.
Imagine purchasing a local SIM card, except no plastic card, no visit to the store, and no pain.
Let’s break down the differences between eSIM travel plans and roaming packs to see which option offers better savings and convenience.
- Adaptability and Availability.
Roaming Packs: These are typically attached to your home network provider, and you have to subscribe to them prior to travelling. The choices can be restricted to countries or regions.
eSIM Travel Plans: You can purchase a plan online either before or after you have reached your destination. Most providers offer country or region-specific eSIM virtual SIM, which is more flexible.
Winner: eSIM travel plans since the plans are more flexible and simple to activate.
- Activation Process
Roaming Packs: The activation process can be very simple when you are keeping your current carrier. In some cases, though, you might have to call the customer service or take other procedures.
eSIM Travel Plans: It takes nearly no time to activate. All you need to do is scan a QR code or download the app, and then you are good to go.
Winner: eSIM travel plans since they can be instantly activated without any inconvenience.
- Coverage
Roaming Packs: Coverage may be restricted in areas where your network provider does not have any agreements.
eSIM Travel Plans: This offers broad coverage with numerous carriers in the area, which is useful in remote locations.
Winner: Tie since both alternatives are providing good coverage, yet eSIMs can provide more flexibility on the network.
- Cost Savings
Roaming Packs: This is normally offered with predetermined periods (daily/weekly). They are convenient but can get expensive when you require additional data or spend more time than anticipated.
eSIM Travel Plans: They are usually more affordable when making long-term trips because you have a number of specific plans to select and use depending on your usage. There is no necessity to spend money on extras such as calls or SMS that you do not require.
Winner: eSIM travel plans, since it is more personalised and less expensive.
Roaming packs can work extremely well in the case of a light traveller who appreciates the ease of staying with their current network provider. However, eSIM travel plans are obviously more valuable and convenient to most modern travellers, particularly those who travel to more than one country, need to be set up quickly, and want flexible data plans. All it takes is a QR code that allows you to change networks with ease, and you no longer have to go through the traditional cumbersome roaming fees. If you are someone who wants to try using this, then you can easily sign up for a free eSIM trial and make it permanent if it suits you!