As we dive deeper into our connected world, having an uninterrupted internet connection while travelling has become more crucial than ever. It’s a romantic idea but going off the grid comes with its own set of risks, not to mention worries for friends and family back home. Solo and female travellers, in particular, face unique challenges to their sense of safety and peace of mind, especially in unfamiliar places. Enter the eSIM — a game-changer that’s simplifying the way we stay connected on the go.
Despite there still being a lack of awareness of how an eSIM works, adoption has been particularly strong in North America and Western Europe. Apple is a huge proponent of this tech and it’s only a matter of time before the word ‘eSIM’ becomes as ubiquitous as the word ‘iPhone’. In fact, if you own a newer smartphone model it probably comes with eSIM hardware already built into it.
So, how exactly does it work? An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan instead of using a physical SIM card. For travellers, this means no more fumbling with tiny SIM cards or worrying about losing them. With an eSIM, switching between different carrier plans becomes effortless, ensuring uninterrupted smartphone connectivity without the anxiety of expensive roaming charges. It’s a significant leap towards safer and more convenient travel.
It’s a subject I feel very passionately about. For solo and female travellers, staying connected across borders is not just a matter of convenience—it’s an essential safety measure. Reliable internet access helps you contact emergency services, navigate new places with Google Maps, and stay in touch with family and friends on all your favourite apps from WhatsApp and Snapchat to Instagram and TikTok. In unfamiliar places, this home-from-home connectivity can be a lifeline. Being able to use all those apps and services that keep us connected to information and people, no matter where we are, provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind that’s invaluable.
The fast, reliable connectivity that Sim Local’s eSIM plans offer ensures you maintain the strongest possible connection regardless of your location. You can quickly activate and switch plans without needing a physical SIM card, eliminating the stress of finding and purchasing a local SIM card; a chore that can often get you lost in translation. Moreover, by accessing local networks travellers can use their phones without the constant worry of incurring exorbitant roaming data fees.
The importance of staying connected cannot be overstated. I’ve spoken to solo travellers who have found themselves in scary situations because they had no smartphone connection. Imagine arriving in a new city. It’s easy to get lost and the language barrier only makes things more challenging. But with an eSIM, you can instantly access maps and directions, translate to ask for assistance, book an Uber, stay in touch with family, and share you rlocation in real-time. And if there are any issues, local emergency services can swiftly be contacted.
Sim Local is committed to making travel safer and more accessible to everyone. Anyone can get started by visiting our retail stores, kiosks, or vending machines located in over 100 airports worldwide. Your eSIM can be downloaded through our mobile app and eShop, so you can get connected instantly, no matter where you are.
As international travel continues to rebound and even surpass pre-COVID levels, an eSIM is the perfect travel companion because it gives you something priceless: the peace of mind that comes with constant connectivity.
By Sarah McGarr, Chief Digital Officer at Sim Local