Benefits of an eSIM for frequent travellers to the UK

In terms of technological development, phones have always been at the forefront of connecting people across the globe using the latest innovation. In the digital age, this is no different, with the coming of the eSIM. You no longer need bank or loyalty cards, so why would you need to stick with a physical SIM card to stay connected?

Let’s examine what an eSIM is, how to check if your phone is compatible, and how to safely use it in the UK.

What is eSIM, and is my phone compatible?

Gone are the days when you had to keep track of numerous SIM cards just to lose one on the tube, never to be seen again. With eSIM technology, you use software on your phone to enable multiple phone numbers, and it will switch to your number when you cross the border into another country.

The eSIM works based on data plans like you would reload airtime or data on your phone. You can buy unlimited eSIM for tourist in the UK, meaning you will have unlimited internet for the number of devices and days you have selected on your eSIM plan.

The eSIM is so convenient. You simply buy your plan online and activate it one day before you plan to travel. The data plans for your selected locations will automatically kick in once you are in the country.

New tech is all great, but how do you know if your phone is compatible? It is vital to check this on your phone if you plan on using an eSIM plan.

• Android devices

Most of the latest smartphones have the built-in option to install an eSIM option. If you have an older device, you can easily check if it is compatible with the eSIM software to enable multiple phone numbers to be in use at once. On your Android phone, you should go to Settings and then Connections. If there is a SIM Card manager option, you can click on it, and it should show you the Add mobile plan option. If you see this, then your phone can handle an eSIM connection.

• iPhones

To check your iPhone’s eSIM compatibility, click on the Holafly eSIM plan option and select your phone model. It will show you if your phone is compatible. Most iPhones have this function built-in, or you have to contact your network provider if your phone is carrier-locked. Also note that most iPhones from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao are not eSIM compatible, so consider that before you buy a new phone.

• Google Pixel

The same goes for the iPhone; you can use the Holafly link above to easily see if your phone model is compatible with the eSIM function. It is important to note that exclusions also apply here, and the Pixel 3 from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, or any of the devices bought under a US or Canadian carrier contract other than Spring and Google Fi will not be compatible with eSIM. Pixel 3a models bought in Southeast Asia and under Verizon also do not support eSIM. If your device qualifies, it must still be carrier-unlocked to work on your phone.

Activating your eSIM plans

Now that you know if your phone is compatible, you can go ahead and purchase an eSIM data plan for your time in the UK. Once you have selected the number of days and the devices you need the plan for, you will complete your transaction, and you will receive a QR code on WhatsApp or email.

Step 1. Activate your eSIM via the link or QR provided. It is best to activate this a day before your trip so that, if this is your first time, you can sort out any network provider issues should your phone be carrier-locked.

Step 2. If all goes smoothly, you should be set to just connect once you enter the UK. Activate the data when you have landed. Providers make it easy to manage your plan from their centre or portal, and you can top up your plan if need be, all without the hassle of going into a physical shop or paying ridiculous roaming tariffs while travelling.

Step 3. Depending on your phone and carrier, you may have to remove the physical SIM to activate the eSIM, but you will receive instructions from your carrier, should that be the case. For the rest, recharge your plan on your phone as needed.

Other Benefits of Using an eSIM

With the obvious reasons of easy recharge and unlimited internet out of the way, what other reasons are there to switch to the convenience of a digital SIM?

It is not just useful to frequent travellers to make switching networks easy; there are a few other benefits to switching to the eSIM option if your phone is compatible:

• Crossing over numbers

You can easily transfer phone numbers from iPhone to Android or between providers, thus breaching the age-old gap between the two manufacturers. Mind the gap—what gap?

• Uninterrupted connectivity

Reconnect with the outside world as soon as you set foot out of the plane. Uninterrupted data connectivity and switching from one number to the next can all take the extra travel stress away so you can just enjoy your trip, knowing that you are connected in an emergency and your loved ones can contact you no matter what country you find yourself in.

• Space for design

No SIM card tray leaves more space for a sleeker design on, for example the iPhone and more internal space for other enhancements they bring to every new model.

• eSIM transfer

The new iPhone models have the convenient feature of eSIM Quick Transfer between an old and a new phone or an Android and your iPhone. Apple makes streamlining this process easy and effortless, adding flexibility to users who prefer to switch between devices when they travel. Or you have a work number and a private number that you wish to keep as such when you enter the UK.

What You Need to Know About eSIM and UK Travel

The tech is still new, so it will take time, as with any new thing, for all companies to embrace it. If you are traveling to the UK, you have to check the network provider, as currently, only O2, EE, Three, and Vodafone offer eSIM support for compatible devices. So be sure to check this in advance.

If you are not one of those set on having the latest model of your brand, then it is very likely that your phone may not yet be compatible with this new feature. Be sure to check with your provider and check the carrier lock on your phone. It is best to contact an eSIM activation and repair company based in the UK to give you the most accurate information before you buy a data plan without being sure if you will be able to activate it.

As mentioned before, the country where you bought your phone may also affect the compatibility of an eSIM activation. Check all these boxes before your trip and contact providers to ensure a smooth transition.

Concerns Regarding the eSIM

Security concerns, data mining, and all things related to cyber security may immediately come to mind. But as with all tech, when you use the legit phone and digital providers, your questions and concerns should be minimised.

Cybersecurity

Your personal information remains safe when you use an accredited network provider and have a phone that supports eSIM services. Your data will remain private, and your safety and security online are guaranteed when you buy data plans through legitimate providers. Your number will also be safe should your phone be stolen, as the thieves can’t simply remove the SIM and replace it with their own.

Phone Compatibility

An eSIM is the new replacement for a nanoSIM. The latter made changing from one network to another quite the hassle, not to mention the risk of losing your SIM card. All future phones will be embedded with eSIMs, as this smooth transition will be the way of future mobile network convenience. The iPhone 14 in the US already has only eSIM functionality, and other models are sure to follow.

Old SIMs

Phones with physical SIM slots will not be phased out very soon, and network providers will still provide SIM cards for models that don’t have this functionality. However, it is worth considering upgrading to a digital SIM when you do decide to buy a later model to adapt to the future change in mobile providers.

Conclusion

Embracing the digital tech of an eSIM will benefit you as you travel or as an added convenience in your home country, keeping you connected across different networks and keeping your digital info safe in case of a breach or theft of your phone. It is always good to have a backup physical SIM from your old phone, or you can choose to destroy the data for your own safety. You have nothing to lose, only convenience to gain by unlocking the future of smart connectivity, that is the eSIM.