how to get an esim

My eSIM Journey: From Curiosity to Digital Essential

As a frequent international traveler and tech enthusiast, my eSIM exploration began three years ago during a chaotic overseas trip. Back then, I was struggling with a stack of physical SIM cards, never imagining this “digital chip” embedded in smartphones would revolutionise my connectivity habits. Let me share my personal eSIM stories and the practical knowledge I’ve gathered along the way.

1. First Encounter: "Can I Really Buy an eSIM?"

▍Story 1: The Airport Digital Rescue

Before my 2020 Singapore trip, I noticed hotel websites recommending eSIMs to avoid SIM-swapping hassles. Holding my bulky SIM card holder, I wondered: “Are these virtual cards really secure?” My research revealed eSIM (Embedded SIM) stores encrypted data directly in your device, making it more secure than physical cards prone to loss or theft.

Purchase Experience:
When ordering from my carrier’s website, a warning caught my eye: “eSIM profiles cannot be removed once written to device.” This reminded me of my past SIM card losses. Following simple steps, I received an activation QR code within 5 minutes – no delivery wait or fear of losing tiny adapters. The instant gratification was revolutionary.

2. Getting Started: How to Install eSIM

▍Story 2: iPhone User’s "Easy Mode"

Setting up eSIM on my iPhone 13 felt like completing game levels:

  1. Navigate to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM
  2. Scan the carrier’s QR code (or manually enter activation code)
  3. Name your plan (I chose “Singapore Roaming”)
  4. Enable with one tap for instant connectivity

Pro Tip: Initially I feared “Add eSIM” would delete my main plan. Later I discovered iPhones store up to 8 eSIM profiles with 2 active simultaneously – perfect for keeping local and travel plans ready.

▍Story 3: Android User’s "Adventure Mode"

Helping a colleague set up eSIM on Samsung S21 revealed slight differences:

  • Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Add mobile plan
  • Select “Download eSIM”
  • Enter SM-DP+ address and activation code from carrier
  • Wait for automatic configuration

He remarked: “Had I known this earlier, I’d have saved €20 from that dodgy European SIM card.”

3. Essential Knowledge: 6 eSIM Truths

▍1. The "Device Migration" Challenge

Story 4: My Cross-Platform Nightmare
When switching from iPhone to Android, I learned hard lessons:

  • Some carriers restrict cross-brand transfers (e.g., certain eSIMs only work between iPhones)
  • Requires deleting old profile before new activation
  • One obscure operator demanded email verification for transfers

Solution: Check carrier compatibility lists first. Prioritise providers with “eSIM Quick Transfer” (like AT&T or China Mobile International).

▍2. Cost Comparison: Choosing Plans

Story 5: Data Lover vs. Casual User Dilemma
My personal plan comparison:
| Plan Type | Price | Data | Best For |
|—————-|————|—————|——————-|
| Weekly | 4/week | 1GB global | Short trips | | Monthly 3GB | 12/month | 3GB local+1GB roaming | Students/business |
| Heavy Data | 34/10GB | High-speed+hotspot | Remote workers | | Unlimited | 60/month | No throttling+international calls | Expats |

My Strategy: Local plan + 19/5GB roaming pack, supplemented by4 weekly plans abroad – 40% cheaper than physical SIMs.

▍3. Carrier Compatibility Matters

Story 6: Southeast Asia Connectivity Woes
In Vietnam, my “global” eSIM failed because:

  • Local towers used incompatible frequencies
  • Customer service operated on different timezones
  • Cancelling required lengthy procedures

Now I: For offbeat destinations, choose local carriers (e.g., Thailand’s AIS, Turkey’s Turkcell) via official apps – better coverage and support.

4. The Ultimate Question: Is eSIM Worth It?

▍Key Benefits:

  • No physical SIM: Ditch the ejector tool, connect instantly at airports
  • Multi-SIM convenience: Work+personal numbers without dual-SIM phones
  • Eco-friendly: Eliminates plastic waste from SIM packaging

▍Potential Drawbacks:

  • Older devices unsupported (requires iPhone XS+/Android 8.0+)
  • Some carriers restrict hotspot sharing
  • Network-dependent activation (always carry a backup physical SIM)

5. Final Tips for Beginners

  1. Buy before traveling: Purchase 72+ hours early to test activation
  2. Screenshot QR codes: Safeguard against message failures
  3. Monitor profiles: Regularly check eSIM status in device settings

Today, my phone stores three eSIM profiles: primary local, European roaming, and Southeast Asia pack. Seeing dual signals in my status bar symbolises digital freedom – no physical SIM tray limitations, just seamless network switching. Isn’t this what the mobile future should be?

If you’re ready to ditch physical SIM hassles, let your next journey begin with this “universal digital card in your pocket”!