In this interconnected world, it has become a necessity to stay connected at all times. Simply travelling to another country without any form of communication is not an option for most people. In today’s world, there are more options than just using roaming on your phone. Another popular option has emerged, called eSIM. However, what are the differences between the two, and which is best suited for your travels?
What Is An eSIM?
An eSIM, also referred to as an embedded SIM, is a virtual card that is stored in your device. Since the chip is already built into your device, it removes the need to buy or work with a physical SIM card.
An eSIM allows you to download and activate a mobile plan from a provider without needing a physical SIM. You can typically choose from plans that are usually prepaid, offering you a set amount of data, texts, and calls.
Pros Of eSIMs
There are many advantages to using an eSIM, such as:
- Convenience: Since you don’t need a physical SIM, it is usually very easy to set up through an app or online.
- Instant Activation: Once you activate your plan, you will be connected immediately.
- Various Plans: eSIMs allow you to store multiple plans, making it very easy for users to switch between different carriers and packages.
- Compatibility: eSIMs are generally compatible with most new devices.
Cons Of eSIMS
There are, of course, some drawbacks that need to be considered:
- Compatibility: Older devices and certain types of devices might not be compatible with eSIMs.
- Complexity: Switching to eSIMs and making plan changes can feel a bit tricky for someone who is used to traditional physical SIM cards.
What Is International Roaming?
International roaming refers to using your home mobile carrier’s network while travelling abroad. This is made possible through partnerships with international carriers. Depending on your plan, you may pay per day, per minute, per text, or per megabyte of data.
With international roaming, you don’t need a new SIM card – you simply use your existing SIM to roam abroad.
Pros Of International Roaming
There are some advantages to international roaming:
- Instant Access: You will be connected instantly, and there is no need to swap SIMs or activate additional packages.
- Easy Activation: Most of the time, roaming is automatic, or you may just need to switch roaming on in your phone settings.
- Emergencies or Short Trips: International roaming is convenient for short trips or unexpected emergencies when travel was unplanned.
- Convenient Carrier Plans: Some providers offer excellent roaming packages, even including discounts on international data.
Cons Of International Roaming
There are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Coverage: Coverage may not be consistent everywhere, meaning you might not have service in certain areas.
- Not Suitable for Long-Term Travel: Roaming can become expensive if used over extended periods.
- Unexpected Charges: It is not uncommon for users to receive unexpectedly high bills due to steep roaming charges and difficulty tracking data usage.
Cost Comparison: eSIMs vs. Roaming
There are clear differences in the costs associated with eSIMs and international roaming.
International Roaming Charges
Since Brexit, many UK providers have reintroduced roaming charges for using your phone in the EU, and rates can vary significantly.
Here’s a quick look at the approximate costs in 2025:
- Three: Charges around £2 per day for EU roaming, which gives you up to 12GB of data (subject to fair use limits). For a week, this totals £14. If you exceed the data limit, it costs 10p per MB – that’s £100 for just 1GB. Outside the EU, the cost rises to £5 per day, totalling £35 for the week.
- Vodafone: Charges around £2.25 per day for EU roaming, with up to 25GB depending on your plan. A week would cost £15.75. Outside the EU, the daily cost is about £7.05, totalling £49.35 for a week.
eSIM Costs
eSIMs provide prepaid plans with transparent pricing, often at lower costs than traditional roaming:
- Airalo: A 5GB plan for 30 days costs about $20 (£15.80), breaking down to approximately £2.26 per day. A 10GB option is available for $36 (£28.50). These plans are data-only and allow usage across EU countries without roaming restrictions.
- Holafly: Offers unlimited data for 7 days in Europe (including the UK) for around $34 (£26.90), which works out to approximately £3.84 per day. This is ideal for heavy data users.
Why eSIMs Outperform Traditional Roaming?
eSIMs are becoming the new norm due to their affordability, convenience, and ease of use. While international roaming is still useful in cases such as emergency travel or short holidays, the high cost is a major drawback to consider. With eSIMs offering competitive pricing, flexibility, and instant activation, they present a smarter alternative for most travellers looking to stay connected without breaking the bank.
