eSIM and SIM: which should you choose for your international travel?

If you’re planning to travel outside of Brazil, “Understanding the difference between SIM and eSIM” should be on your to-do list before traveling abroad!

SIM Card is the card we insert in the mobile phone to identify, manage and save information as well as allow access to the internet, calls and SMS. But what would eSim be? In short, it is the virtual version of the SIM chip.

Learn more about how these work. two types of chips for mobile device to choose the one that will bring you more comfort and safety in your international travel!

Is it necessary to buy an international chip?

It depends. The first step to finding the answer is to check your current phone carrier plan.

If your package is postpaid, offers international roaming and the user reviews are positive for the place you want to visit, it is valid to have your national chip with you.

If this is not the case, there are cheaper alternatives than paying the amount your carrier will charge for international roaming. Buying an international chip is one of them!

You travel more comfortably and avoid potential mishaps when sending messages, accessing social networks, making calls and checking information about your destination.

The second possibility is to purchase an eSIM that offers the data package valid for as long as you need it. It also guarantees to use your mobile network and cellular services to make, store, search and download data to your device.

What is the difference between SIM and eSIM?

A SIM card is a physical chip that must be inserted into the mobile device for the user to use the contracted prepaid or postpaid plan at a store.

An eSIM card, on the other hand, is a virtual chip that is added to your mobile phone after it is downloaded to your device for free via an application. After downloading, you buy one of the available connectivity plans and it’s ready to go.

Main see below Pros and cons of using eSIM and SIM Card For international travel:

Advantage of eSIM

• It offers the same functions as a physical chip;
• It is easy to install and will not be damaged or lost as it is a virtual chip;
• Use of the plan starts only when it is selected as the main SIM and the mobile phone finds a network covered by the purchased plan;
• Coverage x connection consistency Cost effectiveness is generally higher compared to SIM.

Disadvantage of eSIM

• eSIM works on newer devices. Therefore, it is necessary to check the list of compatible devices on the selected website;
• To transfer eSIM from one device to another, it is necessary to download data from the cloud to retrieve messages, media and contacts before activating it on a new mobile phone.

SIM advantage

• There are operators targeting immigrants like Lycamobile and Lebara, which offer a low-cost physical chip;
• European roaming for SIM Cards purchased in Europe works across the continent;
• The physical chip is removable, making it easy to quickly switch to another device in case your cell phone runs out or gets damaged during the trip.

Disadvantage of SIM

• To purchase the SIM Card and start using it, it is necessary to go to an operator store;
• Because it is physical, there is a risk of losing or damaging the chip when replacing a national one with an international SIM;
• It is often not possible to load a SIM in one country when you are physically in another;
• SIM Card is less secure than eSIM because they can be hacked more easily and therefore compromise your access to email, bank account and social networks.

What is the best international eSIM?

In the market of telephone operators, there are several options for purchasing eSIM. affordable prices and quality connection. Check now the best eSIM rated on the internet by international travelers:

Airalo: eSIM store available in 190 countries

Airalo’s eSIM store sells cellular connectivity plans from local operators in 190 countries around the world.

The connectivity of the offered plans can be local for a country, regional to have coverage on a continent, or global to work in all countries where Airalo is available.

Plans are available starting at $4.50 for different validity periods and data amounts.

T-Mobile: eSIMs for use in the United States

When purchasing an eSIM from T-Mobile, you can still use your WhatsApp with a Brazilian number, but you will be able to make voice calls and SMS with your new US number.

For those with the US on the itinerary, look for more details on T-Mobile’s connectivity plans starting at $30 and valid for 1 month in the country.

Orange Travel: eSIMs for travel to Europe

Operator Orange Travel offers eSIMs with unlimited voice and text calls in 35 countries across Europe, including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Spain, Greece, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, United Kingdom, Switzerland and the Vatican.

With the purchase of eSIM you get a French number and if you are going to use it for more than 1 month, the laws of the country where the Eiffel Tower is located require registration with the site. The carrier’s plans are valid throughout Europe and start at €19.99.

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