eSIM VS SIM card: Differences, and how to buy it

If you are interested in new cellphones like iPhone 14 or Google Pixel 7, you have probably noticed a new characteristic that you might not know: the incorporated eSIM technology. Even though this technology has been among us for a long time, it is not known worldwide yet.

Long story short, an eSIM card is a new version of the traditional SIM card. This new device has many details that we recommend you check before buying it.

In this article, we are going to provide you more information about it and tell you how and where to buy it, the requisites you must fit to acquire it, and its advantages, disadvantages, and the differences between the eSIM and the traditional SIM card.

What is an eSIM?

Before we begin, we have to tell you that an eSIM card is a new and virtual version of the SIM card. This means that it is a device that lets you connect to the internet just like the traditional SIM card, but instead of inserting a plastic card in your cellphone, you only have to scan a QR code. If you want to learn more, we recommend you check the article about eSIM cards.

Requisites to acquire an eSIM card

Since it is such a new device, there are some requirements you must meet. We recommend you check the information below before you buy an eSIM card:

• Make sure your cellphone can support the eSIM technology.
• If you get an eSIM card from an international provider, you will have to make sure that the eSIM card from this operator is compatible with your cellphone. Most providers are compatible with the iPhone XS devices, onwards.
• If you are going to get an eSIM card from a local operator like Vodafone, Orange, or Movistar, you will have to acquire the post-paid or prepaid data plans that include the eSIM.
• To purchase with international providers, you will have to fill out a purchase form, which asks you to include the email in which you are going to receive the eSIM card, your cellphone number, and more.
• Some providers will make you install their app to manage or buy the eSIM.

Requisites to acquire a SIM card

On the other hand, the requisites to acquire a traditional SIM card are practically nonexistent because all smartphones can manage this device. Anyway, there are different types of SIM cards: nano-SIM, Micro-SIM, and SIM. Depending on the launching date of your cellphone, it will accept any of those SIM card types. Most new smartphones use the Nano-SIM, while the old ones use the SIM or Micro-SIM.

What are the benefits of the eSIM card VS SIM card?

Is the eSIM card better than the SIM card? To answer this question, you have to check the advantages and disadvantages of each product. The current nano-SIM cards may look small, but actually, they are three times bigger than an eSIM. This means that it occupies an additional space for more components and maybe a bigger battery. Anyway, technical benefits are not the only benefits that the eSIM offers… There are also advantages for the users.

The first one is that, since you don’t have to put any plastic card on your cellphone, you won’t have to look for the key to open the SIM slot or worry about losing it. Also, the eSIM card portability is easier. All you will have to do is to download the eSIM profile with the QR code, without having to wait for the physical SIM, and you will be able to have 10 numbers on the same device.

Also, if you are a trip-lover, you will be happy to enjoy a great connection during your holidays. The eSIM card can help you with it too. Thanks to international eSIM cards, you will be able to connect to the internet anytime and anywhere, without having to leave your hotel and look for a local SIM card or wait for it to arrive at your address. Since it is a digital device, delivery is free and immediate.

Disadvantages of the eSIM card VS SIM card

The main disadvantage is that, since it is a new device, not all smartphones can handle this technology yet. You cannot simply transfer the eSIM card to another that cannot manage the eSIM technology. Also, it is harder to solve some errors. If you want to make sure that a traditional SIM card is working correctly, you can remove it from your cellphone and put it in another. With the eSIM card, you cannot do that.

Finally, the eSIM card technology will take some time to be generalized, so its compatibility is a little bit limited for now.

How to configure an eSIM VS a SIM card?

Configuring an eSIM card is as easy as taking a picture. Anyway, you have to know that the configuration process may vary depending on your cellphone. To save some time, we have listed the two ways to configure the eSIM card:

• iOS: first you have to go to the settings ‘mobile data’. Add the data plan. Then you will have to scan the QR code of the eSIM with your camera.
• Android: to configure the eSIM you have to go to the settings, ‘network and internet’, ‘add’, follow the steps, pick ‘use two numbers’, and scan the QR code.

On the other hand, to configure a traditional SIM card, all you have to do is to insert the plastic card in your cellphone and follow the steps that your operator gave you. Usually, you have to call a number like *111# and pick some options to activate the SIM card.

How and where can I get an eSIM card?

If after reading this article you want to acquire an eSIM card, but you don’t know how or where we are going to show you the two ways to acquire it. Before we get started you have to know that there are two types of eSIM cards: local eSIM or eSIM cards for travelers. For both of them, you must have a compatible cellphone and fit the requirements we mentioned before.

eSIM card for travelers

To buy one of these, you can visit a virtual store that offers this product. A distinguished store is Holafly, which offers an eSIM card for many destinations for an accessible price, and additional advantages: such as 24-hour customer service and support.

Local eSIM card

On the other hand, if you want to acquire a local eSIM card, you will have to visit the local stores of the cellular operators that offer this product and ask for a prepaid or post-paid data plan that includes an eSIM.

Final recommendation

Before you leave, we can tell you that, even though the eSIM card is a little bit new, it is the best way to connect to the internet during your trips. Why? Because of the many advantages, we mentioned in this article!