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What is a digital SIM card?
A digital SIM card, or eSIM, is a chip built into mobile devices that allows you to connect to mobile networks without using a physical SIM card.
Digital SIM card, eSIM, embedded SIM, virtual SIM — all of these terms tend to be used interchangeably without any additional context. But do they all refer to the same thing? Well, it turns out that they do. While eSIM is the industry standard term, everything that refers to non-physical SIM cards means the same thing.
For a full-length, detailed guide, check out our article on what an eSIM is. Meanwhile, we can run through the basics right here.
How does a digital SIM card work?
A digital SIM works thanks to an embedded chip in the phone that makes the network connection possible. So, instead of inserting a physical SIM card into your phone, you can set up your mobile plan through software.
The chip has the hardware needed to access mobile internet, make calls, and send messages. As soon as you set up your digital SIM plan, you’ll be able to use it just like any other SIM card, only without the plastic.
It’s worth noting that not all phones are compatible with digital SIM cards, with some older or cheaper models not having the embedded chip. That said, some new flagship phones, such as iPhones 14 and later, no longer have a physical SIM card slot and have switched to only using digital SIM cards.
Why should I use a digital SIM card?
Many people choose digital SIMs for the convenience that they offer. If you travel internationally, you no longer need to buy a physical SIM card. Instead, you can get yourself a digital SIM and have mobile internet anywhere in the world within minutes.
Most compatible phones allow you to store multiple digital SIM profiles at once, so you can conveniently switch between networks whenever you want to. Other perks of using digital SIM cards include things like:
- Impossible to lose — a digital SIM holds all information in software form, so there’s no way to lose it.
- No plastic waste — being fully digital, these SIMs cause no harm to the environment.
- Online purchase — you don’t need to look for a physical store that sells SIM cards; simply buy yours online and have them delivered to your email immediately.
- Great for international travel — international eSIMs such as Holafly can work with several local networks at once, automatically connecting you to the one that works best in your area. This ensures the best possible coverage while traveling.
All in all, digital SIM cards are the future of mobile communications. They perform just as well as physical SIM cards, all while offering a heap of additional perks.
Don’t stay behind the times, get a digital SIM card
If you haven’t made the switch yet, make sure to give digital SIMs a try. Get a Holafly eSIM the next time you travel abroad and enjoy unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and unmatched ease of use. It’s bound to change the way you travel forever.
Switch to digital SIMs today
Use code MYESIMNOW5 for 5% off your purchase.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
