Why eSIMs Are Great for Travellers (And Not Just for New Phones)
Many travellers still think eSIMs are only for the latest, most expensive phones. That’s no longer true. A lot of mid-range phones and older flagships now support eSIM, which means you may already have an eSIM-ready device in your pocket without realising it.
Another common worry is that eSIMs are complicated to set up. In reality, most travel eSIMs are activated by scanning a QR code and following a few on-screen steps. It usually takes just a couple of minutes, and you can do it from your hotel, the airport, or even on the plane before you land (as long as you have Wi‑Fi).
eSIM vs Physical SIM: Flexibility and Coverage Myths
A big myth is that you can’t switch carriers easily with eSIM, or that coverage is worse than with a plastic SIM card. In practice, it’s usually the opposite. eSIMs use the same mobile networks and towers as regular SIMs, so coverage is identical when you’re on the same carrier. The difference is how quickly you can change plans.
With a physical SIM, you often need to find a shop, show ID, and swap tiny cards. With a travel eSIM, you can buy and install a new plan online in minutes. For example, if you arrive in Thailand and realise your original plan doesn’t give enough data, you can simply add another eSIM plan on your phone instead of hunting for a local SIM stall in the heat. Tools like RoamCompare make this even easier by letting you compare eSIM plans from multiple providers side by side, so you can quickly see which one offers the best coverage and price for your destination.
Cost, Data Plans, and the “eSIMs Are More Expensive” Myth
Many travellers assume eSIMs must be more expensive than regular SIM cards, especially abroad. In reality, travel eSIMs are often cheaper than roaming with your home carrier and can be very competitive with local SIM prices, particularly for short trips or data-only plans. You also avoid hidden roaming fees and surprise bills when you get home.
The key is to compare. For a two-week trip to Europe, for example, you might find a regional eSIM that covers multiple countries, instead of buying a new SIM in each place. At RoamCompare we show live prices from over 40,000 eSIM plans worldwide, including the latest deals and exclusive discounts. You can filter by country or region, data amount, and duration, then see which option gives you the best value for your style of travel - whether you’re a light user who just needs maps and messaging, or a heavy user who streams and works on the go.
Reliability, Security, and Keeping Your Number Safe
Another myth is that international eSIMs don’t work reliably abroad, or that you might lose your number if something goes wrong. In fact, reputable travel eSIM providers partner with established local networks, so you’re using the same infrastructure as local customers. As for your number, it always belongs to the carrier, not the chip itself -whether it’s a physical SIM or an eSIM. If you keep your home SIM active in your phone (often in the physical SIM slot) and add a travel eSIM for data, you can usually keep receiving calls and messages on your usual number while using cheap local data on the eSIM.
Security is another area where eSIMs are often misunderstood. Some people worry they’re easier to hack, but they’re actually harder to clone or steal than a physical SIM card you can lose or have taken from your phone. Battery life is also not affected - there’s no meaningful difference in power use between an eSIM and a regular SIM. When you compare options on RoamCompare, you can also check user-friendly guides and FAQs that explain how to set up your eSIM safely and how to keep your main number and travel data working smoothly together.
How to Choose the Right Travel eSIM (Without the Headache)
Once you look past the myths, choosing a travel eSIM becomes straightforward. Start by checking if your phone supports eSIM - this is where a compatibility checker is useful. On RoamCompare, you can quickly confirm whether your device is eSIM-ready before you buy anything. Next, think about how you actually use your phone when you travel: do you mostly use maps and messaging, or do you stream video and upload lots of photos?
If you’re unsure how much data you’ll need, RoamCompare’s intelligent data estimator uses insights from thousands of travellers to suggest a realistic amount for your trip length and habits. From there, you can compare plans by data allowance, duration, and price, and see a transparent ranking of the best-value options first. This helps you avoid overpaying for a huge bundle you’ll never use, or buying too little and running out halfway through your holiday. With a bit of planning and the right comparison tools, you can travel with confidence, stay connected, and leave the old eSIM myths behind.