The Solo Traveller
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Tools and Tech
Photographer: Nexa.
eSIMs 101 for solo travellers
By Geoffrey Williams and Josh Chandler
Briefly …
eSIMs are changing the way solo travellers stay connected. This practical, plain-English guide explains what eSIMs are, how they work, and why they’re worth considering. Written for non-techy travellers, it offers clear advice, honest limitations, and simple steps to help you decide if an eSIM is right for your next journey.
Travel is all about freedom to explore, meet new people, and get lost in new places. But one thing no solo traveller wants to get tangled up in is messy phone plans or hunting for Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards in a language you don’t speak. That’s where eSIMs come in.
An eSIM (short for ‘embedded SIM’) is like a tiny digital ticket inside your phone that lets you connect to a mobile network without needing a physical (nano) SIM card. Think of it as your phone’s built-in SIM card, ready to be activated with just a few taps.
If you’ve never heard of eSIMs before, don’t worry, we’ll break it down step by step. By the end of this guide, you’ll know what an eSIM is, why it’s great for solo travellers, and how to get started, even if you consider yourself a total tech novice.
What is an eSIM?
Remember those tiny plastic SIM cards you had to swap every time you wanted to use a new phone plan or travel abroad? An eSIM does the same job but lives inside your phone. Instead of physically swapping cards, you download your mobile plan directly to your device.
It’s like having a digital SIM card embedded inside your phone that you can turn on or off whenever you want. No more juggling tiny cards or worrying about losing them, because it’s all managed through your phone settings. Most newer smartphones, tablets, and even some smartwatches come with eSIM technology built in. That means if you have a relatively recent device, you might already have an eSIM and not even know it.
Why should you care?
When you’re travelling solo, staying connected can be a lifeline for finding your way, booking last-minute stays, or just checking in with friends and family. But the old way of swapping SIM cards can be a headache – finding the right shop, dealing with language barriers, or getting stuck with expensive roaming charges. eSIMs change all that, and this is why they’re worth knowing about.
Instant setup: No need to hunt down a local SIM card shop. You can buy and activate a plan online or right from your phone, sometimes even before you leave home.
Flexible plans: Pick data packages that fit your travel plans, from a few days to a few weeks.
Multiple countries, one phone: If your trip takes you through several countries, you can switch between plans without swapping cards or buying new ones.
Less risk of losing your SIM: Since it’s digital and built into your phone, you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging a tiny, often almost invisible card.
Save money: Avoid surprise roaming fees by switching to local or regional data plans on the fly.
For solo travellers, that kind of flexibility and simplicity is a game changer, giving you one less thing to stress about, and more freedom to enjoy your adventure.
How do eSIMs work?
Staying connected with eSIM technology. Photography: Airalo | Unsplash.
Getting started with an eSIM is easier than it sounds. Here’s the basic idea.
Check your device
First, make sure your phone or device supports eSIMs. Most newer iPhones (from iPhone XS and up), many recent Android phones, tablets, and some smartwatches have this feature built in. If you’re not sure, a quick search with your device model plus ‘eSIM support’ will tell you.
Pick a plan or provider
There are lots of options, with some offering global plans that cover multiple countries, while others focus on specific regions or single countries. You can buy these plans online or through apps from eSIM providers.
Activate your eSIM
Once you buy a plan, the provider will usually give you a QR code or activation code. You scan this with your phone’s camera or enter it manually in your phone’s settings.
Manage your plans in ‘Settings’
After activation, your phone will have your new plan stored digitally. You can switch between multiple plans (like your home SIM and your travel eSIM) right in your settings, without removing anything.
Use your data
Once activated, you’re ready to connect, with no physical card swapping, and no waiting in lines. Just seamless data on the go.
Things to know before you switch
Photographer: Cavan.
While eSIMs make life easier, there are a few things every solo traveller should keep in mind before jumping in.
Device compatibility
Not every phone or carrier supports eSIMs yet. If your device is a bit older, it might not have the tech built in. And some mobile carriers don’t let you use eSIMs on their networks. Always check before you travel.
Data plans, mostly
Most eSIM plans focus on data. If you need voice calls or texts, see what your provider offers, because sometimes you’ll need a separate app or solution for those.
Plan validity and limits
Some plans only last a certain number of days or have data caps. Make sure the plan fits your trip length and usage needs.
Switching can take a moment
Switching between plans on your phone is easy, but it might take a minute to reconnect. It’s not instant, so plan accordingly.
Security and privacy
Because your number is digital, make sure to keep your phone secure. Losing control of your device could mean losing access to your mobile number too.
No physical backup
Unlike a regular SIM card, there’s no physical card to hold onto. If you reset your phone or switch devices, make sure you have backup details from your eSIM provider.
Picking the right provider
Photographer: Simona.
Choosing the right eSIM provider can make all the difference. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Global vs local plans
If you’re bouncing between several countries, a global eSIM provider might be the easiest option. But if you’re staying longer in one place, a local or regional provider can often offer better prices and coverage.
Pricing and data allowances
Look closely at how much data you get and for how long. Some providers offer pay-as-you-go plans, while others have fixed bundles. Compare the costs and what’s included.
Ease of activation
Some providers make it really simple to buy and activate plans directly from your phone or via an app. Others require a bit more setup. For solo travellers who want quick, hassle-free connections, smooth activation is key.
Customer reviews
What do other travellers say? Checking out feedback on forums or travel groups can give you a heads-up on any quirks or hidden fees.
Support and help
Good customer support can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong while you’re on the road. Look for providers with responsive help, ideally with online chat or email.
Getting started and activating your eSIM
Ready to get your eSIM up and running? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to take you from zero to connected.
Check your phone
Make sure your phone supports eSIMs and that your software is up to date. You can usually find this in your phone’s settings under “About’ or ‘Mobile network’.
Choose and buy your plan
Browse eSIM providers online or in app stores. Pick a plan that fits your travel dates and data needs. Once you have purchased your plan, most providers will send you a QR code or an activation link immediately.
Scan the QR code or enter your details
On your phone, go to Settings → Mobile Data (or Cellular) → Add Data Plan (or Add Cellular Plan). Use your camera to scan the QR code or enter the activation details manually if needed.
Label your plans
If you keep your home SIM and add an eSIM, your phone will ask you to name each plan (‘Home’ and ‘Travel’ for example). This helps you switch between them easily.
Set your default line
Decide which plan you want to use for data, calls, and texts. For solo travellers, setting your travel eSIM as the default for data usually makes sense.
Switch between plans when needed
If you have multiple plans, you can switch on the fly from your phone’s settings. Just remember it may take a moment to reconnect.
Start using your data
Once activated, you’re good to go. Use maps, book accommodation, and/or call home, all without juggling physical SIM cards.
Troubleshooting common issues
Photographer: Boris.
Even with something as handy as eSIMs, a few bumps can happen. Here’s how to smooth them out.
Activation problems
If your QR code won’t scan or the activation fails, try entering the details manually. Also, double-check your phone’s software is up to date.
No signal or connection
Make sure you’ve switched to the right plan in your settings and turned on data roaming if needed. Sometimes restarting your phone helps.
Plan doesn’t appear in Settings
If your eSIM plan isn’t showing up, delete any previous incomplete plans and try scanning the QR code again.
Can’t switch plans
Some phones limit how often you can switch or require you to be in a certain area. Check your device instructions.
Data running out too fast
Keep an eye on your data usage in settings and buy a top-up if available from your provider.
Calls or texts not working
Remember, many eSIMs are data-only. Use apps like WhatsApp to make calls or send messages.
Photographer: Elizaveta.
eSIMs aren’t just a tech upgrade, they’re a powerful travel tool for anyone hitting the road alone. They give you the freedom to stay connected without the usual headaches of swapping SIM cards or hunting down local shops. For solo travellers, that means more time exploring and less time stressing about how you’ll get online when you need to.
Josh Chandler is a devoted solo traveller and writer who is based in Europe. Geoffrey Williams is The Solo Traveller Group’s Founder and Publishing Curator. Geoffrey also identifies as an “incredibly reluctant adapter” who constantly relies on his clever colleagues to help him make any of his technology work, because he has absolutely no idea how it does.