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In October 2024, as I was preparing for a trip to Hawaii, I suddenly noticed a major problem: the UK SIM card in my phone wasn’t working.
On previous trips I used the included roaming or bought a local SIM card upon arrival. The latter was still an option here, but I didn’t want the hassle of finding a salesperson at the airport or risking having to sign an expensive contract.
An eSIM seemed like the perfect alternative on paper, but I was wary. Was my phone (the Pixel 9 Pro XL) compatible with eSIM? How do I add an eSIM to my phone? And would it even work once I got to the US?
Luckily, my eSIM experience was so seamless and impressive that it convinced me to use it again on my next trip. And unless you’re a phone reviewer like me who changes phones frequently, it’s a great option for everyday use too.
Here are five important reasons to replace your physical SIM card with an eSIM in 2025.
Easy installation
Once you’re sure your phone is eSIM compatible (check the specs if you’re unsure), the setup process is simple.
Whether you go straight to a UK network (EE, Vodafone, Three or O2), US carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon) or one of the piggyback providers that offer eSIM, the process is largely the same.
Before my trip to Hawaii, I used Airalo, which specializes in eSIM for international travel. Once I downloaded the app to my phone and signed in, I simply copied the ‘SM-DP+Address & Activation Code’, then added a new SIM card in Settings, pasted the details in and activated mobile data and roaming.
It’s even easier if you do the setup from another device, where you can use a QR code instead of copying something. Airalo has detailed instructions for iPhone and Android on its website.
When I arrived in the US I simply turned on the new eSIM and it started working straight away. It eliminated what would otherwise have been a major source of stress during my trip.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Seamlessly switch between networks
Each physical SIM card can only be used on one network. Sure, you can switch them on and off your phone, but that often means juggling multiple contracts with different carriers.
eSIM, on the other hand, allows you to use multiple different networks from the same SIM card. Not enjoying your experience with one provider? Simply cancel your contract and sign up for a new contract in just a few clicks.
This flexibility is something that physical SIM cards simply cannot match.
Multiple numbers without multiple SIM cards
My only experience using an eSIM so far has been for mobile data while traveling. But if you’re considering switching to it full-time, you’ll also want to have a phone number for calling and texting.
With physical SIM cards you can only have two numbers on one phone. Even then, that’s only if you have a dual-SIM phone.
Meanwhile, Apple lets you add eight different eSIM profiles to the iPhone, while Android phone makers typically offer at least five. You can still only have two active at a time, but it makes having loads of different songs completely seamless.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
A security upgrade
If you’re concerned about security, a physical SIM card poses a significant risk. If someone steals your phone, he or she can easily access the SIM card and all the data on it, and can impersonate you on calls and texts.
That’s simply not possible with an eSIM, which is locked to the device it’s installed on. An eSIM remains active unless otherwise authorized, making it easier to track and very difficult to sell.
Additionally, eSIMs have an extra layer of security measures that make them highly resistant to hacking and cloning.
The environmentally friendly option
As you might expect, eSIMs have a lower carbon footprint than physical SIM cards.
No plastic is used in production, which also means nothing goes to landfill when you’re ready to change contracts. And because purchasing, activation and support all take place online, transportation emissions are significantly reduced.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Are eSIMs suitable for everyone?
No. To set everything up, you’ll need a certain level of technical skills and a stable internet connection. And if you change phones regularly, the switching process is much more complicated than with a physical SIM card.
It is also possible that the phone you want to buy does not support eSIM as the technology is still relatively new.
But for everyone else, I would highly recommend you give it a try. Start with an eSIM while you’re traveling and see how you get on before switching to a full-time SIM card.
The great thing about a dual-SIM phone is that you can use both physical and eSIM at the same time before deciding which is right for you.