Wat is een eSIM en hoe werkt het?

What is an eSIM and how does it work?

eSIMs are changing the way we connect. Yet for most people it is a relatively new technology. Here we've collected everything you need to understand eSIMs. Keep reading to learn what an eSIM is, how it works and what the benefits are.

In this article:

  • What is an eSIM?
  • eSIM vs. physical SIM card: what's the difference?
  • How does eSIM work?
  • eSIM benefits: why switch?
  • Who uses eSIMs?

What is an eSIM?

First things first: what is an eSIM? eSIM stands for "embedded SIM card". Like a traditional SIM card, it is a small chip that identifies you as a mobile subscriber and connects you to a network. Unlike a traditional SIM card, it is built into your device and works 100% digitally.

eSIM vs physical SIM card: what's the difference?

There are a few important differences between an eSIM and a physical SIM card:

  • A physical SIM card is a removable chip.
  • There is an eSIM in the hardware of your phone.
  • A physical SIM card is linked to a specific provider.
  • An eSIM is carrier independent.
  • Physical SIM card is removable and can be lost or stolen.
  • An eSIM can be deleted, but it cannot be lost or stolen.

How does eSIM work?

Now that we've covered what an eSIM is, let's look at how an eSIM works. You can think of an eSIM as a digital SIM card. It is a reprogrammable chip that allows you to download data on the go. You don't have to find a SIM supplier or buy a physical card to change your provider or data plan. Instead, you can purchase an eSIM data plan, download it and connect directly to a mobile network.

To download and activate a Smissey eSIM:

  • Make sure your phone is unlocked and eSIM compatible.
  • Go to the Smissey website .
  • Select an eSIM subscription (you can choose from local , regional and worldwide subscriptions).
  • Follow the instructions to download and install your subscription (this will only take a few minutes).
  • Connect to a local network when you arrive at your destination!

eSIM benefits: why switch?

There are countless eSIM benefits, from staying connected on the go to saying goodbye to surprise roaming charges. Here are a few ways switching to a Smissey eSIM is a game-changer.

Built-in technology

One of the biggest advantages of eSIM is that it is no longer necessary to keep a physical SIM card. On to a new destination? Skip the SIM card line and say goodbye to your SIM card filing system. Instead, download an eSIM plan and simplify traveling!

Flexible data plans

Choose the subscription that suits you best. Smissey plans vary by:

  • Location (e.g. local, regional, global)
  • Data (e.g. 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, etc.)
  • Validity period (e.g. 7 days, 14 days, 30 days, etc.)
  • Price (depending on the package you choose)

Pro tip: If you're running low on data, you can easily top up on the smissey website .

Worldwide coverage

Another benefit of Smissey eSIMs is that you can find plans for over 180 destinations worldwide. Whether you go to Aruba or Egypt travels, you can connect anywhere. Simply purchase an eSIM, install it on your device and connect to a local network when you land.

Store multiple eSIMs

You can store multiple eSIMs on most devices, making maintaining more than one line easy. Suppose you have a work phone and a personal phone. Having two eSIMs means you no longer have to juggle two devices.

Keep your primary number

There's a reason we're attached to our phones. We rely on them for so much, from identity verification to staying in touch with friends and family. With a Dual SIM phone you can use your eSIM to access data and continue to use your primary number for calling and texting.

No surprising roaming charges

Almost every traveler has had to deal with unexpected roaming costs. They can add up quickly . With a Smissey eSIM you get exactly the amount of data you pay for and you can top it up when it runs out.

How can I use an eSIM?

An eSIM and travel go hand in hand, but there are countless other uses for eSIM technology. Here are just some of the ways Smissey customers are using eSIMs .

Traveling for fun

Most Smissey customers use eSIMs for travel. Whether it's a weekend getaway or an international adventure, an eSIM is an easy and affordable way to stay connected anywhere in the world. For longer stays in one place, travelers will usually top up their eSIMs a few times during their trip. When they travel to another country, they choose one regional or worldwide subscription that allows them to stay connected in multiple destinations.

To study abroad

eSIMs are also popular with international students . Moving is a life-changing experience that can be particularly challenging in a new country. eSIMs make it easy for international students to stay in touch with their friends and family back home while making new connections abroad.

Traveling for work

An eSIM is an excellent option if you travel for work. The flexibility of an eSIM makes switching between destinations a breeze. You don't have to find a local SIM supplier, keep multiple SIM cards or worry about roaming charges while you're away.

Using data at home

Some Smissey customers use their eSIM as a flexible data alternative at home. This makes perfect sense if your local provider's network is slow and/or unreliable or if you only want to use data for a few days or weeks per month.

Working remotely

If you're a digital nomad living abroad, using an eSIM is a good idea. An eSIM makes it super easy to connect to a local network and work from anywhere. An advantage for digital nomads is that you can rely on eSIM data instead of spotty Wi-Fi to work remotely. An eSIM makes it easy to take Zoom calls, check emails, and send files wherever you are.

Have you made the switch to eSIM technology? Get your first one today eSIM from Smissey .

Back to blog