eSIM 101: Everything you need to know about eSIMs

In a globalized world, maintaining connectivity for international travel is crucial. Aviro's eSIM 101 course helps you understand what an eSIM is, how it works, and how it replaces traditional physical SIM cards. The eSIM's flexibility, ease of use, and cost savings make it an irresistible choice for travelers.

What is eSIM? The evolution from physical SIM cards to digital connections

Source: Aveiro

From the original ATM-sized SIM card to today's seamless Nano SIM card, physical SIM cards have always played an important role in connecting devices to network operators. However, due to the need for manual insertion and placement, the flexible heat dissipation of traditional SIM cards can easily cause problems when they are enclosed and moved.

The eSIM (embedded SIM) has emerged as a more modern solution. It's integrated into the device, inserted into the card, and activated through the network terminal. Therefore, users can easily install the eSIM on their device and switch carriers in just a few steps, without having to go to the store or buy a new SIM card when traveling abroad.

Besides being convenient, eSIM allows you to save multiple carrier profiles on the same device - perfect for frequent travelers, international travelers, or those who want to use multiple phone numbers simultaneously.

Comparison between eSIM and physical SIM cards

eSIM offers superior flexibility and convenience, but what makes it so irreplaceable? Which solution best meets your needs? Let's compare them in detail to learn the pros and cons of each option!

What is mobile data? How much data is required when using an eSIM?

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Most things you do on your phone—from browsing the web, using Google Maps, watching videos, and using messaging apps—require data to connect to the internet. The amount of data each task consumes varies. For example, browsing the web only uses about 50MB of data, while watching a 4K video can use up to 7GB.

To put it in perspective: 1GB of data = 1024MB. Every time you use your mobile network to download or upload something, you're "consuming" that MB/GB of data. The amount of data you need depends on the apps you use most often and how much time you spend in them each day.

Here's an explanation of data consumption for popular apps:

Google Maps : approximately 5MB/hour 

Social media browsing (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok…): about 50MB/hour 

Web browsing : ~50MB/hour 

Playing online games : ~70MB/hour or more 

Listening to music online : about 100MB/hour 

Watch the video : 

• SD quality: ~1GB/hour

• HD: ~4GB/hour

• 4K: about 7GB/hour

So, if you only use your phone for maps, email, and text messages, you might only need 1-2GB of data for weekly travel. But if you frequently watch movies or work remotely, you might consider purchasing a higher data plan, such as 5GB or 10GB.

How to choose the right eSIM plan when traveling

Once you've calculated your data usage, choosing an eSIM plan for international travel is easy. With Aviro, you can easily select the right data plan (by day or by total data usage), along with the validity period that matches your itinerary.

For example, if you plan to travel to Japan in 10 days and estimate that you will need about 3GB of data per day, you can simply visit the Japan eSIM product page , select the 3GB/day plan for 10 days, make the payment, and scan the QR code. Importantly, after arriving in Japan, your device will automatically connect to the domestic network—the same as purchasing a physical SIM card or inserting it while waiting or queuing at the airport. 

After choosing the right eSIM plan, you can refer to how to install eSIM on iPhone and Android to quickly connect to the network in just a few simple steps.   

eSIM 101 provides a clear and easy-to-understand overview of the new connectivity technology that's changing the way we use data when we travel abroad. Learn what an eSIM is, how it works, how to set it up, and the travel benefits so you can stay connected wherever you go!