What is an Electronic SIM?

Mobimatter -

Various technologies and products are being produced to make travel easier, more convenient, and less stressful, such as electronic SIMs, also known as eSIMs or virtual SIMs. They have transformed the way people travel, communicate, and stay connected to the internet no matter where they are in the world, overcoming the challenges of geographical limitations.

eSIMs introduce various benefits regarding communication, internet connectivity, security, and flexibility. But what is an electronic SIM? What does it do exactly? How can it be activated? Continue reading this article to find the answers to these questions and more.

Virtual SIM Card Definition

Electronic SIMs are also known as virtual SIM cards, eSIMs, or embedded SIMs. Simply put, they are the digital and electronic versions of traditional and physical SIM cards. They both serve the same purpose and function of connecting users to a local mobile network, so they make calls and send text messages through their given local number. Additionally, both SIMs, physical and digital, connect users to mobile data services, enabling them to connect to the internet.

That said, physical SIMs and digital SIMs vary fundamentally; the latter is more advanced, offering flexibility, convenience, comfort, and services that physical SIMs lack, making them the preferred option.

How Does eSIM Technology Work?

eSIMs or electronic SIMs are embedded into some smartphones and other smart devices, eliminating the need for switching physical SIM cards manually or carrying multiple devices for different physical SIMs. That said, eSIMs only need to be activated by purchasing an eSIM package that covers your internet usage and connectivity needs.

This can be done by purchasing a package from an eSIM provider, such as MobiMatter, via their website or application on Google Play or App Store. Upon downloading the package, the user must adjust some settings on their device for the eSIM to start working, giving the user access to its services.

Once activated, the eSIM connects the traveller to a foreign carrier, allowing them to connect to the internet abroad. This is possible thanks to the collaboration between the eSIM provider and the foreign carriers. If you purchase an eSIM from MobiMatter, you can choose from many different packages, offering you various coverage areas.

For example, if you want to travel to China, you’d need to buy an eSIM with China as its coverage area. However, suppose you are travelling to multiple countries in Asia. In that case, you can search for an eSIM package that covers your destination countries, so you can stay connected to the internet and avoid gaps in connectivity when travelling.

Now that you know what an eSIM is and how virtual SIM cards work, below are the advantages of eSIMs.

eSIM Benefits

Before purchasing the right eSIM package for you, discover eSIM benefits as follows:

Convenience

Travellers know that not all smartphones support the dual physical SIM feature, which pushes them to use a second smartphone for their second physical SIM card. Many users find this inconvenient, especially that carrying two devices can be stressful. Also, they must manually switch between SIM cards whenever they visit a new destination, which is inconvenient for those who constantly change locations.

On the other hand, eSIMs offer convenience like never before, as they allow you to connect to carriers wherever you are without having to carry multiple devices or manually switch cards.

Flexibility

eSIM packages from the best eSIM providers, such as MobiMatter, are known for being flexible and attending to all users’ needs; whether you are travelling for a month or a year, you are visiting one country or multiple, you need little data allowance or a bigger one, MobiMatter has the right package for you.

Ease of Use

Activating and setting up your eSIM is done by following the steps below:

  1. Download the eSIM provider's app - you can download the MobiMatter app today from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Purchase the eSIM package most suitable for you via the app or MobiMatter website.
  3. Scan the eSIM QR code and follow the profile's download instructions.
  4. You can manually enter the activation code in your phone's settings instead of scanning the QR code.
  5. Now you have your eSIM profile set up. Then, switch the mobile data usage from the physical card to the eSIM from the phone’s Settings.
  6. Turn the data roaming on for the eSIM.
  7. Set up the APN settings manually. However, if you purchase an eSIM package from MobiMatter, the APN settings come automatically with most eSIMs. So, no manual change is required from your end.
  8. Switch off your WiFi connection and wait for a few minutes. This will allow your device to send the correct signals to the operating systems for the eSIM to be properly activated.


Do you want to leverage these benefits? Explore MobiMatter’s eSIM packages and offers today and enjoy reliable connectivity when travelling.