Physical SIM vs eSIM
When venturing abroad, staying connected is essential. If your regular phone provider does not offer extended service to your destinations (typically for an added fee), to avoid expensive roaming costs or relying on unsecured WI-FI networks, you can normally get a SIM card before you set off or grab one at the airport to use during your travels.
SIM cards allow you to continue using your smartphone as you travel. There are different card options and plans depending on where you are traveling.
Depending on your needs, a local SIM card may be sufficient and cheaper than an international SIM card.
In the past, I just added the data passport option through my phone plan for wherever I was going, and I did not have to worry about swapping out my SIM card. However, with my current phone service, that is no longer an option.
So when I traveled to Cairo, rather than getting a traditional SIM card which was readily available at the airport, I chose to try out an eSIM.
For me, the eSIM just seemed like the most convenient option. I did not have to worry about taking out my current SIM card and possibly losing or damaging it.
However, newer smartphones offer duo SIM, so you can have two SIM cards at a time. Still, I wanted to avoid dealing with it, especially since I have a phone case that is DIFFICULT to take off, but it is yellow and protects my phone very well……so no complaints.
What is an eSIM?
As the name implies, eSIMs are electronic and not a physical SIM card. Therefore most are DATA ONLY and do not come with a phone number.
However, with your data plan, you can access the internet and stay in contact with family, friends, and contact businesses through WhatsApp, Telegram, insert other apps I have not heard of yet.
Before getting an eSIM, I did my typical YouTube research…comparing different brands.
Ultimately, I went with Airalo and downloaded the app from the Google play store. They offer local, regional and global eSIMs.
Selecting a Plan
Airolo offered three plan options for Egypt.
Since I was only in town for the weekend, I went with the 7-day plan.
eSIM Setup
Once I landed and connected to the supported network, I wanted to be back on the grid. So while in the airport while waiting for my flight to depart, I set up my service.
The install directions are simple to follow. You can simply tap the “Install eSim” button and let all the work happen automatically (which is what I did).
There is also the option to install the eSIM manually or using the QR code.
Once your eSIM is installed, you should see a message (like the one below) that your eSIM was successfully installed.
Next, you go to your phone’s settings to set the configurations to access your data.
Once you set up your phone to access data, you should be all set. I set up my eSIM before I arrived in Egypt, so I had to wait until I arrived and connected to the Orange network to begin using my data plan
Remember to temporarily turn off your regular SIM.
I followed all the steps, but while I was out on a tour, I could not use my data, so once I got back to my hotel, I realized I did not turn off my primary SIM, and my phone was still trying to use that network.
Once I turned off my primary SIM, I was in business.
I used Airalo again when I traveled to the USA. I set up the service using the steps above before arriving, so I was good to go once I landed.