Getting service while traveling with an eSIM

While traveling recently to Mexico I got the chance to try out a new feature on my phone. It turns out that current phones generally all have an embedded SIM card, or eSIM, which is essentially a typical SIM card (The chip you insert into a phone to activate service) but integrated permanently into your phone.

The eSIM module is able to be re-programmed via a QR code or a copy and paste ready string. This means that there are now apps that can offer cellular plans completely over the internet. In my case, my normal cellular plan (Mint Mobile) only has pay-as-you-go roaming for Mexico, at around 6 cents per megabyte. So it made sense for me to search for a short term cell plan while in Mexico. I used the app Airalo to get a gigabyte of data for $8, a significant improvement over roaming charges.

Before the trip, I had switched over my main plan to an eSIM as well, but had I retained the normal SIM card, I would have been able to use both plans at the same time. While using the data only “Chorro Fon” plan I can’t receive texts or calls, but chat apps work as normal.

I think that eSIMs are a great option for traveling, as you can save significantly versus roaming fees, and only have to download an app to purchase an eSIM plan.