eSIM vs Physical SIM: Which Is Better for Travel?

The case for eSIM

eSIMs have transformed travel connectivity. Before eSIMs, you had two choices: pay eye-watering international roaming fees to your home carrier, or spend your first hour at the airport hunting down a local SIM vendor. eSIMs eliminate both problems.

Advantages of eSIM:

1. Purchase and activate before you land
2. No physical card to lose or damage
3. Switch plans without swapping cards
4. Keep your home number active simultaneously
5. Works with 190+ countries via providers like Vsimer

When a physical SIM still makes sense

Physical SIMs are not dead. In some situations they remain the better choice:

1. Your device does not support eSIM
2. You are staying in one country for a long time and a cheap local prepaid SIM offers better value
3. You need a local phone number (some local SIMs require ID registration)
4. You are travelling somewhere with limited eSIM carrier support

Cost comparison

For short trips of 1–4 weeks, eSIM plans from Vsimer are typically 60–80% cheaper than international roaming add-ons from major carriers. Physical local SIMs can sometimes beat eSIM prices for very long stays, but factor in the time cost and the risk of buying a poor-quality SIM at the airport.

Our verdict

For most travellers — especially those with a compatible device — an eSIM is the clear winner. It is faster, more convenient, and in most cases cheaper than the alternatives. The only real reason to reach for a physical SIM in 2025 is if your phone does not support eSIM.