An eSIM is a digital SIM card that installs on your phone via a QR code. For trips it is the easiest way to get mobile internet: no visit to a carrier store, no roaming charges and no swapping your main SIM.
What an eSIM is and how it works
eSIM (embedded SIM) is a chip built into your phone that stores a carrier profile. Instead of a plastic card you scan a QR code — and the plan appears in your phone settings as a second "SIM".
Most modern smartphones support eSIM: iPhone from XR/XS onwards, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many others. Check eSIM support in your phone settings before buying.
Why an eSIM beats roaming and local SIM cards
Roaming with your home carrier needs no setup, but it is expensive: bundles are limited and the price per gigabyte is well above local rates.
A local SIM card is cheaper but costs time: finding a store, passport registration, sometimes a language barrier. On a short trip that is hours wasted.
A travel eSIM is bought online in advance and switches on when you land: you pay local prices with no visits and no paperwork.
How to choose an eSIM package
Data volume. Maps, messengers and email take 1–3 GB per week. If you stream video or tether a laptop, go for 10–20 GB or an unlimited plan.
Validity. A package lasts a fixed number of days from activation — pick one that covers the whole trip with some margin.
Coverage. There are single-country packages, regional ones (e.g. all of Europe) and global ones. For a multi-country trip a regional package is more convenient and cheaper: in the VirtualSim catalog you can tap "N countries" on such plans to see the full coverage list.
Packages with calls and SMS
Most travel eSIMs are data-only: calls and texts go through messengers. But for some countries there are Data + Voice + SMS plans that include voice minutes and text messages.
Such a package comes with a real phone number: you can make and receive calls, send and receive SMS — handy for verification codes from services that don't deliver them via messengers. The exact amounts are shown right in the catalog in the package name, e.g. "20 GB · 31 days · 15 min · 50 SMS".
How to buy and install an eSIM on VirtualSim
- Sign up at virtualsim.io and top up your balance — via card or crypto.
- Open the eSIM section and pick your destination country or region.
- Choose a package by data volume and duration, then tap "Buy".
- A QR code appears immediately under "My eSIMs".
- On your phone open cellular settings → "Add eSIM" and scan the code.
Management and top-ups
The VirtualSim dashboard shows remaining data and validity for every eSIM. If you run out of data mid-trip, you can top up the package: the new volume is added to the same eSIM with no reinstallation.
Conclusion
An eSIM removes the biggest travel headache — finding internet after landing. Purchase takes a couple of minutes, coverage spans 230+ countries, and prices start at $0.90 per package. Try it before your next trip: it is cheaper than roaming and faster than a local SIM.