What is your solution for getting mobile data when travelling abroad? Have you considered using an eSIM for travel?

Planning a mobile data solution is one of the most important things for me to sort out whenever travelling abroad. Relying on your mobile provider’s roaming data could be quite pricy. While buying local sim cards after arriving at a destination comes with its own set of downsides. However, during a few of my recent trips abroad, I used eSIM. I liked it so much that it became my go-to solution for mobile data when travelling abroad.

Keep on reading to learn more about why to use eSIM during your next trip and an honest Ubigi eSIM review (including a discount code for Culture Tourist readers).

What is an eSIM?

This blog post was created as a paid partnership with Ubigi. I received a complimentary eSIM and monetary compensation for it. However, all the views stated here are my own honest opinions based on my experience of using Ubigi’s and other providers’ eSIM solutions.

Let me start by explaining what an eSIM is. In short, an eSIM (embedded sim) is a digital sim card, meaning you don’t need to put any physical plastic card into your phone. The technology is already preinstalled on your device, and you activate it by installing the eSIM from a new provider. It basically means you just download data onto your phone.

And the thing I especially like about it is that you get to keep your phone number, so you can continue using it normally for phone calls, Whatsapp and other apps, as you are when at home.

Why eSIM?

When I was travelling abroad before, I would either buy a physical sim card when in the destination or I would rely on local wifi spots. And to be honest, I really disliked both for several reasons. While using the local physical sim card, I would lose my phone number and access to many apps on my phone. It also wasn’t very handy to switch the plastic chips, and I was always afraid I would loose my original sim card (and my phone number) during the trip.

The last time I did that was when I took a trip to Serbia to explore its medieval monasteries. I used two phones then (one with mine and another one with a local sim card), which made a lot of hustle, and it wasn’t handy at all. Relying on a local wifi isn’t a much better solution either. A wifi reception could be a bit shaky, and you’re without internet when walking around the destination (when you need it the most while using digital maps).

But, during my recent weekend in Basel and trip to New York, I used eSIM and really liked it. After installing it, I’ve got local data downloaded on my phone. At the same time, I got to keep my phone number and could use my phone normally (which is especially important when you’re a content creator).

Getting a prepaid eSIM means there are no hidden costs, and you won’t receive a huge bill once back from your holidays (something I was always dreadful would happen).

I also really liked it because everything is digital. You don’t need to put an additional sim card in your phone or get to the local shop to buy one when you land in a new country. You simply buy it online, install it, and just start using it once you’re in a destination.

The eSIM options are much cheaper than using the data on roaming provided by your mobile provider, as well. And they are especially useful if you’ll visit multiple destinations during your trip because you don’t need to get a physical sim card in each new country you visit.

Ubigi eSIM review

If I so far managed to convince you to get an eSIM when you travel abroad next time, you might start wondering which eSIM to get.

I’ve tried several eSIM providers so far, but the most recent one I tested was Ubigi. It’s an eSIM brand from Transatel, one of the world’s largest telecom companies with headquarters in Paris, France. I tested it in the Netherlands, and liked it a lot. My package included 10 GB of data for 30 days, which is the most popular plan for that destination. The setup was simple, mobile data speed was excellent, and I didn’t experience any gaps in coverage while using it.

Here is some info about the Ubigi eSIM:

  • Coverage: 200+ destinations worldwide
  • Data: Packages from 500 Mb to unlimited, with unlimited plans available in 75+ destinations
  • Network speed: 4G/5G, with 5G available in 65+ destinations
  • Keep your line: You can keep your number for calls and SMS while using the Ubigi eSIM

Ubigi eSIM is also quite reliable because it’s a part of a larger telecom company which is operating worldwide, meaning they use the existing infrastructure and are not a third party provider.

Something that sets Ubigi apart is the fact that you can use one eSIM across borders. You can basically install a single eSIM and use it in multiple destinations during your trip. A good thing is that you can top up your data on the go. So, if you are changing countries or needing more data, you can simply top it up. Or you can get an unlimited plan immediately.

With Ubigi, you can also use your eSIM as a hotspot. It’s a very useful feature, especially if you’re anything like me and have to often bring your laptop and do some work during your trips.

⤷ TIP: The majority of newer phones are compatible with eSIM. However, before purchasing one, check if your phone is compatible with eSIM technology. You can do that by simply dialling *#06#. If an EID number appears on your screen, your device is compatible. You can also download the Ubigi app and see if you can use their eSIM that way.

How to set up the Ubigi eSIM

Although some reviewers mention eSIM setup might require some technical knowledge, I find the Ubigi eSIM process to be quite straight forward. Still, here is a mini guide on how to set up your Ubigi eSIM.

Again, make sure that your phone is compatible with the eSIM technology before starting your setup.

First, visit Ubigi website and search for your travel destination. Once you get there, you can see different financial plans. Purchase the eSIM data plan of your choice.

Next, downloaded the Ubigi app to your phone and create your account. Setting that up is super easy.

Upon purchase, you receive an email with a QR code. Scan it to install your eSIM on your device. You’ll need to click on the ‘sign-up button’ to connect eSIM to your account. And after that, you’re good to go. I recommend installing your eSIM before your trip. Upon arrival, make sure to turn on your Ubigi line in your phone settings. Then, you can start using your mobile data, track how much you have spent and easily top it up.

A nice thing is that your plan doesn’t start when you purchase it, but instead, when you land in your destination, upon first network detection.

Once you set up your eSIM for the first time, you can use it for life and don’t need to do this in each destination you visit. You can simply top it up or choose a different country or a plan. And you can do that offline, no need to be connected to the internet.

It’s also super easy to buy a data plan directly through the Ubigi app. Download it to your phone and just follow the instructions.

Conclusion: Is the Ubigi eSIM worth it?

Absolutely, yes!

An eSIM technology brought a revolution in the mobile data solutions for travellers. And it was never easier to get affordable mobile data that works in multiple destinations you’ll visit. In a way, it reminds me of online banks and the way they revolutionised how we can pay in local currency without any fees while travelling.

With its great mobile data speed, covering numerous destinations, and being easy to use, Ubigi is a great eSIM choice. It’s going to be my go-to eSIM solution for my upcoming trips, and I’ll keep on updating you about my experience on my social media channels.

And if you’d like to do the same, use my promo code CULTURETOURIST and enjoy 10% discount on your Ubigi eSIM plan purchase.

Have you tried eSIM for travel? Share your experience in the comments!

Cover photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

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