Is It Safe to Use an eSIM App for Travel?

Updated On July 31, 2024

International travel has never been easier.

Now, you can plan and book a trip away in seconds—all with the help of modern technology and travel apps.

But no matter how useful an app claims to be, travelers must remain vigilant.

Apps can be cleverly disguised as something completely different and end up causing more harm than good.

Especially with new tech, you might not know how something works to make an informed decision.

eSIMs apps, for example, are being hailed as a travel game-changer.

They allow you to swap networks and enjoy exceptional, reliable connectivity abroad.

But are they as good as they claim to be?

What are the benefits and risks of downloading them?

With that in mind, let’s delve into the world of eSIMs.

Discover why they are shaking the travel world up and learn whether they are safe to use.

Why Are eSIM Apps Popular for Traveling

eSIMs are fast becoming the default choice for travelers worldwide.

It’s expected that by 2030, there will be over 14 billion devices with eSIM capabilities.

This includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, cars, and other IoT devices.

As digital SIMs, they offer flexibility, convenience, and great service in whatever country you find yourself in.

But just how do they work?

And in what ways can they help improve your safety?

Let’s take a look at two core benefits of using them:

eSIMs Help Eliminate Loss & Theft

Changing physical SIM cards in a smartphone can feel like an absolute nightmare.

Not only do you have to pry open the phone’s tray, but you must also handle the cards with extreme care.

Their tiny size makes them incredibly easy to misplace, drop, and lose sight of.

eSIMs help simplify this entire process.

You no longer need to perform surgery on your smartphone to change the network.

Instead, it is all controlled on your phone.

Simply download eSIM apps to make all the necessary changes.

This way, you won’t ever have to worry about misplacing or losing your original SIM cards.

Moreover, because thieves cannot physically steal an eSIM, they won’t be able to take your number and transfer it as easily as with a physical card.

eSIMs Can Help Boost Cybersecurity

Public Wi-Fi networks are often seen as a traveler’s best friend.

Located at airports, tourist attractions, and cafes, they allow you to connect to the internet instantly.

While often free, there is a price to be paid for using these networks – your cybersecurity.

Even if you use them for a few seconds, public Wi-Fi networks can expose you to cyber threats.

They often have little to no security measures in place to protect users.

With no passwords and no stringent verification, anyone can log on.

This makes networks a hotbed for criminality.

Hackers can watch these networks and spy on traveler activity.

This raises serious privacy concerns.

In theory, the information you send and receive could be traced back to you.

eSIMs are a great way to avoid these issues.

Because they allow you to connect to the internet through cellular data, you do not need to rely on risky networks.

As such, you can avoid public Wi-Fi networks entirely throughout your trip.

Security Concerns that eSIMs Pose

No technology is foolproof, and to get the most out of an eSIM, you need to be aware of some security issues.

As eSIMs are connected to devices, a lot of their security relies on the device itself.

You must have protections in place to keep your smartphone safe from common cyberattacks.

This can include anti-malware software to check and scan for vulnerabilities.

It can also rely on user behavior, i.e., avoiding clicking or downloading suspicious files and links.

That said, the benefits of using an eSIM far outweigh any obstacles.

As such, you can still bolster your security while traveling by opting for an eSIM plan.

How to Pick the Best eSIM App

Many different providers are now entering the eSIMs market.

Knowing which one is worth your time and money can be challenging.

When choosing, consider the following features:

  • User-friendly: This should be a core priority. You want to find an app that is easy to install and use. Look for a clear interface and step-by-step instructions for easy activation.
  • Flexibility: Next, look at the range of data plans that eSIM offers. You want as much choice as possible, including the amount of data, for how long, and payment methods.
  • Speed & Coverage: Choose an eSIM app that covers a range of destinations. This is a good sign that the app has extensive global coverage and can provide reliable connections anywhere you travel.
  • No hidden fees: Transparency is key to picking an eSIM app. Prepaid options will likely not have surprise charges on your bill.

For assistance in finding the most suitable and cost-effective option for your specific trip, check out EsimGeek, which compares different eSIM providers based on your needs and destination countries.

eSIMs Offer you Better Peace of Mind When Traveling

eSIMs are a brand new way of connecting to networks while abroad.

And as we’ve learned, they can be an ideal way of protecting yourself when traveling.

Not only do they deter theft, but they also eliminate the risk of loss and damage.

Moreover, eSIMs protect you from risky public Wi-Fi networks, as you can use cellular data and don’t have to compromise your security.

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