A Guide to eSIM

What is eSIM?

eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module. An eSIM is the same as a regular SIM, except it comes permanently embedded in the smartphone device. A digital eSIM replaces the need for a physical SIM card that can be ejected from one phone to another. eSIMs are proving popular today as they have been designed to supersede old fashion physical SIMs. There is no longer a need for the removable plastic card inside your phone. Furthermore a digital eSIM provides you with the agility to move your SIM as you move to another device, with no hassle. Users can remove or swap between different eSIM-based networks with far more ease. The information on an eSIM is rewritable. This means you can change your network without removing your SIM and inserting a new one.

At Zadarma we have recently launched our very own digital eSIM. This is a digital SIM card for your device, which allows you to easily connect to the internet from over 150 countries. The digital eSIM is a practical solution for commuters, expats and customers across B2B and B2C industries. Let’s take a look at how Zadarma’s eSIM works.

How to activate eSIM?

You will require an internet connection to ensure this eSIM works. You will also need to check that you have a compatible iOS and Android device that supports the digital eSIM. 
Zadarma covers over 200 devices across Apple, Samsung, Google as well as wider operating systems.

You can follow these simple 3 steps to start utilising Zadarma’s digital eSIM

1. Register with Zadarma by going to the registration page here:

- You then need to fill in the mandatory fields

- Select your relevant region and relevant price plan for you (for more details see: which plan to choose)

- Simply click on «Register» and you will be sent a confirmation email from Zadarma and follow the link to verify your email address.

2. Scan the QR code on the email and then you can download and activate digital eSIM
3. You can then access the internet whilst enjoying the telephony solution from Zadarma

Why is the digital eSIM so popular?

eSIM applications utilise the internet protocol (IP) as a method to identify the network carrier. If you are able to access VoIP technology and their SIM services, then eSIM applications allow users to leverage VoIP calling features that come as part of standard VoIP communication solutions.

What are the advantages of eSIM?

1. You can have multiple mobile operators for Internet

The advantage of eSIMs is in allowing users to have multiple mobile operators for the internet on a single device, enabling effective management of personal and work communication lines without requesting new numbers.

2. You can switch networks, with no hassle

A digital eSIM solution provides you with a digital SIM solution through the internet. This makes it much easier to switch networks or providers. Instead of needing to order a new SIM, waiting for it to arrive, then inserting it into your phone, you can switch to a different network with a phone call or online. By using a digital eSIM you can choose your VoIP service provider and then connect to their network remotely, gaining the information you need to connect over the phone or online.

3. eSIM activation is quick and easy

eSIMs are the opposite to old fashioned SIM cards. Physical SIM cards often involve you using a special SIM tool to insert the card into your device. Traditional SIM cards and the tool required to eject are small and can often get lost or damaged. However a digital eSIM like Zadarma’s can be activated simply by scanning a QR code. This automatically triggers the registration of your eSIM profile with your mobile device network. The eSIM set up process can be delivered in a matter of minutes.

4. eSIMs use up less space

You no longer need a device with a SIM port. Therefore modern devices are using the old SIM space for more battery or camera space, so you leverage more powerful mobile devices as a result. Fewer holes in a handset provides greater protection from damage, moisture and dust, which in turn will mean less mobile breakdowns and long term cost savings. Furthermore mobile phones have more space for extended battery life and other functionality assets, so modern mobile phones are increasingly becoming more advanced and leveraging the old SIM card space with new mobile features.

5. eSIMs are highly secure

Using a digital eSIM and a phone with no SIM card hole, makes your device less attractive to hackers and thieves. This is because your device won’t allow someone else to replace a new SIM. Thieves often like to replace the SIM as soon as a device has been stolen, to avoid the phone being tracked. With a digital eSIM you can immediately request your provider to shut the phone number down, which will make it useless to any new user.

6. eSIMs provide cost savings

If you travel a lot, then ensuring you have a level of communication set up, can be an expensive and stressful process. You fundamentally will always want to avoid hefty phone bills and roaming charges. It is a smart move to leverage eSIMs when travelling to different countries as you can effectively reduce your communication costs as you don't have to buy a physical SIM card in the visited country. Moreover, Zadarma’s eSIM allows you to gain access to multiple virtual numbers that can be used anywhere, which supports more than 200 iOS and Android devices. A digital eSIM provided through a VoIP phone system vendor, provides you with a cost friendly communication solution, which will save vast expenses on calling and texting, as well as providing the added value of being able to leverage a variety of advanced communication features for free.

7. eSIMs offer scalability

Living and travelling abroad can be extremely exciting, but it can also be lonely, expensive and unknown. Expats sometimes settle for the cheapest way to stay in touch and have been forced to settle for email and social media to communicate due to the high cost of international calls. From a business sense, digital eSIMs are accelerating how businesses scale their international communication strategy. If you are a small to medium size business, with a workforce that undertakes regular international travel, then using VoIP with a digital eSIM offering, can be highly advantageous. A local eSIM for a particular region will provide a local level calling ability. Additionally, expats may often use virtual numbers to stay connected with their mainline services back home, outside of the market they reside. The beauty of VoIP and digital eSIMs is that they provide pain free connectivity and scalability to travellers and businesses.

eSIMs are proving popular for expats, travellers and travelling commuters

eSIMs bring many benefits to travellers, expats and for businesses, providing a cost effective communication solution when travelling abroad. eSIMs have proven to be more secure than a physical SIM as it can’t be removed if your phone is lost or stolen. With an eSIM solution, you don't need to obtain, carry, and swap physical SIM cards. You also don’t need to wait for a physical card to be posted to you. All the logistical hassle of getting a physical SIM card no longer exists. Whether you are travelling the world, visiting family in another country or you are a regular international commuter, a digital eSIM allows you to stay connected, anywhere, anytime. Digital eSIMs are making travel today much easier as you can keep two phone lines open and easily switch from your home-based operator to the digital eSIM when visiting foreign locations. Once your eSIM profile has been installed on your device, it’s instantly available and ready to use.

To access Zadarma’s eSIM and supported phone services, you simply need an internet connection to get set up. If you would like more information on setting up a digital eSIM then visit the Zadarma eSIM web page or contact our 24/7 support. You can also access a vast selection of virtual numbers with affordable call rates, alongside the free PBX phone system.