What you should consider when using an eSIM on vacation 2026

March 27, 2025, 1:17 p.m. | Reading time: 4 minutes

Many of us probably remember times when the idea of using a cell phone abroad seemed completely absurd. After all, high roaming fees could overshadow the vacation afterwards if an unexpectedly high cell phone bill arrived. Today this danger no longer exists within the EU. And it is also possible to make inexpensive calls and use internet-based services outside the Union - for example with an eSIM. All important information about it.

eSIM (short for embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is permanently integrated into a device. This eliminates the need for a physical card. As our colleagues at TECHBOOK explain in more detail, an eSIM enables easier use in many ways, which will be discussed in more detail below. It offers numerous advantages, especially for frequent travelers, especially outside the EU.

That's why using an eSIM abroad makes sense

Activating an eSIM

What you should consider when using it

That's why using an eSIM abroad makes sense

“SIM” and vacation – for many, the two topics have already belonged together. Holidaymakers who wanted to avoid high roaming costs often bought a local prepaid SIM card after arriving at their destination. Roaming refers to the use of the cell phone outside the home network, which often resulted in unexpectedly high costs, even for incoming calls. Since the introduction of the roam-like-at-home regulation in 2017, these worries have become a thing of the past in many places, as the same prices and conditions now apply within the EU as well as in Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein as in the home country.

In order to benefit from comparably favorable conditions outside the EU, the eSIM is a practical solution. The eSIM integrated into the device makes it possible to save several mobile phone tariffs on one device. This allows users to flexibly switch between different providers and tariffs, for example between the domestic tariff and a local tariff where they are abroad. This means you can easily make calls, send SMS and surf on site at the applicable tariffs. With the eSIM you not only avoid or reduce roaming fees, but you also remain reachable on your usual phone number.

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Activating an eSIM

Mobile phone contracts with an eSIM work digitally. This makes switching between providers and activation possible in just a few minutes. As TECHBOOK explains, the setup is usually done via an app or via the mobile provider's customer portal, many of which support eSIMs as standard and provide corresponding tariffs. The user usually receives a QR code (sometimes already included with the contract documents), which must be scanned with their smartphone. Depending on the provider, an activation code may also be required.

If you have any doubts about a modern smartphone, you can assume that it is eSIM-capable. You can find out from the manufacturer or in the technical specifications of the device.

What you should consider when using it

Using an eSIM does not automatically mean no roaming charges. When selecting the tariff, special international solutions should be booked in order to avoid high costs. Otherwise, the provider’s regular conditions apply – at least outside the EU. It should also be noted that some eSIM tariffs only have a limited data volume. If this is exceeded, additional costs may arise.

In a comprehensive comparison by “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, the provider Saily was chosen as the winner for cell phone use on international trips. The network coverage in Europe and Asia is excellent, and Saily also offers flexible tariffs without a contract, so that costs remain easily controllable. Data packages are also available for different countries, making Saily's eSIM a particularly user-friendly choice.

Disadvantages of an eSIM – not least when on vacation

In general, an eSIM does not only bring advantages. While previously you simply had to insert a new SIM card into the device when changing providers, using an eSIM requires the support of the mobile service provider. This person has to program the eSIM accordingly, and this doesn't happen for free. It should also be borne in mind that problems can arise if the smartphone you are using is damaged due to a fall, water damage or other incident. Now it is not possible to remove the card built into the device and insert it into a transitional cell phone. This could be a scenario that can cause significant inconvenience, especially when on vacation. In order to be mobile accessible again, the user would, in the worst case scenario, have to have the device repaired or replaced.

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