eSIM or SIM card: which to choose for travel

03 April 2026

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🔍 What is eSIM and Physical SIM

A physical SIM card is a small plastic chip that you insert into your smartphone's tray. You need to buy it at a store or mobile shop, change it manually, and keep it in your wallet.

eSIM (embedded SIM) is a built-in chip inside your phone that is activated remotely via QR code or an app. No plastic, no visits to the operator's office.

⚖️ Advantages and disadvantages of each option

Physical SIM card:

✅ Works in any phone without restrictions
✅ Can be purchased right at the airport of your destination
✅ Easy to pass to another person
❌ You need to physically change the card — easy to lose
❌ Roaming may be blocked by the operator
❌ Queues and language barriers when buying abroad

eSIM:

✅ Purchase and activation online 5 minutes before your flight
✅ You can store multiple profiles and switch between them
✅ Your primary card remains active in parallel
❌ Not supported by all smartphones
❌ Some operators don't support the technology yet

«eSIM is especially convenient if you travel frequently: figure it out once — and switch plans with a button press right in the settings.»

📱 How to check device compatibility

Before buying an eSIM, make sure your smartphone supports it. Use the universal USSD code for this:

Open the Phone app on your device.
Dial *#06# on the keypad and press call.
Information about your IMEI will appear on the screen. If your device supports eSIM, you will see a line with EID (Embedded Identity Document) — a long numeric code of 32 digits.
The presence of EID confirms: your phone is ready to work with eSIM.

💡 Tip: If there's no EID line — eSIM is not supported. Also check the settings: "Settings → General → About" (iOS) or "Settings → About phone" (Android) — there might be an eSIM section there too.

🚀 How to connect eSIM: step-by-step guide

Choose and pay for a plan from an eSIM provider.
Receive the activation QR code via email or in your personal account.
On iPhone: open "Settings → Cellular → Add Cellular Plan", click "Use QR Code" and point your camera.
On Android: "Settings → Network and Internet → SIM cards → Add", then scan the QR code.
Follow the on-screen instructions, choose when to use eSIM (always or only when roaming).
Done — eSIM is activated, calls and internet are working.

🌐 Where to buy eSIM for travel

Today there are many services for purchasing tourist eSIM online. One convenient option is e7m.ru, where you can select a plan for a specific country or region, pay by card, and get a QR code instantly.

💡 Tip: Buy eSIM in advance — a day before your trip, so you have time to check the connection at home and don't waste time at the airport.

✈️ Conclusion: what to choose

If you have a modern smartphone (iPhone XS and newer, most Android flagships from 2020 onwards) — eSIM is definitely more convenient for travel: fast purchase, instant activation, no risk of losing your card.

Physical SIM is still relevant for budget phones, elderly travelers, or countries with limited eSIM operator coverage.

The main rule: check the EID using *#06#, make sure eSIM is supported — and confidently switch to the digital format.

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