Money is an essential medium for the present world, especially for travellers. One thing that is more important for travellers is the connectivity that doesn't put a burden on their pockets.
Think of It like this! You’re abroad, relying on your phone for maps and messages, and suddenly you get a $200 roaming bill.
It’s more than a surprise; it ruins your trip. Choosing between roaming and eSIM matters.
This guide gives you clear answers so you never get hit with unexpected charges again.
What Are eSIM and Roaming? The Basics You Need to Understand!
Usually, when people turned to mobile phones, they bought their physical SIMs and used them also while travelling. People don't want to lose or change their numbers. But with the invention of eSIM, everything changes.
When you are going abroad, you need to turn roaming on your physical SIM card number if you want to stay connected and receive your daily calls or sms. But that’s the thing of the past now. This is the eSIM era, a more digital yet pocket-friendly option for travellers.
eSIM: A digital SIM installed via QR code, no physical card, and easy switching with almost no roaming charges.
Roaming: Using your home SIM abroad through partner networks. Same number & SIM with international roaming plan option, often comes with expensive fees.
The exact difference between the two is the money and consistent full-speed data connectivity. But the question here is, can you use both simultaneously? Yes, because of the dual-SIM supported devices.
Just remember to make sure that your dual-sim device is also eSIM supported. Check your device compatibility here!
eSIM Vs Roaming: What’s Best Depends on Your Travel Style?
Well, if you are a money man travelling on your own jet, you should not give any attention to it. But if you are on a budget, embedded SIM is your only solution. Why?
Weekend city breaks or short trips?
Go for an eSIM. It’s cheaper, quick to set up, and keeps you connected without stress.
Longer journeys or backpacking across regions?
Stick with Defy Mobile eSIM plans. They usually offer more data at better rates than traditional roaming, especially if you’re hopping between countries.
Cross-border or multi-country travel?
With eSIM, there’s no need to keep swapping physical cards. You can switch plans instantly without waiting in queues or finding a local store.
Worried about banking OTPs or missed messages?
Keep your roaming line active in the background, just for calls and texts, while your eSIM handles all your data needs.
Pros and Cons: eSIM vs. Roaming
eSIM Benefits
- Easy digital setup—no local shop visits.
- Fixed pricing prevents surprise bill shock.
- Manage multiple plans during long trips.
eSIM Drawbacks
- Not compatible with every phone yet.
- Requires Wi‑Fi or data for installation.
- Customer service might be delayed if you need a new QR code.
Roaming Benefits
- No new SIM needed—just use your existing phone.
- Keep your trusted number for calls and texts.
Roaming Drawbacks
- Usually, pricey—per MB charges add up fast.
- Data limits can throttle you quickly.
- Unexpected border crossing can double the charges.
How Much Will You Pay? Real Cost Comparisons
eSIM price: About $2 per GB; bigger packs go cheaper per GB. Like Defy Mobile eSIM Plan for USA starts from $3.91 for 1 GB per 7 days. 100% guaranty of 4G and 5G networks. See other eSIM plans!
Roaming costs: Typically $10–15 per MB or daily flat-rate plans, easy to overspend. There is no guarantee that you will get 5G or even 4G.
How to Activate eSIM vs. Roaming
A massive difference in the activation process of both. One involves your presence, and one is designed virtually.
eSIM Setup
1. Choose and buy your plan by visiting Defymobile.com or via the App on the Play Store or the App Store.
2. Scan the QR code received in your email.
3. Turn on mobile/data roaming in your phone’s settings—done.
Roaming Activation
1. Call your carrier or use their app.
2. Enable roaming settings.
3. Monitor usage—even a single MB may cost $10.
How Much Data Do You Really Need While Travelling?
When you're choosing between an eSIM or roaming plan, understanding your data habits can help avoid paying for more than you actually need, or worse, running out mid-trip.
Let me tell you what exactly data usage sounds like:
- Light Users (1–3 GB per week): Perfect if you just want to use maps, check emails, message friends, or upload a few photos. Ideal for city breaks or weekend getaways.
- Moderate Users (3–5 GB per week): Best if you use social apps, do a bit of video calling, or browse the web often. Think solo travellers or digital nomads on the go.
- Heavy Users (10+ GB or Unlimited): If you plan to stream Netflix, upload large videos, or hotspot your laptop, go with an unlimited or high-data plan. This is a must for content creators or business travellers.
Data-saving Tips to Stretch Your Plan
- Download Google Maps for offline use before your trip.
- Pre-load your Spotify or YouTube playlists.
- Use messaging apps like WhatsApp instead of regular SMS for sharing photos and videos.
- Turn off background data usage for non-essential apps.
Want Both? Try a Hybrid Approach
Use eSIM for data-heavy needs and a roaming SIM for texts/calls. Doing this will help you save your money, and you dont have to lose your number to receive OTPs or emergency contacts.
Ideal: Use eSIM for maps and streaming, roaming for emergency contacts, or banking.
Conclusion
For most travellers, eSIM offers better value, control, and flexibility. Roaming still works for quick trips or emergencies. If you want predictable costs and easy switches across borders, choose eSIM with Defy Mobile. You can always keep roaming on standby for those one-off moments.
FAQs
Is eSIM cheaper than roaming?
Usually yes, especially if you need large data or travel across countries.
Can I call using eSIM?
Only if the eSIM includes voice or you set up Wi‑Fi calling; otherwise, use roaming or VoIP apps like Whatsapp.
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes, roaming keeps your number, and some eSIMs let you port your number too.
Will eSIM still work in remote areas?
It depends on local network coverage; check provider maps before leaving. Defy Mobile offers you the coverage area details.
