AirSims (eSIM) vs. Roaming vs. Local SIM (destination country SIM)

Quick glance comparing different methods of accessing Internet/Apps on the go when travelling overseas.

	AirSims.com.au (Travel data eSIM)	Roaming (Using your home network's global roaming)	Local SIM (Destination country's SIM)
Price	$	$$$	$$
Data Amount	Your choice from many combinations	Depends and set by provider	Depends and set by provider
Ease of setup	EASY	EASY (You pay the premium cost)	MEDIUM to DIFFICULT
Convenient	Scan a QR code or click a link (Apple)	Activate via website or call an operator to enable	Queue and typically provide personal documents
Fees/Admin	NONE	Depends and set by provider	Depends and set by provider
Coverage	Your choice - One or Multiple	Depends on provider	One country
Keep Home Country SIM (number)	YES	YES	Typically NO, you need to remove your SIM
SMS	Via your Home Country SIM	Via your Home Country SIM	You will need to distribute your temp SIM number
Voice calls	Via your Home Country SIM	Via your Home Country SIM	You will need to distribute your temp SIM number
Web based calls and messaging	YES	YES (Premium cost)	YES
Support	Actual IT staff based in Australia	Depends on provider	Depends on provider and potential language barrier

 

In today’s digital world, staying connected while traveling internationally is a priority for most of us. Whether you're checking maps, staying in touch with family, or sharing social media updates, having access to mobile data abroad is essential. When it comes to getting that connectivity, travelers have three primary options: AirSims (eSIM), roaming, and a local SIM card from your destination country.

Each option has its pros and cons, so how do you decide which one is best for you? In this blog, we’ll compare these three options based on factors like convenience, cost, coverage, and speed.

1. AirSims (eSIM) – The Modern, Digital Solution

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a virtual SIM card embedded directly into your phone. It allows you to activate a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card. AirSims is one of several providers that offer eSIM services, allowing you to purchase data plans that work in multiple countries. This means you can travel internationally without the hassle of swapping out SIM cards or relying on roaming.

Pros:

• Convenience: No physical SIM card swap required - which means you can still keep your home number for SMS and conventional voice calls (calls not made via an App/Internet). Just activate the eSIM online or through an app before or during your trip.
• Global Coverage: AirSims, like many eSIM providers, offer global coverage in over 150+ countries, meaning you can use the same eSIM plan across multiple countries. This is perfect for multi-country trips.
• Cost-Effective: eSIM plans are often cheaper than traditional roaming rates, and many providers offer affordable data packs for short-term use.
• Speed: In most cases, eSIM offers reliable and fast data speeds, especially in countries with good network infrastructure. AirSims.com.au only use "Tier 1" providers - which means you get the same speed as local SIMs.
• No Need to Visit Stores: With eSIM, you don’t need to go to a local store or queue to buy a SIM card, and you can activate everything remotely.

Cons:

• Device Compatibility: Not all phones support eSIM technology. Most modern smartphones like the iPhone 11 era and newer, Google Pixel models, and some Samsung Galaxy devices support eSIM, but older or budget models might not.
• Limited Support in Some Countries: While eSIM is becoming more popular, some countries or carriers may not yet support it, however countries supporting eSIM technology is growing.
• Initial Setup: If you're new to eSIMs, the setup process might take a bit of time to get used to, although it's generally straightforward. Simple as scanning a QR code or clicking a link from your email.

2. Roaming – Keep Your Original Number from your home provider.

What is Roaming?

Roaming allows you to use your existing SIM card from your home country while traveling abroad. This means you keep your number, but you’ll be charged extra fees for both data and calls, often at much higher rates than you’d pay at home. Many mobile carriers offer international roaming plans, or you can opt for pay-per-use roaming.

Pros:

• Keep Your Number: Roaming lets you keep your home number, which is ideal if you need to be available for work or for important calls while traveling.
• Simple Setup: Since you're using your existing SIM card, there's no need to swap out cards or worry about compatibility. You simply enable roaming with your carrier.
• Prepaid Roaming Plans: Many carriers now offer roaming plans that provide more predictable (but generally higher) costs, especially for popular travel destinations.

Cons:

• Expensive: Roaming charges, especially for data, can be extremely expensive. If you’re not careful, your mobile bill could quickly become overwhelming. Even with international plans, costs can still be high.
• Limited Data: Roaming plans often come with a limited amount of data. Once you hit that limit, data speeds can slow down, or you could incur additional charges.
• Unpredictable Coverage: Roaming can sometimes have spotty service, especially in remote areas. You may experience slower speeds or lack of connectivity, depending on the agreements your home carrier has with local providers.

3. Local SIM – Get a SIM from Your Destination

What is a Local SIM?

A local SIM card is a prepaid SIM card purchased at your travel destination. You can usually buy it from a store or airport, and it comes with a specific amount of data, minutes, and text allowances tailored to the local market. You can use this SIM card with your unlocked phone.

Pros:

• Affordable Rates compared to Roaming: Local SIM cards are often the most cost-effective option for travellers, especially for long stays. They offer competitive data plans, calls, and text bundles that are much cheaper than roaming.
• Potentially Faster Data (for premium providers): In many cases, local SIMs allow you to access the best (called Tier 1) local mobile networks, meaning you’ll get fast and reliable data speeds.
• No Surprises: With a local SIM, you pay upfront for your data plan, which means no surprise bills at the end of your trip.

Cons:

• SIM Card Swap: You’ll need to swap out your home SIM card for a local one, which could cause issues with two factor authentication, call forwarding or accessing your home number. Some phones only support one SIM, so you may have to manage dual-SIM functionality or carry two phones.
• Limited International Use: If you’re visiting multiple countries, you’ll need to buy a new SIM card in each country, which can be cumbersome and expensive.
• Short-Term Coverage: Local SIM cards are ideal for longer stays in one country but may not offer the best solution for short trips.
• Potential for support difficulty: Local SIM cards are supported by local companies and agents (not a bad thing in itself), however support can be difficult if you don't speak or read in the local language.

Which Is Best for You?

Choosing between eSIM, roaming, and a local SIM depends on your needs, travel plans, and budget. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

• eSIM (AirSims) is perfect if you want flexibility, convenience, and global coverage for short to medium-term travel. It's also the best option if you don’t want to hassle with buying a new SIM card in every country and need a cost-effective, simple solution. Best for tech-savvy travelers or frequent flyers.

• Roaming is ideal if you want to keep your home number and don’t mind paying a premium for the convenience. It's best for short-term trips or if you only need occasional data use. Be cautious about the potential for high costs if you’re a heavy data user. Best for occasional travellers or business trips.

• Local SIM cards are the way to go if you're looking for the cheapest data rates and you’re staying in one country for an extended period. This is especially advantageous if you're traveling somewhere where eSIM or roaming coverage is spotty or costly. Best for long-term travellers or those staying in one location.

Conclusion

When it comes to international mobile connectivity, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. eSIMs offer value, flexibility and convenience, especially for frequent travellers and tech-savvy users. Roaming is an easy option for those who want to keep their home number without worrying about SIM card swaps, not confident with the alternatives, network locked devices, but comes with potentially high costs. Local SIMs are often the best value for those staying in one country for a longer period, though they require much more effort to set up and you typically need to remove you home SIM - which can cause issues for two-factor authentication.

Whichever option you choose, make sure to plan ahead to ensure you stay connected without breaking the bank or finding yourself stuck.