Why Choose an eSIM for Long-Term Travel?

 

Booking train tickets, using GPS, posting on social media, working, studying… Whether you're on a work assignment, studying abroad for a semester, or planning a multi-month road trip across a continent, staying connected to the internet during your travels is essential. You also need to remain reachable by your loved ones or your employer! There are various solutions to stay connected anywhere in the world—some even allow you to keep your usual phone number.

What are these different solutions? What are their pros and cons? Which ones are best suited for long-term stays? Why opt for an eSIM? We answer all your questions to help you make the right choice.

 

What Are the Available Options to Stay Reachable When Moving Abroad?

Whether you're leaving for a term, a semester, or a year, you can choose from various international mobile plan options. Discover which ones are best suited for a long stay.

Getting an International Mobile Plan

Mobile operators, both traditional and virtual, have greatly expanded their international mobile plan offerings. Between plans that already include international destinations and those with optional international add-ons, your current provider likely offers a way to stay connected abroad. Some even offer travel packs that let you use your phone from a specific region or country for a set time. And that's the problem!

With these offers, and European roaming, operators have introduced the concept of fair use when abroad. This means you can use your phone in a foreign country without roaming fees, but not for heavy, frequent, or long-term usage. Typically, operators assess usage over a 3 to 4-month period. If you're mostly abroad during that time, they may deem your use excessive and start charging you for roaming data! So, international plans or add-ons are only suitable for stays under one term. For longer stays, other solutions are needed.

Buying a SIM Card with a Local Plan

One common option for long-term travelers is to get a local plan in the destination country by subscribing to a no-contract plan or buying a prepaid SIM card. This gives you a local number to communicate without extra charges within the country. It's great for local communication and using your phone abroad but can have drawbacks.

This option assigns you a new number, meaning you have to change your phone number and share it with everyone—friends, employers, institutions. You can keep your usual number on a dual SIM phone, but you'll be paying two mobile plans. Unless your employer covers the cost, this can get expensive!

Buying an International eSIM

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is integrated directly into your smartphone's components and can be configured with any carrier’s settings. You simply scan a QR code to install your eSIM and connect to a network—even abroad!

This technology has enabled new international data plans: international eSIM plans. These give you mobile data in multiple countries via 4G or 5G. You can stack multiple eSIMs, keeping your usual number while enjoying mobile internet freely. While you can't make traditional calls with an international eSIM, messaging and VoIP apps like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Messenger keep you connected.

 

Why Is an eSIM the Best Option for Students and Mobile Professionals?

Instant, flexible, and secure—an international eSIM plan makes staying connected during foreign travel easy. And it’s ideal for both short and long stays!

Instantly Activatable and Renewable Plans

One of the top benefits of eSIMs for travelers is that they can be purchased and activated in seconds. No need to visit a store or wait for a physical SIM—just download your eSIM profile the day before or on your departure for instant access at your destination.

eSIM plans are typically valid for 1 to 30 days. If you're staying for months, just renew your eSIM online—no need to install a new one. Whether you're staying 3, 6, or 9 months, you can renew as needed and don’t have to cancel anything when your trip ends.

Good to know:

A few providers offer yearly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. This might work for trips over a year but is not recommended otherwise, as canceling involves extra steps.

Private and Secure Internet Connection

A travel eSIM gives your smartphone a more secure connection than any Wi-Fi network—even your home Wi-Fi. Since it doesn’t use a shared router, it's harder to hack than public Wi-Fi, which is accessible to others.

This makes eSIMs ideal for professionals needing to protect sensitive company data. Whether using your smartphone or tethering your laptop, it’s the most secure mobile connection for long trips.

A Flexible Plan That Follows You Anywhere

Long stays often involve traveling across multiple countries—to explore a continent or visit clients in different locations. That’s not a problem with eSIMs!

Most international eSIM providers like UPeSIM offer regional plans that cover multiple countries in one continent. You can also install separate eSIM profiles for each country—up to five at a time! Just download a new eSIM when needed and stay connected wherever you go.

Why Choose a UPeSIM eSIM to Stay Connected During Your Trip Abroad?

Convinced by the eSIM concept? Torn between providers? Here’s why UPeSIM is your best choice for long-term travel.

eSIMs Available in Over 200 Countries

UPeSIM offers one of the largest catalogs of international eSIMs, with national plans available in over 200 countries and 5 regional eSIMs. Whatever your destination, we have the right plan for you.

Flexible Plans Rechargeable in One Click

Our eSIM plans are available in 7, 10, and 30-day durations to suit short or long stays. If you're traveling for months, just renew your data monthly for uninterrupted internet. Going to a neighboring country for a few days? A 7-day plan will do!

Reliable Network and Premium Service

We partner with top local operators to deliver strong coverage and 5G access (when available and device compatible).

Beyond excellent network performance, our 24/7 customer support responds in under 15 minutes. That’s why we receive top customer reviews, with an average rating of 4.9/5 on Google and app stores.