Introduction

A milestone as notable and exciting as a trip abroad requires thorough preparation, and that includes not forgetting your smartphone and ensuring you have mobile connectivity when you reach your destination. We can’t emphasize enough how crucial a mobile data connection is. Without it, you will have a difficult time booking transportation, navigating tourist sites, and staying in touch with loved ones.

Now, the question is: how exactly can you access mobile data when you’re in another country? Do you use data roaming or buy an international eSIM before you take your outbound flight from the Philippines? To help you decide, DITO Telecommunity has put together a comprehensive comparison of the two options. Read on to learn more. 

What Is an International eSIM? 

An international eSIM is an embedded SIM that lets you connect to mobile internet abroad using travel-friendly data plans. Depending on the type of eSIM you purchase, you can connect to a country-specific network or to multiple networks across regions.

This digital SIM is unlike traditional SIM cards in that you don’t need to open your phone and insert a tiny chip into the SIM tray. You also don’t have to buy a physical card at the airport and go through the hassle of choosing which SIM is best. Instead, you only need to scan an exclusive QR code to activate your eSIM. The ease of activation lets you set up the travel-friendly SIM even before leaving the Philippines and go online on your phone immediately upon arrival at your destination. 

International eSIMs come in several price tiers and mobile data plans that suit different connectivity requirements, stay durations, and coverage. So, before buying a digital SIM, establish a clear picture of your mobile data needs abroad, and choose the eSIM plan that best meets them.

What Is Data Roaming For? 

Data roaming lets you connect to mobile data abroad without switching SIMs. In addition to providing data access, the setting enables you to use your domestic number so you can still send text messages and call people back home. As such, this type of connectivity is usually reserved for short travels or business trips that require users to remain contactable. 

While network carriers back home offer bundles and data plans to give you some control over connectivity costs, charges can accumulate due to daily fees. Also, you will likely learn your total data consumption only in the next billing cycle, reducing your control over data promos. 

Another consideration is the coverage. While your carrier may have access to plenty of networks abroad, they’re not as expansive as the reach of global eSIMs. You would need to confirm which countries are covered by your roaming plan if you want to stay connected as you travel. 

Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Data Roaming and eSIM 

Between data roaming and an eSIM, which is best suited for your international travels? Below are the factors to consider before making your decision. 

Activation

All of us prefer ease of activation for mobile data access, especially upon arrival in a foreign land. Fortunately, both data roaming and eSIM eliminate the need to swap SIM cards, making each option straightforward and convenient. 

That said, eSIM activation will require you to pay for a QR code to scan and activate your SIM profile. You may also need to register your number through an app, depending on your network requirements. Meanwhile, data roaming requires little setup, as your plan will automatically activate upon arrival, provided your destination is within your carrier’s coverage.

Cost

The last thing you want is to spend all your money on mobile data charges, so make sure to set a budget and stick to it. If you decide to use data roaming, check the daily charges and extra fees first, and allocate enough funds for it. Due to its limitations, this option is better suited to short trips. 

However, if you really want to save on mobile data costs, opting for an eSIM can be more practical, given the broader array of prepaid plans available. You also know right away how much you’ll be spending for each plan, enabling greater budget control. The flexibility and cost-efficiency of digital SIMs for travel make them the ideal option for more extended stays.

Plans

Which plans do you prefer, data-only plans or those with call-and-text allocation? If it’s the former, an eSIM with prepaid mobile data plans with a long validity period is enough. However, if you want to make international calls, not all eSIMs support it. You either buy a more expensive plan or settle for a data roaming option so you can use your domestic numbers to make calls and send texts. 

Either way, make sure to align the plans you subscribe to with your budget to avoid overspending on connectivity costs and to allocate your funds to more important travel expenses, such as good food and beautiful tourist destinations!

Coverage 

Do you prefer remote locations or the urban spots? Depending on your itinerary, you may need to switch between data roaming and an eSIM to stay connected to the internet wherever you are. For this aspect, digital SIMs designed for travel may be more convenient as they have coverage in multiple countries, specifically global and regional eSIMs. 

Meanwhile, if you’re mostly staying in cities and will only be there for a short period, opting for data roaming is equally convenient. Just make sure that the local provider in your location is partnered with your home network carrier.

Travel Purpose

Choosing between data roaming and eSIMs will depend on the purpose and length of your travel. For example, a digital nomad approach means you need ample mobile data for remote work, video calls, and streaming, making an eSIM the apparent choice for connectivity. 

Meanwhile, a business trip may require occasional access to SMS and calls. Also, you’re likely staying for only a few days. In that case, toggling your data roaming may be sufficient.

Want the Best of Both Worlds? Combine Data Roaming and eSIM 

When your needs demand leveraging the benefits of both international eSIMs and roaming while traveling outside the Philippines, it is practical to use them simultaneously. For instance, you may keep your domestic number active on your physical SIM card on data roaming so you can continue receiving calls and texts. 

Meanwhile, you can set up your eSIM so that it’s the primary SIM your phone uses when you connect to mobile data. You can also maximize plans by using more than one eSIM, in case you travel to many countries and need a wider coverage across regions. 

To make this workaround effective, ensure that the phone you’re bringing abroad supports eSIMs. It would also be ideal if your device is 5G-ready, so you can access faster networks and enjoy a smooth mobile internet experience.

Conclusion 

When choosing between international eSIMs and data roaming for your travel outside the Philippines, consider your itinerary and connectivity requirements, and look into key factors such as activation, cost, coverage, and plans available to make an informed choice. In summary, eSIMs are ideal when you’re visiting multiple locations and need to stick to a budget, while data roaming is best for short trips and constant contact with people back home.  

That said, whether you’re planning to stick to one option or combine the two, we have an eSIM and data roaming plans for you. Check out our offerings today!