Introduction 

You may have heard about eSIMs by now. After all, this digital SIM option is increasingly becoming a prominent feature in many newly released phones in the market. You may have also noticed that network carriers in the Philippines, like DITO Telecommunity, are adding eSIMs to their product offerings to keep pace with the advancements.

Soon, you will have to purchase a new phone, which will involve choosing between a device with an embedded SIM or one that still relies on a physical SIM card (several phones allow both setups). To aid your decision, read this comprehensive guide to mobile prepaid eSIMs and discover why we consider them a sustainable choice. 

Advantages of Using a Mobile Prepaid eSIM 

Switching to using a prepaid eSIM in the Philippines comes with various advantages. You can sum up the benefits you gain from it in three words: convenience, practicality, and sustainability. In detail, a digital SIM offers the following perks: 

Enables Multiple SIM Use  

In recent years, so-called dual-SIM smartphones have provided convenience for Filipino users. Perhaps you may have been one of such users — you may have deemed it practical to use two SIM cards (one for work and one for personal use) or to subscribe to promos unique to two different carriers. 

A digital SIM ingeniously adopts this dual-SIM concept and makes it way better. A digital SIM allows you to switch between more than two networks, enabling you to organize your usage and diversify your mobile data plans. This capability is also a tremendous help if you are a frequent traveler and often switch to different network carriers abroad. Configuring your eSIMs on your device is more convenient and practical than manually removing your SIM and plugging a new one into your phone! 

Allows Easy Switching Between Plans  

Aside from letting you switch networks using one device, eSIMs also enable you to switch between plans. Some users, in the days when dual SIM phones are the closest you can get to using an eSIM, switch their SIM cards manually to streamline their data subscriptions and take advantage of promotions. With an eSIM, you can do the same, but minus the hassle. 

Saves Device Space 

Digital SIMs are embedded microchips (it is what the ‘e’ in eSIM stands for) into phones, tablets, and other gadgets requiring network connectivity. As the eSIM is already built into the device, it allows for more space for electronics, letting manufacturers develop much-improved and high-performance smartphones.  

Prevents Damages or Loss 

Because it’s embedded into your gadget, an eSIM has more protection than a traditional SIM card. You don’t need to worry about scratches, cuts, and other physical damage as you might with a physical SIM card when you remove it from your phone. Moreover, you can rest assured that you won’t misplace your eSIM unless you lose your device.

Improves Data Security  

A physical SIM, if lost, might fall into the wrong hands, which can result in your data being compromised. Some malicious actors with advanced skills might even impersonate you and call your network carrier to request a swap.

If your SIM is embedded into your phone instead, you reduce the chances of loss and swapping. Again, this means you should protect the device where the SIM is installed; otherwise, you will lose your gadget and risk your information privacy. 

Supports Sustainability  

The best advantage you can get from an eSIM is through its sustainability. A digital SIM doesn’t require as many raw materials to manufacture as its physical counterpart. It’s also soldered directly into the device and doesn’t require packaging, helping reduce its production’s carbon footprint. 

Meanwhile, a physical SIM card is made of plastic, adding to the quantity of waste materials and carbon emissions. In 2023 alone, more than 3 billion SIM cards were shipped worldwide, translating to about 500,000 tons of CO2 and almost 16,000 tons of plastic.

Some situations that contributed to this volume are the use of multiple SIMs by travelers whenever they visit a new country and the purchase of new SIM cards by users switching networks. If people use eSIMs more, these numbers are likely to decrease. 

Disadvantages of Using an eSIM 

While a mobile prepaid eSIM holds so much promise related to convenience and practicality, it might not suit everyone. Some of the cons to consider when switching to a digital SIM include:

Makes Swapping Devices Difficult 

Changing devices can be a bit inconvenient if you are using an eSIM. You need to deactivate the digital SIM from your old phone and then activate it again using the new one. The switch is simpler with a physical SIM card as you only remove the old and plug the new SIM into your new gadget. Still, you can work around this mild difficulty by using separate phones for different eSIMs. 

Has Limited Device Compatibility 

While generally convenient, not everyone can immediately switch to eSIM due to compatibility issues. For instance, you may use a prepaid eSIM in the Philippines with your iPhone XS but not with an iPhone X. If you’re using an older model, you will need to acquire a new one to use your digital SIM. 

That said, upgrading your device can be a good move, especially if you want to use 5G technology and other advanced features. 

Requires an Internet Connection To Activate 

Like many tech-related tasks today, activating an eSIM requires you to be connected to the internet. Typically, this is easy — you can use your home WiFi, mobile data, or complimentary internet access in your school or office to go online whenever.

If you are in a remote area where an internet connection, let alone 5G, is not available, that means you cannot activate your eSIM, either. This could be an issue if you’re using eSIM abroad. To avoid this problem, activate your digital SIM upon arrival, preferably at the airport or terminals where connectivity is available before you go anywhere else.

Are Prepaid eSIMs Already Available in the Philippines? 

Can you buy a prepaid eSIM in the Philippines online? Thankfully, yes. The country’s telcos are adapting to the latest smartphone technologies, resulting in a wave of eSIM options being available today. You may actually want to purchase a digital SIM as soon as you can to adapt as well, especially if you are planning to upgrade your gadgets in the near future.  

Want To Buy Your Prepaid eSIM Online? Get One DITO! 

Are you wondering which network carrier to trust if you are switching SIMs? Look no further than DITO Telecommunity, where you can get a prepaid eSIM anywhere in the Philippines for only ₱99.  

The DITO eSIM comes with 9 GB of all-access mobile data, unlimited text to all networks, unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls, and 150 minutes of calls to other networks, valid for 15 days. Switching is easy, too. If your phone is already compatible, you can purchase the eSIM through the DITO mobile app. After that, you will only need a few minutes to register your SIM and activate it on your device!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mobile Prepaid eSIMs 

Can I Convert My Prepaid SIM to eSIM? 

Yes, you can convert your physical prepaid SIM card to an eSIM. However, the process will depend on your network carrier; some may allow you to keep your number even when you switch, while others may require changing your contact details.  

How Do I Convert a Physical SIM to an eSIM? 

To convert your prepaid SIM card to digital, you must first learn how the switching works with your network carrier in the Philippines. Some telcos instruct subscribers to visit their service centers to convert the physical SIM, which is usually done if you want to keep your old number. At DITO, you can buy a new eSIM and acquire a new contact number. This option is much more practical if you want to start with a clean slate with your contacts.

Does an eSIM Expire? 

The eSIM itself does not expire. Instead, it can be deactivated depending on your network carrier. Your telco provider may deactivate your digital SIM if it has no activity or zero load balance for a year or more. To confirm the allowed period before deactivation, contact your carrier’s customer service.

Conclusion

Using a mobile prepaid eSIM today is gradually becoming the norm as more phones are updated to reduce the size of their physical components and house more advanced features. It would be no surprise that the newest model for the brand you’re using will require you to use a digital SIM in the future.

Fortunately, using an eSIM comes with many advantages. For instance, you can use multiple eSIMs and switch between plans. Also, losing or damaging a SIM is no longer a concern, as the digital SIM is embedded in your device. Most importantly, you contribute to reducing waste and your carbon footprint when you opt for an eSIM. You may encounter some hassles when you switch to digital, but these issues are mostly minor.

The good news is that if you are also keen to switch to 5G, you’re hitting two birds with one stone with DITO. With a compatible device, you can get the DITO eSIM and enjoy 5G data access and all the mobile promos that come with our products. 

If you want to elevate your mobile internet experience, shop for your eSIM from DITO now!