eSIM and Its Advantages

The SIM card recently celebrated its 30th birthday. After 30 years of development, from the SIM card to the mini, micro and finally the nano SIM – the near future belongs to the last and probably most revolutionary development step towards the eSIM. The eSIM is (still) a foreign word for some, but for others it is already part of everyday language. One thing is clear: the eSIM will replace the classic SIM card. We’ll show you what the eSIM can do and how to order and activate one.

Unlike the SIM card, the eSIM is permanently installed in the device. Accordingly, the ‘e’ of the eSIM stands for ’embedded’. It therefore cannot be switched out physically. Instead, several eSIM profiles can be stored digitally on the eSIM. The eSIM uses the same specifications as normal SIM cards. Therefore, they are compatible with each other and it makes no difference which SIM type you use. However, there are some advantages to using an eSIM.

First of all, there are purely pragmatic reasons for choosing an eSIM. The hassle of dealing with a physical SIM card is eliminated because the eSIM is embedded directly into the device. You also no longer need to search for a SIM eject tool to remove your old SIM card from your smartphone. And for the clumsy among us: you can’t lose the eSIM either.

With an eSIM, it is much easier to switch mobile networks. Instead of ordering a new SIM card, waiting for it to arrive and then inserting it into your smartphone, you can switch to a different network online. To do this, you simply register with a provider of your choice, order the eSIM plan you want and then scan the QR code you receive. With Digital Republic, this takes about 5-10 minutes.

Multiple virtual eSIM profiles can be stored on an eSIM at the same time. This means that you can switch between different networks in seconds. For example, you can avoid expensive roaming charges by simply saving local rates from your favorite travel destinations or booking local data packages through a travel eSIM provider. The same applies domestically. If you are not satisfied with your provider, switching to another provider is easier than ever thanks to eSIM, and thanks to number porting, you don’t even have to worry about canceling your contract.

eSIMs offer the same advantages as dual-SIM phones, which have two slots for traditional plastic SIM cards, the most obvious of which is that you can have two phone numbers in one device. This can be handy if you need one number for personal use and another for work but don’t want to carry two phones. You can receive calls and texts consistently with both numbers and choose which SIM you want to use for calls, texts, or data usage.

Since nothing needs to be sent by post and everything is digital, fewer resources are used and wasted. The cardholder, in which the conventional physical SIM card is otherwise embedded, is also no longer needed. Less material, fewer resources, fewer emissions – the environment thanks you.

Find out more in our article “The eSIM is the more sustainable SIM card”.

Do you have an eSIM-enabled device and are you convinced by the advantages above? Then why not take advantage of them all at once!

All Digital Republic tariffs are also available as eSIM. However, the Flat Mobile cell phone subscription with integrated roaming volume in zone 1 (EU/USA) is particularly recommended.

The first month is free for new customers and if you choose number porting when you register, we will cancel your subscription with your old provider.

Should you ever find yourself outside of zone 1, for example in Thailand or Japan, you can benefit from the Digital Republic Travel eSIM. This profile allows you to book local data packages in over 100 countries outside of the included roaming zone. You can easily install the Travel eSIM via a QR code next to your Flat Mobile eSIM and you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of the eSIM around the world.

More general information about eSIM and news about the technology can also be found at esim.ch.