Why You Should Ditch Your Physical SIM Card in 2025

In October 2024, as I was getting ready for a trip to Hawaii, a major issue arose: my UK SIM card in my phone was not working.

For previous trips, I had either relied on roaming or purchased a local SIM card upon arrival. While the latter was still an option, I wanted to avoid the hassle of finding a seller at the airport or the risk of committing to an expensive contract.

The concept of an eSIM seemed like the ideal solution on paper, but I had reservations. Was my phone (the Pixel 9 Pro XL) compatible with eSIM? How do I add an eSIM to my phone? And would it function properly once I reached the US?

Fortunately, my experience with eSIM was so smooth and impressive that it convinced me to use it again on my next journey. And unless you’re a phone reviewer like me who frequently switches phones, it’s also a great option for everyday use.

Here are five compelling reasons to swap your physical SIM card for an eSIM in 2025.

Simple setup

Once you confirm that your phone is eSIM-compatible (check the specifications if unsure), the setup process is straightforward.

Whether you choose a UK network (EE, Vodafone, Three, or O2), a US carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon), or one of the piggyback providers offering eSIM, the process is fairly consistent.

Prior to my trip to Hawaii, I utilized Airalo, a specialist in eSIM for international travel. After downloading the app, registering, and obtaining the ‘SM-DP+Address & Activation Code’, I simply added a new SIM in Settings, input the details, and activated mobile data and roaming.

Setting up via another device is even easier, as you can utilize a QR code instead of manually entering details. Airalo provides detailed instructions for both iPhone and Android on their website.

Upon landing in the US, I activated the new eSIM, and it started working immediately. This eliminated what could have been a major source of stress during my trip.

Seamlessly move between networks

A physical SIM card can only be used on one network. While you can swap them in and out of your phone, managing multiple contracts with different providers can be cumbersome.

Conversely, an eSIM allows you to access multiple networks from a single SIM. Not satisfied with your current provider? Simply cancel your contract and sign up with another in just a few clicks.

This level of flexibility is something physical SIM cards cannot match.

Multiple numbers without multiple SIMs

My experience with eSIMs has primarily been for mobile data while traveling. However, if you’re contemplating using it full-time, you’ll also need a phone number for calls and texts.

With physical SIM cards, you can only have two numbers on one phone, and that’s only if you have a dual-SIM phone.

In contrast, Apple allows you to add up to eight different eSIM profiles to the iPhone, while Android phone manufacturers typically offer at least five. While you can only have two active at once, it makes managing multiple numbers seamless.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

A security upgrade

If security is a concern, a physical SIM card poses a significant risk. If your phone is stolen, the thief can easily access the SIM and all its data, as well as impersonate you on calls and texts.

With an eSIM, this is not possible as it is tied to the device it is installed on. An eSIM remains active unless authorized otherwise, making it easier to trace and difficult to sell.

Furthermore, eSIMs have additional security measures that make them highly resistant to hacking and cloning.

The eco-friendly option

As expected, eSIMs have a lower carbon footprint compared to physical SIM cards.

There is no plastic used in their production, which means there is no waste to discard when changing contracts. Additionally, with online purchase, activation, and support, emissions from transportation are significantly reduced.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Are eSIMs right for everyone?

No. To set everything up, you’ll need some technical skills and a stable internet connection. If you frequently change phones, the switching process with eSIMs is more complex than with physical SIMs.

There is also a possibility that the phone you wish to purchase does not support eSIM, as the technology is still relatively new.

However, for everyone else, I strongly recommend giving it a try. Start with an eSIM while traveling and see how it goes before considering a full-time switch.

The advantage of a dual-SIM phone is that you can use both physical and eSIM simultaneously to determine which option suits you best.

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