Why You Need An eSIM For Your Next Trip And How It Will Change The Way You Travel

Remember the days of fumbling with tiny SIM cards at the airport, praying you didn't lose that microscopic tool to pop open your phone tray? Good news: Those days are officially numbered. If you're planning your next trip, whether it's a quick European city break or a long-haul adventure, there's a smarter, much easier way to stay connected — and it's called an esim. So, what exactly is an eSIM? Short for "embedded SIM", an eSIM is a small chip built directly into your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. It works just like a traditional SIM card — letting your device connect to a mobile network — but you don't have to insert anything physically. Instead, you can instantly download mobile plans, switch providers without swapping cards, and manage multiple numbers from your settings. It's a game changer, especially for travel.
All You Need To Know About Using An eSIM For Your Next Trip:
Why eSIMs Make Travelling So Much Better
First off, no more queuing at tiny airport kiosks trying to buy a local SIM with patchy Wi-Fi and a dubious language barrier. With an eSIM, you can sort out your mobile data before you leave home. Services like Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad let you buy local, regional, or global plans online. You scan a QR code or download a profile directly to your device, and boom — you're connected the moment you land.
Another massive win? No more worrying about losing your primary SIM card. Travellers used to juggle their original SIMs, tucking them into wallets (or worse, the bottoms of rucksacks) only to panic later when they couldn't find them. With an eSIM, your original number stays untouched, and you simply activate a temporary travel plan alongside it. Dual SIM functionality means you can keep using your regular WhatsApp, banking apps, and texts while enjoying local rates abroad.
The Tech You Need To Know
Before you get too excited, check if your device supports eSIMs. Most newer smartphones do: think iPhone XR and later, Google Pixel 3 and onwards, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and above. Many new tablets and wearables, like the latest iPads and Apple Watches, are also eSIM-ready. It's worth noting that not all mobile networks fully support eSIM technology yet, especially in more remote parts of the world. But coverage is growing fast. According to GSMA, the association representing mobile operators, eSIM adoption is set to triple over the next few years. Translation: If it's not available where you're heading today, it probably will be soon.
How To Set Up An eSIM
Setting up an eSIM is refreshingly simple. After purchasing a travel data plan, you'll usually receive a QR code via email. Go into your phone's settings, select "Add Mobile Plan", scan the code, and follow a few on-screen instructions. That's it. In some cases, you might download an app (like Airalo's) to manage your plan directly. Pro tip: Set it up before you fly. You'll avoid stress and any roaming charges that might kick in as you search for a cafe with Wi-Fi in a new country.
Also Read: 5 Airline Stopover Programmes That Offer You (Almost) Free Mini-Vacations
Why It's Totally Worth It
Not only does using an eSIM save you money — no overpriced airport SIMs or outrageous roaming charges — but it also gives you serious peace of mind. Imagine landing in Tokyo, Paris, or Cape Town and instantly hailing an Uber, finding your Airbnb, or checking in with family without breaking a sweat. Plus, most eSIM providers offer transparent, pay-as-you-go rates, so you're not tied into sneaky contracts or hidden fees. You buy what you need, when you need it. For frequent travellers, digital nomads, and even casual holidaymakers, eSIMs are quickly becoming the no-brainer choice. They're flexible, secure, and ridiculously convenient — everything modern travel should be.
Popular Network Providers For International Travel
1. Airalo: 200+ countries including USA, UK, France, Japan, Thailand, Australia, India, Mexico
2. Holafly: 160+ countries including USA, Canada, UK, Europe (regional), Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Brazil
3. Saily: 150+ countries including USA, UK, Germany, Australia, UAE, Turkey, Singapore
4. Ubigi: 190+ countries including USA, UK, France, Italy, China, UAE, South Africa, Japan
5. Nomad: 165+ countries including USA, Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia
6. Jetpac: 70+ countries including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe
7. Instabridge: 100+ countries including USA, India, Brazil, Philippines, South Africa, UK
8. Flexiroam: 150+ countries including USA, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, UAE, UK, Australia
9. aloSIM: 130+ countries including USA, Mexico, France, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Japan
10. GigSky: 190+ countries including USA, UK, Europe (regional), China, UAE, Australia
11. Matrix: 130+ countries including USA, UK, UAE, Thailand, Singapore, Canada, Germany
12. ETravelSim: 200+ countries including USA, India, UK, Europe (regional), Australia, UAE, Japan

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Meta partners with sports eyewear brand Oakley to launch AI-powered glasses

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Hindustan Times

an hour ago

• Hindustan Times

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Factors to consider when buying a gaming tablet Performance : Look for a powerful processor (like Apple's M-series or Snapdragon chipsets) and ample RAM to handle demanding games smoothly. : Look for a powerful processor (like Apple's M-series or Snapdragon chipsets) and ample RAM to handle demanding games smoothly. Display Quality : A high-resolution screen with a fast refresh rate (90Hz or above) ensures crisp visuals and responsive gameplay. : A high-resolution screen with a fast refresh rate (90Hz or above) ensures crisp visuals and responsive gameplay. Battery Life : Opt for a tablet with long battery life to enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions. : Opt for a tablet with long battery life to enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions. Storage Capacity : Choose enough internal storage (or expandable options) to accommodate large game files. : Choose enough internal storage (or expandable options) to accommodate large game files. Cooling System: Efficient thermal management prevents overheating during extended play. What makes a tablet suitable for gaming compared to regular tablets? Gaming tablets feature faster processors, more RAM, better graphics handling, and high-refresh-rate displays. They're optimised for performance and thermal efficiency, ensuring smooth gameplay and responsiveness, which standard tablets may struggle to consistently deliver. Can budget tablets handle modern mobile games effectively? Some budget tablets can handle casual or moderately demanding games, especially with optimised hardware and software. However, they may lag with graphically intense titles or multitasking. It's vital to balance expectations with specs like RAM, GPU, and processor speed. Is a dedicated gaming tablet better than a hybrid device like a 2-in-1 laptop? Dedicated gaming tablets offer portability, touch controls, and optimised app ecosystems. However, hybrid devices may offer better versatility for multitasking and productivity. The choice depends on whether gaming or all-around functionality is your main priority. Top 3 features of best gaming tablets in 2025 Gaming tablets Display (Size/Type) Processor RAM/Storage Apple iPad Pro 11″ (M4) 11″ OLED, 120Hz Apple M4 8GB/256GB Samsung Tab S10 Ultra 14.6″ AMOLED, 120Hz Snapdragon/Exynos 12GB/256GB OnePlus Pad 2 12.1″ LCD, 144Hz Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 12GB/256GB Samsung Tab S9 11″ AMOLED, 120Hz Snapdragon/Exynos 12GB/256GB (exp) Samsung Tab S9 FE+ 12.4″ LCD Exynos/Snapdragon (mid) 8GB/128GB (exp) Xiaomi Pad 6 11″ LCD, 144Hz Snapdragon 870 8GB/256GB OnePlus Pad Go 11.35″ LCD, 2.4K MediaTek/Unisoc (mid) 8GB/128GB (exp) Apple iPad 11″ (A16) 11″ Liquid Retina Apple A16 4GB/128GB Xiaomi Pad 7 11.16″ LCD, 3.2K Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 12GB/256GB Lenovo Idea Tab Pro 12.7″ LCD, 3K, 144Hz Dimensity 8300 12GB/256GB Similar articles for you Best tablets with pen (2025): Which tablets stand out for artists and professionals? Best tablets under ₹40000 for work, play and productivity: Top 10 picks with the immersive display and sound quality 5 tablets under ₹20000 that you should right away for high performance and value for money Best Android tablets for students and professionals: Top 10 options with large display and powerful hardware FAQs on best gaming tablets Which operating system is best for gaming tablets? Both iPadOS and Android offer great options. iPadOS often provides smoother performance, while Android tablets offer more variety and flexibility. Do gaming tablets support external controllers? Yes, most modern gaming tablets support Bluetooth controllers, enhancing gameplay for action, racing, and shooting games. Can I play PC or console games on a tablet? Yes, through cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or NVIDIA GeForce NOW, you can stream PC or console games to your tablet. How much RAM is ideal for a gaming tablet? At least 6GB is recommended for smooth performance, though 8GB or more is ideal for high-end games and multitasking. Are gaming tablets good for everyday use? Absolutely. Gaming tablets are powerful enough for web browsing, streaming, productivity, and more—making them versatile for everyday tasks. Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

Time of India

2 hours ago

• Time of India

Europe Bathing Waters: Most of Europe's bathing waters safe for swimming: Report

News Most of Europe's bathing waters safe for swimming: Report Share AA + Text Size Small Medium Large More than three quarters of bathing waters monitored in the European Union, Albania and Switzerland were of "excellent" quality in 2024, the 27-member bloc's environment agency said on Friday. EU members meanwhile are obliged to monitor popular bathing places from May to September and rank the water quality as excellent, good, sufficient or poor. COPENHAGEN: More than three-quarters of bathing waters monitored in the European Union, Albania and Switzerland were of "excellent" quality in 2024, the 27-member bloc's environment agency said on Friday. All but four per cent met the EU's minimum standard ("sufficient") and just 1.5 per cent were of "poor" quality, the European Environment Agency said in its annual update on the beaches, rivers and lakes that are tested for faecal contamination. Overall, Europe's bathing waters were of the same standard in 2024 as in the year before. The EEA monitors more than 22,000 bathing areas for bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and intestinal enterococci, caused essentially by pollutant run-off from livestock farms and household sewage pipes. "Europeans can confidently bathe in the vast majority of the EU's bathing sites that meet the EU's bathing quality standards," European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said. The best bathing waters last year were in Cyprus, where 99.2 per cent were of excellent quality, followed by Bulgaria with 97.9 per cent, Greece with 97 and Croatia with 95.2. The EU-wide average was 85 per cent. Albania came bottom in the ranking, with just 16 per cent of excellent quality bathing waters -- a drop of more than 25 percentage points over the space of a year. Poland was second from bottom at 58.1 per cent, a slight improvement from 2023. In general, beaches were cleaner than rivers and lakes because of seawater's better capacity for renewal. Many of central Europe's inland bathing areas are found in relatively small lakes, ponds and rivers, which are more susceptible than coastal areas to short-term pollution caused by heavy rains, the EEA said. The agency said climate change was expected to increase the intensity and frequency of various extreme weather events, including heavy rains. "In turn, these events will impact bathing water quality through pollution from sewer overflows, floods or surface run-off. "This will come with corresponding potential increased health risks for bathers," it said on its website. The EEA no longer collates data on bathing water in the UK, which left the bloc. But the national Environment Agency found that in 2024, just 64.2 per cent of England's bathing waters were "excellent" and 8.2 per cent failed to meet the minimum standard and were classified as "poor". British water companies, privatised since 1989, have repeatedly come under fire for allowing the discharge of large quantities of sewage into rivers and the sea. EU members, meanwhile, are obliged to monitor popular bathing places from May to September and rank the water quality as excellent, good, sufficient or poor. Of the 321 bathing sites that were recorded as poor in 2023, a fifth had improved by last year. In such cases, authorities must shut the area to bathers the following year and take steps to reduce pollution and health hazards before they can re-open. 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