What is an eSIM and How Does it Work?

Just one week, and you will be enjoying spectacular rural scenery and world-class wines in France. The third-largest country in Europe has a fascinating history with many monuments and battlefields, delicious food, tranquil rivers, stylish port towns, and excellent wine (Bordeaux is the wine capital of France). While enjoying your time in France, you’ll want to capture and share your Insta-worthy moments. Have you considered a France eSIM prepaid for reliable internet? Getting an eSIM is good advice for a traveler like you.

But what exactly is an eSIM? It differs slightly from a traditional SIM (Subscriber Identity Module), but mostly serves the same purposes. You can use it to make calls, send messages, and connect to the internet. Of course, it has some pros and cons, but if you want to avoid the hassle of switching physical SIM cards to stay connected while traveling, get an eSIM card in France.

What is an eSIM

Embedded SIM (eSIM) is a new technology set to radically change how you use mobile connectivity. A traditional SIM is a physical card. On the other hand, an eSIM is a tiny chip embedded in the circuit board of devices like mobile phones, tablets, computers, laptops, and smartwatches. Like a physical SIM, an eSIM contains unique information and connects your device to a network.

How Does an eSIM Work

The eSIM is embedded into your device. The network carrier provides you with a mobile app or QR code that you can scan to activate your eSIM using an internet connection. Once your eSIM is active, it communicates with mobile networks. You can make calls, send messages, and access the internet. An eSIM can store multiple carrier profiles and remotely update, deactivate, or switch network profiles.

Difference Between eSIM and SIM

Feature	eSIM	SIM
Size	Embedded onto the circuit board of the device	Mini, micro, nano chip (physical SIM card)
Activation	Activated using a QR code or app	Activated by inserting the physical SIM into the phone
Flexibility	Can store multiple profiles for different carriers	One SIM card supports one carrier
Ease of Switching	Switch between carriers using settings or app	Switching carriers requires swapping physical SIM cards
Space Usage	No space required	Takes up space inside the device
International Travel	Ideal for travel due to multiple profiles	Requires swapping SIM cards or using roaming options while traveling
Compatibility	Supported by newer devices only	Supported by all devices
Environmental Impact	No plastic card means more eco-friendly	Less eco-friendly

Pros and Cons of Embedded Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM)

Pros

The following are the pros of using an eSIM:

No physical card required
Can store multiple carrier profiles
Space-saving
Quick and easy activation
Ideal for international travel
Less prone to physical damage and theft

Cons

The following are the cons of an eSIM:

Not compatible with all devices
Limited carrier support
Activation requires a stable internet connection

Different Types of eSIM

Following are the two types of eSIM offering different features and functionalities:

Data Only eSIM
Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM

Data-Only eSIM

It is clear from the name that a data-only eSIM is specifically designed to access mobile data and connectivity. However, it deprives you of access to voice or messaging capabilities. This also means that a data-only eSIM does not require a phone number. This type of eSIM may come with a phone number, but you will not be able to call or send messages over the network. However, you can use social and messaging apps to make calls and send messages over the internet. There will be no roaming charges.

Most travel eSIMs are data-only eSIMs. You don’t need to wait in line to submit documents and obtain a local tourist SIM card.

Voice, SMS, and Data eSIM

This type of eSIM comes with all the features and functionalities you get with standard mobile services. You can make calls, send messages, and access mobile data and connectivity. A France eSIM prepaid is ideal for your longer holidays or work trips to France. You can get all the services without worrying about coverage issues or outrageous international roaming costs.

eSIM-Compatible Devices for 2025

This game-changer technology has experienced consistent growth in recent years with a long list of phones, many laptops and tablets, smartwatches, IoT devices, and car infotainment systems supporting eSIM.

Phones

You can use Numero eSIM with a wide range of phones. iPhone, Samsung, Google Pixel, Huawei, Sony, and Xiaomi are leading smartphone brands with eSIM-compatible offerings. Other eSIM-compatible phones include:

Oppo Find X8 Pro
Oppo: Find X3 Pro, A55s 5G, Find X5, Find X5 Pro, Reno 6 Pro 5G, Reno 5A and Find N2 Flip
Nuu Mobile X5
DOOGEE V30
Sharp Aquos Sense 6s and Aquos Wish
Fairphone 4
Honor Magic 4 Pro
Surface Pro X
Rakuten Mini, BigS, Big, Hand and Hand 5G
Gemini PDA
Motorola Razr 2019 and 5G