Letztes Update: 28. September 2023
From my vacation, I brought you a few exchange rates as a souvenir and tried out a money-saving option for data roaming rates. Namely, my iPhone has a dual SIM function, so it offers the possibility to use an eSIM. To find out exactly how the low data roaming rates for Swiss customers with an eSIM work, click here.
eSIM: What is it?
An eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module) works like a traditional SIM card, but you no longer have to groove a card into your smartphone to get it. Instead, you install an eSIM profile. This also eliminates the need to wait for delivery of the physical SIM card or stand in line at a kiosk to purchase the physical card.
But beware, not every mobile device supports eSIM and not every provider has an eSIM profile for every mobile device. So you should first find out if your device is supported at all.
With data eSIMs, you don ‘t get a new number, but keep your existing one. You simply define on the iPhone that the mobile data connection should now run via the eSIM and not via your conventional one. If you want to call someone, the call will still be handled via your traditional number. Accordingly, the Swiss mobile communications provider bills here.
eSIM: What does data roaming cost?
Depending on the country of travel, the offers of the providers differ considerably. Some providers offer data packages for individual countries, some for entire regions or even worldwide. Also pay attention to the different durations, because some data packages are only valid for one day. The easiest way to compare the different offers and providers is at esimdb.com
Based on this eSIM comparison, I chose the provider Ubigi for my vacations in France. According to the provider, the unusual name is made up of the Latin prefix ubig (“everywhere”) + gi for “giga”. Ubigi belongs to the Japanese NTT Group, one of the largest data network operators in the world.
At Ubigi you can pay in USD, both with credit card and PayPal (don’t use PayPal’s conversion rate, it’s lousy).
You can buy the data package either just before the trip or when you are already abroad. The Ubigi app and the Ubigi website work even if you haven’t purchased a data package yet. You should only have downloaded and set up the eSIM profile at home.
eSIM: How does the setup work?
Here comes the biggest negative point. I’m used to most things being done with a swipe or a click. Not so with the eSIM, which requires a bit more. It’s not unsolvable, with a little patience and working through the step-by-step instructions, it works even for techies. By the way, Ubigi has uploaded easy-to-understand tutorials for the various devices on YouTube.
First, you install the provider’s app and the eSIM profile on top of it, give the data plan a name, for example “Travel” or “Ubigi”, select which services you want to run on it, and then create an account with Ubigi, which you can use to buy the data package.
But rest assured, all settings are saved. The next time you’re abroad, simply set “Mobile Data” to “Travel” in your iPhone’s settings, buy the data package you want, and off you go, as long as you stay with the same eSIM provider.
When I had only 100 MB left, I was informed about it by e-mail. Of course, you can always check how much data volume you have left in the Ubigi app.
By the way, Ubigi’s app is so-so. It offers everything necessary, but nothing more, and it doesn’t really look appealing. Have you had any experience with other providers? Then share them below in the comments.
eSIM: How much will I save with it?
With my provider, I would have had the following choice:
- 200 MB for CHF 9.95
- 1 GB for CHF 16.95
- 5 GB for CHF 29.95
I probably would have thought beforehand that I would never need 5 GB and then I would have bought one GB three times for CHF 16.95. Which brings us to CHF 50.85.
At Ubigi I paid USD 8 for 3 GB. Converted into Swiss francs, this was CHF 7.39 – of course I paid with the neon Mastercard.
Whether this is worthwhile with your provider, you have to calculate yourself. In general, if you are not abroad regularly, subscriptions with included roaming credit are rarely worthwhile.
eSIM: But I also want to call!
No problem, use a messenger service like WhatsApp, Facetime, Messenger or Skype.
With Skype you can even leave your cell phone number. So the called person will see your number on the display. If you call a landline or mobile number with Skype, charges apply. However, these are only a few centimes per minute and not francs as with Swiss providers and their sometimes still exorbitant roaming rates.
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