What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built directly into your phone, tablet, or wearable. Instead of inserting a physical plastic SIM, you activate a mobile plan by scanning a QR code or entering a code from your carrier or an eSIM provider.

You still get a phone number and data plan—the difference is that it’s all handled electronically, with no tiny card to swap.

Why eSIMs are Popular for Travel

eSIMs are especially handy when you travel because you can:

• Buy a local or regional data plan before you even land

• Avoid hunting for a SIM kiosk at the airport

• Keep your main number active (on physical SIM or another eSIM) while using a local data plan

• Switch plans or providers from your phone settings, not a store

It’s basically a more flexible, app-like way to handle your mobile plan.

KOHO Everything Supports eSIM-Friendly Travel

eSIMs make travel simpler—and KOHO Everything makes paying for that travel smoother and cheaper.

With the KOHO Everything Plan, you get:

• Grow your savings with 3.5% interest, one of the highest rates in Canada

• Earn a 2% cash back rate on groceries, eating, drinking, and transportation and 0.5% cash back on everything else

• There are no foreign exchange fees, so you save on international purchases and travel

• Get 3GB of free data (KOHO eSIM)

• Unlimited transactions and free e-transfers

• No minimum balance required, ever

How an eSIM Works (In Simple Terms)

Here’s the basic flow:

1. Check compatibility
   Your phone needs to support eSIM (most modern iPhones and many Androids do).

2. Buy an eSIM plan
   From your home carrier or a travel eSIM provider (for a specific country or region).

3. Install the eSIM
   Usually by scanning a QR code or entering an activation code sent by the provider.

4. Choose which SIM does what
   In your phone settings, you can set:

   • Which line handles data

   • Which line handles calls/texts

   • Whether both stay active

5. Start using data like normal
   Your phone connects to the local network using the eSIM plan you activated.

Benefits of eSIM vs Physical SIM

eSIM advantages:

• No need to swap tiny cards or worry about losing your home SIM

• Easier to switch providers or plans, especially while travelling

• You can often have multiple eSIM profiles on one device and switch between them

• Instant activation—no waiting for mail or going in-store

Physical SIM still wins if:

• Your device doesn’t support eSIM

• You’re using an older plan or carrier that doesn’t offer eSIM yet

Is an eSIM Right for You?

An eSIM is especially useful if you:

• Travel regularly and want local data without the hassle

• Hate dealing with physical SIM cards

• Like the idea of setting up your plan from your couch before a trip

If your phone supports it, using an eSIM plus is an easy upgrade to how you travel.