But it’s the technological revolution that’s made communications completely unrecognisable to what it was 30 years ago. Faster networks, smarter devices, more intelligent software applications – all of which have grown the demand for mobile data exponentially. As the mobile industry is becoming more digital, so too are travellers. According to research, over 92% of leisure travellers insist on taking their mobile devices with them and will interact with those devices on average once every 10 minutes. For business travellers, the need for mobile data is even greater. It adds up to an insatiable thirst for mobile data when abroad (we estimate at $35 per traveller per trip) whether that’s sharing social media content, consuming entertainment services or working remotely. And it’s in this software-dominated, digitally-driven, automated world of today that eSIM makes considerably more sense than little plastic SIM cards.

Communication for the digital age

eSIM is the digital-age replacement for analogue-age SIM cards. eSIMs came about because handset manufacturers and mobile operators saw the opportunity to remotely provision mobile services with a software-programmable chip. Rather than requiring a separate chip (SIM card) specific to a single operator to be inserted into a phone, with eSIM the chip is already there and can be updated with new information from any operator/s the user wants to purchase and download.

Historically, travellers seeking to reduce their roaming costs have bought a local SIM or put their device into flight mode and stuck to Wi-Fi where available. However, using a local SIM forces travellers to lose access to their number and many ‘over-the-top’ services like WhatsApp. It can be risky too, with delicate and sensitive SIM cards prone to being damaged or lost. The other major downside with SIM cards is that travellers are limited to the choices they can physically find at their destination. And for travellers concerned about carbon footprint, the unsustainability of SIM cards is a major turnoff – their production, storage and distribution depletes the earth’s resources and creates tons of plastic waste.

eSIM expert and eSIM Go CEO, Zacchary Couldrick:

“eSIM solves these challenges and more. Most mobile devices support multiple eSIMs at the same time and the voice/SMS service is separated from the mobile data service. This means, while travelling, customers can keep their number on for voice and SMS but use a local or regional eSIM for cheap, PAYG mobile data. Choice is no problem for eSIM – as eSIM profiles can be easily accessed via an app. And when there’s literally no more plastic SIM card anymore, there’s no more danger of breakage or loss and zero environmental impact either.”

Enabling companies like Zim to deliver better connectivity

Zim is an eSIM marketplace where customers can browse and purchase affordable eSIM data plans from over 120 countries. Its founders Irina Gheorghiu and Guilia Acchoni-Mena created the company based on their own experiences with international connectivity.

After a ten-hour flight to Malaysia, the first thing they wanted to do was contact their families to let them know they’d arrived safely. With no Wi-FI to connect to, their only option was to find the nearest phone shop and join the queue for a local SIM. This frustrating experience got them thinking there must be a better way – so Zim was established in November 2020 with the aim of solving international travellers’ data problems.

eSIM Go’s mission is to enable companies like Zim to deliver better connectivity solutions to their customers. Zim and eSIM Go’s partnership began in 2021, with the goal of easing customer transition from
physical SIM cards to digital eSIMs.

eSIM Go provides everything needed to create eSIM products and services, explains Zacchary: “From connectivity, platform and APIs through to full eSIM applications – our services draw upon tier-1 technology infrastructure and global coverage in over 130 destinations.” The result is a highly reliable platform that allows Zim to innovate and grow its eSIM offering to customers worldwide. With eSIM Go bringing the all-important behind the scenes knowhow, Zim customers can enjoy the best quality eSIM experience. “The watchword is simplicity; making it easy for Zim to tailor the perfect customer offers that customers find super-easy to consume,” adds Couldrick. “We’re able to do that through the eSIM Go Portal – which gives Zim complete control over their eSIM estate – and our complete API set that adds all the eSIM Go value into the Zim proposition.”

Flexibility, simplicity and freedom as standard

According to its own customers, Zim’s ease of use and breadth of choice are just two of the advantages for those who seek reliable, cost-effective mobile data connectivity while travelling. Take Jonny Ward, a travel blogger and social media influencer who has visited every country in the world. As an early adopter of eSIM services around the globe, Jonny’s experience of Zim’s offering in particular has been extremely positive: “I have tried almost all the eSIMs out there and I believe that Zim is the best one available right now. I stumbled upon their website while I was planning a trip and was immediately impressed by the number of countries and plans they provide. Purchasing and installing an eSIM through the Zim app is an extremely easy process.”

Strong partnership creating mutual value

The partnership between Zim and eSIM Go has brought significant benefits to all parties; enabling Zim to accelerate development of complete eSIM propositions, and challenging eSIM Go to evolve and expand its technical capabilities.

Zacchary Couldrick, CEO at eSIM Go: “Zim wants the very best for its customers and this drives us to refine our approach for maximum flexibility and simplicity. This is a fast-moving domain and we are committed to continually developing and improving upon our tech stack to capitalise on new opportunities like 5G and multi-network coverage. That way partners like Zim and their customers benefit from a future-proofed eSIM solution.”

Irina Gheorghiu, CEO, Zim Connections: “Partnering with eSIM Go has allowed us access to even more global networks, broadening our offer and reaching out to more customers. It’s been a genuinely fulfilling business experience. We developed a significant commercial synergy from day one, going beyond the standard provider-customer relationship. Together, we’re making buying a SIM card upon arrival at a new destination a thing of the past.”