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公開2024.02.06更新2025.06.19

What is an eSIM? A communication method that doesn't require a SIM card! Explaining its pros and cons and how to use it for overseas travel.

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Many of you may be wondering, "I have recently heard the term eSIM used in smartphone contracts, but what is it really like? By using an eSIM, you can start using communication and calling services as early as the same day, even with an online contract. This article provides a simple explanation of what an eSIM is and the advantages and precautions of an eSIM.

Table of Contents

What is the difference between an eSIM and a SIM card?

What is eSIM?

eSIM stands for "Embedded SIM," a digital SIM embedded in a device instead of a physical SIM card. eSIM allows users to easily change providers and store multiple plans on the device. According to source 1), eSIM adoption is growing rapidly and may replace traditional SIM cards in the future.

A service that, at the user's request, writes a profile to the device online, or rewrites the profile without having to replace the SIM."

(Definition of eSIM｜Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

What is a SIM card?

SIM card stands for "Subscriber Identity Module" and is a physical chip that contains information on connection to a mobile network. Users can access a communication service provider's network by inserting a SIM card into their device.

Differences between an eSIM and a SIM card

The main difference between an eSIM and a SIM card is that an eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in a device, rather than a physical chip. This makes an eSIM easy to change plans and switch providers, and provides the flexibility to manage multiple plans on a single device.

eSIM Penetration and the Future Landscape

According to sources 2) and 3), eSIM penetration is increasing rapidly, and many smartphone manufacturers are bringing devices to market that support eSIM. In the coming years, eSIM is expected to establish itself as a new communication standard and spur further technological innovation.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications forecasts that 33.8% of smartphone shipments will be eSIM-enabled devices by 2024" (Direction of Discussion (Draft) | Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

Promotion of eSIM Services" (Guidelines for the Promotion of eSIM Services | Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

Advantages of using eSIM

Immediate online activation

With an eSIM, you can easily open a communication service online. You can save time as you can connect to the network immediately without having to wait for a physical SIM card.

No need to replace the SIM card when changing models.

Changing handsets between eSIM-enabled devices is smoother because there is no need to physically move the SIM card. This also reduces the risk of loss.

Multiple lines can be used

With an eSIM-enabled device, you can use multiple phone numbers and data plans on a single device. This allows for greater flexibility of use, such as being able to manage lines for work and private use with the same phone.

Easily secure a means of communication when traveling abroad

When traveling abroad, eSIM makes it easy to sign up for a plan with a local provider. According to Source ④, an eSIM allows you to secure a means of communication overseas quickly and hassle-free.

Short-term contractable eSIM applications are another option for international travel

eSIM apps that offer special plans for short-term international travel are also available. These apps offer flexible plans for the duration of the trip and facilitate local communication.

Source 4) Regarding SIM card purchase agreements in Germany.

"In Germany, since January 2017, due to anti-terrorism measures, the Telecommunications Act has made it mandatory to verify identity and register an address when purchasing a 'prepaid SIM card.'" (Electronic Communications Act 111, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications | Federal Republic of Germany)

Disadvantages of eSIM

Some knowledge required when setting up

If you are new to eSIM, the setup process requires a bit of learning. However, once you understand how to set it up, you can easily set it up the next time.

Available models and plans are not yet fully developed

eSIM is a relatively new technology, and the choice of supported models and plans is still limited compared to conventional SIM cards. However, this situation is expected to improve as eSIM becomes more widely used.

For overseas travel too! People who should use eSIMs and how to use them.

Depending on how you use it, an eSIM can make your daily life and travels more convenient.

It is especially beneficial for those who want a smart communication method while traveling abroad or who want to use different lines for work and private life.

Furthermore, its appeal lies in its versatility, allowing for use in various situations such as saving money by using different rate plans, tethering, and preparing for communication failures.

Convenient ways to use and scenarios for eSIMs are as follows:

Planning to travel abroad
Using separate communication lines for private and work purposes
Saving money by using different rate plans from multiple companies
Saving on communication costs with an eSIM line for tethering
Wanting to be prepared for communication failures

Please check this against your own usage scenarios.

Planning to travel abroad

eSIMs are an excellent match for overseas travel. Since you can use the internet immediately upon arrival, it saves you the hassle of purchasing and setting up a SIM card.

A major advantage is that you can add an eSIM plan that can be used locally while keeping your Japanese line. If you purchase and set up the plan in Japan beforehand, you can start communicating smoothly at the airport without getting lost.

It is recommended for those who want to enjoy their trip with peace of mind, from short trips to long-term stays.

"Trifa," which offers optimal plans for short-term use abroad, allows you to easily use an eSIM just by downloading the app.

Setup can be completed in as little as 3 minutes, so if you are planning to travel abroad, please try downloading the app.

The benefits of using an eSIM for overseas travel are also explained in detail in the following article.

https://www.trifa.co/ja/column/overseas-internet/esim-abroad

Using separate communication for private and work

For those who think, "I want to consolidate to a single smartphone, but I want to separate my phone numbers and communication for work and private life," an eSIM is convenient.

By combining a physical SIM and an eSIM in one smartphone, you can use two lines simultaneously. You can receive calls and SMS on each respective number, making it easy to switch between work and personal use.

This eliminates the need to carry two devices, which also helps to lighten your load.

Saving money by using rate plans from multiple companies

eSIM is also recommended for those who want to flexibly switch carrier plans according to their data usage.

For example, it's a good idea to use a carrier with a stable connection everywhere for your main line, which you might use for calls, SMS, or for when you travel to areas far from the city. For your secondary line, you could use a carrier that is strong for heavy data usage, such as video streaming, gaming, or tethering to a computer.

Some models support "dual eSIM," which allows you to use two eSIM contracts. Even if your main carrier is currently on an eSIM, if you are using a dual eSIM compatible device, you can sign up for an eSIM from a budget SIM provider and switch between plans.

In this way, the appeal is that you can reduce unnecessary communication costs by choosing the optimal plan that suits your lifestyle.

Saving on communication costs with an eSIM line for tethering

If you set up your communication environment with an eSIM, you can use tethering more freely.

When connecting to a laptop or tablet on the go, you can save your main line's data allowance by using a low-cost eSIM line as a secondary line.

Additionally, by signing up for a dedicated tethering eSIM plan, you can optimize the balance of speed and data capacity. You can work comfortably in places without a Wi-Fi environment, such as cafes or on business trips.

Wanting to be prepared for communication failures

Although it may not happen often, there is a risk of communication outages even with major carriers.

Even if a sudden outage occurs, if you have set up different carriers on your physical SIM and eSIM, you can maintain communication on one line if the other becomes unusable.

For example, by having a major carrier as your main line and a budget SIM as your secondary, you can reduce the risk during line troubles.

Being able to secure a means of communication in an emergency is a major advantage in protecting a modern-day lifeline.

Are there any cases where I should choose a SIM card?

The device or plan you want to use does not support eSIM.

Due to the limited number of eSIM compatible devices and plans, you may need to choose a conventional SIM card if you want to use a specific model or plan.

I want to use multiple smartphone devices while switching within the same contract

If you want to move your SIM card frequently between multiple devices, a physical SIM card may be more convenient. eSIMs are built into the device, so switching between them requires changing the settings on each device.

Flow of using an eSIM

Re-issue an eSIM in case of a model change

When changing the handset model, you will need to have your eSIM reissued by your provider in order to use the eSIM on the new device.

Scan the QR code with an eSIM-enabled device and set up the eSIM

In most cases, setting up an eSIM is done by scanning the QR code provided by the provider with your phone. eSIM setup will begin automatically once the QR code is scanned.

Switching SIMs and setting up APNs

Once the eSIM setup is complete, switch SIMs and set APNs (access point names) as necessary. This will ensure that the eSIM is properly connected to the network and that communication is possible.

Typical smartphone devices that support eSIM

There are many eSIM-compatible smartphones on the market. Typical examples include Apple's iPhone series, Google's Pixel series, and Samsung's Galaxy series. These devices are designed to take full advantage of eSIM.

The eSIM application "trifa" is recommended for using your phone when traveling abroad!

An eSIM app like "trifa" is very useful for using your phone when traveling abroad. trifa offers the best plans for short periods of time abroad and makes it easy to communicate while traveling. This app saves you the trouble of buying a SIM card locally and allows you to enjoy your trip more.