Can I use a physical SIM and an eSIM together?

Yes, on dual-SIM devices. You can have one physical SIM and one eSIM active and choose which to use for data and which for voice.

Which is more reliable?

Both are reliable. Reliability depends on the operator and network, not on whether the plan is on a physical SIM or eSIM.

Do I need a SIM tray for eSIM?

No. The eSIM is built into the device. You do not use the SIM tray for eSIM.

Can I take my eSIM out and put it in another phone?

No. The eSIM profile is tied to the device that installed it. To use a plan on another phone, you would need a new plan or a provider that allows transfer.

Are eSIMs more expensive than physical SIMs?

Price depends on the provider and plan, not on the technology. Both can be cheap or expensive.

What if my phone has no eSIM?

You use a physical SIM for a second line or travel data. Many phones still support only physical SIMs.

Can I convert my physical SIM to eSIM?

Some operators offer this: they give you an eSIM profile that replaces the physical SIM. Not all operators do this; check with your carrier.

Is signal strength different with eSIM?

No. Signal depends on the network and the device’s antenna, not on whether the plan is on a physical SIM or eSIM.

Which is better for the environment?

eSIM avoids plastic and shipping of a card. The environmental impact is small per user but scales with adoption.

Can I have more than one eSIM and one physical SIM?

Device-dependent. Many phones support one physical SIM and one or more eSIM profiles (one active at a time). Check your device specs.

eSIM vs physical SIM: which is better for travel?

You can get mobile data abroad with a physical SIM card or with an eSIM. Both connect you to a network; the difference is how the plan is delivered and how you use it. This guide compares them in a neutral way.

Definition

A physical SIM is a removable card you insert into your phone; the operator identifies you by the data on the card. An eSIM is a chip inside the device that can store one or more operator profiles; you download a profile (e.g. via QR code) instead of inserting a card. Functionally, both can provide the same service (calls, texts, data).

How it works

Physical SIM: You get the card (in a shop or by post), insert it into the tray, and the device reads it; you may need to enter a PIN. eSIM: You get a QR code or link, open the add-plan option on your device, and the device downloads and installs the profile; no tray or card is involved.

Benefits and limitations

Physical SIM: Works on almost any phone; easy to move to another device by swapping the card; familiar to most people. Limitations: You must have the card and a SIM tray; swapping can be fiddly; delivery can take time. eSIM: No card to lose; setup from home; multiple profiles on one device. Limitations: Only works on eSIM-capable devices; you cannot move the profile to another device by moving a card.

Comparison with alternatives

For travel, both can provide local or regional data. Physical SIMs are widely available at destinations; eSIMs can be bought online before you travel. eSIM avoids the need to find a shop or wait for delivery. Physical SIMs are still the norm on many older or budget phones; eSIM is common on recent mid-range and flagship models.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a physical SIM and an eSIM together?: Yes, on dual-SIM devices. You can have one physical SIM and one eSIM active and choose which to use for data and which for voice.
Which is more reliable?: Both are reliable. Reliability depends on the operator and network, not on whether the plan is on a physical SIM or eSIM.
Do I need a SIM tray for eSIM?: No. The eSIM is built into the device. You do not use the SIM tray for eSIM.
Can I take my eSIM out and put it in another phone?: No. The eSIM profile is tied to the device that installed it. To use a plan on another phone, you would need a new plan or a provider that allows transfer.
Are eSIMs more expensive than physical SIMs?: Price depends on the provider and plan, not on the technology. Both can be cheap or expensive.
What if my phone has no eSIM?: You use a physical SIM for a second line or travel data. Many phones still support only physical SIMs.
Can I convert my physical SIM to eSIM?: Some operators offer this: they give you an eSIM profile that replaces the physical SIM. Not all operators do this; check with your carrier.
Is signal strength different with eSIM?: No. Signal depends on the network and the device’s antenna, not on whether the plan is on a physical SIM or eSIM.
Which is better for the environment?: eSIM avoids plastic and shipping of a card. The environmental impact is small per user but scales with adoption.
Can I have more than one eSIM and one physical SIM?: Device-dependent. Many phones support one physical SIM and one or more eSIM profiles (one active at a time). Check your device specs.

When this solution makes sense

A physical SIM makes sense if your device has no eSIM, you prefer a card you can swap, or you want to buy on arrival. eSIM makes sense if your device supports it, you want to avoid handling a card, or you like to have a plan ready before you leave.

Last updated: February 8, 2025