Did you know that the first-ever SIM card was the size of a credit card? It was launched by a German company, Giesecke+Devrient, in 1991. And about five years later, the mini SIM card was launched. This was considerably smaller than its predecessor. And from there it started getting smaller and smaller. We then had micro SIMs in 2010 and nano SIMs in 2012.
And then, in 2016, the SIM card got digitised and became what we know today as the virtual SIM card. Most people know it by its other name, the eSIM. But is a virtual SIM card different from a traditional plastic SIM card? What is so unique about a virtual SIM card? The sections below explore these concepts and more.
Definition of a Virtual SIM
A virtual SIM card (or eSIM) is a digital version of the traditional physical SIM card. It comes embedded in your mobile device. In theory, it works just like a physical SIM card. The only exception here is that instead of inserting and removing a physical SIM card, you download an eSIM profile from a telecom operator. You’ll need this eSIM profile to activate your virtual SIM card and use the benefits associated with your plan.
Most mobile devices you find on the market these days support virtual SIMs. They have one physical SIM card and one eSIM. You only need one eSIM because you can store up to 20 eSIM profiles (depending on the manufacturer) in a device. You can have only 1 eSIM profile active at a time.
Virtual SIMs & Physical SIMs – Major Differences
The obvious lack of physical presence aside, there are some major differences between a virtual SIM and a physical SIM. The table below is a direct comparison of the two.
| Features | Virtual SIM | Physical SIM |
| Form Factor | Plastic card with chip embedded on it. | SIM is embedded in device. |
| Activation | SIM card has to be inserted into dedicated slot. | Scan QR code from provider or enter details manually. |
| Profile Support | A SIM card supports only one profile. | A single virtual SIM supports multiple profiles. |
| Compatibility | All smartphones | Select smartphones |
| Security | Prone to SIM swapping, theft, and physical damage | Virtual SIM cards cannot be stolen, swapped out, or damaged. |
The table above makes one thing clear. Virtual SIM cards are a clear upgrade to traditional SIM cards. But who are the ones benefiting the most from virtual SIM cards?
Groups Who Benefit the Most from Virtual SIMs
One big advantage of swapping to a virtual SIM card, or an eSIM, is convenience. But there are categories of people who benefit the most from a virtual SIM card. Here are those categories, along with why an eSIM is useful for them.
Travellers
Virtual SIM cards are absolutely essential to this category of people. It makes no sense to swap out your primary SIM card when you’re visiting a foreign country. This is why, rather than removing your primary SIM card, just download a virtual SIM card and use it until you leave the country.
This setup is super convenient for tourists, especially those on short visits. With a virtual SIM, they get the call, text, and data benefits they need by simply scanning a QR code. They don’t have to stand in long queues or wait for a SIM card to arrive.
Digital Nomads
This group is similar to the previous one, with the only difference being the duration of stay. Digital nomads stay in one place from anywhere between 1 and 6 months. So, rather than get a physical SIM that they’ll dispose of in a couple of months, they can opt for a virtual SIM. The convenience of activation aside, you don’t have to manually dispose of a virtual SIM. A few taps and it’s deleted!
Business Professionals
Convenience is everything to this group. They can purchase a virtual SIM card and have it activated by the time they board the flight and reach the destination. Thanks to an eSIM, they get the data to read important emails and participate in video calls without waiting.
Virtual SIMs offer another benefit to business professionals. If they visit a specific city occasionally, they can reactivate their old virtual SIM they purchased instead of getting a new one. The process is also straightforward, since most modern smartphones have the capability to store multiple eSIM profiles.
Anyone Looking for a SIM Upgrade
| Plan Name | Data | Pricing Starts At | Benefits | Get this deal |
| UK Plan Smart | 5 GB | £5.00 | • 100 International Mins • Up to 5GB EU Roaming | Get this deal |
| National Plus | 30 GB | £5.00 | • 100 International Mins • Up to 12GB EU Roaming | Get this deal |
| UK Plan Unlimited | Unlimited | £12.50 | • 100 International Mins • Up to 35GB EU & India Roaming | Get this deal |
The benefits of a virtual SIM card are too good to ignore. So, even if you don’t travel much, you can still upgrade to an eSIM. Here are the reasons why:
- Better Security: Virtual SIM cards cannot be stolen. They’re also invulnerable to physical damage or dust. In some instances, they also come in handy when tracking lost devices.
- Flexibility: Virtual SIM cards make it easy to switch between different carriers in your city. Activation is instant and straightforward, since they are activated by scanning a QR code.
- Eco-Friendliness: Plastic SIM cards account for roughly 18,000 tonnes of waste and 560,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. This is not the case with eSIMs as they are fully digital.
Things to Remember Before Getting a Virtual SIM
A virtual SIM card is better than a physical SIM card in every aspect. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t without its share of issues. Here are some key points to consider if you’re planning to get a virtual SIM card. Being prepared will put you in a better position to tackle any issue that may arise.
- Compatibility: If you have an older device and are looking to switch to an eSIM, then it’d be wise to check for compatibility. Dial *#06# on your device. If you see an EID (Embedded Identity Document), then your phone is eSIM compatible.
- Carrier Support: Most major operators in the UK, like Lyca Mobile, support eSIMs, but not everyone. Check with your operator’s customer support to see whether they support eSIMs.
- Transfer Challenges: Switching eSIMs between devices might be tricky. The different operating systems don’t make things any easier either.
- No Backup QR Code: Things can get difficult if you’ve accidentally deleted your eSIM profile and don’t have the QR code you used to activate it.
The Road Ahead for Virtual SIMs
Virtual SIM cards are slowly becoming the norm. In fact, they’re now the most recommended option for travellers. There are travel eSIMs, like Lyca Mobile, in the market that offer just high-speed data. The traveller only has to install the eSIM and they can use the data benefits associated with it.
Many major phone manufacturers are including eSIMs in their devices. There was even an eSIM-only version of the iPhone 17 that was sold in the United States. It’s only a matter of time before other device manufacturers catch on to the trend.
User convenience aside, virtual SIMs are an eco-friendly alternative. There is no plastic involved. And since everything is done online, there is no paper packaging or logistics involved either. eSIMs are the sustainable option. Then comes the integration of eSIMs with wearables, IoT, and modern tech. The lack of a plastic SIM card facilitates these innovations.
To wind things up, virtual SIMs are the future. So, if you have a compatible device, switch to a virtual SIM card as soon as possible. Virtual SIMs are extremely beneficial to everyone, not just to travellers. The ease of use, be it switching between lines or activating, and the added security, all make them a worthy upgrade.