The eSIM is an alternative to the plastic SIM. The advantage, at least in theory: An eSIM can be activated digitally and directly with little waiting time, without having to wait for the letter with the plastic SIM or buy a starter kit in the store.

In addition, smartphones with only one SIM card slot can be used for dual-SIM operation via eSIM. But there are a few things to consider when setting up and using it.

First of all, an eSIM-enabled smartphone or another eSIM-enabled device such as the Apple Watch or newer Samsung smartwatches is required – in this case, eSIM is usually used as a second or third SIM (MultiSIM).

Sin embargo, muchos proveedores no ofrecen una MultiSIM en absoluto. En cuanto a los smartphones, todos los dispositivos más nuevos de Apple (a partir del iPhone XS), Samsung (a partir del S20) y Google Pixel (a partir del Pixel 4), pero también el Fairphone 4, son compatibles con la eSIM.

Sin embargo, no todos los proveedores son compatibles con todos los smartphones, y muchos de ellos no permiten la instalación en dispositivos secundarios como los smartwatches.