Discovering the eSIM for myself was a real breakthrough, because there is nothing worse than saving data on vacation! I tested one of the eSIMony plans on my trip around the USA. And what can I say: it couldn't have been easier!
The eSIMony store is available in German and English.
First, a basic fact about switching from a traditional SIM card to the new eSIM: everything is easier now! I used to have to get a plastic card every time I travelled to the USA. The problems with the old SIM cards were not only the waiting time for delivery and the constant risk of losing the tiny plastic chips, but also the time I wasted getting them set up when I really just wanted to enjoy my vacation.
Changing a SIM card in a dingy corner of your destination airport is stressful enough. But then not even being able to use the new SIM card because there's no stable Wi-Fi to set it up is downright infuriating! Arriving at a hotel or Airbnb, it sometimes took hours before I was able to connect with friends and family and send my first updates to the world.
Luckily, these problems don't exist with eSIMony! The principle behind the eSIM is an all-digital ordering, delivery and set-up process that, in my experience, works absolutely seamlessly.
When you buy an eSIM data pack, no card is sent, as the eSIM chip is already built into most smartphones. I wasn't sure if my cheap Redmi phone had the chip, but eSIMony helped me out with a detailed compatibility list on their website.
Bye-bye, SIM card! The only time you really need a plastic card is when you want to call grandma, who doesn't have WhatsApp or Facetime.
A brief summary of how to install the eSIM plan:
I'm linking to the eSIMony installation guide here for anyone who's curious, where all the steps are described in detail. However, this will be emailed to you anyway when you purchase and will walk you through the process.
As described above, activation was really quick and no problem, even for me (I HATE reading technical instructions). First test at the airport in NYC: Internet is up and running, and twelve WhatsApp messages come in from home.
The acid test of any data plan for me is always navigation, so I immediately fire up Google Maps. In Germany, I usually start by looking at a blank screen with a blue dot until the internet deigns to show me Google Maps. But with eSIMony, here in New York, I get a detailed map and can navigate to the train station.
This connection will be a real treasure when exploring the USA, but I don't want to give too much away too soon. The eSIMony data packages are of course available in different price categories:
A little tip on the side: Always keep an eye out for voucher codes before you buy. Sometimes there are special promotions that are communicated in newsletters such as The American Dream Newsletter or on the relevant voucher sites.
As I said, my trip to the US starts in New York City. The 5G network here is stable and fast as an arrow, which is no mean feat. It will be exciting when I get on the Amtrak train to Chicago tomorrow.
Until then, I'll be using the subway to get around. The eSIM works perfectly on the surface anyway, but even in stations and tunnels, the AT&T and T-Mobile networks used by eSIMony usually offer good reception.
As far as I can tell, the two networks complement each other perfectly as they cover different areas and frequency bands. While AT&T has excellent signal strength in urban areas, T-Mobile offers a more reliable connection in remote areas.
Of course, there are still some 'dead spots' in New York, especially in older or very deep subway tunnels. But this is where the flexibility of the eSIM pays off: As soon as you come back to the surface, you are immediately back on the network - without having to worry about anything.
On the afternoon of the second day of my holiday, I board the Amtrak Lake Shore Limited to travel from New York to Chicago. The first leg of my journey takes me from the green hills of upstate New York through the industrial centers of Ohio to the shores of Lake Erie, arriving in Chicago in the early hours of the morning.
After leaving the hustle and bustle of New York City, reception remains stable thanks to the dense network coverage in the suburbs. Once we reach upstate New York, the network occasionally switches between 4G and 5G. Nevertheless, the connection remains solid - perfect for Instagramming a few photos of the picturesque landscape.
A train journey is the acid test for any cell phone tariff. In the USA, eSIMony has done very well!
The route through Pennsylvania and the industrial centers of Ohio offers largely good reception. The signal is particularly strong in cities like Cleveland - I can easily stream a series on Netflix here. On the more rural sections, there are small dead spots now and then, but thanks to the combination of AT&T and T-Mobile, the connection remains surprisingly stable.
The section along Lake Erie is a highlight - not only because of the view, but also because the network remains constant here. With the eSIMony connection, I can easily download maps for my upcoming stops and make short video calls to friends to talk about my impressions so far.
Of course, it is important to keep an eye on the data volume. No problem with eSIMony, as there is a clear graph in the customer account. With my 5 GB, I didn't get very far with so much videotelephony and had to top up again.
With the eSIMony customer account, I can always keep an eye on my data consumption.
When the train arrives in Chicago in the early hours of the morning, cell phone reception is back to city level - pure 5G! I use the time here to do a bit of work on the computer. eSIMony proves to be a real savior here too, as the eSIM automatically connects to the strongest available network even when tethering (i.e. sharing my data volume with my laptop).
In Chicago, I treat myself to a stopover to experience the city of skyscrapers. Then it's on to the legendary California Zephyr. As the train travels across the American Midwest, the Rocky Mountains and the desert landscapes, the network coverage is challenged time and again. But the eSIM performs surprisingly well.
The next few hours take us through the flat plains of Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska. Reception is mostly stable here. I use the time to update my social media feed, reply to messages and download Spotify playlists - all without interruption.
The real challenge begins once the Zephyr reaches the Rocky Mountains. As the landscape becomes increasingly spectacular - snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and rushing rivers - reception becomes sparser. Here, however, the eSIM helps to make the best of the situation. In populated areas like Denver or the mountain towns along the route, the eSIM automatically jumps to the best available network. For the particularly remote sections of the Rockies, I downloaded offline maps for the area in advance.
After the mountains of Colorado, the route leads into the vast deserts of Utah. Here, reception is more stable again, especially near larger cities such as Salt Lake City. The eSIM provides a solid connection, which I use to back up pictures to the cloud.
The closer we get to the dazzling Bay Area, the more stable the reception becomes. In the urban area around San Francisco, I surf the super-fast 5G network again, which leaves nothing to be desired.
The automatic switching between AT&T and T-Mobile has paid off, especially on the long route through various US states. I always keep an eye on my consumption and can assess in advance when offline content makes sense.
The connection may not be perfect all the time, but there is no SIM card or eSIM that covers every remote location in the USA. If you really want to be 100% safe, for example on trips to the far corners of the US National Parks, you should borrow a satellite phone from your rental car company.
The customer guidance at eSIMony is also reliable and appealing. The store and the app are easy to use, and there is a detailed FAQ section for a wide range of questions.
eSIMony offers flexible eSIM tariffs for traveling to the USA and over 100 other countries. Installation is easy - no drama, no paperwork, all digital. I almost always had good network coverage, with gaps only in the most remote regions (hello, Rocky Mountains!). Thanks to the uncomplicated rebooking and the tethering function, the eSIM is a real benefit! Next up is a trip around the world, and I already know who will be accompanying me ;).
What still impresses me the most is the simple procedure. Installation is uncomplicated and quick. A big plus is that I can keep my phone number - so WhatsApp, iMessage, and the like continue to work as usual.
I don't have to change a physical SIM card, there's no risk of losing my old SIM somewhere in my luggage, and I don't have to fiddle around with it, which is always associated with changing it.
What I found particularly practical: I was able to use the eSIM as a hotspot to connect my laptop to the Internet. That made a lot of my work easier when I was on the move.
With eSIMony, I can use data packages for over 100 destinations - from Europe to Asia and Africa. In the USA, I was impressed by the cooperation between the two networks of AT&T and T-Mobile. They complement each other perfectly, so I almost always had reception even in remote locations.
The prices at eSIMony are flexible and depend on the data package selected. For the USA, I initially paid around €15 for 5 GB and was then able to add more. If you already know that you need more data, you can book larger packages, which is particularly practical for longer trips. Here again is the USA price list from eSIMony:
I particularly like the fact that I can keep an eye on my usage at all times and book additional data volume if necessary. That's great if you spontaneously stay longer or use more data than planned.
Setting up the eSIM is easy. After the purchase, I was sent a QR code by e-mail, which I simply scanned with my smartphone.
The whole process was stress-free - just what you need.
Here are a few more tips that came to mind before and during my trip:
Before you decide on an eSIM, you should make sure that your smartphone is eSIM-compatible. Newer devices are usually compatible, but there may be restrictions on older models.
As the USA uses different socket types (A and B) and a mains voltage of 120 V, you should definitely take a suitable travel adapter with you. This will ensure your smartphone is always ready for use.
It almost went wrong for me at the last minute because I forgot to renew my ESTA application! It's best to do this at the beginning of your travel planning, for example at ESTA-Online. The USA experts there saved my butt by getting me the permit within a few hours. Phew!
By the way, ESTA-Online has a reminder service when your travel authorization is about to expire.
In contrast to cell phone reception with eSIMony, the coverage of individual credit card providers in the USA is somewhat spotty. It's best to take two or more "models" with you, e.g., a Mastercard and a VISA. Here you can find good offers for the USA.
Thanks for reading and have a good trip!