As digital nomads, eSIMs are our best travel companions. They ensure we have seamless internet access whenever we travel, hence making life easy for us.
However, there are several brands of eSIMs in the market so you need to find the one that will be the best “companion” for you on your various travels.
In this article, we will be reviewing Nomad eSIMs — one of the best digital eSIM marketplaces where you can get amazing eSIMs that can make your travel experience a fulfilling one.
So, let’s fly right into and discuss all about this eSIM and my experience using it over time.
What Is Nomad eSIM and How Does It Work?
As the name implies, these eSIMs were made with Nomads like us in mind. To provide us with a reliable internet connection whenever we travel abroad.
Nomad eSIMs eliminate the stress of registering new physical sim cards in different countries by providing users with an embedded sim card that they can activate and use to connect to the internet within just mere minutes of landing in a new country, even if they are visiting it for the first time.
Nomad’s eSIM technology is available in 170+ countries, and as frequent travelers, there are few things more satisfying than having an eSIM that guarantees stable data connection in several countries.
Similar to other eSIM providers, this eSIM brand offers flexible eSIM data plans for you to choose the one that best suits your data usage and the area you are traveling to.
These plans include local plans, regional plans, and the global eSIMs plan.
The local plans cover data coverage for a particular country, while regional plans provide internet coverage for different countries in the same region, for example, the North American regional plan.
Meanwhile, the Global eSIM plan covers 100+ countries and has diverse data plans that you can choose from, depending on the amount of data you use, in a particular period.
Another good thing about this eSIM service is that it offers you a Dual-SIM setup that allows you to keep your local sim card in your phone and use it for making calls and sending and receiving text messages from home and your loved ones, while also having an eSIM that you can use to surf the internet and stay connected to your social media apps at the same time.
Haven looked at what Nomad eSIM is; let’s now look at how to install it and my honest review of its pros and cons.
How To Install and Activate A Nomad eSIM
Step 1
The first step you need to take before purchasing, installing, and activating a new eSIM from Nomad is to check if your mobile device is eSIM-compatible.
There are two ways of checking this.
First, you can check the list of mobile devices that are compatible with the Nomad eSIM, and confirm if your phone is among the devices that can use the Nomad eSIM.
Alternatively, you can check it on your device’s settings area.
If you are using an Android device, go to Settings, click on Connections, then click on Sim Card Manager.
If you see an “Add eSIM” option there then know that your device can use a Nomad eSIM, but if you don’t see such an option, it means your device doesn’t support its use.
If you are using an iOS device, go to the Settings area on your device and click on Mobile Data.
If you see an option titled Add eSIMs, then that means your device supports the use of eSIMs, but if you don’t see such an option, then it means your device doesn’t support the use of an eSIM and you can’t use Nomad eSIM.
Note: If you got your mobile device from any of the local carriers, it is already carrier-locked and you can’t use a Nomad eSIM on it.
You can only use the device with the carrier from which you purchased it.
Step 2
If you have gotten to this step then it means your mobile device allows the use of an eSIM.
Congratulations, you can set up and use the Nomad eSIM.
The process of installation is very simple, and you can do it by yourself without any technical assistance, even if it is your first eSIM purchase.
The first step is to visit the Nomad website or mobile app and purchase a plan of your choice.
When you have successfully purchased the eSIM, it’s time to install it.
Note: Installing your eSIM and activating it are two different things. The expiry plan of your Nomad plan only starts counting when you activate it.
You can install your Nomad eSIM in two ways: Automatically and Manually.
Automatically
You can install your Nomad eSIM automatically immediately after you successfully purchase it. Once the purchase is complete, you will be shown a prompt. Just select the ‘Add Automatically’ option and follow the on-screen instructions, and your eSIM will be installed.
If you don’t want to install it immediately after you purchase it, you can do so later by going to the Manage eSIM Page in your Nomad App and selecting the Nomad eSIM you want to install.
Then, select ‘Install Instructions,’ and when the instructions have been shown, choose the ‘Add Automatically’ option and then select ‘Install eSIM Now’.
You will still be shown some other on-screen instructions; follow them, and your eSIM will be installed.
Manually
You can install the Nomad eSIM manually either through using the QR code in the mobile app or through Manual Input.
These are the methods that Airalo eSIMs and other different eSIM companies also use in the installation of their eSIM product.
So, let’s look at these methods.
Using QR Code
The use of a QR code is the most recommended manual method of installing your eSIM.
This method involves you using your mobile device to scan the provided QR code, and Shazam! Your eSIM is installed.
This QR code is provided either in the app among the installation instructions or in the email sent to you after the purchase of the eSIM that contains the installation instructions.
How to go about scanning this QR code varies depending on which type of mobile device you are using.
For iOS Devices: If you are using an iOS device, go to Settings and select Cellular, Cellular Data, or Mobile Data (depending on which one is used in your device).
Then click on ‘Add Cellular Plan’ or ‘Add Data Plan’, and then you can scan the QR code to install your eSIM.
Alternatively, you can load your QR code from your camera roll.
First, take a screenshot of the provided QR code from either the Nomad app or email and it will be sent to your camera roll.
Then, when it’s time to scan the QR code in the installation process, you can simply select the ‘Open Camera’ option and then select the screenshot of the QR code to scan it.
For Android Devices: If you are using an Android device, go to the ‘Settings’ area and click on ‘Connections/Network and Internet’.
Then, click on ‘Sims/Sim Card Manager’, select ‘Add More/Add Mobile Plan’, and then click on ‘Download a SIM’, which will then lead you to the area where you will scan a QR code and install your Nomad eSIM.
Note: The terms used in instructions may vary in Samsung and Google devices, as well as Android devices made by other manufacturers, so use these steps as a guide to install it on your mobile device even if the exact terms aren’t used.
Using Manual Input
This method involves manually entering the information that will install your Nomad eSIM.
To do this, go to Settings, select Cellular, and click on ‘Add Cellular Plan’. Then, at the bottom, you will see ‘Enter Manual Details’.
Click on it and then input the information provided in the installation instructions in the Nomad app or the purchase email sent to your inbox.
Note: Not all Android devices have the option that allows you to install your eSIM this way.
Step 3
Now that you have installed your Nomad eSIM, it’s time to activate it and start using it.
You can activate your eSIM either manually or automatically.
The type of activation is dependent on the type of eSIM that you purchase. Some require the manual activation method, while some are activated automatically to any of the local carriers within barely minutes of landing at your destination.
If you install your eSIM and can’t find a button that you can use to manually activate it, then it is an indication that it will be automatically connected to a local network when you get to your destination.
In case you figure out that the eSIM that you have purchased needs manual activation and allows you to activate it whenever you deem fit, I will advise you to activate it just before you are about to travel.
This way, you will be rest assured that your data plan is completely intact and you can use it to the fullest on your next trip.
The activation of your eSIM profile requires data, so doing it while you are still connected to your home network will save you the stress when you get to your destination, and you can start accessing Google Maps immediately after you land.
However, if the eSIM you purchase uses the automatic activation route, all you have to do when you arrive at your destination is to go to your mobile device’s settings and turn on the Nomad eSIM and it will be connected to any of the local carriers in that area.
In case the main provider of the local network you are connected to is experiencing a lack of service, you can switch to another local carrier, as there are usually several options available.
Also, make sure you turn on Data Roaming for your Nomad eSIM while activating it.
Advantages Of Using A Nomad eSIM
• Worldwide Coverage
The first thing that I love about the Nomad eSIM is that it is available in more than 100 countries, and several regions and continents.
So, I can enjoy their amazing service when I travel to different countries in different parts of the world, and when I purchase their Global Plan, I can be sure that I am covered when it comes to internet connectivity when I travel around the world.
Plus, with this eSIM, I wouldn’t have to be bothered about going through the stress of purchasing physical sims in every country that I travel to before being able to access the internet.
• Dual SIM Setup
With Nomad eSIMs, you do not need to take out your physical SIM card before you can install or use an eSIM.
You can use them side by side and they will both function properly.
This way, you can still be able to send/receive text messages and stay logged into your social media while still enjoying seamless internet connectivity even while you are abroad and away from home.
• Multiple eSIM Profiles On 1 Device
If your device is eSIM-compatible, you can be able to install multiple Nomad eSIM profiles on it and switch between them whenever you travel to the country that fits that international plan.
For example, if you mostly travel between Hong Kong, UK & France, it would be impossible to purchase 1 regional plan that will cover these three locations because they are in different parts of the world so you can install three separate profiles and turn them on whenever you travel to either of them.
• Diverse Carrier Options To Choose From
I have been to certain countries where the network service was bad when I first activated my Nomad eSIM, but when I switched carriers, the network became better.
Although the difference wasn’t too much, it was better than the former and good enough for me to surf the internet and check my social media platforms.
This is one of the benefits that using an eSIM can offer you, as opposed to physical sims that are connected to just one carrier.
• Pricing
Another commendable feature of Nomad eSIMs is their affordable international eSIM data plans.
Unlike other eSIM brands that offer overpriced plans for their eSIM cards, Nomad eSIMs have affordable data plans, with one of the most reasonable prices that I have ever seen.
These plans are also very flexible.
They can go for country, regional, or global data plans and different data packages depending on your preference.
• Stress-Free Purchase and Activation
The process of purchasing, installing, and activating a Nomad eSIM is very easy.
The in-app instructions and email instructions are properly broken down and explained in a way that you can easily understand and follow step-by-step to carry out whatever you want to do.
• Great Customer Service and Support Team
One thing I enjoy a lot about using a Nomad eSIM is their amazing support team.
They offer great customer support and they are always a big help to me whenever I encounter any issues while using the eSIM.
Even if you are purchasing a new eSIM for the very first time, there is no need to worry. With Nomad support, you will enjoy a great onboarding experience.
They are always just a quick email away. They reply in just a few minutes, and they ensure they follow up with your complaint until it is completely resolved.
Disadvantages Of Using Nomad eSIM
• They Don’t Have an Unlimited Plan Package
Unlike other eSIM brands that offer unlimited plans, Nomad eSIMs are limited and capped at a certain quantity and timeframe.
Their plans range between 1 GB to 50GB and their longevity is capped around 7 days and 30 days for almost all plans. Only its Global Plan offers lasts for more than 30 days.
So, if you are someone like me who travels a lot and uses a lot of data then you will need to register it in the back of your mind that you will be visiting the app frequently to top up your data plan.
Also, they do not offer loyalty points that can add up over time and save you money as you purchase data plans in the long run.
• They Don’t Come With a Local Number for Phone Calls
Nomad eSIMs don’t come with local numbers which you can use to make phone calls and send/receive text messages within the country you are traveling to.
You will have to use Facebook, WhatsApp, Facetime to communicate when you are abroad.
• Lack of Proper Network Service in Certain Locations
I enjoyed excellent network coverage with the Nomad eSIM in several locations but had issues with proper network coverage in certain locations.
My friends have also complained about encountering issues with little network coverage in certain areas they have traveled to. Although, they had so many good things to say about it as well.
So, despite these issues in certain areas, it is overall a very good eSIM to use for your travels.
FAQs about Nomad eSIM
Does Nomad eSIMs Come With A Local Number for Phone Calls?
No, they don’t. Nomad eSIMs can be used for strictly just data services and they do not come with a local phone number that you can use to make calls in the new location you travel to.
Can I Install Multiple Nomad eSIMs On One Mobile Device?
Yes, you can install multiple Nomad eSIMs on one mobile device.
However, the number of eSIM profiles you can install on your device depends on the type of mobile device you are using and how many it permits.
iOS devices allow you to install up to eight (8) eSIM profiles, however, if you are using an iPhone 13 or any of the versions before it, you can only be able to have two eSIM profiles active at the same time.
If you are using an Android device, then you need to check your device specs to know how many it can allow you to install and use at once because the number usually varies from one Android phone to another.
What’s the Internet Speed Of Nomad eSIMs?
Nomad eSIM plans offer LTE, 3G,4G, and 5G network connections.
Which of these network connections the eSIMs will run on varies in different countries and it majorly depends on your location and the local network that the local carriers offer there.
The good news is, no matter what the network connection is, with Nomad eSIMs, you are assured of a solid internet connection that will allow you to surf the internet seamlessly without hiccups.
Does Nomad eSIMs Support Tethering and Hotspot?
Yes, they do. Unlike several other eSIMs available, Nomad eSIMs support the sharing of data using mobile hotspots and tethering.
How Much Does Nomad eSIM Plans Cost?
The price of Nomad eSIM data plans varies depending on factors such as your preferred data plan, its validity period, the eSIM type, and the destination you are traveling.
The cost also varies depending on whether you are going for country-specific eSIM plans, regional plans, or global plans.
For instance, the price for data plans for New Zealand is between $4 to $49 depending on your preferences, while an eSIM covering the Southeast Asia-Oceania region ranges between $6 to $60 depending on your preferences on the above-stated factors.
Meanwhile, the cost for their global eSIM plans ranges between $30 to $170.
What If I Use Up My eSIM Data?
If you use up the data on your Nomad eSIM, you can top it up by visiting the Nomad Plans Shop on the Nomad app or website and purchasing one that fits your preference and location.
Certain data plans in the Nomad package have data add-ons attached to them. So, whenever you purchase them and run out of data, you can buy an add-on plan from the shop and top up the data in your eSIM.
This add-on is regarded as a part of the data plan and is usually tied to the main eSIM.
However, to prevent you from being caught up in a situation where there is entirely no data in your eSIM, a notification is usually sent to you by the company whenever your data is running low or about to expire.
Can I Turn Off A Nomad eSIM When Not In Use?
Yes, you can easily turn your eSIM on or off temporarily from your phone settings whenever you want.
However, do not make the mistake of completely removing your eSIM profile because such an action is permanent and can’t be resolved.
The complete removal of an eSIM profile from your device will mean that you will need to reinstall it whenever you need to use it.
Conclusion
The Nomad eSIM is a great product. Its setup process is stress-free and its network coverage and internet speed are spotless, most of the time.
Plus, its plans are affordable, and its customer service is excellent.
Did You Like This Nomad eSIM Review?
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