What is eSIM and why Matrix eSIM is best for Indian travelers going abroad
Planning a trip abroad is exciting, but one question can cause a lot of stress: "What about my phone?" We’ve all heard horror stories of friends returning to shocking bills with high international roaming charges, sometimes as much as ₹50,000. For decades, the only alternative was the frantic, post-flight search for a local SIM card shop, a hassle no one needs after a long journey.
This choice between extreme cost and major inconvenience has been a long-standing problem for globetrotters. You either pay a fortune to your home provider or land in a new country completely disconnected, unable to book a cab or check a map until you find a physical store, navigate a foreign language, and swap out your tiny SIM card.
But what if there was a smarter way to stay connected, right from the moment you land? The modern solution is the eSIM (or embedded SIM)-a digital SIM card that’s already built into most new smartphones. It's a data plan you can download directly to your phone by simply scanning a QR code, just like you would for a UPI payment. This guide explains how to use an eSIM for affordable data while keeping your Indian number active for calls and OTPs, and shows why Matrix offers the best travel connectivity for Indians going abroad.
What is an eSIM? Your Phone’s Hidden Digital SIM Card Explained
An eSIM (short for Embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is already built into most modern smartphones. Instead of a physical plastic chip you need to insert, an eSIM is a data profile you download directly to your device. It connects you to a mobile network for internet access, just like a regular SIM, but without any of the physical hassle. Matrix eSIM for Indian travelers.
This digital approach completely changes how you connect when you travel. With an eSIM, you no longer need to:
- Fumble with a tiny SIM ejector tool.
- Remove your Indian SIM card (and risk losing it).
- Insert a new, foreign plastic SIM.
Because your primary Indian SIM stays safely in your phone, you can still receive important calls and bank OTPs on your original number.
Best of all, activating an eSIM is incredibly simple. You just scan a QR code—similar to how you make a UPI payment. Your phone then downloads the travel data plan, getting you online the moment you land. You get affordable, instant data for maps and apps, while keeping your home number for essential communication.
How to Activate an eSIM in 3 Simple Steps (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Getting your travel data plan with an eSIM sounds futuristic, but the process is surprisingly straightforward. If you have ever scanned a QR code for a UPI payment, you already have all the skills you need. The entire activation can be done from the comfort of your home before you even pack your bags, ensuring you’re connected the second you land.
The journey to instant connectivity begins online. First, you choose your destination and select a data plan that fits your trip, just like you would book a flight or hotel. Once you complete the purchase, Matrix will immediately email you a unique QR code. This code is the digital key that holds your international data plan.
Next comes the magic part-the simple eSIM QR code activation process. All you have to do is open your phone’s camera, scan the QR code from the email, and follow a couple of on-screen prompts. Your phone will automatically recognise it and download the data plan directly onto its embedded chip. There's no physical installation, no complicated settings.
In less than two minutes, your international data plan is installed and ready to use the moment you switch off airplane mode at your destination. This simple setup raises an important question for many Indian travellers, though. With this new eSIM installed, what happens to your primary Indian number? Can you still receive calls and OTPs?
eSIM Question for Indians: Can I Still Use My Indian Number?
This is perhaps the most important question for any Indian travelling abroad. The best part of using an eSIM is that you get to use both your home number and the new eSIM. Your smartphone is designed to handle your physical Indian SIM and your new travel eSIM simultaneously, so you don't have to sacrifice connectivity for convenience.
Think of your smartphone as having two separate lines working together. You keep your physical Indian SIM in its slot, which allows you to receive important calls and crucial bank OTPs on your regular number. Meanwhile, your new Matrix eSIM acts as your dedicated high-speed data connection for everything else-from using Google Maps and booking an Uber to posting on Instagram.
Making this happen is incredibly simple. In your phone's settings, under "Mobile" or "Cellular," you will see both your Indian SIM (often called 'Primary') and your new travel eSIM. You just need to tap on the "Mobile Data" option and select your Matrix eSIM as the source. That’s it. Your phone will now intelligently use the Matrix plan for all internet tasks while keeping your Indian number active for calls and SMS.
This “dual SIM” capability is the real magic of using an eSIM for travel. You get the massive savings and immediate connectivity of a travel data plan without ever being disconnected from your essential Indian number.
The Top 3 Reasons eSIM Beats Airport SIMs and Roaming Packs
Is an eSIM really better than the alternatives? When it comes to avoiding high international roaming charges, the numbers speak for themselves. Here’s a quick look at the typical data cost for a 10-day trip to Europe:
- International Roaming Pack: ₹3,000 - ₹6,000
- Local SIM Card: ₹1,500 - ₹2,500 (+ hassle)
- Matrix eSIM: ₹1,200 - ₹1,800
Beyond the significant savings, an eSIM offers something priceless: immediate connectivity. Imagine landing after a long flight and instantly being able to book a cab or message your family-no hunting for spotty airport Wi-Fi or waiting in line at a local SIM card shop. You get instant mobile data for your international trip because you can activate your plan right before you take off.
Finally, there’s the simple matter of security and peace of mind. Because your primary Indian SIM card never leaves your phone, you eliminate the risk of misplacing that tiny, crucial chip while fumbling with SIM trays and ejector tools in a new country. Your home number stays safely tucked away where it belongs.
Cheaper, more convenient, and more secure-it’s clear that an eSIM is the modern solution for savvy travelers. The choice isn't just about getting data abroad; it's about getting it smartly.
Why Matrix eSIM is the Smartest Choice for Indian Travelers
Choosing an eSIM isn't just about technology-it's about trust. While countless international apps offer eSIMs, choosing a respected Indian company with over 25 years of experience provides a unique advantage. Matrix understands the specific needs of Indians going abroad, from popular destinations to the kind of service that makes you feel secure.
The real value of an Indian provider becomes clear when you need help. Imagine facing a connection issue in a foreign country; would you rather navigate a confusing international helpline or speak directly with a support agent in India, 24/7? Our India-based customer care ensures that if you ever have a question, the person on the other end understands you perfectly and can resolve your issue quickly, offering priceless peace of mind.
Furthermore, Matrix removes the guesswork from picking a plan. Instead of overwhelming you with options from dozens of unknown network providers, we offer curated eSIM plans designed specifically for the places Indians love to visit, like Europe, the USA, Thailand, and Dubai. These plans are optimized for value and performance, ensuring you get a great deal without having to become a telecom expert yourself.
Ultimately, getting the best eSIM from India goes beyond a simple QR code. It’s about the reassurance of a trusted brand, the comfort of local support, and the convenience of expert-picked plans. This combination makes Matrix eSIM the smart, reliable choice for your journey.
Is Your Indian Phone eSIM-Ready? A 2-Minute Check
Before you can enjoy the freedom of an eSIM, you need to know if your smartphone is compatible. The quickest way to check is by using a simple code. Open your phone's dialer app, as if you were making a call, and type in *#06#. A screen showing device identifiers will appear. If you see a number listed as an EID (Embedded Identity Document), your phone is ready for an eSIM!
Another way is to look in your phone’s settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Mobile Service and look for an "Add eSIM" option. On most Android phones, you'll find it under Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs, with a plus sign or an "Add eSIM" button. Most flagship phones sold in India after 2019 are compatible.
- Apple: iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 series and newer.
- Samsung: Galaxy S20, S21, S22, S23 series, Flip & Fold series and newer.
- Google: Pixel 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series and newer.
If your phone isn’t on the list or doesn’t show an EID, don't worry. You can still access affordable data abroad with a traditional Matrix physical SIM card.
Your Pre-Trip Checklist: Get Connected with Matrix eSIM
Managing your phone’s connectivity abroad doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By keeping your Indian number active for calls and OTPs while using a separate eSIM for data, you get the best of both worlds: security and savings. This simple switch means you can travel smarter, not harder.
Ready to make your next trip the most connected one yet? Here is your simple 3-step action plan:
- Check Your Phone's Compatibility using the *#06# code or settings menu.
- Visit the Matrix Website to choose an international data plan for your destination.
- Purchase and scan your QR code before you fly.
Imagine landing, turning off airplane mode, and having instant mobile data. That’s the confidence a Matrix eSIM provides. You’re no longer just planning a vacation; you’re setting yourself up for a seamless, stress-free adventure from the moment you touch down. Welcome to the future of travel.
With Matrix eSIM, Indian travelers stay connected abroad without roaming shocks, SIM hassles, or losing access to their Indian number.
