Travel eSIMs for Global Nomads - $10 Billion Market Rise by 2028

Kateryna Toniuk

Marketing manager at esimba.ai

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Travel

eSIM

SIM card

In an era where seamless connectivity is paramount for global travelers and expatriates, eSIMs have revolutionized how we stay connected on the move. eSIMs have swiftly gained popularity among those navigating different countries and cultures by offering mobile internet access through local operators.

Gone are the days of swapping physical SIM cards upon crossing borders. With eSIMs, travelers can effortlessly switch networks without the hassle of removing and inserting SIM cards. While this technology has been available for several years, it remains a novel concept for many, promising a paradigm shift in mobile connectivity.

What Sets Digital eSIMs Apart for Globetrotters?

1. Affordable Communication Anywhere

For frequent travelers, the burden of excessive phone bills and roaming charges is a common concern. eSIMs alleviate this stress by offering budget-friendly communication options. By sidestepping the need to purchase physical SIM cards in each visited country, costs related to WiFi and communication are significantly reduced.

2. Streamlined Setup on the Go

The hassle-free setup process of eSIMs, often initiated by scanning a QR code, ensures instant connectivity. This feature is particularly advantageous for business travelers and expats, allowing them to focus on their endeavors without the distraction of searching for local SIM card vendors.

3. Seamless Travel Experience

With eSIMs, the days of manually switching SIMs across borders are over. Travelers can seamlessly download and activate new eSIM profiles remotely, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity regardless of location. This flexibility proves invaluable, especially when navigating unfamiliar territories.

4. Security

Leading eSIM providers, like Keepgo, offer a range of security features catering to both short-term and long-term travelers. 

For example, with Keepgo eSIM, you get:

  • Data Encryption. eSIMs provide added security by encrypting data, making it more difficult for hackers to access.
  • Confidentiality and Anonymity. Keepgo offers the utmost confidentiality and anonymity with crypto payments and Privacy IP.
  • Residential Privacy IP. You can shield your actual IP location with Residential Privacy IP, which adds an extra layer of security and privacy.
  • Secure Internet Surfing. With Keepgo’s eSIM, you can confidently surf the web knowing your data and identity are protected.

5. The Popularity Surge

The surge in popularity of travel eSIMs underscores their superiority over traditional SIM cards. Offering affordable access to mobile internet and facilitating seamless communication, virtual eSIMs have emerged as indispensable travel companions for globetrotters worldwide.

The Evolution of Travel eSIMs: Unveiling a $10 Billion Market by 2028

The travel industry stands at the forefront of transformation in a digital landscape driven by innovation. Recent research by Kaleido Intelligence, renowned for its roaming and connectivity market analysis expertise, unveils a significant paradigm shift: the meteoric rise of travel eSIMs.

The Kaleido Travel eSIM Outlook 2023 report paints a compelling picture of the future, forecasting a staggering 500% surge in retail spending on travel eSIM services over the next five years. By 2028, the global travel eSIM market is projected to reach nearly $10 billion, commanding over 80% of the total expenditure on travel SIMs.

What fuels this exponential growth? 

The study attributes it to the combined effect of the escalating adoption of eSIM-first smartphones and the seamless journey they offer travelers seeking connectivity. This trend is poised to reshape the landscape, eroding the dominance of physical travel SIMs in favor of their digital counterparts.

ESIM aggregators, MNOs, and MVNOs are at the heart of this transformation, driving innovation and propelling the travel SIM market to unprecedented heights. The allure of cheaper eSIM travel plans beyond traditional markets beckons both leisure and business travelers, ushering in a new era of connectivity.

Delving deeper into the findings, Kaleido's survey uncovers invaluable insights into traveler preferences and behaviors. Across the 20 surveyed markets, roaming remains a popular choice for cellular connectivity, complemented by the growing usage of travel SIMs and Wi-Fi services.

Leisure travelers exhibit a penchant for versatility, leveraging a combination of travel SIMs and roaming options to stay connected. Meanwhile, business travelers lean heavily on roaming services and add-ons, highlighting the pivotal role of connectivity in their operations.

A key driver behind the shift towards travel eSIMs is cost-effectiveness. Respondents from various countries intend to embrace eSIMs and other roaming alternatives, driven by the desire for affordable communication solutions.

Kaleido's comprehensive survey, conducted among leisure and business travelers across diverse global markets, underscores the universal appeal of eSIMs in modern travel. From Australia to the United States, travelers are embracing the convenience and flexibility of digital SIMs, paving the way for a new era of seamless connectivity.

Bottom Line

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of travel technology, one thing is clear: eSIMs are here to stay. With their ability to transcend borders and simplify connectivity, they epitomize the digital revolution reshaping the way we explore the world. With projections pointing towards a $10 billion market by 2028, stakeholders across the industry are poised to capitalize on the transformative potential of eSIM technology.

If your company is looking for ancillary revenue opportunities, consider starting to sell eSIM along with your business’s core products and services. Fear not if you do not have experience in the telecom business! With esimba.ai by Keepgo, the eSIM integration and management are quick and easy. We do all the heavy lifting for you! 

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