Revolut launches eSIMs to help travellers cut roaming costs

Revolut has become the first bank in Ireland to offer its customers eSIMs, providing an easy and cost-effective way for users to get access to mobile data when travelling abroad. 

Although roaming charges are less of an issue ever since the EU largely abolished them several years ago, they're still very much a concern for those who travel to popular destinations outside the region like the US, Australia and Canada. 

Here's a look at what's been announced. 

But first, a reminder...

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM or embedded SIM is a digital version of the physical SIM card you're probably more familiar with.

eSIMs are pre-built/embedded into all newer smartphones. They're programmable remotely via software and identify your phone virtually in order to provide a mobile connection. This means you don't have to purchase a new physical SIM card if you want to change phones, switch mobile provider or roam on a different network when you go abroad. And it's expected that eSIMs will entirely replace physical SIMs over the next decade.

Setting up an eSIM is quick and easy and it means there’s no need to worry about whether a SIM card is the right size for your phone.

Using an eSIM won’t replace or interfere with your physical SIM and you can use both at the same time. 

What is Revolut offering? 

All customers with Revolut can now easily buy an eSIM through the Revolut app, allowing them to access cheap data when travelling abroad.  

Revolut has teamed up with 1GLOBAL, a leading virtual mobile network operator and eSIM provider, to offer the service. 

To install the eSIM, just log into the Revolut app and then follow the simple on-screen instructions. There’s no need to download any additional apps or software. 

Once the eSIM has been installed, you can then buy mobile data for roaming in over 100 countries worldwide - without any need for a physical SIM. 

A handy feature is that the eSIM enables customers to use the Revolut app without using their mobile data allowance. This means that if you run out of data on your eSIM, you can still access the app to top up.

To install the eSIM you must have the latest version of the Revolut app (version 10.14 or later) and have a phone that’s eSIM compatible (most new phones bought since 2019 will be). Your phone must also be fully unlocked - in other words it can't be tied to any network. 

What’s the cost?

Ultra account holders will get 3GB of mobile data every month to use anywhere in the world as part of their subscription plan. 

For other account holders, the cost depends on where you’re going and how much data you want.

Here are the prices for some of the most popular non-EU destinations.  

Like most eSIMs, you only get access to data - you can't make calls or texts with a Revolut eSim. You can however still make calls and send messages using internet-enabled apps on your phone such as Skype or WhatsApp. 

At Revolut, we harness technology to simplify our customers’ lives, and that’s precisely what our eSIM accomplishes. It offers seamless access to mobile data, eliminating the inconvenience of high prices or the need to buy and organise a physical SIM card.

Whether you are in the US, Australia or Egypt, you can effortlessly secure a data plan with just a few taps on your phone, and then instantly share those breathtaking photos of your trip with friends and family. It’s a game-changer for people who love to travel.

Elyas Sadou, Product Owner of eSIM at Revolut

Remember to compare 

eSIMs aren’t new and have been around for several years now. And there are lots of other providers who offer a similar service. Sometimes at a cheaper price or with more data. If you go with another eSIM provider you’ll need to download their app first and register with the provider but this shouldn't take long. 

A popular eSIM provider is Holafly. It’s simple to set up and provides access to lots of 4G data in more than 160 destinations worldwide. At the moment it's selling seven days of unlimited data in the USA for €27 for example or ten days of unlimited data for €34.

Airalo is another popular provider. 

And Eir’s GoMoWorld offers 15GB of data in the US for just €19.99 over 30 days and 20GB for the same price in Australia, with other non-EU countries similarly less expensive than Revolut's offering.

And if you plan on spending a long time in another country, purchasing a pay-as-you-go physical SIM from a local dealer (think a foreign version of Tesco Mobile or GoMo for example) might work out cheaper (but for this to work you need to ensure your phone is unlocked and can take a foreign SIM). 

However for a lot of people there will be a comfort in signing up for data through an app they’re already comfortable and familiar with and which they use regularly. And of course, as this is Revolut, it makes the whole process super simple and convenient.