As people increasingly look for ways to stay safe from hackers and avoid horrendous roaming fees, eSIM specialist Simify is witnessing its eSIMs and unlimited roaming data plans on essential pre-flight checklists for travellers heading overseas this summer, more so than ever before.
Taking advantage of school holidays and end-of-year breaks, more Australians travel overseas in December and January than at any other time of year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
When practically every traveller has a smartphone in their pocket alongside their passport, it’s no surprise that summer is also peak season for eSIMs.
eSIM technology is embedded directly in smartphones and tablets, allowing users to easily switch between mobile networks as they travel. This makes it simple for international travellers to access affordable high-speed mobile data, without the need to juggle physical SIM cards or switch phone numbers.
The convenience of eSIMs is perfect for families heading overseas for the summer break, making it easy and affordable to keep everyone online, says Aidan Butler, co-founder of Simify.
Simify offers mobile coverage in more than 150 countries, providing international travellers with peace of mind: unlimited data for up to 90 days, with no need to worry about top-ups or extra roaming fees.
Waiting until you land before organising your eSIM risks getting stung with hefty international roaming fees, warns Butler.
“A few countries prevent tourists from purchasing foreign eSIM services after they arrive in the country,” he says.
“Things can change very quickly, so it’s safer to get your eSIM up and running before you fly, rather than risk getting caught out at the other end.”
Along with avoiding oppressive international roaming fees, Butler says savvy Australians also recognise the importance of eSIMs for staying safe.
“Summer is our busiest time of year as Australians flock overseas, but the smart ones know that eSIMs aren’t just about saving money,” he says.
“People are waking up to the fact that public WiFi isn’t safe anymore, so they’re taking advantage of unlimited eSIM plans to avoid relying on dodgy WiFi when they travel.”
Even connecting to secure hotel WiFi can be risky, as 58 per cent of hotel cybersecurity leaders reported five or more cyberattacks during the 2024 peak travel season, according to Hospitality Net’s 2024 Cybersecurity in Hotels Report.
Today’s unlimited eSIM travel plans mean that travellers can always stay online using secure mobile data. As a bonus, they can keep their Australian mobile number active to receive important messages, such as verification codes from their bank.
“Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving; you just can’t be sure whether any WiFi network is really legit and secure,” Butler says.
“You’re paying a very high cost for so-called free public WiFi if your bank account gets cleaned out when you’re travelling abroad.”
For details on all of Simify’s eSIM unlimited roaming data plans, go to: https://simify.com