Roaming vs eSIM with older phones: what really works when you travel in 2025

Getting connected in the real world: what actually works country to country

Last January, I landed in Tokyo during the New Year rush. In Shinjuku, my old iPhone 11 kept latching onto pocket Wi-Fi signals, dropping out just when I needed Google Maps. Local SIM shops were jammed with queues. Meanwhile, eSIM users I met (mostly on newer Samsung and iPhone models) sailed through set-up in a café with a QR code. But—here’s something nobody tells you—Japanese networks still don’t offer full eSIM support on every carrier. NTT Docomo, for example, is solid; SoftBank can be patchy for eSIM activation if your device isn’t on their supported list.

It’s a similar story in Greece’s islands: summer crowds mean network congestion, especially if you’re switching via roaming. I watched people in Paros juggling physical SIM cards in the heat, trying to remember PIN codes. With eSIM, those who’d checked their phone compatibility in advance (pro-tip: use Graba SIM’s compatibility checker) just tapped a few screens and were online before their luggage hit the carousel. In the US, legacy devices often default to expensive carrier roaming rates. But with the right eSIM—say, a 5GB plan for the US—users can activate service in under a minute. The key? Know your device’s limits and plan for patchy network support in remote areas like Montana or the Florida Keys.

Making sense of eSIM: how it actually helps when you’re abroad

Let’s cut through the tech jargon. eSIM (embedded SIM or digital SIM) is a built-in chip in your phone that lets you download a carrier profile, instead of fumbling with tiny bits of plastic. For anyone who’s ever dropped a SIM in a train toilet (guilty), this is a revelation.

If your device is from the last five years—think iPhone XR/XS or newer, Google Pixel 3 and up, or Samsung Galaxy S20 onwards—there’s a good chance it supports eSIM. But not all older models do, and some may have the hardware but lack carrier support. A quick check with Graba SIM's compatibility tool will give you a straight answer.

Here’s where it gets practical: Graba SIM’s Data Pulse monitoring means you can actually see your usage in real time, which beats the old “guess and pray” approach of roaming. There are home screen and lock screen widgets as well, so you’re not endlessly digging through menus to check your balance. Activation is nearly instant—most plans go live within 30 seconds of scanning the QR code. And if you run into snags (say, your phone stalls on activation while you’re in Seoul at 2 a.m.), there’s someone on live chat 24/7 who actually knows what they’re talking about.

Step-by-step: what to do if your phone is a few years old

Get Connected

Find the right eSIM or roaming plan for your trip, with real-time data tracking and 24/7 support.

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Local travel tips that actually work (the bits you won’t find in the guidebooks)

Local Tips

Tokyo: Convenience stores like Lawson and FamilyMart offer free Wi-Fi, but expect slow speeds during rush hour

Greek Islands: Network drops happen on fast ferries—download tickets and maps in advance

US ski resorts: LTE coverage can vanish at altitude; eSIM plans with offline map support are a lifesaver

London: The Tube has Wi-Fi in many stations, but not between them—eSIM data lets you navigate on the go

Seoul: Public Wi-Fi is everywhere, but speeds nosedive in Myeongdong shopping district after 6pm

eSIM and roaming: what do you really get with each method?

Roaming vs eSIM for different phone ages

Feature	Roaming (older phones)	eSIM (newer phones)
Activation time	Can take hours, needs SIM swap	30 seconds, no card swap
Coverage reliability	Depends on home carrier agreements	Choose local or regional network
Data control	Often unpredictable charges	Real-time usage tracking via Data Pulse
Support	Home carrier only, limited hours	24/7 live chat (with Graba SIM)
Cost	£5-£10 per day in Europe	From £5/$7/€6 for 7 days

Who benefits from each option?

Winter sports fan

Using a Galaxy S8? Roaming might be your only option in remote areas, but costs will add up—consider a temporary local SIM if eSIM isn’t supported.

Digital nomad with iPhone XR

Pick an eSIM plan for your destination. In most of Europe and Asia, you’ll be set up in minutes and can monitor every MB.

Family trip with mixed devices

Older kids on iPhone 8s? They’ll need physical SIM or roaming. Your own Pixel 6 can run a regional eSIM to keep tabs on everyone’s data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use eSIM on iPhone 12?

Yes, the iPhone 12 fully supports eSIM. You can install a Graba SIM plan and use it alongside your regular SIM if needed.

Is my Samsung Galaxy S9 compatible with eSIM?

The Galaxy S9 does not support eSIM. For this device, stick with roaming or use a local physical SIM.

Do I need to remove my existing SIM card to use an eSIM?

No, most modern phones support dual SIM (physical + eSIM). You can keep your regular SIM installed and add an eSIM for travel.

How fast does a Graba SIM eSIM activate?

Most plans activate within about 30 seconds of scanning the QR code, provided you have an internet connection.

Does eSIM work everywhere?

Not all countries or networks fully support eSIM. Always check compatibility and local network notes before you buy a plan.

Can I get help if my eSIM doesn’t work?

Yes, Graba SIM offers 24/7 live chat support to help with installation, activation, or troubleshooting.

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Pro tip for New Year travel

If you’re heading abroad in January, test your device’s eSIM function at home with a short plan before your main trip. It’s the best way to avoid surprises at your destination.

The bottom line: making your tech work for you

Final Thoughts

No need to panic if your phone’s a few years old—there’s almost always a way to get connected, whether that’s classic roaming or making the jump to eSIM. From experience, I’d say: check compatibility, plan ahead, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The right digital SIM can make your winter getaway or summer adventure a lot smoother, but knowing your options is half the battle. Here’s to a New Year with fewer 3am data panic attacks and more time enjoying where you actually are.

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