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You’re all set for an amazing trip to New Zealand. But what about using your phone in NZ? You’ll need it to keep in touch with your mates, the folks back home, book activities, message, post those incredible travel photos and pay for stuff – a whole load of things. There may be roaming or data charges, or you may need to find free Wi-Fi spots or get a new SIM card.
Well now there’s an easy way with an e-SIM for travellers. In this blog we’ll explain what an e-SIM is and does, and how you can get one.
SIM v eSIM: What’s the difference?
Your phone already has a SIM card, but depending on where you’re from, you probably won’t be able to use it in New Zealand without hefty data or roaming charges. Excessive roaming charges is something no traveller wants to be surprised by. But keeping your data turned off and not being able to be reached is just as annoying. Luckily there are eSIMs for travellers that will take care of this challenge.
eSIM explained: what is an eSIM for travellers?
An eSIM is already built into your phone’s hardware, if the phone was manufactured in 2018 or later. It’s just like a digital version of the SIM card that you already have. Maybe you even use an eSIM from the provider in your home-country. Perfect. Then you'll know exactly what we are talking about.
An eSIM for travellers uses that same eSIM technology but is run be a more global company. It is the easiest to get mobile data no matter the country you are travelling to. These eSIM providers are global telecom providers. Here's how it works.
You simply buy an eSIM data plan and activate your eSIM. Choose a data bundle & country and time period.Then download the app and activate your eSIM. It does the same as your existing SIM card, but is a data only bundle for travellers. Also, you don’t need to remove or change your current SIM card in your phone. Leave your current SIM in your phone, all data connections will be taken care of by the eSIM and you can still use WhatsApp that is connected to your original phone number. Easy as.
No more roaming charges with an eSIM for travellers
You can now get online in New Zealand without hefty roaming charges. Surf the web, post onto your social channels and make calls, video calls and send messages though WhatsApp, for example to your mates at Spaceships to ask a question. Stream a movie, finish that Netflix series, listen to music or podcasts or follow your team.
Once you’ve bought your eSIM plan, there are no other charges until you run out of data and top up, or move to another country – and another plan through the same eSIM and app. No worries about running out of data, as you will receive an alert when you've used 80% of their plan, givinhg you plenty of time to top up.
So with an eSIM, there are no roaming charges and you don’t have to risk losing your original physical SIM card when you replace it with a local physical SIM card. An eSIM is the easiest solution to stay connected when travelling.
Get an eSIM for New Zealand and have data from the moment you land
The Saily eSIM data is provided by NZ’s biggest mobile provider, Spark New Zealand, which has excellent coverage across the whole of New Zealand. Your eSIM app displays how much data you’ve used, how much you have remaining and how many days are left on your plan, and is available for Apple or Android. It’s plain sailing with Saily!
Physical SIM card – local SIM card - explained
As part of your Spaceships Rentals booking we give you a free prepay NZ SIM card. This is just like the SIM card that is already in your phone. There are three sizes: standard, micro and nan. Take your existing SIM card out of your phone you then pop out the free SIM card that’s the same size and put it back in your phone. You’ll find your free SIM card waiting for you in your Spaceship Campervan.
More info about the free SIM.
Before using it, you’ll need to go online to activate it, either by using the free Wi-Fi at our depot or another free Wi-Fi spot. Then you buy a plan with minutes and data, and can top it up as you go. That SIM is free and yours to keep. You don’t need to return it with your campervan.
Our Service Providers for your free SIM card are either either 2 degrees or One NZ (formerly Vodafone NZ). Both provide good coverage throughout both North Island and South Island and have a choice of minutes and data tariffs.
Why should I get mobile data when on holiday?
Mobile data is the life juice of the modern digital world. Even if you rather watch Mother Nature’s light show – a starry night or colourful sunset – than a Netflix show, mobile data is still important to have. Even if it is just for letting your friends and family know how it’s going. You wouldn’t want the peeps at home panicking – and contacting the embassy, foreign office or rental company – to start looking for you when you’ve been incommunicado for a few days.
And let’s be honest, posting that one amazing road trip photo on your socials and see it light up with likes and comments is pretty wicked. Also, Spaceships New Zealand is active on WhatsApp so we’re just a chat message away when there’s an issue or a question.
Or most importantly, to use your smartphone as satnav and getting live traffic updates. Your Spaceships campervan is fitted with a smartphone holder - one size fits all – you just need to enable mobile data via an eSIM (or local SIM) to get live traffic and navigation info.
Why use an eSIM for New Zealand?
The biggest advantage of an eSIM is that there is no physical SIM card to replace so no plastic waste when you’re done roadtripping. if you’re continuing your travels, just choose another package for the next country you’re visiting. Also, Apple is already considering phasing out traditional SIM cards in favour of eSIMS only. Android will surely follow, so you’ll already be ahead of the curve with the newer connectivity tech.
The easiest way is to set this up before you arrive in New Zealand. Choose the data & days bundle that fits your NZ road trip plans. Then download the Saily app and follow the simple on screen instructions to install & activate your eSIM.
Pros and cons of eSIM vs SIM
Even though the features of a regular SIM (local & physical) and an eSIM (digital SIM card) may look the same, there are some notable differences. So here’s the quick & easy version for all you travellers that want to compare the advantages & disadvantages of a SIM and eSIM.
SIM: Advantages of a SIM Card
- A local, physical SIM card is included with your Spaceships New Zealand rental - you just have to add a data and/or minutes bundle
- You can get data and minutes for calls - you can customise your mobile package
SIM: Disadvantages of a SIM Card
- You have to replace your existing SIM card – and keep it safe
- You need a new SIM for each country you visit
- You need Wi-Fi to activate it
- You need to prepay and top up your plan
- It’s manufactured and shipped, so not as good for the environment
eSIM: Advantages of an eSIM for travellers
- Set it up before you travel and you’re connected automatically when you land
- No replacement SIM card necessary – keep your existing card for when you’re home
- It’s cheaper with low cost data plans for shorter time periods
- No unexpected roaming charges
- Easily switch between carriers and phone providers
- Easy to use and one app for all countries you visit
- Can’t get lost or stolen like a physical SIM card
- As a digital product it’s more sustainable
eSIM: Disadvantages of an eSIM for travellers
- It’s data only for travellers, but you can message and call on WhatsApp. Also, the Spaceships New Zealand 0800 phone number is a toll-free number so can be called using any payphone or campsite one as there are no charges. Or switch on your own SIM card on roaming to make the call.
- Not all phones support eSIMs, especially phones that are more than 6 years old may not support an eSIM
Differences between the free SIM and the eSIM for travellers
You might be wondering, why go for an eSIM when we get a free local SIM with our Spaceships booking? Great question. Even though both options will get you mobile data in New Zealand at a low price, there are some differences.
- The physical local SIM card will also give you minutes so you can call phone numbers in New Zealand. It's more of a complete package of data and minutes with a local NZ phone number, just like at home. Yes, the SIM card is free but you still need to spend money to top it up and buy a data & minute bundle. Providers used by the local SIM: 2degrees or One NZ (Vodafone)
- On the other hand, the eSIM for travellers is only for data, lots of data at a great price. You won't get a local phone number and you can't use it to make calls. But for a lot of travellers, data is all the need. Lots of data to chat via WhatsApp, upload photos and check their socials. And the best part is that this mobile data will be ready when you arrive in New Zealand. Provider used by the eSIM: Spark New Zealand.
So the choice is yours: local SIM (plastic) or eSIM (digital).
How will you stay connected on your NZ road trip?
Both the local, physical SIM and the eSIM for New Zealand offer its advantages. The free SIM will be in your Spaceships for you if you need it. If you don’t want to use it, no worries. Just leave it so the next Space Traveller can use it. If you like the idea of more convenience, flexibility and and alternative that’s ready to go when you arrive in New Zealand, an eSIM is the easy way to stay connected on your NZ #SpaceshipsRoadTrip.