How does a regular SIM card work?


Let's start with what a familiar SIM card is to everyone. You may be surprised now, but despite all the seeming simplicity, a SIM card is a tiny computer with its own processor, hardware encryption module, random number generator and some kind of operating system. All this goodness is needed only in order to quickly find a signal from the nearest cellular station and register on the network. It also stores important data about the operator - IMSI, ICCID and KI. IMSI is an international network identifier, consisting of several combinations of numbers that indicate the country code, operator code and a unique number within the network. ICCID stores the unique serial number of the SIM card. Well, the abbreviation KI stands for Key Identification - a unique 128-bit user identification key, which is one of the main aspects of GSM security.

What is an eSIM and what is its advantage?


So what is an eSIM and how is it different from a regular SIM? In fact, this is the same microchip, on which exactly the same network or user data can be written, but it is already integrated into the smartphone board. Like the microchip of a regular SIM card, it can pick up a signal from the nearest cell station of the selected operator in the same way, obtain IMSI, ICCID and KI data, and register on the network. The chip is installed by the manufacturer - it cannot be delivered independently, like a regular SIM card, so only owners of certain gadget models can use the technology - by the end of 2021, these are mostly flagship smartphones, top tablets from Apple and Microsoft, as well as rare models of smartwatches from the same Apple and Samsung.

To simplify the procedure, all this data is stored in one package, which is encrypted using a QR code, which greatly simplifies device setup. For example, you fly abroad, choose a suitable tariff from a local operator, get settings using a code, and, in fact, you're done. Even cooler, you can store the data of several operators at once on one chip. True, you cannot activate them at the same time - when one of the numbers is active, the rest of the profiles are blocked. At the same time, you can continue to use your old SIM card with the most suitable tariff and the good old number that you remember by heart. Thus, several problems are solved at once. For example, manufacturing companies can save time and resources involved in creating conventional SIM cards. As a result, the smartphone now has a place not just for the second operator, but for a whole group of “second operators”.


The relationship between user and operator is also changing. eSIM gives you a free hand when changing tariffs or operators, as everything happens inside the smartphone and you do not need to go to a communication salon. Therefore, apps like Yesim and Airalo come on the scene, which, when visiting a new country, allow you to choose the most favorable tariff among all the offers of mobile operators. With their help, you can change the tariffs for network traffic more often than the main actors change for the role of Batman. This is both convenient and profitable, since often the tariffs are much more profitable than those already available. In general, an indispensable thing for travelers.

Below we have collected only the most obvious advantages of a virtual SIM card:

  • eSIM can be activated remotely, and for this connection of this goodness, in theory, you don’t even need to go to a communication salon, because everything is set up in just 5 minutes, while coffee is being brewed.
  • The eSIM hardware module built into a smartphone, tablet or watch is capable of storing the data of several virtual SIM cards (note: usually from 2 to 5 pieces). Those. it seems to play the role of a container in which a pack of different SIM cards with different tariffs is stored. True, you cannot use all at once, only one number will be active, and the rest will be blocked.
  • Since the SIM card is virtual, it cannot be broken or lost. How not to be afraid of damaging the SIM card slot. And it is easier for manufacturers to organize the protection of the case from dust and moisture.
  • In addition to a smartphone, the eSIM module can be used in smartwatches, tablets and other wearable technology. Even cooler, you can tie the same card with your phone number and your favorite tariff to all your equipment.
  • eSIM is damn useful when traveling abroad. It often happens that the Internet tariff of a local operator is cheaper than an already connected one. With an eSIM, you can temporarily switch to another network, and return to your tariff when you return. If, on the contrary, you are leaving for another country for a long time, you can sign a contract with one of the local operators and start using a new number without even leaving home. Well, no one forbids storing a physical SIM card in the second tray with the most favorable rate from your favorite operator.

Smartphones with e-SIM

What you need to know before connecting


How much does it cost to switch from plastic to esim? Each operator has its own rates, which also depend on the region. As a rule, some operators charge a small fee in the same way as when changing from one tariff plan to another, while others have made the transition to eSIM free.

Is the old number kept? Yes, all operators mean that when you switch to a virtual SIM card, you keep your old phone number.

Which devices support this service? So far, only flagship smartphones from Apple, Google, Huawei and Samsung are friends with eSIM. Our catalog has an appropriate filter and we regularly update this list. As for smartwatches, Apple was the first to report eSIM support, then Samsung and Huawei were added to this list. Considering that a virtual SIM card and a smartwatch are literally made for each other, there is reason to believe that in a couple of years every second watch will learn this trick and for many people will replace smartphones.

What about eSIM on smartwatches? All major telecom operators in the country have long been ready to introduce a virtual SIM card in smartwatches from Apple. The problem was the lack of official certification of the Apple Watch in Ukraine. But in December 2021, the swallow brought on its wings the news that the Apple Watch is now in the subject too. The activation of a virtual SIM card and the choice of a tariff takes place according to the same principle as with smartphones (instructions will be below). Or use recommendations from Apple https://support.apple.com/uk-ua/HT201270.

Can I use 2 virtual sims at once? Despite the fact that one virtual SIM can have a whole bunch of profiles, the network is constantly asking if it is possible to use 2 virtual SIM cards at the same time? Previously, there was no such possibility, but in the 13th generation of the iPhone it appeared. The second eSIM is added in the same way as before - we go to the cellular settings, add a tariff and pull up the settings using a QR code. If a physical SIM card was installed in the phone, it must be disabled in the settings. After that, the card is activated and ready, both eSIMs are ready for battle. In this case, you can connect several tariffs from two different operators at once without the need for physical SIM cards, and the iPhone itself will easily determine which card is preferable for calls and which one for network traffic.

How to connect an eSIM - a short guide


Usually, the connection process for all operators plus or minus is the same, so we will describe it in general terms. To use eSIM, you need a smartphone or other device that supports eSIM technology.

1. Select and order an eSIM starter pack from a suitable carrier.
2. Next you need to go to the device settings. In our case, this is a regular iPhone 12.
3. In the settings, we are looking for the item "Cellular" and "Mobile data".
4. Click on the “Add cellular tariff” item and scan the QR code received when purchasing the tariff.
5. Next, you just need to confirm the choice of the operator by clicking "Add cellular tariff".

On devices running Android, the same principle - go to the settings, look for the "SIM card management" item, click on the "Add mobile data plan" item and scan the QR code.

eSIM from Kyivstar: how much it costs and how to connect


For almost a year of existence of the service from Kyivstar, both current subscribers and people who have decided to change operators can connect a virtual SIM card. And it doesn't matter if you use a prepaid plan or have signed a contract. Previously, this option was not available for contractors.

In the fall of 2021, Kyivstar updated its tariff plans and from now on, three tariffs reign in the eSIM category. Let's go down the list from the simplest to the most complex.

  • "eSIM YOUR Start" - a basic package with a connection cost of UAH 135 includes unlimited calls to Kyivstar, 100 minutes of calls to numbers of other operators and 5 GB of Internet traffic.
  • "eSIM YOUR Choice" is a middle-class package with a monthly fee of UAH 175 per month. Unlike the previous tariff, in this tariff the amount of network traffic has been increased to 15 GB, and the services “Free Music” and “State in Smartphone” are connected to the tariff, with which you can save traffic on Wikipedia, Spotify, etc.
  • "eSIM YOUR Optimum" - 25 GB of network traffic, 200 minutes of calls to numbers of other operators, unlimited within the Kyivstar network and 200 SMS to Ukrainian numbers. Kyivstar charges UAH 250 per month for such services.

eSIM from Lifecell: how much it costs and how to connect


Lifecell decided to make life easier for users and left the same tariffs for eSIM as when using a regular SIM card. To apply for a service, you need to go through a few simple steps.

  • Go to the service page https://shop.lifecell.ua/ru/product/starter-package-lifecell-esim/197/384 and order an eSIM. Further activation instructions and a QR code with settings will arrive by mail.
  • On the service page, you need to choose one of two starter packages - a regular "eSIM" costing 25 hryvnia, or "eSIM Bonus" for 150 hryvnia with 150 hryvnia on your account, bonus 50 GB of Internet traffic and 50 free minutes when calling to numbers of other operators.
  • Next, you need to choose one of the available tariff plans. Taking into account regional tariffs, there are about 10 diverse options costing from 70 to 250 hryvnia per month.

eSIM from Vodafone: how much it costs and how to connect


  • You can buy an eSIM from Vodafone in the online store at https://www.vodafone.ua/shop/ru/startovye-pakety/. A regular eSIM will cost UAH 100, an eSIM card with the SuperNet Pro tariff (20 GB of traffic, 250 minutes of calls to numbers of other operators) will cost UAH 150.
  • In a few minutes, the QR code will be sent to the specified email, where it will need to be activated according to the instructions - https://www.vodafone.ua/ru/services/esim.
  • If desired, the tariff can be replaced with any other - the most popular options are tariffs from the same SuperNet package with an emphasis on unlimited Internet traffic and free calls within the network. The full list can be found at https://www.vodafone.ua/ru/rates. The cost of tariffs is from 50 to 260 hryvnia per month.

What is the result


Already now we can confidently say that eSIM is not just a fashionable feature, but a really cool and useful technology that, although it will not change the world, will make it a little better. It will be especially useful for people who travel a lot. We are confident that in the near future operators will simplify the activation process as much as possible, more gadgets with virtual SIM cards will appear on the market, and this technology will become the standard.