What Is Virtual Sim Card & How To Get One?

Virtual SIM cards are possibly the future of mobile communications and an integral part of IoT (Internet of Things). eSIMs or virtual SIM cards are set to replace the present-day standard SIM cards in the future. 

However, this process won’t take effect over a night – it will take time and serious consideration by device manufacturers and network operators. 

So, what actually is a virtual SIM card and how do they work? 

We shall uncover everything you need to know about eSIM or virtual SIM cards, and their benefits, and also learn how to get one for you. 

Let’s start with the basics:

What is a Virtual SIM Card?

A virtual SIM Card is a technology that replaces regular plastic (physical) SIM cards with embedded SIM cards and facilitates phone calls, text messages, and data connectivity on smart devices with eSIM chips by connecting them with mobile networks.

Users also commonly refer to virtual SIM cards as eSIM cards. eSIM stands for embedded Subscriber Identity Module and is integrated within the phone system, unlike current standard SIM cards. It is the digital version of physical SIM card.

Present-day SIM cards require a removable slot on mobile phones or smart devices and can be inserted and removed at the user’s will.

In contrast, Virtual SIM card is embedded within the system of advanced smart devices (phones, wearables, cars, machinery, etc.) and is not removable like physical sim card. 

eSIMs are designed to replace regular SIM circuitries by directly soldering them to the device board.

Virtual SIM cards are programmable hardware chip elements in smartphones that allow network carriers and service providers to reprogram user IDs and related components to make mobile connectivity possible.

programs that connect your phone to its mobile network. Basically, it can do everything a regular SIM card can. 

Virtual SIM cards are arguably the future of mobile communications and will eliminate present-day physical SIM cards from the map in the future. 

Read more: How to get a Virtual Phone Number for WhatsApp Business

Benefits of virtual SIM card

Virtual SIM card comes with an array of benefits when it comes to user experience, environmental sustainability, manufacturer and network operator compatibility, and more. 

Following are all the benefits.

For User experience:

Gone are the days of brick and mortar:

Users do not need to physically visit the network operator’s or retailer’s store and fill up the subscription form to acquire a sim card. You can easily and effortlessly get virtual SIM cards online without having to go outside. 

Online processes eliminate the physical act of visiting the store and waiting in line to get things done related to phone numbers. It saves you time and money and makes it more convenient for clients to get a virtual phone number.

Switching between networks made easier:

Users do not need to manually pop in and out their SIM cards to switch between different mobile networks or do not need to order and wait for a new sim. All you need to do is scan the QR code from a printed card or online and you are ready to go. 

You can switch between your local phone number from local operators and other mobile phone carriers instantly – with just a click of buttons. 

Automated data backup and recovery 

Every user data stored in the virtual SIM will be synchronized with the linked cloud storage. So, in cases of theft, phone damage, or any unfortunate events, your phone numbers, contacts, SMS messages, and other information stored in the eSIM can be retrieved as they were. 

a user have the option to enable user authentication in cases of SIM alterations or any such activities related to the virtual SIM card. You can set up private codes or passwords to authenticate user identity, and even lock the phone. 

You can safeguard your phone numbers and contacts from being misused by hackers or any third party in such unfortunate events. 

Effective and efficient communication during your travel

Users can subscribe and use multiple virtual phone numbers (up to 20 phone numbers) on an eSIM. You can even buy international phone numbers for your travels and avoid international calls and hefty phone bills. 

Use a local phone number for a local call while in the country and swap to an international number from subscribed mobile phone operators. You can relish the opportunity to make unlimited free phone calls with some service provider on your first subscription. 

For environmental sustainability:

A little aid to no plastic environment

As we know present-day SIM cards are plastic materials and these SIM cards when discarded and thrown away have adverse effects on the environment. According to the ICMA’s report, the global sim card industry produced 37.1 billion SIM cards in 2019. Fortunately, these numbers have gone down in recent years – thanks to virtual SIM cards and virtual phone numbers. 

The disposal of plastic SIM cards is complex since these SIM cards contain plastic and metal elements that require chemical solutions. These solutions are harmful to the environment as well. 

Virtual SIM card and cloud sim app in combination have the potential to reduce SIM production and contribute to environmental causes to some extent using virtual phone numbers.

Even though SIM cards aren’t the only plastic materials that pollute the environment, mass deployment of virtual SIM cards will eliminate plastic to some extent for the better. 

For manufacturers and network operators:

More space and greater protection

Especially Smartphone manufacturers can benefit a lot with plastic SIM cards eliminated from the equation. They can utilize the SIM card slot for some other aspects like larger battery size, bigger cooling system, etc. 

With the SIM slot removed from the phone, the protection against dust, dirt, and moisture increases at a considerable rate. The device designers have one less thing to worry about and gain the freedom to use the extra space for other elements in the device. 

Simplified subscriptions and great customer experience

Starting with a streamlined virtual SIM card purchase and online virtual phone number subscriptions, mobile network operators have less to worry about. Online transactions eliminate paperwork increasing efficiency and employee productivity. 

The phone network operators can access, assess, and perform other tasks on the virtual SIM remotely, which elevates the customer experience, and more importantly, simplifies employee tasks. 

Also read: How to Add an Extension to a Phone Number

How do Virtual SIM Cards Work?

Virtual SIM card works similarly to traditional SIM card. However, there are several differences in their functionality, features, and performances. 

First, you need to set up your virtual SIM card on the eSIM chip on your smart device. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a smartphone – it can be a car, machinery, wearables, and whatnot. 

Note: Not all smartphones come with an eSIM chip, which means virtual SIM cards cannot be used on all devices. The latest smartphones and smart devices come with an eSIM chip and facilitate virtual SIM card use. 

You can reach out to virtual SIM card providers or network operators if you have a compatible device. They will provide you with a virtual SIM card setup, usually a QR code to scan. Once you complete the scan, you are ready to go. 

You do not have to visit local stores to obtain eSIMs or virtual SIM cards since online transactions work perfectly fine. You will have the option to access and subscribe to different features and packages via the network operator’s website or their cloud SIM app.

The good thing is you can add multiple eSIM cards on a single eSIM chip and swap between them according to your requirements. 

You can make phone calls, receive incoming calls, and save phone numbers, and SMS messages using virtual SIM cards. 

Virtual SIM cards can complete a business phone system in the sense that you can purchase and use multiple sim cards, a local phone number, or an international phone number on the same eSIM. You can use the same device as a professional phone line during business hours and as a private phone line during off-hours. 

You can do it all from the same device from a local call to international calls using a single virtual SIM card but with different phone numbers. 

To sum up how virtual SIM cards work – purchase a virtual SIM card, scan the QR code, and start your communications. 

How to get International Virtual SIM Card Online?

Now, let’s learn how to get an international virtual SIM card online. Basically, it isn’t different from purchasing a virtual phone number from a phone operator or phone service provider. 

All you need to do is reach out to them and enquire about the availability of an eSIM or virtual SIM card or a virtual phone number. They will respond to your inquiry and if you are happy with the pricing and features you can purchase the virtual SIM card online. 

You might have to set up a user account with them and provide necessary details like valid payment details for transaction and security purposes. 

Once you get your login credentials, you can log in and browse through the virtual phone number from available countries and purchase them to meet your communication requirements. 

A single eSIMs provider can provide you with a virtual phone number or virtual SIM card from more than 160+ countries – no lack of options. 

Once you get through the transaction and verification, you get a QR code to scan on your email or the cloud sim app. You need to scan the QR, which will automatically set up your virtual phone number on your device. 

To sum up the process of getting an International Virtual SIM Card Online:

1. Create a user account with the service provider. 
2. Browse, choose, and purchase the virtual sim cards
3. Scan the QR code to set up your phone number on your device
4. Start communicating instantly.

Read more: How to Set up a Virtual Call Center from Home Professionally

What types of virtual sim cards you can buy? 

Talking about the types of virtual SIM cards you can buy in the market, there are two types of virtual or eSIM cards. 

Let us go through them briefly.

1. Data-only virtual SIM card

It does exactly what its name illustrates – provides only data facility. 

These internet-based SIM cards are perfect for users that only require data for communication and other internet activities. You cannot make phone calls, receive incoming calls, send SMS messages, or do any such activities through this type of virtual SIM card. 

Data-only eSIM offers you great internet connectivity with the top network providers all over the globe. It is best suited for constant data users, like uber, google map users, navigators, social media influencers, and so on. 

The setup process is the same as a normal virtual SIM card setup. 

2. Voice, SMS, and Data virtual SIM card

This virtual SIM card offers you everything you need for communication. It offers you 5G network access and global roaming coverage with fixed rates across Europe. 

This type of virtual SIM card is perfect for both private, and professional business, and all your customer communications since you can do it all from text messaging to accessing the internet. 

The best part of online SIM card is it is cost-effective and you can choose several packages with this virtual phone number to meet your communication needs. 

You have the option to choose your virtual sim card from different countries, like virtual sim card Egypt, virtual sim card Europe, virtual sim card Netherlands, virtual sim card Hong Hong, and many more.

Also check out👉: How to Make a Private Call With Your Number on Any Phone?

How to set up a Virtual SIM Card on Android & iPhone?

In this section, we shall learn how to set up a virtual SIM card on your smartphone (Android or iOS). Let us go through them one at a time in a step-wise method for easy understanding. 

Virtual sim card iPhone

The iPhones XS and above support eSIM and you can follow these steps to set up a virtual SIM card on your iPhone. First, make sure you have an internet connection and your iPhone is updated to its latest iOS version. 

• If your carrier has assigned you an eSIM while purchasing your plan, it will be automatically activated when you are setting up your iPhone. 
• You can transfer your existing phone number to a new iPhone using an eSIM Quick Transfer if your carrier hasn’t assigned you an eSIM (like above).
• You can scan a QR code to set up your virtual SIM card and phone number while setting up your iPhone. 
• If you have an iPhone that is already set up and you want to activate your virtual number on the device, you should do the following.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Cellular
3. Tap Set Up Cellular (add eSIM to add an additional line)
4. Scan a QR Code or Transfer from a nearby iPhone.

The video below will help you clear your confusion and aid your cause of setting up a Virtual SIM Card on an iPhone.

Virtual sim card android

Setting up a virtual SIM card on Android phones can vary from one service provider to another since most of them utilize their virtual SIM card app to do so. However, we shall learn a general process of adding an eSIM or a virtual SIM card through your android phone settings.

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Network & Internet
3.  Tap Add Option or the + button
4. Tap on SIMs Add a network
5.  Follow the instructions provided (may vary from one phone to another)
6.  Tap on Download a SIM
7.   Follow the instructions and tap on Next
8. Scan the QR code and follow the prompt.
9. Tap Use eSIM.

You might like: How to Set up a Virtual Call Center from Home Professionally

5 Best Virtual SIM Card Providers in 2022

Above were some of the best virtual SIM card providers from all over the globe. Here, in this section, we shall discuss the top 5 best virtual SIM card providers in 2022. The rankings are based on my personal analysis and preference. You can beg to differ with my list. 

However, let us go through these virtual SIM card providers briefly:

1. KrispCall

KrispCall provides you with virtual phone numbers or virtual SIM cards from more than 100 countries all over the globe. It is a one-stop solution for your private and business communications since you can relish cutting-edge features for affordable prices. 

Synchronize communications across multiple devices and offer mobility and freedom to your employees for greater productivity and performance. Streamline your communications and automate incoming calls using smart IVR, and address your customer calls efficiently using call forwarding. 

Best Features:

• Unified Callbox
• Shared Number
•  Phone Tree (IVR)
• Global Coverage

Pricing:

•  Starting from $15.0

2. Airalo

Airalo is one of the first and best eSIM providers in the Global market. It provides eSIM from more than 190 countries with more than 535 offers at the time of writing. 

The activation process is simple. You will need to download the Airalo app, choose a preferred package, install the eSIM, and activate your virtual SIM card. It has arguably one of the best customer service and communication features for affordable prices. 

Best Features:

• Instant Connectivity
• Global Coverage
• Affordable and Transparent
• 24/7/365 Support

Pricing:

• Starting from $ 4.5

3. Flexiroam

Flexiroam is a Malaysian eSIM provider with a global reach that serves online SIM cards from 121 countries over the globe. It presets you over 730 offers you can choose from to meet your communication requirements. 

Best Features:

• Flexiroam dashboard
• FlexiShare
•   Wallet Credits
•  Support & Live Chat

Pricing:

• Starting from $1.40

4. RedteaGO

RedteaGO offers unique pay-as-you-go offers for data plans so that users can save more money and reduce data wastage. With more than 100+ countries under its wing, it is one of the best eSIM providers in the world.

Best Features:

•   Pay as You Go
• Global Coverage
• Hassle-Free
• Competing Price

Pricing:

• Starting from $ 5.99

5. Ubigi

Ubigi is one of the first companies to provide virtual or internet-based SIM cards to the world. It offers you eSIM from more than 190 countries around the world with more than 55 offers to choose from.  

Best Features:

•  Instant Connectivity
• Global Coverage
• vehicle connectivity
• 24/7/365 Support

Pricing:

• Starting from $ 3.0

Also read: How to Get a Virtual Number for Telegram

Get 100+ Countries’ Virtual SIM Card Numbers Today

Virtual SIM cards are probably the future of mobile communications replacing the regular standard SIM cards. However, it will take time to implement throughout the world for good. With time and everyday innovations, we will certainly witness eSIMs transforming mobile communications in the future. 

Why not become a part of the evolution with KrispCall now and explore your opportunities in communication before everyone else? Automate your business communications with cutting-edge communication features to improve your employee productivity and enhance customer experience. 

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