OK to prefer using a SIM card over eSIM?

Question

OK to prefer using a SIM card over eSIM?

Hi,

Just got my new iPhone 13 which arrived without a SIM card, relying on the eSIM.

But because I plan to travel abroad, including to countries where eSIM is a bit complicated, and purchasing a local SIM card is so inexpensive and simple — I decided I'd rather get my local SIM card from the carrier (Xfinity, which shipped it to me and also did the activation), and use it as my default cellular access.

The 2 screenshots below show my current setting (the SIM card number is where I added the red marking).

The one thing that looks "weird" is that there are no vertical lines at the top-right of my phone screen, just dots.

Is what I'm doing OK?

Thanks!

Posted on Oct 31, 2022 10:13 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Sparks0829

Community Specialist

Nov 2, 2022 12:44 PM in response to amifromskokie

Hi there amifromskokie,

We can provide some information. The reason you're seeing two rows of dots for the cellular network signal in the status bar of your iPhone is because you have the option of using dual SIM. If you had two SIM cards set up on your iPhone, you would see the signal strength for the second SIM card in the top row of dots.

Learn more about how dual SIM with eSIM works here: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM - Apple Support

Take care.

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Answer 2

Nov 2, 2022 4:24 PM in response to amifromskokie

amifromskokie,

That is correct.

Replacing your SIM card with another while traveling abroad will not be a problem.

Once you return to your home country and reinsert your original SIM card, your normal calls associated with that number will come in again.

To learn how to physical change your SIM card, check out the link here: Remove or switch the SIM card in your iPhone - Apple Support

Please do not hesitate to reach back out to us if you have questions or need any additional support.

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

Nov 2, 2022 2:04 PM in response to Sparks0829

Yes, I see the function of it (which is great!). But I'd rather make life easy when visiting abroad, just replace one SIM card with another, since I won't receive my regular phone calls there.

Right?

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OK to prefer using a SIM card over eSIM?

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