I've been using an eSim on my iPhone and it's been wonderful because:
1. migrating between iPhones also transfers the eSim
2. if I get a tourist sim card at an airport, I don't have to worry about taking out or losing my main sim
3. the ability to have multiple sims is also ideal: I currently have phone plans in AU and SG, in addition to any tourist sim cards I pick up
It sounds like you’re talking about the benefits of having both? The new iPhones have only eSIM which is currently a hurdle, especially for the ”tourist SIMs”. OTOH, I’m sure Telcos will shape up their support and iron out the major bugs rather quickly precisely because of this.
> It sounds like you’re talking about the benefits of having both?
physical sims make no contribution to any of their points.
> 2. if I get a tourist sim card at an airport
That sounds like it would be a physical sim, or am I incorrect?
They probably do mean getting a tourist eSIM at the airport.
iPhones are eSim only for a few years now.
>if I get a tourist sim card at an airport, I don't have to worry about taking out or losing my main sim
bold of you to assume we'll still have a sim card slots
Fwiw, I can't remember the last time I bought a physical sim at an airport. Airalo lets me buy an eSim at the departing airport, which means I've got cell data from the instant I arrive. They're not the only company offering this, and I'm sure I could min max and find a more cost optimized service, but it's done me well enough. Depending on the amount of international travel you do, and to where, however, US travellers may have a better time with a carrier like T-Mobile which include international data to a number of countries.
It's important to point out that few MVNO operators on T-Moble extend this international access.