For domestic mobile phone users who cannot natively support eSIM, if they want to enjoy the convenience of eSIM, they need to use an "eSIM writing card". This article will compare the mainstream writing cards on the market, recommend several cost-effective eSIM service providers, and introduce an advanced way to freely manage eSIM through a SIM card reader.
1. Comparison of mainstream eSIM writing cards: Xesim vs. Switch eSIM
| characteristic | Xesim | Switch eSIM | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| price | Higher (premium version about 200+ yuan) | High cost performance (Premium version is about 100+ yuan) | Switch eSIM has obvious price advantages |
| iPhone Write | support | Not supported (Switchable only) | Xesim is more friendly to iPhone users |
| Universal write scheme | Android | Android / Card reader | Card reader solution provides new options for iPhone users |
in conclusion: If you are a pure iPhone user and don't want to mess around, it's better to spend more money to buy Xesim. If you are looking for cost-effectiveness, or have an Android backup phone/are willing to use a card reader,Switch eSIM is a better choice.
2. Recommendation of cost-effective eSIM service providers
- Eskimo:
- advantage: Register via invitation link 500MB of global data, valid for up to 2 years, which is very suitable as a guaranteed flow.
- IP Location: When used in mainland China, the IP address is usually Singapore.
- RedteaGO (Black Tea):
- Austria eSIM: about $3.3 USD/year, including an Austrian mobile number (with unlimited free SMS) and 100MB of global data. It is a great choice for low-cost number preservation.
- Data packages for Mainland China: 50GB/year, priced at $26.19 for $, very cost-effective.
- Switch eSIM:
- 99-10 discount code: Taobao search 54442800, short link https://smtaobao.com/h5?q=54442800
- 148-15 discount code: Taobao search 76684800, short link https://smtaobao.com/h5?q=76684800
- Xesim
- Purchase link:https://xesim.cc/?DIST=Tk5D
- 10% discount code: bj1fYm [Long-term validity]
- Eskimo
- https://eskimo.travel/DB48999
- Invitation code: DB48999
- Redteago
- https://esim.redteago.com?c=nkf3f9tj
- Coupon code: RTGF9465B
3. Advanced tutorial: How to use a SIM card reader to manage eSIM
This method perfectly solves the pain point that iPhone users cannot write new packages to cards such as Switch eSIM.
- Tools: An eSIM writing card, a SIM card reader (official or third-party), and a mobile phone.
- Download the App: Install a SIM card management app on your phone, such as "eSIM Manager” or other similar tools.
- connect: Insert the eSIM card into the card reader and connect the card reader to your phone.
- Write to eSIM: Open the management app and connect the device.Scan QR code,Select QR code from albumorManually enter the activation code(SM-DP + address and code) to write the new eSIM package directly to the card.
Core advantages: This method completely bypasses the limitations of the brand's app. Regardless of whether the app is functional or has bugs, you can freely manage your eSIM write card.
IV. Important Tips and Summary
- App version note: As of July 25, 2025, please be sure to download the official app of Switch eSIM from itsDownload APK from the official website, the version on the Google Play Store has a bug that prevents it from being scanned.
- Outlook for eSIM in China: There are rumors that the eSIM function will be available on domestic mobile phones in the second half of the year, but it will most likely be limited to domestic operators.
- Buying advice: For those who have an urgent need for overseas eSIM, writing to the card is still the most reliable solution. "Buy early and enjoy early, buy late and enjoy discounts", just decide according to your needs.
