CarJet’s latest announcement revealed that the company is entering the eSIM market through a partnership with Airalo, one of the largest marketplaces in the eSIM sector.
“At CarJet, we’ve always believed that travel should be simple, flexible and connected. That’s why we’re excited to announce our partnership with Airalo, bringing eSIM technology directly to our customers. It’s another step towards making every journey smarter, cheaper and effortless,” said the company’s CEO during the announcement.
In this article, we will look at what eSIMs are, why you’re likely to hear much more about them in the future, and, finally, why CarJet has decided to take this step, along with a look at how comparison sites are shifting towards travel connectivity.
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What are eSIMs?
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of the traditional SIM card. Instead of inserting a small plastic card into your cell phone, you simply download it on your device. It works exactly the same way as a physical SIM: it lets you connect to the internet, make calls and send messages. With just a few clicks, you can avoid paying extra charges for using data abroad.
eSIMs remove all the problems of dealing with physical SIM cards. There’s no need to look for a local shop in a new country upon arrival, worry about whether the card fits your phone, or search for a paperclip to eject the SIM tray. With an eSIM, you can activate your mobile plan online in minutes as soon as you land in your destination—anytime, anywhere.
This technology also helps you save on roaming costs, so you avoid those unpleasant surprises when the bill arrives after your trip. Even better, if you’re the type who prefers to have everything under control before departure, you can install and configure your eSIM from the comfort of home. It will activate automatically upon arrival at your destination. It’s fast, intuitive, and managed entirely from your mobile
Before purchasing an eSIM, it’s important to check if your device supports it. Most mid‑range and high‑end smartphones released from 2019 onwards are already compatible. To be safe, check your phone’s specifications in “Settings” or confirm compatibility on the provider’s website before you buy.
What is CarJet?
CarJet is a comparison website that specialises in car hire. In simple terms, it makes renting a car much easier and cheaper. Instead of visiting lots of different car hire websites—many of them in other languages or with unfamiliar payment pages—CarJet brings everything together in one place you can trust.
Here’s how it works: CarJet collects prices and availability from thousands of car hire companies all over the world. Then, with just one search, it shows you the best deals in real time. You don’t have to jump from site to site or worry about missing out on a better price somewhere else.
CarJet began by comparing car hire deals in Europe, but since it was acquired by Gesmarket SL in 2017, it has grown rapidly. Today, it works with both leading international brands and local suppliers in over 50 countries across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and North America. The website is available in 13 languages and supports four different currencies, making it easy for travellers from all over the world to use.
What makes CarJet so popular is its intelligent search engine, which instantly compares offers and finds the lowest prices available at that moment. And it’s not just cars, CarJet also compares deals on scooters and vans, giving travellers even more choice for their journeys.
What does CarJet bring different to the eSIM market?
CarJet is applying the same formula that made it a success in the car hire industry to the world of eSIMs. The philosophy is simple: make the process straightforward and help travellers find the best prices with ease.
When asked about CarJet’s vision for eSIMs, the CEO summed it up perfectly:
At the launch event, CarJet introduced three types of eSIM plans that are already available:
Local eSIMs
With a Local eSIM, you can compare data packs in over 200 countries. Simply select the country you’re visiting and a range of plans will appear, each with different prices and benefits.
For example, you might see options with 1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB—or even unlimited data—with validity ranging from just one day up to a month. Before paying, you can check all the details of the plan, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Regional eSIMs
Regional eSIMs are ideal for travellers visiting several countries within the same continent. These plans cover areas such as Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Oceania, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & North Africa.
Just like the Local eSIMs, you’ll see all available plans, but you’ll also see exactly how many countries are included in the coverage. You can then check the “Supported Countries” section to confirm which destinations are covered before you buy.
Global eSIMs
For those planning trips across multiple continents, Global eSIMs are the perfect solution. These plans cover 137 countries worldwide and work in exactly the same way as the regional plans—only without regional limits. Wherever you go, your connection goes with you.
Are eSIMs the future of connectivity?
They’re not just the future—they’re quickly becoming the present. This year, over 3.4 billion eSIM‑enabled devices are expected to be in use, as major brands continue to integrate this technology into phones, tablets, smartwatches and even laptops.
eSIMs are growing in popularity among young tourists, frequent travellers, digital nomads, and professionals who rely on constant connectivity as a key work tool. CarJet has recognised this need and is boldly stepping into this market—staying within the travel industry, yet venturing far beyond traditional car hire.
As comparison platforms continue to expand—offering flights, hotels and train tickets—it’s clear that CarJet’s move into eSIMs is only the beginning of a wider trend. For travellers, this means one thing: more choice, more freedom, and more ways to stay connected wherever you go.
