Using an E-SIM while Abroad
Smart phones are so SMART! I’ll tell you why in a sec…
Technology And Why We Need E-SIMs
I used to travel long before the invention of smart phones, and always took my device on holidays. Much to my family’s dismay! I needed it for business – just in case!
Now I take my phone because it’s got a really great camera on it, I need it for boarding passes and rail cards, and we utilize Google Maps daily. I love using my own phone while away, and it just got easier with the invention of E-SIM.
What is an E-SIM?
Loading an E-SIM means you don’t have to change out physical SIM cards anymore!
An E- SIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a physical SIM card that is built directly into your smartphone or other devices.
Unlike traditional SIM cards, E-SIMs do not require a physical card to be inserted into the device, allowing you to connect to a mobile network without needing to swap cards.
Here’s how it works:
- Activation: An E-SIM is activated by scanning a QR code or entering a unique activation code provided by your mobile carrier. This automatically downloads the necessary information to your phone, linking it to the carrier’s network.
- Network Switching: Because it’s digital, you can easily switch between carriers or plans without physically replacing the SIM. This is especially useful for international travelers who want to avoid roaming fees by activating local or global plans.
E-SIMs simplify managing cellular connections, especially for frequent travelers or those who need flexible network access.
E-SIM cards can be really cheap! A couple of dollars for your basic regional E-SIM to maybe $40 for the entire European Continent. It saves you messing around with your phone on vacation, and installing a new SIM card in a different language. SMART, Right?!
What Can an E-SIM Do
What an E-SIM Can’t Do
*Limitations on Calls & Texts
Some E-SIMS (like Airalo in 2024) are not able to make phone calls or send SMS text EXCEPT through WhatApp, iMessage, or Messenger, since those are internet-based calls and messages.
If you NEED an E-SIM with an actual phone number check out the Airhub App.
Download WhatsApp by following this link to their website: https://www.whatsapp.com/download
Check if your Phone is E-SIM compatible (most newer phones are):
For iphone Devices:
- Go to Settings > General > About.
- Scroll down to view the Carrier Lock section.
- If your device is unlocked, it will show “No SIM restrictions”
- Scroll down to Available SIM (iOS 15 or later) or Digital SIM (earlier iOS versions)
- If your phone supports eSIMs, it will show a 15-digit IMEI number.
For Samsung Galaxy Devices:
- OPEN the Settings app, then TAP Connections.
- TAP SIM Manager.
- If Add eSIM is available, your device likely supports eSIMs.
For Google Pixel Devices:
- OPEN the Settings app, then TAP Network & Internet.
- TAP the + sign beside SIMs.
- If the Connect to mobile network page has a “Download a SIM instead?” option, your device is eSIM-capable.
Choose your App:
I love both the Airalo App for it’s affordability, and the Airhub App for it’s ability to obtain a foreign phone number while abroad. Read further about the details of each App below.
The Airalo App
Download the Airalo app below, search up the region that you’re traveling to, and download the local SIM card. If you stream a lot of videos, you’ll need a higher gigabyte data card. If you’re only using Whatsapp and Google Maps, a lower gigabyte card (5 or less) is just fine.
Use my code: NEWTOAIRALO15 to get an additional 15% off until December 31, 2024.
Open the settings area of your phone, and enter the QR code or registration number you were given after the download.
Follow the instructions given to you by Airalo to set up the E-SIM on your phone. This likely includes the step of adding an ACCESS POINT NAME.
The Airhub App
Download the Airhub App below. This App and E-SIM service do allow you to register a foreign phone number (mostly UK based) with SOME carriers, NOT ALL. (Don’t forget you can make calls over the internet through Whatapp, Facetime and Messenger)
Select a Data Plan – Go to the Data Plans page and choose a plan that suits your needs. Higher streaming requires a larger gigabyte data plan. Low streaming, and using only messenger and maps requires only a small gigabyte data plan. It’s always possible to ‘top-up’ if you run out.
Pay with Card – Airhub uses an online payment service with the highest level of certified security. All major credit and debit cards can be accepted.
Install E-SIM Profile – Once your data plan purchase is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with a QR code for your E-SIM profile installation. Simply scan the QR code, follow the directions and add the cellular plan to your phone.
You’re Online – At this point, your E-SIM is ready to connect. Make sure you set Stork Mobile E-SIM for Cellular Data, and turn your Data Roaming on.
Setting up the E-SIM + Installation Guides
As you take off on your flight from home
Turn off your home SIM card, and turn on FLIGHT MODE.
Turning on the E-SIM at your Destination
When you land at your destination turn off FLIGHT MODE, go into the settings and toggle off your home sim card (if you haven’t done so already), and toggle on the E-SIM. Don’t forget to turn DATA ROAMING & MOBILE DATA on too.
Browse the internet just like you do at home, or text family and friends from Whatsapp.
Video: How to Purchase the Right E-SIM Card
Take a look a my demonstration on how to buy an E-SIM data card on your phone. I cannot stress enough how important it is to read the “information” box on what the plan includes.
On this particular example, when I open the France E-SIM card; you may notice that in the ‘additional details’ the data is ONLY VALID for France. If you were to leave France, the card would become invalid.
If you’re traveling to more than 1 destination, you’ll want to make sure you’re choosing the right plan.
Let me know if you have any questions! I’m loving this new opportunity to travel AND stay connected!
Have a great trip!
xoxo Tanya