Using an E-SIM while Abroad
Smart phones are so SMART! I’ll tell you why in a sec…
Technology and Why we Need it on Holidays
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?
E-SIM means you don’t have to change out physical SIM cards anymore!
E-SIMS do not give you access to make phone calls or SMS text EXCEPT through WhatApp or Messenger, since those are internet-based calls and messages. You can also use and E-SIM for Google Maps.
Download WhatsApp by following this link to their website: https://www.whatsapp.com/download
Some of these E-SIMS are really cheap!! A couple of dollars at the most, and it saves you messing around with your phone on vacation, and installing a new SIM card in a different language. SMART, Right?!
Use my code: NEWTOAIRALO15 to get an additional 15% off until December 31, 2024.
>>> Search here to see if your travel region is offered by Airalo, or at the very bottom of this page <<<
Check if your phone (if its a newer model) is E-SIM compatible:
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.
Download 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.
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.
Setting up the E-SIM
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 on too. Browse the internet just like you do at home, or text family and friends from Whatsapp.
>>>> SEARCH HERE TO FIND OUT IF AIRALO IS OFFERED IN THE REGION YOU’RE TRAVELING TO <<<<
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
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