If you’re new to international travel, or it’s been a few years, you may have been surpised to learn that the way we get international data for our phones has changed recently. You’ve probably heard the term “eSIM” before without giving much thought to what it was or how to use it when the time came. This guide will walk you through exactly how to purchase, set up and use an eSIM before your trip.
eSIMs are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to stay connected while traveling internationally. You can access data plans anywhere in the world—without swapping SIM cards or paying for those spendy international passes from your phone provider that can run about $10 a day.
And once you know how to use them, it’s honestly so simple.
What Is an eSIM and Why Do You Need One?
A SIM card is a small data chip that connects your phone to your carrier and makes it work.
SIM cards used to be a physical card that you had to insert and remove from your phone. When you signed up for a phone plan, your carrier would give you a SIM card to use.
Newer phones now use a digital SIM card called an eSIM. Instead of inserting anything into your phone, you can simply download your eSIM.
This is an advancement that has made staying connected while traveling so much easier!
Before eSIMs you had to wait until you landed in a new country and find a SIM card vendor at the airport. Then you had to figure it out while you were tired and jet-lagged. Now, you can download a travel eSIM before you leave and be connected the minute you land.
That means you can:
- Call an Uber
- Navigate public transportation
- Use Google Maps for directions
- Let your family know you arrived safely
Right away.
Is an eSIM Right for You?
Before purchasing an eSIM, there are a couple things you’ll want to confirm:
1. Make Sure Your Phone Is eSIM Compatible
Most newer smartphones (iPhone 11 and newer) support eSIM, but if you’re not sure, there’s an easy way to check.
Dial *#06# on your phone and press call.
If your device supports eSIM, you’ll see an EID number listed.
2. Make Sure Your Phone Is Unlocked
In order to use an eSIM your phone needs to be unlocked.
When you purchase your phone from a service provider the provider locks the phone to their network. This means your phone won’t work on other networks. But this is easily fixed.
As long as your phone is paid off, you can simply call your carrier and ask them to unlock it—they can usually do this quickly. If you’re still making payments on your phone they most likely won’t unlock it and you’ll need to purchase their data plan, or use wifi while you travel.
Best eSIM for International Travel (What I Use)
There are quite a few eSIM providers out there, so it’s worth doing a little research to find the best option for your trip.
Personally, I use Airalo.
I like it because:
- It’s very easy to use
- You can top up your data if you run out
- It offers coverage in most countries around the world
- Plans start as low as around $4
I’ve used it in about a dozen countries and have never had an issue.
If you want to try it, you can use my code BRENDA2697 to get $3 off your first eSIM purchase.
Some other popular eSIM providers are Holafly and Saily.
How to Buy an eSIM
Once you’ve chosen a provider, the process is simple:
1. Download the app
2. Select your destination (country or region)
3. Choose a data plan based on your needs
4. Complete your purchase
That’s it—you’re ready to install your eSIM.
How to Install Your eSIM
After purchasing your eSIM, your provider will give you step-by-step instructions. This will vary a little bit from provider to provider, and if you’re using an iPhone or Android phone.
👉 Don’t worry, installing it does not activate the eSIM and your allotted time won’t begin until your phone connects in your designated country.
👉 You need a stable wifi connection before you begin installation. If the installation is interrupted, your eSIM may not work properly. It’s best to install your eSIM before you leave home while you have WiFi so everything is ready to use when you land.
Here’s what the process looks like using Airalo on an iPhone:
- Open the app
- Go to My eSIMs
- Select the eSIM you want to install
- Tap Start Installation
Important: Once installation begins, don’t exit the app.
- Tap Allow when prompted
- Tap Continue and wait for the installation to complete (this can take a few minutes)
- Select Done
Next you’ll be asked to label your new eSIM.
- Click on “LABEL FOR YOUR PLUS PLAN”
- Under “Custom Label” write the name you want for your new eSIM (I like to name them by the destination), then click done.
- Then click continue.
After this you’ll be asked which eSIM you want as your primary. Just select your current line for everything. You’ll adjust this later when you land.
Then you should see a screen that says Your eSIM is Installed. You can select “OK” and be done, or “How to Connect” if you want to see the instructions for connecting when you land.
How to Activate Your eSIM When You Land
When you arrive at your destination (you can do this right on the tarmac!) you’ll need to turn your eSIM on so it can connect and begin working.
Once you land:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Cellular
- Select your eSIM
- Turn the line on
👉 You may have to exit back to cellular (top left) then click your eSIM again for the options page to populate after turning on your eSIM. Once it populates continue to the next step
- Turn on Data Roaming
- Go back and select Cellular Data
- Choose your travel eSIM
You’ll be connected within moments.
👉 If you’r phone fails to connect, try turning it off and on again. This usually fixes any issues.
Calls and Texts: What You Need to Know
Most eSIMs are data-only, meaning they don’t include calls or text messaging.
I personally keep my primary line turned on for calls and texts and use my eSIM just for data.
Just be sure to check with your carrier to see if any charges apply while traveling. Averages charges for calls made or received abroad are around $0.25/minute and about $0.10 per text. Some providers don’t charge at all so just check ahead of time.
Important Tip: Don’t Drain Your Data
You can control which apps use cellular data by going to:
- Settings
- Cellular
- Scroll to the bottom and select which apps you want to allow to use cellular data
This is something I learned the hard way.
I once drained an entire eSIM in just a few hours because my photos were backing up to the cloud using cellular data.
Now I make sure that’s turned off so backups only happen when I’m connected to WiFi.
Final Thoughts
Using an eSIM is one of the easiest and most seamless ways to stay connected while traveling internationally.
You’ll have data the moment you land—and it just makes your entire travel experience smoother, less stressful, and more convenient.
✨ Planning a trip soon? Save this guide so you can set up your eSIM before you travel.