Setting up the eSIM feature on your smartphone and purchasing an affordable data plan is an excellent way to stay connected during your vacation.
An international vacation is a perfect chance to unplug and immerse yourself in new experiences. While disconnecting completely is tempting, your phone can still be a valuable tool for navigating unfamiliar cities, booking spontaneous adventures, and staying connected with loved ones back home.
If you’re travelling internationally, your regular phone plan probably doesn’t include data access in your destination country.
In the past, switching to a local data plan required swapping in a SIM card purchased after arrival. However, in 2024, there’s no need to buy a physical SIM card at the airport—provided your smartphone supports an electronic SIM (eSIM). An eSIM is a built-in, smaller version of a traditional SIM card.
Are you thinking about using an eSIM for your next international trip? Here’s everything you need to know: checking your phone’s compatibility, determining how much data to purchase, and setting up the eSIM on your device.
eSIM compatibility for my device
Generally, if you have bought a smartphone within the past five years, it will likely support eSIM technology. If you own a phone older than the iPhone XR, consider upgrading as it’s probably time for a battery replacement. Newer models are essential for accessing eSIM capabilities.
Some high-end smartphones, such as the iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8A, feature dual eSIM capabilities, allowing you to use two phone numbers simultaneously. This is particularly useful for frequent travellers switching between different data plans.
It’s important to ensure your phone isn’t locked to a specific carrier before activating an eSIM. Consumer Reports offers a helpful guide on unlocking your phone. If you need further assistance, contact your carrier directly (AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon).
How Much Data? Let’s Find Out
Most international eSIM data plans operate on a prepaid basis, so the amount of data you purchase depends on your anticipated smartphone usage while travelling and your preferred apps.
Instead of dealing with the hassle of buying a physical SIM card upon arrival, consider online options like Airalo, AloSIM, or Airhub. If you plan on frequent video calls or sharing media, a larger data package is advisable, as these activities can consume data quickly.
For basic navigation and occasional messaging, a smaller package might suffice. Ultimately, the duration of your trip will influence the total amount of data you’ll need.
In Costa Rica, you can get by with 2 GB of data during a two-week trip, costing around $17. Save data by using Wi-Fi whenever possible and turning off your phone when you don’t need to be connected.
However, be mindful of your data usage, as you might find yourself consuming more by watching videos on social media absentmindedly. Some habits are hard to break.
Worried about running out of data? Keep track of your daily usage in the Airalo app to get a sense of how quickly you’re going through it. Even if you don’t need it, the app often offers deals for adding a little extra data if you find yourself getting low.
Besides the data amount, pay attention to the eSIM’s expiration date.
Ready to Go? Let’s Set It Up!
Setting up an eSIM can seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry! With a little patience and troubleshooting, you’ll be online in no time. Make sure you have a stable internet connection before starting.
If you’re new to eSIMs, detailed guides are available for Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy devices.
Airalo offers three ways to set up your eSIM: direct, manual, or QR code. Many iPhone users find the direct method easiest. Regardless of your phone, start by opening the Airalo app and going to the “My eSIMs” tab. Select the eSIM you want to install.
Choose “View Instructions” followed by “Direct.” Read the on-screen details carefully before tapping “Install eSIM.” The installation process may vary depending on your device, so it’s a good idea to consult the company’s user guides available online for iPhones, Pixels, and Galaxies.
If you’re an iPhone user and are setting up the eSIM before your trip, keep the default line as your Primary SIM. However, if you’re already on vacation, you can select the new eSIM as your Secondary SIM during the setup.
When you’re ready to activate your eSIM and begin using your international data plan, go to Settings on your smartphone and follow the instructions provided on Airalo’s website for your specific device.
Ensure that both the eSIM line and the phone’s data roaming option are enabled. If you encounter any issues with activation, visit Airalo’s help centre for further assistance or contact the company directly for support.
conclusion
By offering high-speed local data and extensive coverage, eSIMs have elevated the travel experience. Not only do they allow travellers to stay connected with family and friends, but they also enable them to access online services like maps, translation, and hotel bookings.
