How to Use eSIM for International Travel: A Beginner's Friendly Guide

Traditional U.S. carrier plans charge travelers $10 per day for international roaming. The good news? Your travel costs can drop substantially with an eSIM - many travelers spend only $17 for two weeks of data abroad.

ESim technology has revolutionized international connectivity for both first-time travelers and seasoned globetrotters. Most smartphones from the last five years come with these digital SIM cards built-in. They provide coverage in over 200 countries through providers like Muzik Travel, Airalo and Flexiroam.

The world of international connectivity options might seem daunting at first. This detailed guide will walk you through everything about eSIMs. You'll learn how to check your device's compatibility, select the right plan, and set everything up before your trip. Smart connectivity awaits!

What is an eSIM and Why Use It for Travel

An eSIM (embedded SIM) marks a big move from plastic to digital. Unlike regular SIM cards you physically insert into your device, an eSIM is a tiny chip built right into your phone's hardware ^[1]. You can download and activate cellular plans without touching a physical card.

Traditional SIM cards vs. eSIM technology

Regular SIMs and eSIMs are different in more ways than just their physical form. Traveling internationally with a physical SIM means you need to:

• Find a local store after landing

• Buy a physical card

• Get a pin or paperclip to open your SIM tray

• Take out your home SIM (which you might lose)

• Put in the new SIM card

Regular SIMs take up space in devices that could be used for other features. This space issue led Apple to remove SIM card trays from iPhone 14 models in the US ^[2]. Other manufacturers will likely follow this trend.

eSIM technology works just like the NFC chip that powers payment systems like Apple Pay ^[3]. You can rewrite the information on an eSIM, and it's backed by the GSMA. This lets you switch carriers with a few taps in your settings.

Benefits of using eSIM for international travel

eSIMs offer big advantages for international travel. Most new smartphones can store eight or more eSIM profiles at once ^[4]. This helps frequent travelers stay connected in multiple countries without switching physical cards.

Your security improves with eSIMs. Nobody can remove them if your device gets lost or stolen, which reduces the risk of someone stealing your phone number for identity theft ^[2].

eSIMs also let you use two numbers at once. You can keep your home number active for important calls or verification codes while using a local eSIM for cheap data ^[4]. Most new devices work with two active eSIMs or one physical SIM with an eSIM ^[4].

The convenience factor matters a lot to travelers. You can buy and set up your international eSIM plan before your trip and activate it as soon as you land ^[2]. This saves you from hunting down a mobile store in a new place while dealing with jet lag.

How eSIMs save money on roaming charges

The money you save using eSIMs for international travel is significant. Major US carriers usually charge $10 per day for international roaming ^[2], which adds up fast during your trip.

eSIM services cost much less. One traveler paid just $7 for a gigabyte of data that lasted seven days in Canada ^[2]. You can get regional plans covering multiple countries for about $16-20 with 5GB ^[5] – much cheaper than roaming.

eSIM providers often use flat-rate pricing instead of charging by megabyte, which helps avoid surprise charges ^[6]. These prepaid plans make it easier to budget for your trip.

The cost benefits go beyond just travelers. eSIMs cost less to make than regular SIM cards - between $0.20-$0.50 compared to $2.50 for plastic cards with packaging and shipping ^[3]. As more people use eSIMs, prices might drop even more.

Travelers visiting multiple countries don't need separate physical SIMs anymore. Regional or global eSIM plans offer smooth connectivity across borders without the expense of buying country-specific cards.

Checking if Your Device Supports eSIM

You should check if your device works with eSIM before buying an international plan. eSIM technology now works on almost half of all smartphones worldwide. Most devices released after 2018 come with this feature ^[7].

Compatible smartphone models

More phones support eSIM as time goes by. Most premium and mid-range smartphones now come with this technology. Here's a list of devices that work with eSIM:

Apple Devices:

• iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max (2018 models)

• All iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series

• Recent iPad models with cellular connectivity

Samsung Devices:

• Galaxy S20/S21/S22/S23/S24 series

• Galaxy Note 20/Note 20 Ultra

• Galaxy Z Fold/Flip series

• Select A-series models (including A54)

Google Devices:

• Pixel 3 and newer (with some carrier restrictions)

• Pixel Fold

Other Manufacturers:

• Select models from Motorola, Huawei, Oppo, Sony, Xiaomi, and Honor

Important regional exceptions: iPhones sold in mainland China don't support eSIM functionality ^[8]. Hong Kong and Macao's iPhone models (except for iPhone 13 mini, 12 mini, SE 2020, and XS) use dual physical SIM cards instead of eSIM ^[9].

How to verify eSIM compatibility on your device

You can check if your device supports eSIM through these simple methods:

Universal Method (Check for EID):

1. Dial *#06# on your phone's keypad

2. Your device supports eSIM if you see an EID (Embedded Identity Document) number ^[10]

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings → General → About

2. Scroll down to view the "Carrier Lock" section

3. Look for "No SIM restrictions" if unlocked

4. An IMEI number under "Available SIM" or "Digital SIM" confirms eSIM compatibility ^[11]

For Samsung Users:

1. Navigate to Settings → Connections

2. Tap "SIM Card Manager"

3. Your device supports eSIM if you see "Add eSIM" as an option ^[11]

For Google Pixel Users:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet

2. Tap the + sign beside SIMs

3. The "Download a SIM instead?" option confirms eSIM support ^[11]

Your device must be carrier-unlocked to use an international eSIM. A locked device only works with your home carrier's services.

Options for travelers with non-compatible devices

Don't worry if your smartphone lacks eSIM support. Here are some alternatives:

Secondary Device Option: Buy a budget-friendly eSIM-compatible phone for travel. Use it as a mobile hotspot to connect your main device ^[12].

WiFi Calling: Most carriers let you make calls over WiFi. Keep your home SIM in airplane mode and activate WiFi calling to use your phone like you're at home ^[12].

Physical SIM Cards: Traditional travel SIMs are accessible to more people. They save you money on international roaming just like eSIMs, though they're not as convenient ^[12].

eSIM Adapters: Some companies sell physical adapters claiming to add eSIM support to incompatible phones. The reviews are mixed, and you can only use one profile at a time ^[13].

Note: Adapters don't actually turn your phone into an eSIM-compatible device - they just store eSIM profiles on a physical card ^[12].

eSIM technology is becoming the new standard, so checking your device's compatibility is crucial to tap into the potential of affordable international connectivity.

Choosing the Right International eSIM Plan

You need to balance your data needs with your budget to pick the right international eSIM plan. Check if your device works with eSIMs first. Then find a plan that gives you the coverage, data, and value you want.

Popular eSIM providers (Muzik Travel eSIM, Airalo eSIM, HolaFly eSIM)

Airalo and Holafly stand out as top choices for international travelers among many more providers.

Airalo lets you buy eSIMs in over 200 countries and regions worldwide. Budget-conscious travelers love this option ^[14]. The company works with local telecom companies around the world, which makes them a cost leader ^[15].

Holafly focuses on unlimited data plans. This works great if you want to stream videos or share lots of photos without watching your data usage ^[15][5]. They cover more than 190 countries ^[3], which is a bit less than Airalo's 211 countries ^[16].

Both companies give you stable connections through local mobile networks. Their pricing works differently though. Here's a simple rule - go with Holafly if you want unlimited data, but choose Airalo if you want to save money ^[16].

Regional vs. country-specific plans

Your travel plans will help you decide between country-specific or regional eSIM plans:

Country-specific eSIMs connect you to networks in just one country. Local carriers usually provide these ^[17]. These plans work best for long stays in one place or if you want local services at local prices ^[17].

Regional eSIMs work in multiple countries within an area. Airalo has six regional packages including Eurolink (Europe), Asialink (Asia), and Latamlink (Latin America) ^[14]. You won't need separate eSIMs when visiting different countries in the same region ^[14][17].

A Eurolink package makes more sense than buying separate eSIMs if you plan to visit several European countries ^[14].

Data allowance considerations

Look at how much data you usually use to pick your plan:

Light users check email, browse the web sometimes, and mostly use WiFi. They might need 1-2GB for two days or 7-14GB for two weeks ^[4]. They use about 0.5-1GB daily.

Moderate users spend time on social media, stream music for 1-2 hours, and make short video calls. They might need 4-8GB for four days or 14-28GB for two weeks ^[4]. Their daily use is 1-2GB.

Heavy users stay active on email and social media, stream music for 4+ hours, and make lots of video calls. They might need 12-20GB for four days ^[4]. They use 3-5GB+ daily.

Comparing prices and coverage

Providers price their plans differently. Airalo charges by the gigabyte (usually $4.50 for 1GB), but larger packages cost less per gigabyte ^[16]. Holafly charges by plan and gives unlimited data for set time periods ^[16].

Regional plans cost about $16-20 for 5GB of data across multiple countries ^[1]. You'll save a lot compared to regular roaming fees.

Price isn't everything - coverage quality matters too. The big providers have large global networks, but signal strength varies by location. Research how well providers work in your destination to get uninterrupted service.

Setting Up Your eSIM Before Your Trip

Setting up your international eSIM plan correctly will give you a stress-free travel experience. The timing of your eSIM setup plays a vital role - late installation could leave you without service, and early activation might waste your data plan.

Purchasing your eSIM online

Getting an international eSIM is simple. You can pick a provider like Airalo or Holafly and visit their website or use their app to check available plans. These providers have both regional and country-specific options that you can buy right away using your payment cards or digital wallets.

You should buy and install your eSIM 1-2 days before your trip. This timing matters because you need good internet to install it, but you should only activate it when you reach your destination. Most carriers let you buy prepaid plans ahead of time and activate them digitally later.

Step-by-step activation process

Your device type determines how you'll activate your eSIM:

For iPhones:

1. After purchase, you'll get a QR code in your email

2. Go to Settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan

3. Scan the QR code or choose "Enter Details Manually"

4. Follow on-screen prompts to complete setup

For Android devices:

1. Head to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (Samsung) or Network & Internet (Google)

2. Select "Add eSIM" or "Download new eSIM"

3. Choose between QR code, direct, or manual installation methods

Most providers' apps can install eSIMs directly without QR codes.

Testing your eSIM before departure

Check if your eSIM shows up correctly in your device settings after installation. Important: Install before your trip, but activate only at your destination. Early activation will start your plan's validity period too soon.

When you arrive, make your eSIM your data line in settings and turn on data roaming. Switch off Wi-Fi temporarily to test your cellular connection. This quick check ensures you'll have immediate service without searching for Wi-Fi at your destination.

Using Your eSIM While Traveling Abroad

Your eSIM activates the moment your plane touches down at your destination. You get instant access to local networks without searching for SIM vendors or WiFi hotspots. This seamless connection showcases one of the best benefits of using an eSIM when traveling internationally.

Managing dual SIM functionality

Dual SIM features let you keep your home number active for crucial texts and calls while your new eSIM handles data. Most devices need a quick settings adjustment to manage this setup. You can easily switch between eSIMs or assign specific functions to each. This flexibility gives you a great way to get verification codes or important calls from home without facing huge roaming charges ^[18].

Data-saving tips to maximize your plan

Here's how you can stretch your data plan:

• Use WiFi whenever you find it in hotels, cafes, and public spaces

• Turn off background app refreshes and automatic updates

• Save maps, music, and travel guides before you leave

• Lower your streaming quality settings to save data ^[19]

These simple steps help you stay connected throughout your trip without surprise charges or slowdowns.

Troubleshooting common connection issues

Here's what to do when connection problems pop up:

No signal? Switch airplane mode on and off to reset your network ^[20].

Slow speeds? Tourist areas often get congested – move to a quieter spot ^[20].

Connected but no internet? Android users should check their APN settings – some eSIMs need "globaldata" as the access point name ^[21].

Not connecting at all? Make sure data roaming is turned on for your eSIM profile ^[22].

Country-specific tips for Japan eSIM, China eSIM, and Singapore eSIM

China: International eSIMs bypass standard internet restrictions – access Google, Facebook, and other blocked sites without a VPN ^[23]. Set up your China eSIM before you leave since installation needs internet ^[23].

Japan: Japan eSIMs provide data service only, but WhatsApp works well for calls ^[24]. You can share data through hotspot to connect multiple devices ^[6].

Singapore: Singapore eSIMs connect right as you land ^[25]. Your home SIM can handle texts while the Singapore eSIM manages data – perfect when you need OTP verification codes ^[25].

Conclusion

eSIM technology turns the usual hassles of international connectivity into an uninterrupted experience. Travelers can now enjoy instant connectivity at substantially lower costs instead of paying high roaming fees or searching for local SIM cards. The option to keep home numbers active while using local data is a great way to get constant contact with family and receive important verification codes.

Your arrival stress disappears when you set up an eSIM before departure. The technology might look complex at first, but the simple installation process and complete troubleshooting options make eSIMs available to all travelers. Success comes from checking device compatibility, picking the right data plans, and finishing setup at home.

Smart preparation and management are vital for a smooth eSIM experience. The right choice between regional and country-specific plans, data needs, and provider coverage will give you reliable connectivity throughout your experience. eSIM technology offers worry-free travel when you combine it with practical data-saving strategies and simple troubleshooting knowledge.

eSIM adoption grows worldwide and shapes the future standard for international connectivity. Your connection stays strong with eSIM technology as you discover bustling Asian cities or unwind on European beaches, without the usual headaches of international roaming.

References

[1] - https://www.travellikeanna.com/pros-cons-of-esim-cards-for-travel/
[2] - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/23/technology/personaltech/esim-sim-cards-travel.html
[3] - https://vpnpro.com/best-esim-providers/airalo-vs-holafly/
[4] - https://esimscompare.com/how-much-data-do-you-need-estimating-your-esim-data-usage-for-traveling/
[5] - https://cybernews.com/best-esim-providers/holafly-vs-airalo/
[6] - https://tokyocheapo.com/business/internet/esim-japan-travel/
[7] - https://www.lifecycle-software.com/resources/esim-compatible-devices-list-2024
[8] - https://support.apple.com/en-us/118669
[9] - https://esim.holafly.com/how-to/esim-phones/
[10] - https://cellulardata.ubigi.com/ubigi-esim-compatible-devices/
[11] - https://www.airalo.com/blog/how-do-i-know-if-my-phone-supports-esim-technology
[12] - https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowTopic-g1-i12530-k14395315-o20-ESim_for_non_compatible_phones-Travel_Gadgets_and_Gear.html
[13] - https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12530-k14395315-ESim_for_non_compatible_phones-Travel_Gadgets_and_Gear.html
[14] - https://www.airalo.com/blog/how-to-use-regional-and-global-esims-for-international-travel?srsltid=AfmBOoqKAorTK2mdN6c9owBOAXX2k24gobaU6vmaK2pfkXei2Oo1NLGk
[15] - https://www.techradar.com/pro/best-esims-for-international-travel
[16] - https://www.monito.com/en/wiki/airalo-vs-holafly
[17] - https://www.pocketesim.com/en/blog/differences-between-regional-e-sim-and-country-specific-e-sim
[18] - https://www.mightytravels.com/2024/06/maximizing-your-travel-with-dual-sim-a-comprehensive-guide-to-international-roaming-in-2024/
[19] - https://tryajo.com/maximizing-data-usage-with-esims-tips-for-travelers/
[20] - https://tryajo.com/troubleshooting-common-esim-issues-during-travel/
[21] - https://zensim.com/blog/esim-troubleshooting-guide-how-to-fix-esim-connection-issues/
[22] - https://esim.minnano-rakuraku.com/important-information-and-guide-for-using-esim-in-japan/
[23] - https://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/asia/china/best-esim-cards-for-china
[24] - https://prepaidsim.cdjapan.co.jp/eSIM/article/17
[25] - https://www.traveltomtom.net/destinations/asia/singapore/best-esim-cards-for-singapore