When you travel abroad, having reliable internet access is essential for staying connected, getting information, and enjoying your trip.

However, finding a good way to get online can be challenging and costly.

You may have to deal with expensive roaming fees, or unreliable / limited / unsecure free wifi.

That’s why I recommend using eSIM data plan, a technology that lets you access the internet with your own mobile phone.

• eSIM data plan is easy to use, affordable, and flexible.
• But how does it work and what are the benefits?
• And how can you find the best eSIM data plan for your travel preferences and budget?

In this article, I will answer these questions and share with you my personal experience with eSIM data plan.

I have used many different methods to get online when traveling internationally, and eSIM data plan is one of the best solutions I have discovered. Keep reading to learn more.

What is eSIM and How Does It Work?

eSIM is a technology that allows you to use your mobile phone without a physical sim card. You know the one that you have to install in your phone with a paperclip?

eSIM stands for Embedded Subscriber Identity Module or Electronic Subscriber Identity Module, and it is a small chip that is built into your phone.

eSIM stores your mobile plan information and lets you switch between different carriers and plans without changing your sim card.

eSIM is a great option for travelers, as it lets you connect to local networks as soon as you land without paying roaming fees or looking for a physical local sim card.

To use eSIM, you need a compatible phone and a carrier that supports eSIM.

You can find out if your phone supports eSIM by doing this: 

1. Call *#06# and look at your screen.
2. If you see an EID number, your phone is eSIM-ready. 
3. Or, you can go to Settings and check your phone’s info. Look for About or Status, or search for “IMEI” in Settings. Tap on “IMEI information” or something like that. If you see “IMEI (eSIM),” your phone can use eSIM.

IMEI stands for: International Mobile Equipment Identity.

The Benefits of eSIM for Travelers

So far, I have tried 3 types of eSIM applications and they are all cost-effective, convenient, have good coverage and are easy to use.

• Cost-effective: eSIM can be more affordable than local SIM cards or mobile hotspots in some cases as it lets you access local networks and avoid roaming charges.
• Convenient: eSIM can be ready to use before you take off, so you don’t have to waste time and energy looking for a local SIM card.
• Coverage: Some eSIM providers have networks in over 200+ countries, so you can stay connected wherever you go.

Easy to use: Some eSIM providers make it easy to install and configure your phone. You can also monitor your data consumption and add more if needed.

The Challenges of eSIM for Travelers

Now we know eSIM is a digital sim card that lets you activate a mobile plan without using a physical sim card. 

To use eSIM, you need two things: a device that supports eSIM and a carrier that offers eSIM plans. 

Many countries and regions, such as the USA, Canada, and Europe, have carriers that support eSIM. 

However, if you are from mainland China and you want to travel abroad and use eSIM on your iPhone, you are out of luck. eSIM is not available for iPhones sold in mainland China. You will have to use a physical sim card instead.

If you are from Hong Kong or Macao, you may be able to use eSIM on your iPhone, but only on certain models. You should check your iPhone model and see if it has eSIM capability.

How to Get an eSIM for Your Phone

As simple as scanning a QR code, downloading an app, or using a website. Once activated, you can manage your eSIM settings from your phone’s menu.

How to Choose the Best eSIM Data Plan for Your Travel Needs

Simple. I would always choose the best prices for my data pack.

Please, try for yourself directly in the Airalo box below or on the website of the other eSIM provider: Breezesim.com

I used T-Mobile Prepaid eSIM as my first eSIM when I went to New-York. The app was not user-friendly. It asked me for a zip code, but I’m from Canada. I think other travelers would face the same issue. I picked a random zip code and got my data. I was not happy with that app. I did not include it in the table because it only works in the USA.

Breeze eSIM is a reliable and convenient option for travelers. They have a wide coverage of over 150 countries and 245 mobile networks. They also have a dedicated support team that is available 24/7 to help you. I found that one a while after my trip to NY.

Airalo eSIM is a great choice for travelers who want to save money and stay connected. They offer the most competitive rates in most destinations. They have a loyal customer base of over 5 million people around the world (according to their website) They also have a referral program that rewards you and your travel companions. If you share your referral code with each other, you can get 3$ off your eSIM purchase.

Factors to Consider When Comparing eSIM Data Plans

Data / Calls / Texts (voice) plan or Data plan only. 

Voice minutes are not included in most travel eSIMs. They only provide data. This is fine for me, as I usually use WhatsApp to chat when I travel. If I have to make a phone call, I use Skype with my data plan. In Portugal, even lawyers communicated with WhatsApp!

However, Airalo eSIMs have some options that include voice, text and calls along with data. You can also find those plans  in the Discover+ Global eSIM. 

So keep in mind that if you use a data plan only from any eSIM provider you will not receive text msg , unless someone texts you via whatsapp, messenger, signal or any other app of this kind.

The Top eSIM Data Plan Providers for 200+ Countries

If you are looking for an eSIM data plan provider that covers most of the world, you should consider Airalo. 

Airalo is one of the leading eSIM data plan providers, with over 5 million customers worldwide. 

They offer both voice and data plans, so you can make calls and access the internet wherever you go. 

Airalo has a variety of plans to suit your travel needs and budget, from regional bundles to global passes. 

Airalo is easy to use, affordable, and flexible. That’s why they are at the top of my list.

How to Activate and Manage Your eSIM Data Plan

Sign up is free on the website first and then you’ll have direct access to download the app.

Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your eSIM Data Plan Experience

How to Save Data and Avoid Roaming Charges with eSIM

• Choose the right eSIM data plan for your travel needs and budget. Compare different providers and plans and look for the best value and coverage. You can use online platforms and apps like [Airalo], [Breeze], or [Surfroam] to find and buy eSIM data plans for over 200 countries.

• Monitor your data usage and top up if needed. You can check your data usage from your phone’s settings or from the provider’s app or website. You can also set up alerts or limits to avoid exceeding your data allowance. If you need more data, you can easily top up your eSIM data plan online or through the app.

• Use wifi whenever possible and turn off mobile data when not needed. You can save your data for when you really need it by using wifi networks when available. You can also turn off your mobile data when you are not using your phone or when you are in areas with poor network coverage. This can also help you save battery life.

• Adjust your phone’s settings and apps to reduce data usage. You can change your phone’s settings to limit background data, sync, and updates. You can also use data-saving modes or features on your apps, such as low-quality streaming, offline mode, or compression. You can also disable or uninstall apps that you don’t need or use.

How to Switch Between eSIM and Physical Sim Cards

• To switch between different eSIM plans or carriers, you need to go to your phone’s settings and select the eSIM profile that you want to use. You can also add, remove, or edit your eSIM profiles from your phone’s settings. You may need to scan a QR code, download an app, or use a website to activate your eSIM plan or carrier. It’s very easy.

• To use both eSIM and physical sim cards on your phone, you need to have a phone that supports dual sim. We are almost at the end of the article, I hope you know by now how to verify if your phone supports dual SIM. You can also go to your phone’s settings and look for the sim manager or sim card options. You can choose which sim card to use for calls, messages, and data. You can also switch between sim cards or use both sim cards at the same time.

How to Troubleshoot Common eSIM Issues

• eSIM not working or not recognized. If your eSIM is not working or not recognized by your phone, you may need to check your phone’s compatibility, update your phone’s software, restart your phone, or reset your network settings. You may also need to contact your eSIM provider or carrier and check your eSIM activation status, plan validity, or network coverage.

• eSIM locked or blocked. If your eSIM is locked or blocked by your phone, you may need to enter a PIN or PUK code to unlock it. You can find your PIN or PUK code from your eSIM provider or carrier, or from the confirmation email or message that you received when you activated your eSIM. You can also change or disable your PIN or PUK code from your phone’s settings.

• eSIM data not working or slow. If your eSIM data is not working or slow, you may need to check your data usage, data allowance, or data settings. You may also need to check your network coverage, signal strength, or network mode. You can also try to switch to another eSIM plan or carrier, or use a physical sim card instead.

Conclusion: Why eSIM Data Plan is the Future of Travel Connectivity

In this article, we have discussed the advantages of eSIM data plan over other options.

• eSIM data plan is a technology that allows you to use your mobile phone without a physical sim card. It can be very convenient and cost-effective for travelers, as it lets you access local networks and avoid roaming charges.

• Airalo is one of the leading eSIM data plan providers, with over 5 million customers worldwide. They offer both voice and data plans, so you can make calls and access the internet wherever you go.

• Airalo has a variety of plans to suit your travel needs and budget, from regional bundles to global passes. Airalo is easy to use, affordable, and flexible. That’s why they are at the top of this list.

The Advantages of eSIM Data Plan over Other Options

eSIM data plan has many advantages over other options for getting online when traveling internationally. Some of these advantages are:

• eSIM data plan is easy to use. You can activate your eSIM data plan by scanning a QR code, downloading an app, or using a website. You don’t need to change your sim card or buy a new one.

• eSIM data plan is affordable. You can find and compare different providers and plans and choose the best value and coverage for your travel needs and budget. You can also avoid paying expensive roaming fees or buying multiple sim cards.

• eSIM data plan is flexible. You can switch between different eSIM plans or carriers without changing your sim card. You can also use both eSIM and physical sim cards on your phone, if your phone supports dual sim. You can also top up your eSIM data plan online or through the app if you need more data.

• Airalo is one of the best eSIM data plan providers, as they offer the most competitive rates in most destinations. They also have a wide coverage of over 200 countries and 245 mobile networks. They also have a dedicated support team that is available 24/7 to help you.

The Future Trends and Developments of eSIM Technology

• eSIM technology is still evolving and improving. There are many trends and developments that will shape the future of eSIM technology. Some of these trends and developments are:

• eSIM technology will become more widely available and compatible. More devices and carriers will support eSIM technology, making it more accessible and convenient for consumers. eSIM technology will also become more standardized and interoperable, making it easier to switch between different providers and plans.

• eSIM technology will enable more innovation and personalization. eSIM technology will allow more customization and optimization of mobile services, such as dynamic pricing, tailored offers, and seamless connectivity. eSIM technology will also enable more integration and collaboration of mobile services, such as e-commerce, e-health, and e-government.

• eSIM technology will enhance the security and privacy of mobile users.

• eSIM technology will provide more protection and control of mobile data and identity, such as encryption, authentication, and consent. eSIM technology will also reduce the risk and impact of sim card theft, loss, or damage.

Airalo is one of the most innovative and forward-thinking eSIM data plan providers, as they are constantly developing and improving their products and services. They also partner with other companies and organizations to offer more value and benefits to their customers.

Airalo Discount Code

Grab your January promo codes from Airalo

When you sign up to Airalo, you can earn a $3 credit if you use the code DAVID7013. Signing up is free and you can use the credit towards any eSIM purchase for your future travels. SOURCE

Airalo has prepared special promo codes for the month of January.

Promo code: FEB15

The promotion is limited to the first 10000 redemptions.

The promotion is valid from 2024-02-01 until 2024-02-29. The promotion might stop sooner if the maximum number of redemptions is reached before the end date.

With this promo code, you can offer new users a 15% discount for one booking made on the Airalo site or app. The maximum discount any new user can get is $100. Read more about the promo code terms of usage here.

I hope this article was clear and you learned something. If you are interested you can read 8 Reasons To Travel The World.  Meanwhile I will wish you a safe and happy travel.