Here is a basic understanding of travel eSIMs.
An eSIM replaces purchasing a new physical pre-paid SIM card for local use at your destination. You will not need to buy or replace the SIM card on your phone when you arrive at your destination. You can leave your current SIM card on your device to avoid losing it.
Airalo is one reliable global eSim provider. Click here to view data rates.
eSIMs are predominantly data only; you will not get a local number. This is very common nowadays, with most eSIM companies only supporting data-only eSIMs.
You can make voice and video calls and send messages via popular Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. Your WhatsApp account will still be active; no new account is needed.
First, you must check that your phone is compatible with an eSIM. Most modern iPhones 11 and above will be compatible, and some iPhone X models will be compatible. This is a list compiled by www.WhistleOut.com.au
Purchasing an eSIM is simple. Once you've discovered a plan that suits your requirements and budget, a QR Code is usually instantly emailed and will guide you through the setup process. eSIM companies generally offer deals for 7 days, 12 days, and 30 days with different GB data options. The more GB you require, the more expensive an eSIM plan will be. Remember, you'll most likely have access to free Wi-Fi at hotels and other accommodations when travelling. For example, using free Wi-Fi at home will not affect your GB data use, so you may not use as much data as you think, but everyone will have different requirements.
You can install and set up your eSIM before you leave home. However, it's automatically activated only when you connect with a local network at your destination. So, if you purchase a 7-day eSIM plan three weeks before you depart, your GB use and 7 days only start when you arrive on holiday, not when you purchase it or set it up.
Once installed, your phone will now show 2 SIMs under Settings > Mobile. Your Primary SIM will show your normal mobile number. Your new eSIM can be named Travel or Business, etc. Here, in the image on the right, you can see I've named my eSIM "Travel". You can also see that the Primary SIM is turned on and the "Travel" eSIM is turned off. Once you arrive at your destination, turn your Primary SIM off and turn your Travel eSIM on. Your phone will then automatically connect to a local network, and your eSIM contract will begin. It's that simple.
You will no longer receive calls or texts from your primary mobile number, incurring costly international roaming charges. Your phone will operate off the data and conditions of the eSIM. However, you can still easily make calls and messages to family and friends through Apps such as WhatsApp and Messenger.
I'd highly recommend you download and register with WhatsApp. It's free, and more and more tour operators, accommodation providers, and restaurants worldwide are using WhatsApp for communication. If you register for WhatsApp with your Primary mobile number in your home country, you'll use this number for all your travel needs in any country. When providing your WhatsApp number to tour and accommodation providers, remember to include your country code, e.g. Australians will need to include +61 in front of their mobile number.
HOT TIP INSTALLING AN eSIM
Trust me, this tip will save you enormous frustration
Once you have purchased your eSIM plan, you'll receive the QR Code in an email, which you need to scan to set up and activate.
So, if you open the email on your phone, how can you scan the QR code from the same phone on which you received the QR code? The fact is, you can't, and many people get caught up and frustrated. So here are two easy ways to scan the code for eSIM set-up.
Open the email on a desktop, laptop, or iPad and then scan the QR code from the phone on which you plan to set up the eSIM.
If that's not an option and you don't have access to another device to open the email, open the email on your phone, clearly displaying the QR code. Then, have a friend or family member take a photo of the QR Code from your phone. Then, scan the QR code from the image off their phone to begin setup and activation.
More details and recommendations on eSIM products can be found on the WhistleOut
website found HERE (We have no affiliation with WhistleOut, but find their information very good)
Note this blog includes affiliate marketing links
About the Author
The author of this blog, unless otherwise noted, has no affiliation with any property or business linked in this article. Unless otherwise noted, there is no free accommodation or payment from any businesses. The information contained in this blog is strictly the views of the author and not professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism professional with over 30 years of experience in international hotel management, global travel, short-term rental management and a tourism awards judge specialising in accommodation and attractions.
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