Navigating the World with eSIMs: A Traveler's Guide to Staying Connected
Are you tired of exorbitant roaming charges when traveling abroad? On my last trip that would have been $225+. I paid a one-time $35 instead - this post explains how.
Are you tired of exorbitant roaming charges when traveling abroad? Look no further than eSIMs for a cost-effective and convenient solution. As recommended to me by a friend, I recently added a global eSIM to my phone (in addition to my regular SIM card) and haven't looked back since. Not only did it save me a significant amount of money compared to roaming with my Canadian provider1, but it also provided hassle-free connectivity across various destinations in South America. Handy for live access to maps, staying in touch with friends, looking up local restaurants, etc. I’m hooked and planning to do this again for future trips. If you're considering making the switch, this post will share everything you need to know, along with some essential tips to ensure your iPhone doesn't eat up too much data while you’re traveling.
What are eSIMs?
eSIMs, or embedded SIMs, are virtual SIM cards embedded directly into compatible devices, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. They offer the flexibility to switch between different mobile carriers without swapping out physical cards, making them ideal for travelers seeking seamless connectivity across borders. You don’t need to buy a local physical SIM card on arrival, but instead you can set everything up before you leave using an app on your phone.
Benefits of Using eSIMs for Traveling:
Cost-Effective: Avoid hefty roaming charges by opting for local or global eSIM plans tailored to your travel needs.
Convenience: No more hunting for local SIM cards or dealing with the hassle of swapping them out (and risking of losing one or the other). Activate eSIMs on-the-go and enjoy instant connectivity.
Flexibility: Switch between different carriers and plans easily, depending on your location and data requirements.
Selecting the right eSIM for your trip
Click here to see eSIM cards offered by Airalo, the provider I used for my last trip. There’s a lot (!) of providers out there, but these guys have 10 million+ users as well as a large international offer. I selected a Global card that works worldwide, but they have individual countries and regions available too, which can be cheaper than a Global eSIM (it wasn’t in my case as I visited several countries).
The installation process was a bit finicky but fairly straightforward. I recommend to do this from home, before you leave, while you still have access to a strong WiFi or cellphone signal to activate your virtual SIM card.
Essential Tips for Managing Data Usage
At home, your iPhone likely uses quite a bit of data (mine does), which is fine as your plan likely allows for it. Depending on how much you’d like to spend, eSIM plans usually have less data available as you would at home. To ensure your iPhone doesn't use up too much data unexpectedly while traveling with an eSIM, follow these simple steps:
Turn Off Wi-Fi Assist: Prevent your device from automatically switching to cellular data when Wi-Fi connectivity is poor or weak.
Go to Settings > Cellular > Wi-Fi Assist, and toggle it off.Adjust Data Mode: Optimize data usage by selecting the Low Data mode in eSIM settings.
After activating the eSIM, navigate to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode, and choose Low Data.
Stay Connected with Me!
As someone who values staying connected while exploring the world, I'm here to help you make the most of your travel experience. Have questions about eSIMs or looking for more travel tips? Don't hesitate to reach out! Text me at 604-210-8668 – I'm available and look forward to staying in touch.
I hope you’ll enjoy the freedom and convenience of eSIMs for your trip abroad. Say goodbye to bill shock and hello to seamless connectivity wherever you go. With the right eSIM plan and a few data-saving tricks up your sleeve, you can stay connected without breaking the bank. Bon voyage!
Rogers would have charged me $15 per day of international travel. On my last trip that would have been $225+. I paid a one-time $35 instead for the entire trip using a Global eSIM from Airalo, this got me a month of global access and 5GB of data, which was more than enough for my needs (I only used 1GB).