International Travel eSIM: The Gateway To Worldwide Connectivity Without Your Carrier's Roaming Fees

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Whether it's a camera, a GPS, or simply a way to stay connected, there's no denying that our cell phones are multifaceted tools that create a greater sense of security when traveling abroad. Yet, staying connected when traveling can feel confusing. Reliable WiFi is oftentimes not so reliable, carriers sneak in extra roaming fees, and installing physical SIM cards sometimes requires changing our actual phone numbers.

Now, thanks to advancements in connectivity technology, if you have an eSIM-compatible phone, your device can utilize eSIM features and stay connected worldwide without the burden of roaming charges or reliance on physical SIM cards. Let's delve deeper into the advancements of eSIM technology for travelers.

Despite providing the same purpose, there is one key difference between eSIM and SIM cards — convenience. SIM cards are small chips that are inserted into cell phones and allow users to access data. They require a physical purchase and installation, which can sometimes take days to activate. An eSIM, on the other hand, is a virtual SIM card that is used to access data, like internet browsing, texting, and calling, and can be activated with the push of a button.

An international eSIM is a secure and cost-effective way to stay connected without hassles. Purchase, activate, and manage everything right from your device using the eSIM app, with no need for physical attachments or maintenance.

Not only will you be able to stay in touch with your loved ones back home, but you can search for restaurants and attractions nearby and utilize map apps to help navigate around a foreign city. Plus, recovering your information (should your phone get lost or stolen) is said to be less of a hassle with an eSIM.

An obvious benefit is the cost savings compared to local carriers with physical SIM cards. Most carriers offer an international data plan, but the price point seldom makes sense. Verizon, for example, offers a TravelPlan at $10 per day for roaming with limitations. Holafly, on the other hand, offers unlimited data in select nations for as low as 1.2 euros per day, eSIMS eliminate the need for traditional plastic SIM cards, ensuring that you will be able to focus on your experience and not paperwork to stay connected during your adventure. And because of the reduced waste, you'll also be reducing the damage of physical SIM cards, promoting more ecological and sustainable technology.

When confirming your phone's eligibility, simply select from the 180+ covered countries under Holafly to match the one you're traveling to. From there, choose the data plan that best matches the number of days you're traveling.

If you are planning a regional trip, whether in Europe, the Americas, or Asia, most regions are also covered with unlimited data. So, make sure to check the specifications. Since you're using the eSIM, you won't need to select and pay for each destination separately, and you will be able to get ample coverage for the entire region at the same cost. Thus, if you are an avid traveler, this offers huge savings in both time and money.

Once your purchase has been made, you'll need to install and activate your eSIM. It's important to note that you'll want to install your eSIM before your trip — and save the activation for when you reach your destination.

For Android users, installing your eSIM is just as easy. You'll want to ensure your internet is stable before beginning. First, go to "Settings" and then hit "Connections." From there, select "SIM manager." This will take you to your installation options. Then, select "Add eSIM" to initiate the installation process. From there, you will see the option: "Scan QR Code from service provider."

Head to the QR code that was sent to your email after purchase, and scan it with your phone. (Note that, similar to iPhone activation, you'll need to either print the QR code or access it from your computer or another device in order to scan it on your phone.)

Once connected, hit "Add" to add the eSIM to your phone. You can change the name of your eSIM by tapping on it in the SIM Manager and selecting the option that says "Name." Holafly recommends naming your eSIM "Holafly + [name of location]."

Similar to iPhone users, you'll want to wait until you get to your destination before activating. First, head to "Settings," tap "Connections," then "SIM manager." Under "Preferred SIMs," hit "Mobile data" and select "Holafly" as default. If your plan includes calls, select "Calls" right above it under the Preferred SIMs section, and hit "Holafly" as well.

While here, deactivate your main SIM ("SIM 1") to prevent additional roaming charges. Then, head back to "Connections," tap "Mobile networks," and select the "Data Roaming" option. Ta-da! You are now activated.