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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.
What is an eSIM?
What exactly is an eSIM? In simplified terms, an eSIM (or embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that can be installed and activated directly on your phone, giving you access to data by connecting to local carriers.
eSIM vs SIM Cards
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.
What is an International eSIM?
It can be a huge headache to arrive somewhere unknown and not be able to access data. This is where an international eSIM comes into play. Unlike a physical SIM card, you can purchase your eSIM ahead of time directly on your device or instantly, with no paperwork or long queues. As soon as you land, all you need to do is activate it, and then you can get coverage with unlimited data worldwide using Holafly Travel eSIM.
Benefits of eSIM for Travel
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.
Conditions to Use an eSIM for Travel
Using an eSIM, as convenient as it is, has some prerequisites. Your phone must be unlocked, and they’re only compatible with select models. Newer iPhone, Samsung, and Google models, for the most part, are compatible. But to be sure, you can check the eSIM compatibility list.
How to Select and Purchase Your eSIM for Travel
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.
How to Install International eSIM for iPhone
It’s essential to have stable internet throughout this process. First, navigate to “Settings” in your phone, then “Cellular.” Select “Add eSIM” and then tap on “Use QR Code.” After your purchase, you receive an email with a QR code to install your eSIM. You’ll need to either print the QR code or access it from another device, like a computer, in order to use it on your phone. Now, scan the QR code.
As soon as you scan the QR code, the installation process will begin. Your screen will pop up with a step-by-step guide. You will first need to click “Continue” to begin, and you will then be asked to label your plan name. When it asks you which line you would like to use, select “Primary” as your default line. It will then ask about your iMessage number, and you will once again select “Primary.” These two steps are so you keep your original phone number. When the screen asks which Mobile Data line you’d like to use, select “Holafly” and keep “Allow Mobile Data Switching” turned off so you don’t accrue additional roaming charges.
How to Install Your Travel eSIM for Android
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].”
How to Activate Your eSIM on iPhone for International Travel
When you’re ready to begin using your eSIM, open “Settings” on your iPhone and select “Cellular.” From there, choose “Holafly” — which should already be there from the installation process. Scroll down until you see “Data Roaming,” and turn it on. If calls are included in your plan, you’ll want to tap on “Default voice line” and select Holafly as your default line.
And voilà! In a few easy steps, your eSIM will connect to the designated country’s local network that Holafly partners up with.
How to Activate Your Travel eSIM for Android
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.
International Data at Your Fingertips
Staying connected worldwide ensures we have control over our experiences and we are not left feeling isolated and insecure in unfamiliar territories where we may not even speak the language. The country we visit plays a huge role, and the potential ease of staying connected without any worries, such as dealing with physical SIM cards and paperwork, is truly a relief. Being able to access unlimited data with the Holafy eSIM is convenient for those who want to share their travel experiences with loved ones and stay connected without worrying about running out of data. Next to your passport, an international eSIM is the most crucial thing you can bring on your next international getaway.
