5 Reasons Every International Traveler Needs an eSIM

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When it comes to putting together a fantastic international vacation, there will always be a setting up of the itinerary, booking things to do while there, and waiting until the day arrives to take off; however, there is one thing that can ruin all of your excitement by keeping you stressed, and that is how to stay connected after arriving in a foreign country to ensure you do not have any outrageous phone bill to pay when you return home. Traditionally, your only options were to pay a substantial amount of money each day to your mobile carrier for roaming charges or find a local store at the airport to purchase an inexpensive yet fragile SIM card. 

The good news is that with the evolution of technology, you can now get an eSIM for travel (embedded SIM). Using a travel eSIM allows you to download a cellular plan onto your device simply. If you haven't already switched over, below are five great reasons to consider getting an eSIM for international travel​ as part of your travel essentials for your next trip. 

Avoid High Roaming Fees:  

Roaming fees from traditional carriers are often incredibly high, and even worse than that, they can often be very unpredictable. You might not think about it, but every time there is an automatic app update or even a video stream that occurs while you are roaming, it could lead to a huge shock when you return home and get your bill. eSIM eliminates any burden that roaming could put on your travel. eSIMs for travel are prepaid, so you know exactly how much you're spending before you even leave. You buy a set amount of data (i.e. 5GB or 10GB) for a fixed dollar amount, then there is no chance of receiving a bill with hidden overage charges. 

Stay Connected as soon as you land: 

Think back to when you land in a new country. You need to find your hotel reservation, access Google Maps for directions, or book an Uber ride. When using an eSIM for international travel, you don't have to go into an airport in a different country and look for a mobile phone store or try to communicate with someone who speaks a different language. You will automatically be connected to a partner network in the country as soon as the plane lands. As soon as the aircraft wheels touch the ground, you will be connected and just about ready to go. 

How to Use eSIM for International Travel? 

Keep Your Home Number: You can keep the home phone number while you use a travel eSIM  

Activate at the airport or as soon as you land: All you need is Wi-Fi to activate eSIM, so no more looking around for a kiosk or hunting for stores in a new country.  

Prepaid plan: You can get a plan that works for your needs and renew as and when you want 

No-contract: Lyca Mobile comes with no contract, as well as no hidden fees 

No SIM swapping: eSIM is completely digital, so no more standing at an airport and struggling to swap SIMs 

How do eSIMs work for travel? 

In case you're unsure about how to use an eSIM abroad, the whole process is simple and easy! Below is your step-by-step guide on how to use eSIM for international travel: 

1. Determine compatibility: Ensure that, before you buy an eSIM, your smartphone is unlocked by your carrier and that it works with eSIM technology (iPhone, Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy smartphones manufactured after 2019 generally work perfectly). 

2. Buy and set up an eSIM before leaving home: Go to the website for the eSIM provider you've chosen and buy the eSIM plan you want to use while you are away. Once you have purchased the eSIM plan for the country in which you are going, a QR code will be sent to you. You will then scan the code and download the eSIM profile onto your smartphone. Once you have downloaded the profile, label it so that you can clearly identify it as the travel eSIM that you will use. 

3. Keep your main line active for usage while away: Turn on your home line before you leave on your trip, but go to your mobile settings and ensure that your primary number is still active (so you will receive important text messages and calls) while, at the same time turning off "Data Roaming" on your home line to avoid incurring additional charges using your home line while away. 

4. When you arrive at your destination, you will then go to your phone's cellular settings and turn on the new travel eSIM line. You will then set this new travel eSIM line as your primary cellular data line. 

Turn on "Data Roaming" for the travel eSIM line only.  

Before you pack your bag for the next trip, get yourself an eSIM to avoid higher roaming, long contracts and hidden fees.