Electronic SIMs are the easiest way to extend your cellphone plan while abroad.
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At their most basic, eSIMs allow international travelers to purchase data plans for the duration of their trip. Think of them like temporary and fully digitized versions of a standard physical SIM.
To purchase an eSIM, all you need to do is find a provider that you like and then shop around for plans based on the countries you’ll be traveling to. You can select one that offers the right amount of data for your needs, whether you want to stream videos while remote or simply use Google Maps to get around a city.
It’s really that easy.
That being said, the world of eSIMs is new to most travelers.
I remember having more than a few questions when I first started exploring eSIM providers and data plans. Now that I’ve been using the same provider, Airalo, for a few years, I’ve gotten the hang of things.
Want to take an inside look at how eSIMs work? Let me take you on a tour of Airalo, my preferred eSIM provider.
Meet Airalo
I consider Airalo a great eSIM provider for three reasons:
- The platform makes it easy for users to explore all available eSIM plans, demystifying the whole process
- The platform offers a wide range of plans that work in dozens of countries around the world; there’s an option for everyone
- The platform is easy to use thanks to its user-oriented design, which is ideal for anyone easily confused by technology
Aside from its comprehensive breakdown of eSIM plans and its range of offerings, Airalo is also one of the world’s most popular and trusted eSIM brands with a whopping user base of 10 million travelers.
Oh, and it’s affordable. Super affordable.
How to shop for eSIMs on Airalo
I can’t emphasize this enough: I like Airalo because it’s easy to use.
You can start shopping for eSIM plans using a browser or by downloading its mobile app. (You must download the app to start using your eSIM, so might as well start there.)
From there, you can start searching for plans that suit your needs. The main categories that you need to consider are geographic location and plan features.
- First, choose from local, regional, or global eSIMs. Most travelers buy plans based on a country, ie ‘local’.
- Second, choose from eSIM plans that include only data or data, calls, and texts. Most travelers select plans that cover data only, as apps like WhatsApp let you make phone calls and send texts with Wi-Fi.
You can sift through dozens of options that fit your geographic and data needs. Some plans are as cheap as a few dollars.
But even the platform’s most extensive plans won’t cost you an arm and a leg. For example, one of Airalo’s most comprehensive eSIM plans is its Discover+ eSIM which is valid for a year and includes cell service in 136 countries, 20 GB of data, 200 minutes of calls, and 200 SMS texts.
The bill? $92.50.
How to enable eSIMs on Airalo
- Choose your destination and package, then pay for the plan
- The plan will automatically be installed via the Airalo app—no fussing needed
- After the eSIM is installed, it must be activated; wait until you’ve arrived at your destination to activate the eSIM
- After arrival, head to your smartphone’s ‘Settings’, then to ‘Cellular’, then to ‘Cellular data’. There, you’ll see your Airalo eSIM ready for activation
- When your trip ends and you’ve returned home, head to the same Settings to re-activate your normal data plan