Travel eSIMs: How to Save on Roaming Charges?

Travel eSIMs: Introduction

Travel eSIMs: I used one of these during my travels to save money on roaming charges, especially now that most people rely on WhatsApp and other data-based calling apps abroad. Is your mobile phone eSIM compatible? (hint: most modern phones are). This is what i use to save 100’s on roaming charges.

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Initially on my first trip to Asia I opted for a data only eSim to use in the Philippines and my UK network SIM card remained safe and secure in my phone at all times.

Mobile data was also particularly important in dense urban areas such as Tokyo, where I relied on it constantly while exploring Hotel Indigo in Shibuya.

If you dread the thought of a huge cell phone/mobile bill after your holiday, I bought an travel eSIM, its a data only eSim that can last up to 30 days or longer depending on the load country, it can be topped up before it expires and still has the ability to use WhatsApp, email, social media but without calls/vmail function on your usual number..

I simply change the settings to the eSIM digitally inside the handset.

Why I use a Travel eSIM instead of a physical SIM, you then have to keep your physical plastic SIM card for your home network safe and not lose it.

Reliable mobile data became essential while navigating Japan’s rail network, particularly when following route planning, station information, and ticket guidance covered in my Japan Rail Pass guide, which also explains where and how to buy the pass in advance of arrival in Japan.

How Travel eSIMs Work on Your Phone:

• Before you travel:
  • Check if your phone supports eSIM.
  • Find an eSIM provider that offers plans in the countries & regions you’ll be visiting. 
  • Purchase an eSIM plan before you leave your home country and also activate it.
  • Your handset does not use any eSIM data or credit until you arrive at your destination and connect to a local network.
  • An eSIM is usually only valid to be installed once but you can buy many.

What To Do On Arrival

• When you arrive at your destination:
  • Turn off Airplane Mode.
  • Follow the instructions from your eSIM provider to activate the plan on your phone.
  • Make sure that your phone is using the eSIM for data or data/calls/sms.

• During your trip:
  • Use your phone as you normally would.
  • If you have a data only plan, you will NOT get any SMS/Calls on your usual number.
  • If you are using a data only plan, you can use WhatsApp Messaging/Calls and FaceTime.
  • If you need to top up the data or bundles during your trip, this is really easy to do also.
  • Be aware of any data usage limits that may apply to your home country plan if you have not correctly connected the eSIM.
• When you return home:
  • Turn off Airplane Mode
  • Go into your phone settings SIM Card Manager and switch back to the physical SIM card.
  • Your phone will reconnect to your network and you will receive SMS/missed calls at this point.
  • You can leave your eSIM plan on your handset, especially useful if returning to that destination.
  • Any leftover credit/data will simply expire after the allotted time prescribed or topped up for your next trip.