For most of us, a well-planned international vacation is the perfect opportunity to limit screen time and fully immerse ourselves in a new culture. However, even though you might be spending less time mindlessly scrolling and more time exploring a beautiful new city, you’ll likely still rely on your phone to navigate, make impromptu travel decisions, and stay in touch with friends and family.
In the past, travelers visiting countries with different SIM technology needed to purchase a physical SIM card in-destination. However, those days are behind us. Many countries have migrated to electronic SIMs, eliminating the need for physical cards.
Over a recent trip to Costa Rica, I took the time to set up an eSIM provided by Airalo on my iPhone before landing. I was impressed by the budget-friendly plan and reliable connectivity during my entire stay.
If you’re weighing the option of using an eSIM during your next international trip, here’s the 411: compatibility, cost, setup, and more.
Compatibiility
For an eSIM to work on your smartphone, your device likely needs to have an electronic SIM slot, introduced roughly five years ago. Some late-generation smartphones, like iPhone and Pixel models, even feature dual eSIMs, allowing you to maintain different numbers in different countries.
Make sure, however, that your phone is free of carrier locks, ensuring full use of the eSIM capabilities.
Additional Tips
Before switching providers or purchasing an eSIM for an international trip, familiarize yourself with the process of unlocking your phone per your carrier’s guidelines or recommendations by Consumer Reports. Contact AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon support directly for assistance if needed.
Furthermore, for a seamless eSIM installation, ensure your phone’s electronic SIM capability is compatible with your current model by checking the manufacturer’s guidelines beforehand.
How Much Data Do I Need?
Most international eSIM data plans are prepaid, so the amount of data you should purchase depends on how much you expect to be using your smartphone while traveling and which apps you plan to use the most. And Airalo is just one of the eSIM options you can purchase online to avoid wandering around your first day in a new country trying to buy a physical SIM card. AloSIM and Airhub are two other popular choices for travelers.
