How to buy, activate iPhone's eSIM for international travel without roaming fee: A complete guide (2024)

FAQs

How to buy, activate iPhone's eSIM for international travel without roaming fee: A complete guide? ›

Unlike your carrier back home, we'll never make you pay roaming charges. We want your aloSIM plan to be free to “roam” so that we can keep you connected on the best possible local network, no matter where your travels take you. And since all of our eSIM plans are 100% prepaid, there's never anything to worry about.

Unlike your carrier back home, we'll never make you pay roaming charges. We want your aloSIM plan to be free to “roam” so that we can keep you connected on the best possible local network, no matter where your travels take you. And since all of our eSIM plans are 100% prepaid, there's never anything to worry about.

On your iPhone, go to “Settings” then “Cellular” (sometimes called “Network”), select your primary SIM, and make sure “Data Roaming” is OFF.

You do not have to physically activate the international roaming pack for your eSIM. As soon as you reach your destination, the pack will be activated.

Many carriers offer prepaid plan options that you can purchase from the carriers' websites or apps before you arrive, or in person after arrival, through a carrier kiosk at the airport, carrier store, or other location. Carriers will provide steps to activate your eSIM digitally, like with a QR code or carrier app.

Yes, it's recommended to install your eSIM 1-2 days before you leave to ensure you're ready to connect as soon as you arrive at your destination. When should I activate my eSIM? You should activate your eSIM upon arrival at your destination to avoid any connectivity issues and roaming charges.

If you want to skip additional charges altogether, you can leave your phone on airplane mode for the entire trip. The good news is that today so many communication apps operate over Wi-Fi that you may not even miss having cellular data. For iPhone users, iMessage operates on Wi-Fi anywhere in the world.

When you're using aloSIM, your eSIM should have roaming "ON." That's because you want aloSIM to make sure you're connected to great local networks wherever you're traveling.

How do I activate eSIM on my iPhone overseas? ›

International Roaming vs Travel eSIMs: Cost

Travel eSIMs, on the other hand, provide users with the option to get data and connectivity at much cheaper, near-local rates. In fact, there are times where getting a travel eSIM could actually be cheaper than getting a local tourist SIM card.

Purchase a prepaid data eSIM from a worldwide service provider. Many worldwide service providers offer prepaid data plans. These plans allow you to stay connected in over 190 countries and regions when you travel. Service providers offer plans that differ in terms of the amount of data and duration.

You can buy eSIM online in a web store, just like you'd do any other online shopping. Or you can download an eSIM app and shop there, if you'd prefer.

The basic eSIM Card plan costs $4 weekly, offering 1 GB of global data. The 3 GB plan is $12 monthly for those needing more data. Moreover, the 5 GB and 10 GB plans are available at $19 and $34 per month, respectively. For heavy data users, eSIM Card provides a 20 GB plan at $60 monthly.

Your eSIM will activate upon installation or when you connect to a mobile network at your destination. All you need to do is turn on your eSIM line and data roaming (don't worry, you won't be charged a roaming fee) when you arrive.

After arrival: open Settings. Tap Mobile or Mobile Data. Then: If your device has a single SIM card or eSIM, turn on Mobile Data, then tap Mobile Data Options, turn on Data Roaming and other settings suggested by your network provider.

Changing devices might not be straightforward

If you are using an eSIM and you need to change phones, chances are that you will need to contact your local provider to enquire how to transfer your eSIM. While Android and iOS have eSIM transfer tools, not all carriers allow an eSIM transfer.

No Extra Fee for the eSIM: The eSIM comes pre-installed in your device, so you don't have to pay an extra fee for it. No Additional Charges for the eSIM App: You don't have to pay to download an eSIM app for your device.