What really amazes me, though, is how many travelers — even those who travel frequently and are generally savvy — aren’t using eSIMs for data while abroad.
Gone are the days of landing in a foreign country and stopping at a booth in the airport to secure a SIM card that may or may not work as advertised. Now, travelers can usually buy and install an eSIM for their destination before leaving home.
Although the process of installing an eSIM may be confusing the first time you do it, providers like Airalo provide easy-to-follow instructions.
ESIMs typically provide a set amount of data that can be used over a fixed period. But, in some regions and with some providers, you can also find eSIMs with unlimited data or that include some calling and texting.
If you have a plan that includes data and texting while abroad (such as some T-Mobile plans), then you likely don’t need an eSIM. However, if you normally keep your phone in airplane mode or pay for day passes with your carrier, consider trying an eSIM on your next trip.
I use a physical Google Fi SIM for texting and calls, but alternate between Airalo and GigSky eSIMs for data. To learn more, check out the following stories:
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