Many travellers have returned home to shocking phone bills, caused by unexpected roaming charges while abroad. Fortunately, with the rise of travel eSIM technology, it’s now easier than ever to avoid these fees altogether. In this article, we’ll explore how you can use a travel eSIM to sidestep roaming charges and stay connected on your next trip.

What is Roaming and Why Does it Cost So Much?

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When you travel abroad and continue using your home carrier’s network, you’re "roaming." Roaming allows you to make calls, send texts, and use data on foreign networks, but your home carrier often charges extra fees for this service. The cost can escalate quickly, especially for data usage, leading to large phone bills after even short trips. This is where a travel eSIM comes in, offering an affordable and hassle-free alternative.

What is a Travel eSIM?

A travel eSIM is a virtual SIM card that allows you to connect to local mobile networks in the countries you visit, without the need to swap out your physical SIM card. By using a travel eSIM, you can access local data plans at a fraction of the cost of international roaming fees.

With travel eSIMs, you can easily purchase and activate a plan online before or during your trip. Once installed on your phone, the eSIM lets you enjoy local network rates, helping you avoid the high costs associated with traditional roaming.

How to Avoid Roaming Fees with a Travel eSIM

1. Check if Your Device is eSIM-Compatible

Before switching to a travel eSIM, ensure your smartphone supports eSIM technology. Many of the latest smartphones have built-in eSIM capabilities, including popular models like:

• Apple iPhones: iPhone XR, XS, 11, 12, 13, and later models.
• Google Pixel: Pixel 3 and newer models.
• Samsung Galaxy: Galaxy S20, S21, and newer models.

Check your phone’s specifications or consult your device manual to confirm compatibility. Also, make sure your device is unlocked so you can use it with different networks abroad.

2. Turn Off Roaming on Your Phone

Once you're ready to use a travel eSIM, it’s essential to turn off roaming for your home carrier to avoid any accidental charges. Here’s how to do it:

• iPhone: Go to Settings Cellular Cellular Data Options, and toggle off Data Roaming.
• Android: Go to Settings Network Internet Mobile Network, and toggle off Roaming.

This ensures that your phone doesn’t accidentally connect to your home network while abroad.

3. Purchase a Travel eSIM Plan Before You Depart

One of the key benefits of using a travel eSIM is that you can purchase and activate your plan before you even leave home. This allows you to hit the ground running as soon as you land, without worrying about finding Wi-Fi or local SIM cards. Here’s how to get started:

• Research the eSIM providers that offer coverage in your destination. Popular providers include:
  • Orange Holiday eSIM

• Choose a data plan based on your expected usage, whether you need just a small amount for checking maps and messaging or a larger plan for streaming and work.
• Purchase the plan through the provider’s website or app and follow the instructions to receive your eSIM (usually via a QR code).

4. Install and Activate the eSIM

After purchasing your travel eSIM, you can install it on your phone by scanning the QR code provided by the eSIM provider. The process is simple:

• iPhone: Go to Settings Cellular Add Cellular Plan, then scan the QR code.
• Android: Go to Settings Network Internet Mobile Network Add Carrier, then scan the QR code.

Once installed, the eSIM will appear in your phone’s settings alongside your regular SIM. You can now switch between SIMs depending on which one you want to use for data or calls.

5. Choose Your Travel eSIM as the Data Provider

Now that your travel eSIM is installed, configure your phone to use it as your primary data source while abroad. This way, you’ll use your eSIM’s local data plan instead of your home network’s roaming services. Here’s how to set it up:

• iPhone: Go to Settings Cellular Cellular Data, and select the eSIM for data usage.
• Android: Go to Settings Network Internet Mobile Network, and choose your eSIM for data.

This ensures that your data usage will be billed according to your travel eSIM plan rather than through expensive roaming fees.

6. Use Wi-Fi When Possible

While a travel eSIM offers affordable data, it’s always a good idea to use Wi-Fi where available, especially in places like hotels, cafes, or airports. This can help you stretch your data plan further and avoid additional costs. Wi-Fi is perfect for bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming videos or making video calls, allowing you to reserve your eSIM data for when you're on the go.

7. Monitor Your Data Usage

One of the most effective ways to avoid unexpected fees is to keep track of your data usage. Most travel eSIM providers offer apps where you can monitor your usage in real time. You can also track data usage directly from your phone:

• iPhone: Go to Settings Cellular, then scroll down to see your data usage.
• Android: Go to Settings Network Internet Mobile Network Data Usage.

Monitoring your data consumption ensures you don’t accidentally exceed your plan’s limits. Some providers also offer the option to top up your data if needed.

8. Consider a Multi-Country or Global eSIM

If you’re planning to visit multiple countries on your trip, you can avoid the hassle of buying separate eSIMs for each country by opting for a regional or global eSIM plan. Providers like Airalo, GigSky, and Holafly offer multi-country plans that allow you to stay connected across various regions without switching SIMs. These plans are especially useful for frequent travellers or those embarking on longer journeys across multiple destinations.

Conclusion: The Smart Way to Avoid Roaming Fees

Roaming fees no longer have to be a concern when travelling internationally, thanks to the ease and affordability of travel eSIMs. With a travel eSIM, you can bypass the exorbitant costs associated with traditional roaming and enjoy seamless, cost-effective connectivity abroad. By following a few simple steps—choosing a compatible eSIM provider, installing the plan before departure, and configuring your device correctly—you’ll have instant access to local data networks at a fraction of the cost, ensuring a worry-free trip. Stay connected and save money by making the switch to a travel eSIM on your next adventure.