Best eSIM for travelling: Stay connected Anywhere
Traveling is all about making memories, exploring new places, and staying connected with loved ones. In today’s digital age, having a reliable mobile connection is essential, especially when traveling abroad. We personally love traveling with an eSIM because I can download it on my phone while I’m in Australia or anywhere with good Wi-Fi. This way, I have it ready when I land at my destination. The eSIM is already purchased, and I can press one button to activate it and turn off my home SIM data. This allows me to stay in contact with my driver as soon as we land and let family know that we’ve arrived safely. I personally think this is a massive convenience, and I will never go back to a hardcopy SIM. This guide explores the best eSIM for travel, helping you decide if an eSIM is right for your next adventure.
We have a video linked here; to show how easy the set up is with Airalo, along with how easily activated it is too!
Best eSIM for travel?
Should I Get a Regular SIM or eSIM?
We used to be skeptical about changing SIM cards, relying on our oldest iPhone as a hotspot during our travels. Until our Asia trip in 2024, we avoided swapping SIMs due to fears of issues when returning home.
Now, if your phone supports eSIMs, it’s the best option for staying connected while traveling. An eSIM is a virtual SIM installed on your device, making setup simple with clear instructions.
You can activate most eSIMs before arriving at your destination, ensuring immediate internet access. Just have a stable internet connection during setup, ideally before you leave home.
With an eSIM, you can keep your physical SIM card, allowing you to receive calls and texts on your regular number, including WhatsApp. We love using an eSIM because I can download it anywhere with good Wi-Fi, enabling me to activate it with one button upon arrival. This lets me contact my driver right away and notify family that we’ve landed safely.
While eSIMs are slightly pricier than regular SIMs, the convenience is worth it. There’s no risk of losing my original SIM, which connects me to essential apps, and I avoid the hassle of updating my number on WhatsApp, preventing lost messages and contacts when I return home.
How to Get an SIM card
Here are several easy options to get an eSIM during your travels:
Option 1: Delivered To Your Hotel
You can pre-order a SIM card to be delivered to your hotel, where they can assist with setup. After purchasing online, send a photo of your passport and IMEI number via email for delivery.
Option 2: Collect at the Airport
For immediate access, several airport vendors offer prepaid tourist SIMs. Prices may be higher at the airport, but pre-ordering online can secure a better deal. You’ll need to show your passport.
Option 3: Local Carrier Store
For the best deal, visit a local carrier store to buy a prepaid tourist eSIM with generous data and call minutes. Don’t forget your passport!
Option 4: Streetside Vendors
With good negotiation skills, you can often find great deals from street side SIM vendors in tourist areas. Prices vary, but in Bali, expect to pay around 200,000 IDR for a basic data-only eSIM.
Staying Longer Than 90 Days?
By law, mobile devices using a local phone number must have their IMEI registered to work in many countries. Tourists usually receive free registration for a limited time. After this, your SIM will stop working unless long-term registration is acquired, which may incur a tax based on your phone’s value.
Top Tip: This rule applies only if you have a local phone number. Data-only eSIMs are unaffected. If you’re staying long-term, eSIMs are your best choice.
How to Top Up an eSIM or SIM Card
To top up a physical SIM card, visit a convenience store or local carrier shop. Remember, you can only use a physical SIM for a limited time before registration is required.
Choosing the best eSIM for travel can significantly enhance your travel experience. Whether you prefer hotel delivery or airport collection, eSIMs provide flexibility and ease. With the right option, you can stay connected, share your adventures, and enjoy your travels without the hassle of a physical SIM card. Embrace technology and enjoy your trip!
Still not sure on Best eSIM for travel?
Here below we have the links to the best eSim companies that we have used and think have the best data coverage and last the longest on trips;
Airalo
Here are some links below to help guide you through the easy steps of setting up Airloa
KLook eSIM
Here below you can find Klook’s search bar to find your destinations eSIM to download;
We trust that you have found this page on eSIMs informative and are now equipped with the knowledge to use them with confidence. We would like to bring to your attention that the links provided within our blogs are affiliated links, which serve to support my family and me on our journey, without incurring any additional costs for you. By utilizing the link for the eSIM, you will be eligible for a discounted price. We extend our gratitude to all and wish you happy and fulfilling travels!