If you are traveling soon and want to reap the benefits of an eSIM connection and spend less on roaming fees, you must set up your eSIM correctly. Read on to discover if you can set up your Airalo eSIM before travel.
eSIM Setup Timing
Whether you should set up your Airalo eSIM before leaving for your trip will depend on your eSIM's activation policy. While most eSIMs only activate at the destination, some will activate instantly, and the validity period will start right away. You should avoid installing these types of eSIMS too early to preserve your data. You can find instructions on how to check an eSIM's activation policy here.
eSIM Activation
However, if you've bought an eSIM that only activates at the destination, you can set it up early and save some time at arrival. Don't panic if it's displayed as "activating" or "activation failure". It simply means you aren't in the zone of coverage provided yet! You can find more information on common troubleshooting for eSIMs that are not activating here.
Get Started
Now that you know more about whether or not to set up your Airalo eSIM before traveling, learn how to set it up correctly. There are three methods you can use:
For more details, read our blog guide here. It gathers handy resources to make your life easier.
Choose the Right eSIM for You
Airalo offers three main types of eSIMs. The one you choose will depend on which countries you visit.
- Local eSIMs: A local eSIM is an excellent choice for just one destination.
- Regional eSIMs: Regional eSIMs are a great fit if you visit multiple destinations in one region (such as Europe or Asia).
- Global eSIMs: Finally, a global eSIM is ideal for nomad travelers who want to discover various areas of the world.
You will also have to choose the amount of data you need. We recommend checking your current data usage to get a general idea of how much you'll need. Remember that uploading or sending videos will use more data than just sending messages.
You are now equipped with the knowledge to make the most of Airalo eSIMs. Go into the world and enjoy your trip without worrying about roaming fees. Download Airalo (iOS | Android) to browse eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions.
