One of the primary reasons people use Airalo is to avoid roaming charges from their primary mobile providers when they travel. The following information will help you avoid roaming charges when you’re using an Airalo eSIM when you travel.
When do roaming charges occur?
Roaming charges occur when you travel outside the coverage area included in a mobile plan.
How can I avoid roaming charges?
Avoiding these charges requires adjusting specific settings in your device. Here’s a quick checklist of steps to take to avoid roaming charges:
- Enable airplane mode before leaving your regular coverage area
- Disable your primary SIM
- Turn off data roaming for your primary SIM
- Prevent mobile data switching on your device
Beyond adjusting your device settings, we also recommend doing the following:
- If you’re unsure if you’re incurring any roaming charges, you can always check the billing section of your account for your primary mobile provider.
- We also recommend periodically checking the Airalo app to track the data usage for your eSIM.
- Additionally, we recommend using apps for calls and messaging that don’t require a mobile network, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal.
How can I enable airplane mode?
Enabling airplane mode — or flight mode — ensures your device won’t connect to any mobile network. You can turn this on before leaving your primary coverage area to ensure your primary SIM does not connect to any networks. Once you’ve disabled your primary SIM and turned off data roaming
How to enable Airplane on iOS devices
- Go to Settings.
- Enable Airplane Mode.
How to enable Airplane on Android devices
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Enable Airplane mode.
How can I disable my primary SIM?
Your primary SIM is the one you regularly use in your home — it may also be an eSIM.
To disable your primary SIM, you’ll need to adjust a few settings in your device.
How to disable your primary SIM on iOS devices
1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap on your primary SIM.
3. Disable Turn On This Line.
Note, Cellular may be Mobile Data for certain regions.
How to disable your primary SIM on Android devices
1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIM cards.
2. Deactivate your primary SIM.
How can I turn off data roaming for my primary eSIM?
Turning off data roaming ensures that your SIM does not use data outside of its coverage area. You can turn off data roaming by adjusting a few settings in your device.
How to disable data roaming for your primary SIM on iOS devices
1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap on your primary SIM.
3. Disable Data Roaming.
Note, Cellular may be Mobile Data for certain regions.
How to disable data roaming for your primary SIM on Android devices
1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Roaming.
2. Disable roaming for your primary SIM.
How can I prevent mobile data switching?
Preventing mobile data switching ensures your device does not switch between available SIMs to connect to a network. You can adjust a few settings to ensure you only use one SIM at a time.
How to disable mobile data switching on iOS
1. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data.
2. Select your Airalo eSIM as the default data line.
How to disable mobile data switching on Android
1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > SIM cards > Mobile data.
2. Choose your Airalo eSIM.
If you have any questions or need additional information, you can always reach out to our support team. We’re available 24/7 and always happy to help.