Summer is right around the corner. We’re headed out on adventures and bringing our stuff with us. Here are all the tech and tips that WIRED Reviews recommends for your travels.
When I land in a new country, I want to instantly connect my smartphone to a data plan before I even get off the plane. No, I don't want to fiddle with some physical SIM card. I want to hop in a cab and get the adventure started already. Whenever I leave the country, I always rely on an eSIM to stay connected. It’s nice that I can get it set up before leaving home, which definitely contributes to my peace of mind.
If you're traveling internationally, your normal phone plan likely doesn’t include data access in that destination country. Recently, I bought a data package from Airalo and installed the eSIM onto my iPhone before heading to Costa Rica. Based on my experience using it, I was impressed with the affordable plan and the reliable connection. Other popular eSIM options include aloSIM, Holafly, and Saily. So, make sure to shop around and compare prices before making your purchase.
Are you considering using an eSIM during your next international trip? Here’s everything you need to know, including whether your phone is compatible, how much data you actually need to buy, and how to set the eSIM up on your phone.
Will an eSIM Work on My Phone?
As a general rule, if you’ve purchased a smartphone released within the past five years, it likely has an eSIM option. Kudos to you if you have a smartphone older than the iPhone XR, though it’s probably past time at least to switch out the battery, and you’ll definitely need to get a newer model phone to access eSIM capabilities. Most Android phones support eSIMs these days, though some budget models may still use physical SIM cards.
Some smartphones, like the iPhone 17 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and the Google Pixel 10 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), even have two eSIMs built in so you can operate dual phone numbers on the same device. This could be helpful if you’re going back and forth between two countries with different data plans.
Also, make sure your phone is not locked to a single carrier before getting an eSIM. It's why WIRED recommends buying unlocked smartphones. Check out this helpful article from Consumer Reports for a guide to unlocking your phone’s provider. Still need help? Reach out to your carrier, whether it’s AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, for more assistance.
How Much Data Do I Need?
Most international eSIM data plans are prepaid, so the amount of data you should purchase depends on how much you expect to use your smartphone while traveling and which apps you plan to use the most. Airalo is just one of the eSIM options you can purchase online to avoid wandering around your first day in a new country trying to buy a physical SIM card. AloSIM, Saily, Airhub, and Ubigi are a few other popular choices for travelers.
Want to video chat with loved ones and share jealousy-inducing video clips? You’ll likely want to opt for a larger data package, and even that may quickly run out. If you’re just looking to get around using Google Maps and send occasional texts and photos to friends over WhatsApp, then a smaller data package is likely sufficient. The longer the vacation, the more data you’ll need to consider prepurchasing.
In Costa Rica, I was able to get around just fine with 2 GB of data during my two-week trip, and it cost $17. I scrimped on data by using Wi-Fi wherever possible and switching the phone off when I didn’t need to be connected. Although I did notice that I racked up data usage by absent-mindedly watching videos on social media near the end of the trip. Some things never change.
Worried about going over? During the trip, I tracked my daily data in the Airalo app, and this helped put my usage rate into a better perspective. Even though I didn’t end up needing it, the app offered deals if I wanted to add just a smidge more data to the plan to finish the trip.
In addition to the amount of data you need, pay attention to when the eSIM's data will expire. For example, the plan I got expired 15 days after activation, which was a great length for that trip.
Now, How Do I Set It Up?
Even though installation and activation are the most daunting parts of the process of getting online with an eSIM, as long as you’re not in a rush and remain open to troubleshooting, it shouldn’t be too overwhelming. Start by making sure you have a steady internet connection. If this is your first time setting up an eSIM, check out the official online guides for the Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, or Samsung Galaxy for more help.
You can choose between a direct, manual, or QR code setup for the Airalo eSIM—I found the direct method to be fairly accessible on an iPhone. No matter the type of phone you own, Airalo’s installation starts by opening the app (Android, iOS) and visiting the My eSIMs tab. Then, tap on the one you want to install. The process should be similar for other eSIM apps.
Next, choose View Instructions > Direct. Read the block of text on this screen for additional details about the process, then press Install eSIM.
Here’s where the installation process will diverge based on your device, and it’s worth checking out the company’s user guides for iPhones, Pixels, and Galaxies available online. Also, if you're installing the eSIM before heading out on your trip, then leave the default line as your Primary SIM. If you’re already on vacation, pick the new Secondary SIM throughout this process.
Whenever you’re ready to activate the eSIM and start using the international data plan, open the Settings on your smartphone and follow the steps laid out on your eSIM service's website for your device. Usually, you can finagle with eSIM details in the Connectivity menu in your phone's settings app.
You’ll need to make sure the eSIM line and the phone’s data roaming option are both turned on. Encountering any problems activating it? Check out Airalo’s help center for additional advice. You can also reach out to the company directly, and the same applies if you're using another brand.
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