If you’ve never used an eSIM before, the whole process can sound much more complicated than it actually is.
Download an app. Buy a data plan. Install an eSIM. Turn on data roaming—but only for that SIM. Make sure your regular phone line isn’t using international data.
What?
I’ve been there.
The good news is that once you understand which settings you’re changing and why, learning how to set up an eSIM for international travel is pretty straightforward.
This guide walks you through the process step by step, including what to do before you leave home, what to wait to do until you arrive, and how to avoid accidentally using your regular carrier’s international data.
Quick Tip:
Buy and install your eSIM while you’re still at home and connected to Wi-Fi. In most cases, you’ll wait until you arrive at your destination to actually start using it.
What Is an eSIM?
An eSIM is essentially a digital SIM card that’s already built into many newer smartphones.
Instead of removing your regular SIM card and replacing it with a physical travel SIM, you can install an international eSIM on your phone and use it for mobile data while you’re traveling.
Your normal phone number can remain on your phone while the travel eSIM handles your data.
That means you can use things like:
- Google Maps
- iMessage
- Restaurant and hotel apps
- Uber and other transportation apps
- Airline apps
- Mobile tickets and reservations
without relying on public Wi-Fi everywhere you go.
Before You Buy an eSIM
First, make sure your phone:
- Supports eSIMs.
- Is unlocked from your mobile carrier.
- Supports the network used by the eSIM provider you’re considering.
Most newer iPhones and many newer Android phones support eSIMs, but it’s worth checking before purchasing a plan.
Step 1: Choose Your eSIM Provider
There are several international eSIM companies, but here are some of the best.
| eSIM Provider | Best For | What Makes It Different | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Airalo |
⭐ Best Overall |
Local, regional & global plans, including unlimited options; 200+ locations |
|
|
Yesim |
🌍 Multi-Country Travel |
Pay & Fly + unlimited global options |
|
|
Holafly |
📱 Unlimited Data |
Unlimited-data plans without counting GB |
|
|
Saily |
🔒 Security |
Extra privacy and security features |
Airalo
Airalo offers country-specific, regional and global eSIM plans. It’s one of the most established travel eSIM providers and is a good place to start if you want a straightforward data plan for one country or a multi-country trip.
Yesim
Yesim is another option for international data and offers coverage in a large number of destinations. Depending on where you’re traveling and how much data you need, its plans may be a better value.
Holafly
Best for travelers who don’t want to worry about data limits. Holafly specializes in unlimited-data eSIM plans in many destinations, making it a great choice for heavy data users, longer trips, or anyone who wants to use their phone freely without constantly checking how many GB they have left.
Saily
Best for travelers who want extra security and privacy features along with their mobile data. Created by the team behind NordVPN, Saily offers features such as malicious-site protection, ad blocking, and virtual location options in addition to international eSIM data.
My advice: Don’t automatically choose the cheapest plan. Compare the amount of data, number of days, countries covered and whether the plan begins when you install it or when it first connects to a supported network.
Step 2: Decide How Much Data You Need
For a typical trip, you probably don’t need an enormous amount of data if your hotel has Wi-Fi.
You’ll primarily use cellular data when you’re away from the hotel for things like directions, restaurant searches, messaging and transportation.
You’ll use considerably more data if you’re:
- Streaming video
- Watching lots of social media
- Uploading photos and videos
- Using your phone as a hotspot
- Making frequent video calls
When in doubt, check whether your eSIM provider allows you to add more data later. If it does, you don’t necessarily need to buy the largest package upfront.
Step 3: Buy Your eSIM Before Your Trip
I recommend buying your eSIM before leaving home.
Do this while you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Once you’ve purchased your plan, the provider will normally give you installation instructions through its app, a QR code or both.
Important: Read the activation policy before installing it.
Some eSIM plans don’t begin until they connect to a supported network in your destination. Others may begin their validity period as soon as they’re installed or activated.
Step 4: Install the eSIM
The exact wording varies depending on your phone, but on an iPhone you’ll generally go to:
Settings → Cellular/Mobile Service → Add eSIM
Then follow the instructions provided by your eSIM company.
You may be asked to scan a QR code or complete the installation directly through the provider’s app.
Give Your eSIM a Name
This is a tiny step that can save a lot of confusion later.
When your phone gives you the option to label the new line, name it something obvious, such as:
Europe eSIM
or
Italy Data
That makes it much easier to tell your regular cellular plan and your travel eSIM apart.
Step 5: Keep Your Regular SIM as Your Primary Line
During setup, your phone may ask which line you want to use as your default for calls and messages.
In most cases, you’ll want to keep your normal phone number as your primary/default voice line.
Your travel eSIM will primarily be used for cellular data.
This is important because installing an eSIM doesn’t mean you need to replace or remove your regular phone number.
Step 6: Don't Switch Your Cellular Data Yet
If you’re installing your eSIM before your trip, continue using your normal cellular plan for data while you’re at home.
You don’t need your international eSIM doing anything yet.
The important part is simply getting it installed successfully before you leave.
When You Arrive at Your Destination
This is where the actual switch happens.
Once you’ve landed, open your phone’s cellular/mobile settings.
Step 7: Turn On Your Travel eSIM
Select your travel eSIM and make sure the line is turned on.
Then select it as the SIM you want to use for Cellular Data/Mobile Data.
Your phone should now use the international eSIM for internet access.
Step 8: Turn Data Roaming ON for the Travel eSIM
This setting causes a lot of confusion.
Many international eSIMs require Data Roaming to be turned ON.
But you want it turned on for the travel eSIM, not necessarily for your regular U.S. cellular plan.
Open your travel eSIM settings and enable:
Data Roaming → ON
Follow the specific instructions provided by your eSIM company because requirements can vary by plan.
Step 9: Protect Yourself From Accidental Carrier Charges
Now check your regular cellular line.
You generally want:
Cellular Data: Travel eSIM
Travel eSIM Data Roaming: ON, if required by the provider
Regular SIM Data Roaming: OFF
Also look for a setting called something like:
Allow Cellular Data Switching
Turning this off can help prevent your phone from switching back to your regular carrier for cellular data if your travel eSIM temporarily loses its connection.
Your carrier’s policies still matter, so check its international calling, texting and roaming rules before traveling.
What About Calls and Text Messages?
This is where eSIMs get slightly more complicated.
Many travel eSIMs are data-only, which means they don’t provide a traditional phone number for calls and SMS texts.
You can still use internet-based communication apps such as:
- FaceTime
- iMessage
- Facebook Messenger
Your regular phone line may also continue receiving calls and SMS messages, but whether you’re charged depends on your home carrier and plan.
If avoiding roaming charges is important, check your carrier’s international policies before your trip rather than assuming calls and texts are free.
What If My eSIM Doesn't Work When I Land?
Don’t panic and don’t immediately delete the eSIM.
First check:
- Is the travel eSIM turned on?
- Is it selected for cellular/mobile data?
- Is Data Roaming enabled for the travel eSIM if required?
- Is Airplane Mode turned off?
- Have you restarted your phone?
- Does the provider require a specific APN?
- Are you actually in one of the countries covered by your plan?
You can also turn Airplane Mode on for about 30 seconds and then turn it back off. This forces your phone to reconnect to available cellular networks.
If that doesn’t work, connect to Wi-Fi and open your eSIM provider’s app or support page.
Do not delete the eSIM unless the provider specifically tells you to. Some eSIMs cannot simply be reinstalled after deletion.
The Setup I Recommend
For most international travelers, I’d keep it simple:
Before leaving home:
Buy the eSIM → Install it → Label it → Leave your normal SIM as your data line.
After landing:
Turn on the travel eSIM → Select it for cellular data → Enable roaming for the travel eSIM if required → Make sure roaming is off for your regular SIM.
That’s really it.
eSIM Setup FAQ
Should I install my eSIM before I leave home?
Usually, yes. Installing it while you have reliable Wi-Fi makes the process much easier. Just check when your particular plan’s validity period begins before installing or activating it.
Should data roaming be on or off?
For your travel eSIM, it may need to be ON.
For your regular carrier SIM, you’ll generally want data roaming OFF if you’re trying to avoid international data charges.
Always follow your eSIM provider’s instructions.
Will I keep my regular phone number?
Installing an eSIM doesn’t automatically remove your existing phone line. Many phones allow both lines to remain installed simultaneously.
Can I use iMessage with an eSIM?
Generally, yes. A data eSIM gives your phone internet access, which allows internet-based services such as iMessage and FaceTime to work. Be careful if your phone asks to change which number/address is associated with these services.
Can I install an eSIM after I arrive?
Yes, provided you have a reliable internet connection. But I prefer doing the installation at home so I’m not troubleshooting my phone at the airport.
Should I delete my eSIM when my trip is over?
Wait until you’re completely finished with the plan. Once you’re sure you no longer need it, you can remove the expired eSIM from your phone.
Final Thoughts
An eSIM is one of those travel tools that feels intimidating the first time you use it and surprisingly simple once you’ve done it once.
The biggest thing to remember is that installing the eSIM and actually switching your cellular data to it are two different steps.
Set everything up before you leave, know which SIM is handling your data, and double-check your roaming settings when you land.
Then put your phone away and enjoy the trip.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.