Using a Global eSIM Abroad? Watch Out!
Nowadays, more and more people are preferring global eSIM for travel. People are moving over the traditional local SIM card use for using mobile data abroad. This has proven that advanced technology is now the future of networking worldwide. Whether you travel repeatedly, for leisure, or for your business, the affordable multi country data plans, and the quick activation setup of eSIM for travelers will give both regional and local data connectivity worldwide. Multi-country eSIM usage allows getting affordable data plans covering numerous countries’ visit in one go. There are numerous advantages of using international eSIM cards globally. But it is also important to be fully aware of the possible mobile network issues abroad that you may face while using a global eSIM abroad. You must know the best practices for eSIM usage, to maximize its utility. Let’s examine how to prevent eSIM connectivity issues while traveling. Especially, for the people who are going to use eSIMs for the first time, this blog will offer a lot to learn from.
10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Global eSIM Abroad
Let’s look at the 10 common eSIM vs physical SIM mistakes to avoid while using a global eSIM abroad. It will help you to get a smooth and uninterrupted data networking connectivity with apt speed and eSIM worldwide coverage. Remember these eSIM mistakes to avoid at any cost to get the best eSIM international coverage.
1. Is Your Device eSIM Compatible?
You must be aware of the compatible devices for eSIM and eSIM-supported smartphones. Not all kind of digital and electronic devices support a global eSIM Card. Very old versions of electronic devices are not eSIM compatible. Haste makes waste. Many people intending to travel worldwide would buy an eSIM global data plan. And later they find that the device they possess doesn’t support a global eSIM activation.
Things To DO
Figuring out which device you are going to use is one the most essential eSIM travel tips. Carefully check the specifications of the device in your device’s settings. If you don’t get the details then google your device’s model to check for eSIM compatibility. Usually, recent and newer devices support an eSIM. It includes Apple iPhones and devices, Androids, Microsoft devices, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Oppo, Lenovo, Huawei, and selected versions of other devices.
2. Region-Restricted OR Carrier-Locked?
Always remember that, regardless of the version of a device, some devices are restricted by the carrier or show restricted use in a specific region. This can still be possible despite the fact that your device supports a global eSIM Card. That is because some countries restrict the use of global eSIM cards or some carriers.
Things To DO
While researching on global eSIM providers, ensure to check the coverage map on their websites. The coverage map shows that the eSIM provider is offering coverage in which countries and regions. You have to be sure about the countries you’re visiting are included in the data plan you have selected. Likewise, carrier support for eSIM can be limited for use in metropolitan regions. It means carrier support for eSIM might be restricted in distant, far flung, and remote areas. It is important to review which eSIM provider and data plan offers carrier support for eSIM in countries you are scheduled to visit.
3. Isn’t It TOO Early To Activate the eSIM?
It is a bit too early to activate your eSIM and data plan, and you are not abroad yet. Because you started paying for a service while not getting the benefits. Many of the prepaid eSIM Cards have data plans which begin consuming data and validity days as soon as you activate them.
Things To DO
There is always a right time to do something, instead of doing it too early or late. You can start up your travel data eSIM setup right before boarding the flight. Or you can perform the eSIM setup abroad, right after arriving in a new country. The QR code eSIM installation method offers you full convenience to quickly activate your eSIM anytime and anywhere. But it is very important to be well aware of the step-by-step international eSIM setup process, long before the trip begins.
4. Is Your Data Roaming Enabled?
It is important to know about the data plan configuration when roaming with eSIM. Forgetting to enable the data roaming option is one of the most common eSIM mistakes. You installed, downloaded, and activated your eSIM but the data roaming is disabled. Your mobile networking and data usage will not be operational.
Things To DO
It is important to know about eSIM configuration tips. First, generally explore and understand the device settings for eSIM in your device. Go into your device’s ‘Settings’, choose ‘Mobile Data’ and then ‘eSIM’ option, and finally switch on the ‘Data Roaming’ (Settings > Mobile Data > eSIM > Data Roaming). There are some digital devices that offer setting the ‘eSIM’ as your preferred data networking source.
5. Is Your Device Dual SIM?
We have dual SIM digital devices since years now. You actually don’t need to completely replace your local SIM with eSIM. You can use both, without having to keep switching between eSIMs and local SIMs. It may cost you slightly expensive, but not necessarily or in every case. The dual SIM functionality allows you to keep your local SIM card and phone number active for direct SMS and calls. At the same time, you can use the eSIM for travel and data networking connectivity. In fact, it is important and completely harmless to keep your local physical SIM card active all the time.
Things To DO
Instead of deactivating your local physical SIM, you can choose the ‘Voice Only’ option for it. And for eSIM, choose the eSIM as “Data only” option. This ensures that you avoid eSIM roaming charges that cost you extra money. At the same time, your connectivity and networking reachability remains ensured with local SIM being active.
6. Did You Pick The RIGHT Data Plan?
It can be challenging to pick the right data plan. Especially, when you think how to use eSIM internationally according to your travel plan. If you pick a small data plan bundle then it may not be sufficient to cover your travel schedule. Or you may pick a data plan too large, and end up spending more money. People travelling worldwide commonly assess their mobile data eSIM usage wrongly, especially ones with heavy data consumption needs.
Things To DO
Firstly, you have to calculate your daily data consumption. To save more eSIM data before expiration, use Wi-Fi whenever you can. If you are a heavy data consumer and on a long-term travel stay, then prefer to choose unlimited eSIM plans.
7. Is Your Data Plan Expiring Soon?
Generally, a set validity period is always assigned to the international eSIM plans when purchased. Activating your eSIM quite early can lead to the data plan expiring before the end of the trip. Not checking expiration dates can lead to you buying the data plan again without knowing the previous one is still valid.
Things To DO
It is highly recommended to always review the plan expiration date from the provider. It is best to have mobile reminders regarding reactivation of your data plan.
8. Do You Know How to Download eSIM?
Let’s explore one of the Top eSIM setup mistakes international travelers make. It’s important to know how to install, download, and activate your eSIM profile and eSIM. Not knowing that well is one of the common eSIM errors. You must know that to avoid eSIM activation errors.
Things To DO
It is important to download and save the step-by-step eSIM installation guide to avoid problems with eSIM abroad. It is best to know all the steps to avoid activation failure with your global eSIM. It includes downloading the eSIM QR code and all the relevant instructions from the eSIM provider’s app or website. Generally, there are two ways to do so. Either you receive a QR code or an activation code via an email. Travelers usually face an issue that they fail to apply the QR code for eSIM installation. In this case, you can try to get an activation code, and use it to activate eSIM.
9. Are You Using Unsecure Proxies & VPNs?
There are various reasons to use proxies, location changers, and VPNs. Using them can create travel connectivity issues. And you will have to often do a travel SIM troubleshooting. Most of them are secure to use, but what if you’re facing travel eSIM not working issues. But there are many of them that are risky to use. Some zone-specific local apps can disturb the eSIM performance. Because some countries have networking restrictions or firewalls applied to their internet connectivity system for cyber security reasons.
Things To DO
Let’s look at one of the significant reasons why your eSIM isn’t working overseas and how to fix it. Before starting the eSIM activation process and while using an eSIM, it is better to turn off the proxy apps and VPNs. Consider doing the same while you troubleshoot eSIM not working problems or network coverage problems. This is one of the most helpful eSIM troubleshooting tips for troubleshooting eSIM problems in different countries.
10. Have You a Backup for Connectivity?
Networking connectivity signals can relatively drop in far flung, distant, and remote areas. This can happen even if you have the best global eSIM cards and global regional data plans.
Things To DO
Prefer to choose eSIM providers Holafly, Airalo, or Nomad. These eSIM providers offer a worldwide coverage as well as strong telecom partnerships. It’s recommended to pre-download travelling applications, and keep preloaded and saved maps. It is of great benefit during your global travels. Especially, when you are facing low network connectivity signals. It is also recommended to keep the physical SIM card active in your phone as a backup specially when you opted for a free roaming eSIM data plan.
Final Words
Global eSIM Cards are the best choice of modern times for worldwide connectivity. But it is important to utilize their benefits to the fullest. For that you need to gain maximum information about eSIMs and their uses. And then you can have all the benefits of a travel eSIM with seamless international data access and unlimited freedom, flexibility, and convenience.