Stay connected while traveling with an eSIM

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With eSIMs replacing physical SIM cards, it’s never been easier or cheaper to get online while you travel. The eSIM market has been growing over the past few years with more and more phone companies becoming eSIM-compatible. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling with an eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a data plan that replaces the need to purchase and install a physical SIM card the second you arrive in a new country. Unlike traditional SIM cards which require you to physically swap out your own SIM card, an eSIM allows you to keep your own phone number while still accessing some of the fastest mobile internet networks wherever you happen to be. Backed by NordVPN, one of the most trusted VPN companies, Saily’s eSIM plans can connect you in over 150 countries.

What are some of the benefits of using an eSIM?

• You don’t have to wait in a long line at the airport to buy a physical eSIM. You can activate your data plan directly on your phone and top up your data plan whenever and wherever you need without having to visit another store.
• You can automatically store multiple eSIMs and activate them as needed if you’re traveling through multiple countries.
• You don’t have to replace your phone number while you travel, so you don’t miss important phone calls or run the risk of losing your permanent SIM card while you’re using a temporary eSIM.
• You avoid costly international data plans or throttled speeds from your regular carrier.
• You can avoid the need to log onto random public WiFi services that can open you up to security threats.
• If you’re like me and you need to work while abroad or you like to use the “big screen” to book certain travel experiences, you can create a hotspot using your eSIM to connect other devices such as laptops.

Is my phone eSIM-compatible?

Most phones manufactured after 2018 have eSIM capability. This includes every model since the iPhone 11 and most Samsung phones introduced after the Samsung Galaxy S20. Most newer Google Pixel, Motorola, and Sony phones are also equipped with this technology. On iOS, you can check that your phone supports eSIM by going to your Cellular settings, where it should say “Add eSIM.” On Android, SIM Manager in the Connections settings has the same function.

How the Saily eSIM works

Saily plans are designed to accommodate all kinds of travelers in over 150 countries. Plans are offered according to the number of days (7 or 30 days) and the amount of data (1 GB to 20 GB) you want, with the cheapest plan starting at as little as $2.49. If you’ve ever accidentally left roaming on and ended up with a bill of hundreds of dollars, you know just how much an eSIM can save you.

You can select the eSIM plan of your choice on the Saily app, available on the App Store and Google Play. You only need to install the Saily eSIM once, a process which is straightforward and done directly through the app and your phone settings. The process takes only a few minutes, and you can customize it according to your needs. For example, you can choose your phone number or your eSIM as the cellular plan to use with iMessage and FaceTime. An important note is that you will have to be connected to the internet to activate the eSIM.

And that’s all there is to it! After installation and activation, you can toggle your eSIM data on and off in your phone settings, and you can activate specific country eSIMs from the Saily app. So if you’re stopping in multiple countries on one trip, you can change your phone plan easily along the way. The Saily app can also notify you when you’re running out of data to ensure you don’t have any lapses in connection. And if you’re new to eSIM technology, they offer 24/7 customer support.

Want to try it for yourself?

Get a Saily eSIM of your own and get 5% off your order with the promo code: Special5.

With an eSIM, you’ll never lose access to important apps like Google Maps, Resy, TripAdvisor, and Instagram while you’re on the move.