How to connect to the internet abroad using an eSIM

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16th June 2022
Traveller taking a photo on her smartphone

Technology has transformed the way we travel and how we get online. Here we share a step-by-step guide on how to connect to the internet using an eSIM

Over the years, we’ve spent an inordinate number of hours watching progress bars advance at an excruciating pace over slow internet connections. From remote Tongan beaches to the city literally at the end of the world, we’ve experienced some of the most frustrating internet speeds on the planet. We’ve done it the hard way but, thankfully, technology has moved on and maddeningly slow speeds are now a thing of the past.

Below, we take a look at Holafly’s global eSIM, its flexible international roaming and data plans, and why it could be an ideal solution to the challenge of working on the road.  

What is an international eSIM?

Connecting to reliable and affordable internet on the road can be a complicated and potentially costly quagmire. Secure hotspots can be few and far between, data roaming can be eye-wateringly expensive and pocket wifi devices can be impractical. For many, the best way to connect is to use an eSIM: a virtual SIM card.

Holafly’s international eSIM works remotely, meaning you don’t have to remove your current SIM card so there’s no risk of losing or damaging your SIM card or losing your number. Instead, once you’ve chosen your package, you’ll be emailed a QR code to scan. All you have to do is activate a pre-installed eSIM profile on your device and you’re good to go.

As long as your mobile is eSIM compatible – check here to see if your model is supported – then you’ll be up and running in minutes and will never have to pay extortionate roaming fees again.

an example of an eSIM QR code
Holafly An eSIM is easy to activate

eSIM for travel in Europe

Holafly offers several eSIM data packages for Europe covering over 32 countries including popular destinations such as France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey across a range of networks including 3G, 4G and 5G.

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Packages include:

  • Unlimited data, 5 days: $19
  • Unlimited data, 10 days: $34
  • Unlimited data, 15 days: $47
  • Unlimited data, 20 days: $54
  • Unlimited data, 30 days: $64
  • Unlimited data, 60 days: $84
  • Unlimited data, 90 days: $99

eSIM for travel in the USA

Holafly’s eSIM for USA travel covers the country’s best mobile networks and includes several packages:

  • Unlimited data, 5 days: $19
  • Unlimited data, 10 days: $34
  • Unlimited data, 15 days: $47
  • Unlimited data, 20 days: $54
  • Unlimited data, 30 days: $64
  • Unlimited data, 60 days: $84
  • Unlimited data, 90 days: $99

Holafly also covers several countries in the Americas including Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay as well as a range of destinations in Africa, Asia and Oceania. Check the complete list of locations.

Why you need to be connected when travelling

Travellers today use a fair bit of tech: smartphone, laptop, ereader and/or tablet – all of it relying on the internet to function. Whether you’re navigating a new city, reserving flights, accommodation or tours, booking a taxi, using a subway pass, paying for things or your phone or even listening to music, it so often requires a fast connection to the internet. Having data on the road makes travel so much easier, leaving you to focus on the experience.

A traveller using a phone at a train station
A_B_C/Shutterstock An eSim makes travel easier

As travel writers, staying connected on the road is non-negotiable for us; it is essential for our jobs. Whether it’s emailing PRs, filing our latest copy or uploading photography, international roaming makes our lives immeasurably easier.

We’re not alone. Pre-pandemic, remote work was already on the rise, but the various lockdowns have freed even more employees from the office with many travelling further afield than ever before in search of a better work-life balance. As such, a global eSIM is fast becoming an essential piece of kit for remote workers.

Can I use an eSIM to make calls?

An eSIM is a virtual SIM and does not replace your physical SIM card. It provides data, and not minutes or calltime. As such, it does not include a phone number to make and receive calls. However, it is still possible to make voice and video calls on an eSIM using apps such as WhatsApp, Skype and iMessage.

To find out more about travelling with an eSIM visit esim.holafly.com.


Lead image: lzf/Shuttertsock