This post was upated on April 15, 2024.
We don’t like to pay roaming charges when we travel, so we install an “eSIM” from Airalo.com on our phones.
Travel Tech: Minimize your data roaming charges with an eSIM
An eSIM is an embedded SIM card. Unlike a physical SIM, it’s built into your device and works 100% digitally. Instead of purchasing a physical SIM card, you can download an eSIM and instantly connect to a local cell service network.
Most smartphones sold in the last few years have this capability. Here’s a list of devices that support eSIMs.
We use eSIMs when we travel outside the EU. They give us internet connectivity on our phones. That allows us to browse the internet, use our apps, and use internet-based messaging apps, like WhatsApp or iPlum for VOIP calls.
We have only used these for cellular data, not for cell phone service. Airalo provides instructions on how to enable cellular service, but we haven’t tried that.
A 3GB eSIM good for 30 days in the US cost about $11 in 2023. For our Morocco trip in 2024, we bought 2GB eSIMS good for 15 days for $14.50
eSIMs are available for most countries around the world. There are also regional options – like for all of Europe.
Our friend Nancy published a more detailed description of eSIMS on her blog.
This is as close to an ad as we get. If you buy from Airalo, use Mike’s Referral Code – WILLIA6915 – to get $3 off your first purchase. (He gets $3, too!)
It ought to be easier
Online forums for travelers and expats are full of posts with suggestions about how to stay connected while outside your home country. There are plenty of options available, so if an eSim doesn’t make sense for you, keep looking.
Our solution is one of dozens. It may not be the best, but it has worked consistently for us. Just remember: YMMV. Your mileage may vary.
Until next time / Até a próxima vez
Mary and Mike
The Cook and The Writer
How you stay connected while traveling outside your home country? Tell us about your solutions in the comments below or via the Contact Us form.
