You've booked the flights and the hotel (maybe to Japan or New York?). Before you zip up the suitcase, spend ten minutes getting your phone travel-ready. It's the difference between landing and getting straight on with your trip, and landing and hunting for airport Wi-Fi.
Before you leave home
1. Check your phone is unlocked
A carrier-locked phone only works with your home network's SIMs. If you bought it on contract, ask your provider to unlock it, which is often free once the contract is paid off. Do this a few days before you travel.
2. Check it supports eSIM
Dial *#06#. If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM. You can also search for your model on our compatible phones page.
3. Pick the right amount of data
Everyone uses data differently. Here's a rough guide:
| You mostly… | Suggested data |
|---|---|
| Use maps, messaging and the odd search | 1–3 GB per week |
| Also post photos and scroll social media | 3–5 GB per week |
| Video call, stream or work remotely | 10 GB+ per week, or unlimited |
Streaming video uses the most data, so keep it to Wi-Fi where you can. If you're not sure, start smaller and top up later.
4. Install your eSIM on Wi-Fi before you fly
Installing takes a minute or two and needs an internet connection, so do it at home. Our step-by-step install guide walks you through it. Most plans only start counting days when you first connect at your destination. Check your plan's details to be sure.
5. Label your lines
Your phone will show two lines. Rename them something obvious, like "Home" and "Travel", so you always know which is which.
Set up your phone
6. Keep your home number for calls and texts
Leave your home line switched on if you need texts from your bank or one-time login codes. But turn off data roaming on your home line, so you don't run up roaming charges by accident.
7. Turn on data roaming for your travel eSIM
A travel eSIM is "roaming" on a local network, so its data roaming switch needs to be on. This is the most common reason people see "no internet" when they land.
8. Stop data-hungry background tasks
Turn off automatic app updates and photo backups over mobile data. They can quietly use gigabytes.
9. Download what you'll need offline
- Offline maps of the areas you're visiting.
- Boarding passes, booking confirmations and tickets, saved to your phone.
- A translation app's offline language pack.
Pack and prepare
10. Bring a power bank
Navigation and photos drain batteries fast. Airlines usually require power banks in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.
11. Know the local emergency number
112 works across the EU and in many other countries, and 911 in North America. Save your accommodation's address in your phone too.
12. Save your eSIM details somewhere safe
Your QR code and activation details are saved in My eSIMs, and you can find them again on any device with your email and order reference. Don't delete the eSIM from your phone after installing it, because it usually can't be downloaded again.
Tip: Visiting several countries? A regional eSIM like Europe or a Global eSIM covers them all on one plan, so there's nothing to swap at the border.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still use WhatsApp with my normal number?
Yes. WhatsApp, iMessage and FaceTime stay linked to your account, not your SIM, so they keep working over your travel eSIM's data.
What if I run out of data?
Top up the same eSIM from Top up. There's nothing to reinstall.
Is airport Wi-Fi enough?
It's handy in a pinch, but it often needs sign-ups, can be slow, and stops working the moment you leave the terminal. Public Wi-Fi is also less secure than mobile data.