How to Use Airalo eSIM: 8 Essential Tips

Are you considering using an Airalo eSIM for your next trip abroad?

You’re not alone. eSIMs are rapidly growing in popularity among travelers looking for a convenient, flexible and affordable way to stay connected on the go.

However, if you’re new to eSIMs, the process can seem a bit daunting at first. What exactly is an eSIM? How do you activate it? What do all those unfamiliar terms mean? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get started with Airalo eSIMs. From understanding key terminology to practical tips for maximizing your data, we’ll help you navigate the world of eSIMs with ease.

Let’s dive in!

1. Master the eSIM Lingo

First things first: to use Airalo eSIMs effectively, you need to understand the jargon. Here are some key terms to know:

eSIM: Short for “embedded SIM,” an eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical SIM card.

Validity period: This refers to how long you can use the eSIM once it’s activated. It’s important to note the validity period for your eSIM so you don’t run out of data unexpectedly.

Activation policy: The activation policy indicates whether your eSIM will activate upon installation or when you first connect to a supported network. Most Airalo eSIMs activate when you reach your destination and connect to a network there. But it’s always good to double check the policy for your specific eSIM.

eKYC: This stands for “electronic know your customer.” Some countries require you to verify your identity by submitting documents before you can activate an eSIM. If eKYC is required, make sure to complete the process a few days before your trip, as it can take some time to get approved.

Plan type: Airalo offers eSIMs that are data-only as well as combo plans with data, calls and texts. The plan type indicates what’s included with your eSIM package.

By familiarizing yourself with these key terms, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right eSIM for your needs and navigate the activation process smoothly. Now, let’s look at some tips for selecting an eSIM.

2. Choose the Right eSIM for Your Trip

One of the great things about Airalo is that they offer a variety of eSIM options to suit different types of trips. Here’s a quick overview:

> Local eSIMs: These provide data for a single country. If you’re visiting one destination, a local eSIM is usually the most affordable option.

> Regional eSIMs: Planning to visit multiple countries in the same region, like Europe or Southeast Asia? A regional eSIM will give you data across several countries for one price – much more convenient and cost-effective than buying individual eSIMs for each destination.

> Global eSIMs: If you’re a frequent traveler or planning a multi-continent journey, a global eSIM offers the ultimate flexibility. You’ll get a data allowance that can be used across 190+ countries worldwide. It’s more expensive than a local or regional eSIM, but ideal if you don’t have a fixed itinerary.

To figure out which eSIM is right for you, consider your travel plans and data needs. If you’ve already nailed down your itinerary, choosing a local or regional eSIM is probably your best bet. Check the list of supported countries for each regional eSIM to make sure you’ll be covered.

If your plans are up in the air, a global eSIM will give you the freedom to roam wherever you want. You can always top up later if needed.

In general, having a sense of where you’re going and how long you’ll be there will help you select the most cost-effective eSIM option. But if you’re not entirely sure, don’t stress – Airalo’s global eSIMs exist for that very reason.

3. Always Check the Activation Policy

Imagine this: you’re at the airport, ready to board your flight, when you decide to install your eSIM so it’s ready to go when you land. But when you arrive at your destination, you discover that the eSIM activated as soon as you installed it, and has now expired. Oops.

To avoid this scenario, always check the activation policy for your eSIM before installing it. You’ll find this information under “Additional information” on the eSIM details page.

Most Airalo eSIMs only activate once you land in your destination country and connect to a supported network there. However, some may kick in immediately upon installation, so it’s crucial to check.

If your eSIM does activate automatically on installation, wait until you arrive at your destination before setting it up. There’s nothing more frustrating than wasting data before your trip has even begun.

4. Rename Your eSIM for Easy Identification

If you’re an frequent traveler, you might accumulate a collection of eSIMs in your Airalo app. To keep them organized, get in the habit of renaming each eSIM as soon as you buy it.

Here’s how:

1. Go to “My eSIMs” in the Airalo app
2. Tap “Details” for the eSIM you want to rename
3. Tap the three dots in the top right corner
4. Select “Rename”
5. Enter a new name that reflects your destination or trip, e.g. “France 2022” or “Business trip SIM”

You should also rename your eSIM in your phone settings to distinguish it from your physical SIM card. On an iPhone, here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings > Mobile/Cellular Data
2. Under “SIMs,” select your eSIM (it may be called “Secondary” by default)
3. Tap “Mobile Plan Label”
4. Enter the new name for your eSIM

Renaming your eSIMs will make it much easier to choose the right one for each trip. It’s a simple step, but one that can save you a lot of confusion down the line.

5. Keep An Eye On Your Data Usage

One potential downside of using an eSIM is that it’s easy to burn through your data if you’re not careful – especially if you’re used to having a generous roaming allowance from your carrier back home.

To avoid running out of data prematurely, keep tabs on your usage throughout your trip. On an iPhone, you can add a data usage widget to your home screen that shows how much data you’ve consumed.

You can also enable Low Data Mode to reduce your data consumption. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Mobile/Cellular Data
2. Tap your eSIM
3. Tap “Data Mode”
4. Toggle on “Low Data Mode”

In Low Data Mode, automatic updates and background tasks are paused, which can significantly reduce your data usage. It’s a handy option if you’re getting low on data and need to conserve it until you can top up.

Finally, consider turning on push notifications for your Airalo eSIM. You’ll get alerts when you have 3 days or 1 day of data left, and again when you’ve used 75% and 90% of your allowance.

To enable notifications:

1. Go to Settings > Notifications
2. Select the Airalo app
3. Customize your notification settings

With these tools in place, you’ll be able to stay on top of your data usage and avoid any unpleasant surprises on your next phone bill.

6. Take Advantage of the Referral Program

Want to earn some free Airalo credit? Take advantage of their referral program. As an Airalo customer, you can share your referral code with friends to give them $3 off their first eSIM purchase. When they use your code, you’ll get $3 in credit added to your account.

To access your referral code:

1. Go to your profile in the Airalo app
2. Tap “Refer & Earn”
3. Share your code with friends via message, email or social media

Any credit you earn will appear under “Airmoney & Membership” in the app. You can then use it to buy new eSIMs or top up existing ones.

If you have travel buddies, it’s an easy way to score some free data. Just remember to be judicious about who you share your code with – no one likes being spammed with referral links.

7. Set Up A Personal Hotspot to Share Your Data

Have multiple devices that need to stay connected on your trip? Or traveling with companions who could use some extra data? You can share your eSIM data with other devices by setting up a personal hotspot.

On an iPhone, here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure your Airalo eSIM is installed, active and connected to data
2. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot
3. Toggle on “Allow Others to Join”

Once your hotspot is enabled, other devices can connect to it just like any other Wi-Fi network. Just keep in mind that tethering will drain your eSIM data more quickly, so use it sparingly.

It’s also a good idea to keep your phone plugged in while tethering, as it can eat up your battery life. But in a pinch, it’s a handy way to keep your laptop or travel partner’s phone connected without having to buy a separate eSIM. Just be sure to keep an eye on your data usage so you don’t run out prematurely.

8. Don’t Forget to Complete eKYC (if required)

As mentioned earlier, some countries require eSIM users to verify their identity through a process called eKYC (electronic know your customer). If eKYC is required for your destination, you’ll see it noted on the eSIM details page.

Completing eKYC is usually straightforward: you just need to submit a copy of your passport and a selfie. However, the verification process can take a few days, so it’s important to submit your documents well before your trip.

The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and realize you can’t activate your eSIM because your eKYC hasn’t been approved yet. To avoid any connectivity hiccups, aim to complete the eKYC process at least a week before you travel.

If you’re not sure whether eKYC is required for your destination, check the eSIM details page or contact Airalo support for guidance. They’ll be happy to walk you through the process and make sure you have everything you need for a smooth eSIM setup.

The Bottom Line On Using eSIMs

eSIMs are a game-changer for staying connected while traveling, and Airalo makes it easy to find an affordable, flexible data plan for almost any destination.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to select the right eSIM for your needs, set it up smoothly and manage your data effectively throughout your journey.

Just remember to familiarize yourself with the eSIM lingo, check the activation policy, keep an eye on your data usage and complete eKYC ahead of time if necessary. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to stay connected abroad without the hassle or expense of traditional roaming plans.

So what are you waiting for? Head to the Airalo website or download the app and start exploring their eSIM options for your next adventure. With a world of affordable, convenient data at your fingertips, staying connected while traveling has never been easier.