Do I Turn Off Roaming When Using eSIM? Avoid Roaming Charges

Traveling abroad can be an exciting adventure, but it can also come with hefty roaming charges if you’re not careful.

In this article, I’ll show you how to use one, and how to set it up on your device the right way so you don’t get caught with a crazy roaming bill.

Understanding Roaming Charges and Data Roaming

Roaming charges are fees that you incur when you use your mobile device outside of your home carrier’s coverage area.

When you travel abroad, your phone will connect to a foreign network, and your home carrier will charge you for using that network.

These charges can add up quickly, especially if you’re using mobile data.

Using an eSIM

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that’s built into your device’s hardware. Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM doesn’t need to be manually inserted or removed. Instead, it can be activated and managed remotely, making it a convenient option for travelers.

With an eSIM, you can purchase a data plan specifically for the country or region you’re traveling to.

The good news is that this data plan will be separate from your primary SIM, and it will allow you to use mobile data without incurring roaming charges from your home carrier.

Do I Turn Off Roaming When Using eSIM? Setting Up an eSIM for International Travel

Setting up an eSIM for international travel is a straightforward process. Here are the general steps:

1. Check if your device is eSIM compatible: Most modern smartphones, including iPhones and certain Android devices like the Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy series, support eSIM technology but you should always check to see if your specific model is has eSIM support before purchasing an eSIM.
2. Choose an eSIM provider: There are several eSIM providers available, such as esim4, Yabb and Buy Travel eSIM. These providers offer eSIM data plans for various countries and regions around the world.
3. Purchase an eSIM data plan: Once you’ve chosen a provider, you can purchase an eSIM data plan for your destination. Most providers offer different plans based on the amount of data you need and the duration of your travel.
4. Install and activate your eSIM: After purchasing your eSIM data plan, you’ll receive instructions on how to install and activate it on your device. This process typically involves scanning a QR code or entering an activation code.
5. Turn off data roaming for your primary SIM: If your device has a physical SIM card, you’ll need to turn off data roaming for that SIM to avoid incurring roaming charges from your home carrier. You can do this by going to your device’s settings and toggling off the “Data Roaming” or “Cellular Data Roaming” option.
6. Turn on data roaming for your eSIM plan: While you’ll want to turn off data roaming for your primary SIM, you’ll need to turn it on for your eSIM plan. This will allow your device to connect to local networks in the country or region you’re visiting. You can toggle on the “Data Roaming” or “Cellular Data Roaming” option for your eSIM plan in your device’s settings.

It’s important to note that the specific steps for installing and activating an eSIM may vary depending on your device and the eSIM provider you choose. Always follow the instructions provided by your eSIM provider to ensure a smooth setup process.

Using an eSIM on Different Devices

The process for using an eSIM may vary slightly depending on your device type and manufacturer. Here are some specific instructions for popular devices:

Using an eSIM on an iPhone or iPad

If you’re using an eSIM on an iPhone or iPad, here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Cellular” or “Mobile Data.”
2. Tap “Add Data Plan” or “Add Cellular Plan.”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code or enter the activation code provided by your eSIM provider.
4. Once the eSIM is installed, you can manage it under the “Cellular Plans” or “Mobile Data Plans” section.
5. Make sure to turn off “Data Roaming” for your primary SIM card or eSIM, and turn on “Data Roaming” for the eSIM you’ll be using while traveling.

If you’re having trouble setting up your eSIM on an iPhone or iPad, you can consult Apple’s support resources or contact your eSIM provider for assistance.

Using an eSIM on a Samsung Device

If you’re using a Samsung device, such as a Galaxy smartphone or tablet, follow these steps:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Connections” > “SIM card manager.”
2. Tap “Add mobile plan” or “Add eSIM profile.”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code or enter the activation code provided by your eSIM provider.
4. Once the eSIM is installed, you can manage it under the “SIM card manager” section.
5. Make sure to turn off “Data Roaming” for your primary SIM card, and turn on “Data Roaming” for the eSIM you’ll be using while traveling.

Using an eSIM on a Google Pixel

If you’re using a Google Pixel device, here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Network & internet” > “Mobile network.”
2. Tap “Add eSIM profile” or “Add mobile plan.”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to scan the QR code or enter the activation code provided by your eSIM provider.
4. Once the eSIM is installed, you can manage it under the “Mobile network” section.
5. Make sure to turn off “Mobile data” and “Roaming” for your primary SIM card, and turn on “Mobile data” and “Roaming” for the eSIM you’ll be using while traveling.

Remember, the specific steps may vary depending on your device’s manufacturer and Android version. If you’re unsure about the process, consult your device’s user manual or contact your eSIM provider for guidance.

Remember to turn off data roaming for your primary SIM and turn it on for your eSIM plan to ensure you’re not incurring unnecessary roaming charges. Additionally, be mindful of your data usage and choose an eSIM data plan that aligns with your needs and travel duration