Travel Tips & Best Practices

Smart data management strategies

Even generous eSIM plans have limits. These strategies help you stretch your data further without sacrificing connectivity:

Monitor your usage in real-time

Optimize app settings

Data-hungry activities to avoid

Unless you have unlimited data, be strategic about these high-bandwidth activities:

• Video streaming: Netflix, YouTube, and TikTok can burn through 3GB/hour on HD. Use Wi-Fi or download content beforehand.
• Video calls: FaceTime and Zoom use 200-500MB per hour. Voice-only calls use 90% less data.
• Cloud photo backup: Disable iCloud Photos and Google Photos backup over cellular. Wait for Wi-Fi.
• App updates: A single iOS update can be 5GB+. Disable automatic updates on cellular.
• Social media autoplay: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter autoplay videos consume data fast. Disable in settings.

Security and privacy tips

Using eSIMs and public networks abroad requires extra security awareness:

Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, and hotels is often unencrypted and vulnerable to snooping. A VPN encrypts your traffic, protecting sensitive data like passwords and credit card information.

Protect against SIM swapping

Since your eSIM profile is digital, protect your device and accounts:

• Enable strong device passcodes (6+ digits, biometric authentication)
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts
• Avoid SMS-based 2FA when possible—use authenticator apps instead
• Never share your eSIM QR code or activation details
• Lock your device if lost or stolen immediately via Find My iPhone/Android Device Manager

Be cautious with QR codes

Quick troubleshooting guide

Common issues and fast fixes when your eSIM isn't working as expected:

Money-saving strategies

Get more connectivity for less money with these expert money-saving tips:

Choose the right plan size

Over-buying data is wasteful; under-buying causes mid-trip stress. Here's how much data typical travelers use:

Look for regional plans

If you're visiting multiple countries, regional plans offer better value than buying separate plans for each country. Examples:

• Europe regional plans cover 30+ countries for one price
• Asia regional plans cover 10-15 countries
• Latin America plans cover multiple South American countries

Time your activation strategically

Most eSIM plans start their validity when you activate them, not when you install them:

• Install the profile before you fly (at home with Wi-Fi)
• Keep it turned OFF until you actually need it
• Activate when you land or when you leave the airport Wi-Fi
• For short trips, activate on day 1 and maximize every hour of validity

Share data via hotspot

If traveling with family or friends, one person can buy a larger eSIM plan and share it via mobile hotspot, saving money on multiple plans:

Advanced tips for power users

Manage multiple eSIM profiles

You can store multiple eSIM profiles on your device and switch between them as you travel:

• Keep frequently visited countries pre-installed (Japan, UK, France, etc.)
• Label each clearly with destination and expiry date
• Delete expired profiles to free up space
• Some devices support 5-10+ eSIM profiles stored simultaneously

Use dual eSIM for redundancy

On devices that support dual eSIM (iPhone 13+, newer Pixels), install two eSIM plans from different providers for backup connectivity if one fails.

Test coverage before committing

If unsure about coverage quality, buy a small 1-3 GB plan from a provider first. Test speeds and reliability for a few days before purchasing a larger package.

Set up automatic top-ups

Most eSIM provider apps let you set up automatic data top-ups when you run low. This prevents sudden disconnection mid-trip.

Keep QR codes saved

Screenshot or save your eSIM QR codes in a secure password manager. While most are one-time use, some providers let you reinstall if you change devices, and having the code helps customer support troubleshoot issues.